Chapter 33: Flee for Your Life

A new day had dawned. Xiao Nan was in his villa, practicing as he did every day. He intended to deal with the Sea Dragon Gang that night; the dark, windy conditions would be perfect for killing. It was merely a matter of letting that trash, Zhou Hailong, live for a few more hours.

Around noon, Lin Guodong and his party arrived at the villa, interrupting Xiao Nan’s practice.

"How did it go, Father? Did you go to the Sea Dragon Gang? What did Brother Long say?" Lin Shuyun, who had hardly slept a wink the night before due to her constant worry, rushed over to ask the moment Lin Guodong entered.

Lin Guodong sighed, shook his head in despair, and remained silent.

"Your father went with your second and third uncles to the Sea Dragon Gang with heavy gifts, but they didn't even get to see Brother Long," Li Ailing said from the side, her voice filled with resentment. "As soon as the people from the Sea Dragon Gang saw that they hadn't brought Xiao Nan with them, they threw your father and the others out."

"This..." Lin Shuyun was stunned into silence.

Lin Guoliang looked at Lin Shuyun with a bitter expression. "We truly didn't see Brother Long. Zheng Rutong told us that Brother Long’s position is firm: if we don't hand over Xiao Nan, everything else is off the table."

"If our Lin family doesn't deliver Xiao Nan to the Sea Dragon Gang before sunset today, Brother Long will personally lead his gang members to pay us a visit."

"Oh, what are we going to do?" Li Ailing pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, sobbing. "Old Lin, are you really going to ruin the entire Lin family just for an outsider?"

Because Lin Guodong had already made it clear the day before that anyone who spoke of handing Xiao Nan over to the Sea Dragon Gang would be cast out, Li Ailing didn't dare say it directly, though her meaning was clear. This time, Lin Guodong did not scold his wife. He walked silently to Xiao Nan, pondered for a long moment, and spoke slowly. "Xiao Nan, there are only a few hours left. Pack your things and leave Luo City immediately."

"Father!" Lin Ziqing looked at Lin Guodong in disbelief. "If you let him go, what will happen to the Lin family?"

Lin Guodong’s expression was somber. "I believe Zhou Hailong won't actually destroy our family; he is merely coveting our business and assets. If it comes to that, we will just give them to him."

"Lin Guodong, have you lost your mind?" Li Ailing became hysterical. "You say he won't destroy the family, so he won't? Are you gambling with the lives of our entire family? Have you thought about what will happen if you lose that bet?"

Lin Ziqing also could not comprehend her father's decision. "Father, even if what you say is true, are you really willing to hand over the entire family business to the Sea Dragon Gang just for one Xiao Nan? You don't have the right to do that. After all, this wealth wasn't built by you alone. My mother, my two uncles, and even my sister and I have contributed to it."

"Enough!" Lin Guodong cut her off, his decision set. "I, Lin Guodong, cannot commit an act of treachery, and I will not allow the Lin family to do so either. My mind is made up; there is no point in arguing."

He turned back to Xiao Nan. "Xiao Nan, ignore them. I have already arranged for a car. Pack up and leave at once."

Xiao Nan shook his head. "There is no need, Uncle Lin. I am not going anywhere. This matter with the Sea Dragon Gang started because of me, and I will resolve it myself."

"Do you have to act like a big shot every single day, or would it kill you?" Seeing Xiao Nan’s attitude, Lin Ziqing was furious. "If you are a man, stop spouting empty words. Go to the Sea Dragon Gang yourself and stop dragging our family down with you."

"Fine!" Xiao Nan turned to leave. "I'll go to the Sea Dragon Gang right now."

"No!" Lin Shuyun rushed over and grabbed his arm.

"Xiao Nan, don't be rash." Lin Guodong also stepped in front of him.

Lin Ziqing sneered, "Don't think I don't know that you’re just putting on a show because you know my father and sister won't let you go."

"Shut your mouth," Lin Guodong scolded her.

Lin Ziqing opened her mouth to argue further, but she was interrupted by a familiar figure rushing in—her close friend, Wu Qianru.

"Qianru, what brings you here?" she asked.

"Hello, Uncle Lin, Auntie, Sister Shuyun..." Wu Qianru greeted everyone politely, clearly familiar with the family, but she acted as if Xiao Nan did not exist.

"Uncle Lin, I assume you are all here because of the Sea Dragon Gang. I have a friend who works under Zhou Pengfei, the son of Brother Long. I managed to get his phone number."

"Ziqing, Uncle Lin, I think you should try contacting Zhou Pengfei. After all, the person Ziqing's fiancé injured was one of Zhou Pengfei’s underlings. As long as you can get his understanding, Brother Long likely won't pursue this any further."

Wu Qianru looked at the family with an expression of concern. In truth, she was lying; she had no friend working for Zhou Pengfei. She was here because Zhou Pengfei had sent people to find her earlier and had ordered her to come.

"It is kind of you to be so concerned about the Lin family's affairs. Thank you," Lin Guodong said, feeling that the suggestion had merit. Compared to his father, Zhou Pengfei would surely be easier to talk to, especially since he couldn't even get an audience with Zhou Hailong.

"You're too kind, Uncle Lin. Ziqing and I are good friends; this is the least I can do," Wu Qianru replied.

"Then give me Zhou Pengfei's number; I will give it a try," Lin Guodong said.

Soon, Lin Guodong dialed the number. Knowing his family was anxious, he put the call on speaker. It was answered immediately.

"Hello? Is this nephew Pengfei? This is Lin Guodong from the Lin family."

Lin Guodong’s tone was incredibly humble, lacking any of the authority one would expect from a wealthy head of the family.