As Luo Yu watched Xing Jifu at his last resort, hunched over and supported by others under his gunpoint, his emotions were incredibly complex.

Years of undercover work, nearly hopeless, mired in darkness, walking among violence. Most times, Luo Yu had forgotten he was a police officer. The thoughts and habits of that black-hearted lawyer, that gang confidant Luo Yu, had been deeply etched into his soul. Often, he felt lost. He’d asked himself countless times if it was still worth persisting. Even his secret police contact had changed, the old bonds of life and death long gone. Was he still a valued police asset, or had he become a discarded pawn?

Sometimes, he was stubborn, refusing to accept defeat. He thought: I’ve sacrificed so much – parents’ rejection, universal hatred, no friends, no love. If I can’t get results, if I can’t catch godfather Xing Jifu, I’ll never rest in peace.

Fortunately, he had survived countless power struggles, both internal and external, climbing ever higher.

Fortunately, You Mingxu appeared at the right moment. And Xing Jifu’s regard for this long-lost daughter exceeded Luo Yu’s expectations. Through her, he rose even higher, with Xing Jifu hinting at making him his successor…

All these years, he had been waiting. Waiting for a chance to catch Xing Jifu.

When Xing Jifu planned to expand his drug market by cooperating with the Yunnan group, Luo Yu realized his chance had finally come.

So he set up his elaborate plan. He hated these criminals, yet understood them perfectly. This time, he had calculated everyone’s reactions and choices precisely. He knew once this deal was complete, Xing Jifu would fade away completely. And the transaction amount was enough to sentence them all to death.

This was his only chance to catch him.

…

Huang Long and Guo Feirong glared at Luo Yu with utter contempt and hatred. Luo Yu ignored them, focusing only on Xing Jifu.

After a moment of eye contact, Luo Yu felt his heart racing, his eyes burning, and shouted, “Xing Jifu! Tell them to drop their weapons! Get down!”

Huang Long exploded in rage: “You! Are you even human?”

Guo Feirong spoke up: “Luo Yu, we’re brothers. Everyone saw how well the boss treated you. What can the police give you? Half the Xing family business is practically yours now, mountains of gold and the boss’s daughter too. Think carefully. People live their lives in different ways. If you arrest the boss today, all of Hunan will descend into chaos. You’ll face endless pursuit from our people, even as a police officer, you won’t escape.”

Luo Yu just smiled. “I know all that. But I’m going to arrest him anyway. You think I fear death?”

Huang Long and Guo Feirong exchanged glances – this man was immovable.

“Enough,” Xing Jifu said. He slowly raised his hands toward Luo Yu. “Come on, arrest me.”

Luo Yu froze.

The former godfather spoke softly: “Luo Yu, betray me and you will die. Not just you – everyone connected to you, everyone you care about, none will escape.”

Cold sweat formed on Luo Yu’s back, but his ice-cold resolve kept him steady, his gun unwavering.

This was the scene You Mingxu found when she reached several large trees, overhearing most of their conversation.

After everything that had happened today, she had her suspicions. But witnessing this scene, seeing this side of Luo Yu, still shocked her deeply.

His contradictory nature, his inexplicable behaviors – everything made sense now. Yet around her, he had always acted like a complete villain!

Through the branches, You Mingxu studied his stern profile, her emotions turbulent.

Thinking back on the deal’s twists and turns and its current outcome, everything suddenly became clear!

So from the beginning, Luo Yu approached her because of her identity.

His shooting of A-Hua was to seize control of this drug trafficking route. He had accidentally saved her in the process.

Then he had seized the opportunity, proposing their deal, luring her closer. First, to put on a show for Xing Jifu, gaining trust; second, using her and Sister Yun to create a false “east-west diversion.” Who knew this wasn’t part of his deeper plan, such elaborate arrangements just to convince Xing Jifu that police forces were concentrated in Northwest Guizhou, making him lower his guard. That’s why Xing Jifu dared bring his son to Southeast Guizhou as a backup.

What about Jing Ping’s first raid? Was that also part of his calculations? He had even factored in his people, using them to greatly weaken the forces from Yunnan, Xiangcheng, and Xiangtan.

He had secretly allied with the Xiangtan group, and attacking Xing Yanjun was probably part of his plan too. So even if Yin Feng hadn’t appeared, Xing Yanjun would have fallen into his hands.

He did all this for that final play on the hilltop. Xing Jifu hadn’t directly handled business or appeared in person for years. But what if such a large shipment, money, son, daughter, and trusted subordinates all fell into someone else’s hands? If all his cards were taken, forcing him to show himself?

This might be Xing Jifu’s first and last appearance.

When Xing Jifu appeared on the hilltop, Luo Yu had already won. Caught red-handed, there was no escaping punishment.

…

Like hidden snakes in the ashes, ambush forces lying in wait for a thousand miles. Ruthless and merciless, betraying even family.

This was You Mingxu’s impression of the undercover Luo Yu now.

She steadied herself. Regardless, she had accepted the fact that Luo Yu was on her side. That’s why he had found excuses to stop them from killing Jing Ping and Xu Mengshan, even if his methods were absurd. That’s why despite his constant verbal abuse, he hadn’t harmed a hair on her head.

She was about to reveal herself to help arrest the three when suddenly, Huang Long moved like lightning for his gun. You Mingxu tensed, raising her weapon. But a shot rang out faster, striking Huang Long’s wrist. He cried out in pain, his gun falling as blood covered his hand, his expression twisted in agony. Nearby, Guo Feirong had also reached for his gun but froze at this sight.

You Mingxu glanced at Luo Yu.

His stance was rock-steady as he aimed back at Xing Jifu. Such precise shooting, such quick reactions – almost matching Jing Ping’s level. Yet in You Mingxu’s eyes before, he had been just a weakling she could knock down with one punch. She realized now that his previous weakness, including letting her beat him, was all an act. After all, a lawyer shouldn’t have such formidable fighting skills.

You Mingxu felt a twinge of guilt. Without further hesitation, she emerged with her gun raised. Everyone saw her, but Luo Yu’s expression didn’t change. When her eyes met Xing Jifu’s, his expression shifted slightly.