Hong Kong’s night scenery was truly beautiful.

The dazzling lights revealed only towering buildings, with darkness concealing the poverty. From the cruise ship, Hong Kong appeared as the prosperous and romantic free port it was known to be.

Pan Baohua, having spent three to four years at sea, felt more at ease once aboard.

Xia Xiaolan stood with Zhou Cheng on the deck, feeling the breeze.

“How nice it would be without all these troublesome matters.”

Tonight could have been just her and Zhou Cheng leisurely cruising around Hong Kong.

With the ocean, fine food, and beautiful night views, it would have been a romantic moment for lovers to grow closer. The current romance was fleeting, and Zhou Cheng understood why Xiaolan sighed.

“After tonight, this matter should be mostly settled.”

Xia Xiaolan rested her head on Zhou Cheng’s shoulder, softly humming in agreement:

“At least we have an hour to enjoy ourselves properly.”

Indeed, the cruise ship wouldn’t set sail for another hour, and neither Xu Zhongyi nor Zhang Jiandong would appear before then. Pan Baohua jumped onto the deck, grabbing the railing, and startling other tourists.

Pan Baohua found their reaction excessive and simply went to the topmost deck.

Standing high, seeing far, he could observe all the ship’s movements at a glance.

“Are you afraid?”

Zhou Cheng’s question made Xia Xiaolan turn back.

Xia Xiaolan shook her head, “I’m not afraid. You’re here, and you’d never let anything happen to me.”

This response was expected, but it made Zhou Cheng feel the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Of course, he wouldn’t let anything happen to Xiaolan – anyone who wanted to harm her would have to step over his dead body first.

After Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng had eaten and enjoyed the breeze on deck, Pan Baohua came down from the highest level:

“Three groups have come aboard, all disguised as regular tourists. The total number isn’t small, probably several dozen people.”

That wasn’t many compared to the actual tourists.

Three groups – one each for Zhang Jiandong, Du Chengrong, and Xu Zhongyi?

Xia Xiaolan checked her watch, “It’s almost nine, they should be here soon.”

Shortly after she spoke, someone indeed boarded.

It was Du Chengrong, bringing the injured Du Zhaohui.

Probably finding his mummy-like appearance too ugly, Du Zhaohui had replaced the layers of bandages with smaller ones and wore a hat to cover them. Seeing Xia Xiaolan, he wanted to rush over excitedly, but noticing Zhou Cheng and Pan Baohua standing on either side, Du Zhaohui became more restrained.

“Chairman Du, Young Master Du.”

As Du Chengrong approached, Xia Xiaolan greeted them.

“This is my boyfriend, Zhou Cheng.”

Du Chengrong had no time to worry about his son’s emotional state. Having spent the afternoon learning about tonight’s opponent, he nodded at Zhou Cheng but still addressed Xia Xiaolan:

“How did you get involved with such people? Young people need to be careful when working abroad, especially when alone. It’s difficult everywhere, so you must keep a low profile.”

Du Chengrong’s words made sense.

Xia Xiaolan felt like crying.

She hadn’t actively provoked Zhang Jiandong – she just wanted to help Grandmother Yu find her son, not knowing she’d uncover such a huge mess.

Even if she explained the cause to Du Chengrong, he might not understand her actions, especially since they weren’t close.

“Chairman Du, it’s complicated. At this point, we just hope this matter can be resolved tonight.”

Du Chengrong sneered, “Of course, it must be resolved.”

After saying just that, Du Chengrong lost interest in the conversation.

Zhang Jiandong and Faan were the second to board.

Zhang Jiandong brought Xu Zhongyi’s biological son… this truly surprised Xia Xiaolan. Pan Baohua, always speaking his mind regardless of who might hear, muttered to Zhou Cheng:

“Following whoever feeds you – a living, breathing white-eyed wolf.”

Zhou Cheng couldn’t understand either.

Zhang Jiandong was too bold and too confident.

What gave him such assurance?

Could he know some sort of sorcery to bewitch minds, that he dared bring Xu Zhongyi’s biological son?

Xia Xiaolan looked at Faan – truly tonight’s most unexpected and inappropriate presence.

“Councilman Zhang, you’re quite confident.”

Zhang Jiandong raised his hand, “The righteous need not fear their shadow. I have nothing to hide, so naturally Faan can come.”

Everyone entered the reserved cabin.

This was originally a cruise lounge, booked tonight to resolve the grudge between Zhang Jiandong and Xu Zhongyi.

Du Chengrong was displeased hearing Zhang Jiandong’s words:

“Even a dragon crossing the river must bow to local snakes. This is Hong Kong after all, and you’re an American councilman. I still need an explanation from Councilman Zhang tonight.”

Zhang Jiandong smiled, “Chairman Du if I had wanted to take your son’s life, would he still be alive? This was just a warning, to help Young Master Du understand the situation. After tonight’s matter is settled, I will personally visit to apologize to Chairman Du.”

Du Zhaohui was dumbfounded.

Du Zhaohui realized his own cursing wasn’t the most arrogant behavior – Zhang Jiandong was worse, smiling while admitting to having someone try to run him over. Du Zhaohui’s veins popped with anger, and seeing his old man not immediately seeking justice, but instead showing a thoughtful expression, made Du Zhaohui want to explode on the spot.

Zhang Jiandong had spoken just a few sentences – surely the old man wouldn’t compromise?

Damn it, he might have been wrong – perhaps he wasn’t the old man’s son? No wonder he wouldn’t hand over the Du family business directly and insisted on this ridiculous competition.

“Hua!”

“Stop! What’s your hurry? Things have their priorities. Your minor injury compared to others’ grudges is nothing. Some people are more urgent than you.”

Du Chengrong rebuked Hua.

Xia Xiaolan squeezed Zhou Cheng’s palm – this Du Chengrong was quite cunning, suggesting letting Xu Zhongyi and Zhang Jiandong fight first.

Zhou Cheng and Pan Baohua had anticipated this.

Placing hope in others?

No, on the battlefield, they only trusted close comrades – all temporary allies were unreliable. Who knew which side an ally might suddenly turn to?

Du Zhaohui fumed, his gaze gloomy:

“Hua, wait a bit.”

Xia Xiaolan felt somewhat sorry for him… but it wasn’t surprising. This was typical of wealthy young masters who lacked independence and relied on their father’s influence. Without his father present, Du Zhaohui could act high and mighty, but with his father there, he had to follow Du Chengrong’s arrangements.

That’s why Xia Xiaolan had early on suggested Du Zhaohui break away from the Du family mess and establish himself independently.

Being a wealthy heir wasn’t as satisfying as being your own master!

Time was drawing near.

The cruise ship was about to set sail.

As it approached 9 PM sharp, the cruise staff led everyone into the lounge.

Master Qiu was still as thin as ever, looking as if a breeze could blow him over.

He wore black and white cloth shoes, his usual attire, with several small cuts on his face from injuries sustained earlier that day. Upon entering, he didn’t even glance at his mortal enemy Zhang Jiandong, his eyes fixed on Faan.

Xia Xiaolan noticed tears gleaming in Master Qiu’s eyes.

Understandably so – this was probably the closest he’d been to his biological son in their 19 years apart!