Chapter 30: The Soul Singer

This was Ma Jun’s first time participating in such a multi-person battle. Despite the help of the tailcoat, he still felt a rush of excitement!
After returning to the Deverin mansion and soaking in a hot bath, he finally calmed his nerves.
While sitting on the sofa watching television, Ma Jun recalled the pitiful Jimmy Tang and called to check in on him. Jimmy was truly an honest man, actually spending twenty-four hours at the hospital entrance.
Of course, the villain Banning had no inkling that Mr. Deverin was still alive. This was perplexing and utterly baffling—one could only mourn for Banning’s intelligence for three minutes.
Several days later, Dale Branny called.
She informed Ma Jun that the previous operation at the docks had failed. Headquarters had arranged a new mission.
Banning was hosting a ball at the Lanford Hotel to entertain his major shareholders. Ma Jun and his team’s task was to infiltrate the ball, get close to Banning, and gather information.
It was a marvelous plan!
That evening, Ma Jun drove Deverin’s sports car out, arriving at Lanford Hotel right on time. He originally intended to pick up Dale Branny, but she declined.
A red carpet was laid at the hotel entrance, luxury cars arriving in succession, men and women in suits and gowns smiling as they walked up the carpet and into the hotel.
Reporters lined the street, snapping photos—it looked like an awards ceremony. Of course, these wealthy individuals were stars in their own right, and the public cared about their lifestyles.
Ma Jun glanced around the street, failed to spot Dale Branny, and entered the hotel lobby ahead of her. Various lights illuminated the golden, splendid décor, instantly giving newcomers a sense of grandeur and opulence.
A few minutes later, Dale Branny came in, wearing a black coat. Ma Jun greeted her with a smile, “Looks like you made a special effort with your appearance tonight?”
“That’s to match Mr. Deverin’s tailcoat!” Dale Branny shrugged, then swept her coat aside, revealing the sea-blue evening gown beneath.
“Very nice!” Ma Jun nodded after a quick glance. “Actually, you could have left the coat in the car.”
“Let’s hurry inside, it’s freezing out here!”
“We weren’t invited, remember?” Ma Jun pointed to the reception desk ahead.
“I thought you had everything prepared!”
“Of course, I did. We’ll go in through the performers’ entrance at the back!” Ma Jun led Dale Branny out of the hotel.
Behind the hotel, a group of specially dressed people hurried by. The security was lax; Ma Jun shook hands with someone and followed the others inside.

Various stage props crowded the hallway. Climbing a flight of stairs, a makeup room appeared on the left.
Ma Jun pushed open the door, and sure enough, inside was a black performer in costume. “Hey, Dale, James Brown! The Godfather of Soul!”
“Wow!” Dale Branny exclaimed in delight as she came closer.
“Can I help you?” James Brown turned his head and asked loudly, noticing the two of them.
Ma Jun stepped forward, smiling, “It’s a thrill to see you! Are you here to perform?”
“Of course!”
“Ah! What are you doing, Mr. Deverin!” Dale Branny suddenly screamed!
For Ma Jun, still smiling, swung a karate chop and knocked James Brown out cold!
“I’ll appear as one of the performers, and you’ll be my assistant. Now, go out and tell them the Godfather of Soul is about to take the stage!”
“Wow!” Dale Branny shrugged in resignation, tapping her forehead in frustration. “Alright, I’ll follow your lead. Just hope your singing doesn’t scare the audience away!”
Ma Jun’s singing wasn’t frightening, though it wasn’t particularly captivating either. But he had the high-tech tailcoat, which could even control a person’s singing!
That’s why it was called black technology.
“Uncle, you’re a little too bold for a spy!” Xiaohua complained. “Have you ever seen a secret agent act so flamboyantly?”
“Enough talk. Just remember to activate the tailcoat for me later!” Ma Jun paid no heed to Xiaohua’s complaints. He straightened his clothes, left the room, and waited backstage.
Dale Branny stood at the microphone, a little awkward as she introduced the Godfather of Soul. Some performers on site were bewildered—they’d never heard of this person!
“Hey, ladies and gentlemen, good evening!” Ma Jun walked out with a dazzling smile, waving his hands. He was unfazed by such scenes, though the audience’s reaction was lukewarm.
“Guys, what are you waiting for? The guests are eager—where’s your music?” Ma Jun turned and urged the band.
The musicians exchanged glances and started playing.
“It’s time to get moving!” As the music started, Ma Jun’s legs began to shake rapidly, and his clear singing voice rang out, drawing everyone’s attention.
With high-difficulty dance moves and a melodious voice, he instantly stirred the atmosphere!

The audience below screamed and swayed to the rhythm!
Dale Branny, hiding at the side of the stage, had her eyes shining as she watched Ma Jun bask in the audience’s adulation, nodding and swaying along.
At the song’s climax, Ma Jun finished with a difficult move, and the backstage crew cooperated by firing streams of sparks from both sides of the stage!
“Who would’ve thought, Mr. Deverin?” After he came offstage, Dale Branny greeted him with a broad smile.
“You can sing?” Ma Jun replied, then said, “Alright, next I should invite Mr. Banning’s girlfriend to dance. She might tell me something.”
“You’re going to seduce her?” Dale Branny frowned.
“Don’t make it sound so unsavory!” Ma Jun pulled her along. “I’m protecting you! Because I don’t want the charming Dale to cozy up to Banning!”
After the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, Ma Jun finally squeezed out of the throng of fans. He walked alone to Banning’s table and, without ceremony, invited Banning’s girlfriend, Sheryl, to dance.
While Ma Jun was singing and dancing, Sheryl had looked besotted, screaming wildly—so of course she accepted his invitation and didn’t care what Banning thought.
Going through the motions was painful, as Ma Jun was finding out. Despite Sheryl’s beauty, which rivaled Dale Branny’s, her personality was truly headache-inducing.
Barely a minute into the dance, Ma Jun quickly found an excuse to slip away. He’d played his part well enough—this scene was finished!
Finding Dale Branny in a corner, Ma Jun took her arm and made for the exit.
“So, any gains?” Dale Branny held Ma Jun’s arm, asking without much enthusiasm.
“In which respect?”
“What do you think, Mr. Deverin? I’m not interested in whether you found a new bed partner!”
“Oh, what a pity.” Ma Jun blinked, smiling slyly, “I thought you’d want to be my new bed partner.”
“You should have your mouth nailed shut!” Dale Branny said, half angry, half amused.
“All right, mission accomplished. Time to go home! There’s just one scene left—Banning, that fool, can wait for my arrival!” Ma Jun said, full of anticipation.