Chapter 11: Freeze! Hands in the Air

"The team leader sent me to purchase the Millennium Blood Jade, but I never expected that this man would go so far as to murder Mr. Lin's relative just for the jade. Truly, he deserves more than death," Ichiro Fujino hurriedly shifted all blame for Su Zhennan's death onto Hong Tianxiong, afraid that Lin Fan might turn on him.

Lin Fan saw through this ploy at once. The only reason he hadn't killed Ichiro Fujino immediately was because he was curious: it was nothing more than a jade, with some collectible value. Could it really be worth the Yamaguchi-gumi of Japan sending someone personally?

"Don't worry, Mr. Fujino, this matter has nothing to do with you. But I wonder, how much is your organization willing to pay for the Millennium Blood Jade?" Lin Fan lit a cigarette, sitting on the sofa and asking casually.

Ichiro Fujino was delighted that Lin Fan didn't vent his anger on him, so without hesitation he replied, "If Mr. Lin wishes to sell the Millennium Blood Jade, I am willing to pay five times the market price. What do you think?" In Fujino's mind, since Lin Fan was Su Zhennan's godson, he must know the whereabouts of the jade. If he could bring it back, it would be a great achievement—who would dare look down on him then?

"It's just a worthless piece of jade. It doesn't mean much to me. If Mr. Fujino wants it, come with me later and I'll get it," Lin Fan said. To Fujino, Lin Fan seemed tempted: five times the market price meant hundreds of millions of yuan. No ordinary person could resist such a lure, but was Lin Fan ordinary? The answer was obvious.

When Lin Fan said this, Xu Qiang at first thought Lin Fan really intended to sell the jade to the Japanese. But then he recalled his captain's deep hatred for them—how could he possibly do that?

It had to be said, Ichiro Fujino was rather slow-witted. Seeing Lin Fan agree, he immediately added, "Mr. Lin, that's not quite right. Legend has it that China's Millennium Blood Jade can cure all poisons, which would greatly help our Yamaguchi-gumi in resisting some ancient families in Japan."

"So, for nothing but a legend, you come to China to kill and rampage," Lin Fan toyed with the apple knife in his hand, a cold smirk curling his lips. Before Fujino could react, Lin Fan slashed his throat in an instant.

Fujino's eyes widened, his hands clutching his throat in terror—a fear of death. Blood gushed forth, unstoppable; he tried to speak, opening his mouth, but no words came out. He could never have imagined that a moment ago Lin Fan had smiled and spoken amiably, promising to sell the jade, only to slaughter him suddenly and without warning.

"Brother Qiang, the police are heading for the villa," a flustered subordinate rushed in.

"They're fast," Lin Fan stood up and strode toward the door. Xu Qiang gave a few instructions to his men before quickly following. Having found Lin Fan, he was determined to stay at his captain's side, and he was eager to learn how Lin Fan had survived all these years. Just now, Fujino had said Lin Fan was the leader of Dragon Soul mercenaries—Xu Qiang believed it one hundred percent. Back in Falcon, Lin Fan was like a god: anyone who worked with him, no matter the danger or difficulty, always survived miraculously. Thus, Lin Fan was known as Falcon's 'Lucky Star,' his reputation cemented.

In an alley not far from Hong Tianxiong's villa, Lin Fan, his back to Xu Qiang, said, "Tell me, how have you been these years?"

Xu Qiang immediately recounted how he was rescued and came to serve Hong Tianxiong, telling it all without omission. When Lin Fan heard about Xu Qiang's relationship with Hong Tianxiong, his face finally broke into a smile. Inside the villa, Lin Fan hadn't believed Xu Qiang would help Hong Tianxiong commit murder and arson; now, hearing his brother's own denial, Lin Fan was genuinely pleased.

"How did you know I entered the villa?" Lin Fan turned, a trace of doubt in his eyes. He had been careful, so how had Xu Qiang discovered him?

It was the first time Lin Fan had ever asked him such a question, and Xu Qiang felt a little proud. Smiling, he replied, "Last time at the Never-setting Sun Bar, I recognized you right away, captain. Even though you had grown out your bangs, that innate aura of yours hadn't changed. Later, I went downstairs to confirm—it turns out you were already gone. When you followed Hong Tianxiong to the villa, I saw your car in the rearview mirror. So when I thought you had listened to their conversation long enough, I went in to confirm your identity."

Hearing Xu Qiang say he hadn't found him that night, Lin Fan realized he must have already left with Zhao Ying by then. At that thought, Lin Fan remembered the female police officer who had shared his bed, Zhao Ying. Her fiery figure flashed through his mind—utterly perfect, especially those flawless twin peaks. If he had another chance… Lin Fan shook his head, quickly banishing the wicked thought.

Just as Lin Fan was about to invite Xu Qiang for a drink, a woman's voice called from behind, "Police! Don't move, hands up!"

Lin Fan heard this and smiled wryly. He didn't need to turn around to know who was behind him—a woman he had just been thinking about, Zhao Ying.

Lin Fan was genuinely surprised to see Zhao Ying here. If she had appeared at Hong Tianxiong's villa, that would have been normal—she was a police officer, after all. But here? It didn't quite make sense. Had he slipped up? No, if he had, she wouldn't be here alone. Lin Fan pondered it, and soon realized why Zhao Ying was here: she must have noticed his car parked near the villa. Lin Fan couldn't help but admire her powers of observation—after just one meeting, she had memorized his license plate. Police like her were becoming rare in China...

Indeed, Lin Fan had guessed correctly. Firstly, the police had long been watching Hong Tianxiong, which explained their swift arrival. Second, Lin Fan's car was parked nearby—most would think nothing of it, but Zhao Ying happened to spot it, leading to this scene.

"You go wait in the car. I'll handle something and be right there," Lin Fan said, tossing the keys to Xu Qiang. Seeing Lin Fan's instructions, Xu Qiang didn't ask any questions, simply turned and left the alley.