“Hmm? Wait a moment.”
Liang Xianghe interrupted Liu Hong, “Lin Yi means to say, he plans to fly back?”
“Yes.” Liu Hong nodded and said:
“Because no one can tell whether the person inside is Lin Yi or the Sunrise Landese. This way, it can create the illusion of them provoking us first. Later, we can use it against them, putting ourselves on the moral high ground.”
Liang Xianghe and Lin Jingzhan froze.
They realized that this plan was absolutely ingenious.
They had only guessed the first layer but hadn’t foreseen the second.
“How did that brain of his get so sharp? Why didn’t I think of this?” Liang Xianghe laughed and shook his head.
“He takes after me.”
Liang Xianghe rolled his eyes at Lin Jingzhan and then said to Liu Hong:
“Aside from this, did he say anything else?”
“No, I sent another email, but there’s been no reply. Likely the signal was blocked again.”
“I’ll arrange for this. You two keep an eye on Lin Yi’s end. Report to me the moment there’s news.”
“Yes!”
The two saluted and got into their car to leave.
“That boy truly reminds me of myself back in the day.” Lin Jingzhan mused.
“Wanting to fly back—he certainly has guts.”
“That’s why he sent back the message.” Lin Jingzhan sipped from his cup and said:
“I suspect the purpose of this message wasn’t for us to deal with security but to intercept the enemies tailing him, providing him cover as he withdraws.”
“I figured as much. Once he flies out, there will definitely be pursuers. My task then will be escorting him safely.” Liang Xianghe twirled his cup lightly, “This is getting interesting—makes my blood boil.”
“Indeed. Haven’t felt this way in ages.” Lin Jingzhan stood and stretched lazily, “I reckon I won’t be needed for what happens next. I’m heading off now.”
Liang Xianghe nodded as Lin Jingzhan turned and departed.
“You’re fifty-five, aren’t you?”
Lin Jingzhan paused, looked at the swaying branches outside, and the mottled shadows on the ground.
“I’ll be fifty-six by lunar age.”
“About to become a grandfather—have you considered plans for the rest of your life?”
“I’ve thought about it, but… it’s something I can’t make sense of, so might as well let it be.”
“Planning to step down? You’re not so young anymore.”
“Stepping down isn’t an option.”
“Lin Yi has grown. He’s nearing the point where he can shoulder things independently.”
“Haha…”
Lin Jingzhan laughed confidently and arrogantly.
“Me, stepping aside for my son? Never gonna happen. I’ll lead my brothers and conquer Tilia Island.”
Lin Jingzhan left, while Liang Xianghe silently watched him leave.
Finally, he let out a bitter laugh.
Snuffing out his cigarette with his foot, Liang Xianghe pulled out his phone and dialed an unfamiliar number.
“Elder Lu.”
The voice on the other end was steady, deep, and full of confidence—reliable.
“How’s the situation on your end?”
“Everything’s normal, except there’s no news of Team Leader Lin.”
“Right now, nobody in the world can find him, so it’s natural you can’t either. This isn’t your fault.” Liang Xianghe chuckled and said:
“I’ll send you an address shortly. It’s likely within his future activity range. Keep an eye out—you might spot him.”
“Understood.”
…
Leisurely, Lin Jingzhan strolled out of the courtyard, indulgently stretching his body.
As he stepped out, a black Honda slowly drove up.
Lin Jingzhan opened the car door and sat in the back seat. Sitting in the front were Song Jinmin and the Ace of Spades.
“What happened? Why are you grinning so much?” the Ace of Spades asked.
“Gave birth to a good son. Makes a father proud, haha…”
At this moment, Lin Jingzhan didn’t hide his delight, like a father whose child got into a prestigious academy.