Chapter 68: The Sudden Arrival of a Harsh Winter

If he had shown a bit more backbone—able to pick things up and let them go—Lin Fan might have reconsidered. But men like Cai Liren, cowardly and fearful of death, he had seen too many, and killed even more. If you mingle in this world without the resolve to face life and death, then dying is nothing but your fate.

Zhao Ying witnessed this scene as well. Though she was a police officer, even she understood that in this world, what matters is dignity. Yet Cai Liren had not a shred of masculine spirit, and in her heart, she couldn’t help but despise him.

Zhang Lei squatted down, the dagger flashing as it stabbed downward with such force that it pierced straight through the upper part of Cai Liren’s right arm. Instantly, the gathered lackeys fell silent, fear preventing even a whimper, while Cai Liren had already fainted from fright.

Unable to bear watching any longer, Zhao Ying turned away and closed her eyes.

Then, expressionless, Zhang Lei slowly moved the dagger, severing Cai Liren’s right arm cleanly from the top. Cai Liren’s eyes shot open, and he let out a scream like a slaughtered pig before slipping once more into unconsciousness. The severed arm lay there, fingers twitching twice, blood pooling across the ground…

Having finished, Zhang Lei wiped the blood from his dagger onto Cai Liren’s clothes, stood up calmly, slipped the dagger into his coat, and gave a sly smile, positioning himself behind Lin Fan as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

“Before I change my mind, get out of here...” Lin Fan stood where he was, eyes sharp as blades as he spoke.

The lackeys hauled the blood-soaked Cai Liren away, supporting each other, casting nervous glances at Lin Fan as they retreated, terrified he might suddenly strike again.

Just then, the distant wail of sirens grew nearer, and several police cars screeched to a halt not far away. Lin Fan frowned in surprise, watching as the car doors swung open and Yan Dong, accompanied by several detectives, strode straight towards them.

“So, you think you can still get away?” Yan Dong’s voice rang out triumphantly. “Hands up, police—don’t move!”

Standing nearby, Lin Fan could clearly see the leader—the officer with the pistol was Yan Dong! The way Yan Dong looked at Lin Fan was filled with excitement, like a starving wolf eyeing an injured lamb, desperate to swallow him whole.

Zhao Ying, seeing Yan Dong, hurriedly grabbed Lin Fan’s arm, her worry and anxiety plain in her eyes.

Lin Fan patted her hand, signaling her not to worry, and shot Zhang Lei a look—urging him to leave quickly.

Given the situation, killing everyone was impossible, and Lin Fan knew Yan Dong had mobilized so many officers with him as the target. Moreover, it made no sense for Yan Dong to arrive here by coincidence—if anyone claimed he was just passing by, Lin Fan would never believe it.

Zhang Lei shook his head, clearly meaning he would stay with Lin Fan.

Truthfully, if Lin Fan and Zhang Lei wanted to kill these men, it would be done in minutes. But Zhang Lei knew his boss would never do so, because some among them didn’t deserve death. Lin Fan wasn’t just a mercenary; he was a principled soldier. He liked killing, but never slaughtered the innocent without cause.

Lin Fan glared at him fiercely. Seeing Lin Fan’s anger, Zhang Lei shrugged, spun around several times, and vanished into the street as suddenly as he’d appeared.

Yan Dong noticed Zhang Lei leaving, but didn’t bother with him. As long as Lin Fan was here, his purpose was served.

Glancing at the half-dead Cai Liren, Yan Dong didn’t even bother to call an ambulance. In his eyes, the best outcome was Cai Liren’s death—then Lin Fan would be guilty of murder, a capital offense. The thought made him giddy, as he imagined Lin Fan’s final fate…

Yan Dong walked over smugly, and Zhao Ying instinctively clung tightly to Lin Fan’s arm. She knew Yan Dong’s presence spelled trouble; with his temperament, he’d never let such a prime opportunity to deal with Lin Fan slip by.

Seeing their intimate gesture, Yan Dong’s anger surged. He snarled, “Boy, you’re finally back in my hands. Let’s see who can save you now.”

“Yan Dong, mind your words. Don’t think of using your position for personal revenge,” Zhao Ying shielded Lin Fan behind her like a hawk protecting its chick. She knew if Lin Fan was arrested, combined with today’s events and Yan Dong’s plotting, Lin Fan would certainly be sentenced—at least three to five years.

“Hmph, he fought in public and seriously injured someone. What, you’re still protecting him?” Yan Dong pointed at the unconscious Cai Liren, his righteous tone betrayed by a sly smile, visible to all. The other officers, constrained by their roles, remained silent.

For a moment, Zhao Ying was lost for words. Yan Dong was technically correct, but she knew Lin Fan wasn’t at fault—Jin Million had brought the Green Gang to corner them and even attempted to cripple Lin Fan.

Lin Fan couldn’t help but smile wryly, pulling Zhao Ying to his side, a cold smile on his lips. “So, Officer Yan Dong wants to arrest me again?”

Seeing Lin Fan’s arrogant demeanor, Yan Dong was reminded of that day at the station. He marched up and shouted, “Enough nonsense, come with us!” as he reached out to grab Lin Fan.

Lin Fan stood motionless, his face cold. Yan Dong grabbed his collar, but couldn’t budge him. Turning, he met Lin Fan’s icy, hawk-like gaze, and involuntarily shivered. “Take your filthy hands off me,” Lin Fan said coldly.

Though Yan Dong felt uneasy, the gun at his side bolstered his confidence. Still, Lin Fan’s murderous stare made him reluctantly withdraw his hand. “Are you resisting arrest?” Yan Dong asked.

“You’re going too far,” Zhao Ying stepped forward, her voice sharp.

“What’s so special about this guy that you’re so protective?” Yan Dong couldn’t stand hearing Zhao Ying defend Lin Fan.

When Zhao Ying didn’t respond, Yan Dong snapped, “What, if I shoot him right here, what will you do?” Losing his composure, he couldn’t understand why Lin Fan, a petty thug with an arrogant demeanor, could inspire Zhao Ying’s devotion. As he spoke, he suddenly drew his gun and pointed it at Lin Fan.

Hearing Yan Dong’s words and seeing the gun aimed at him, Lin Fan gave a cold laugh and said nothing. There was nothing worth saying to someone pointing a gun at him. He kicked out, swift and fierce, sending Yan Dong flying.

This stunned the accompanying officers, who quickly drew their pistols, aiming at Lin Fan. Yan Dong was disliked, but he was still a cop; they couldn’t let Lin Fan assault him without intervening.

The moment Yan Dong pointed his gun at Lin Fan, Zhao Ying knew trouble was brewing. She’d already sensed Lin Fan’s aversion to being pointed at—let alone with a gun.

“Put your guns away,” Zhao Ying said, afraid things might escalate. She didn’t want Lin Fan to get into any more trouble. Given her own status in the force and her father’s reputation, the officers complied.

Lin Fan smiled indifferently, as if the recent events meant nothing. “Those childish toys are best put away.” To Lin Fan, the standard police revolver was little more than a child’s plaything—clumsy and useless.

Standing beside Lin Fan, Zhao Ying gave him a startled look, unable to fathom why he remained so calm. Facing a gang of thugs, his composure made sense—he had the strength for it. But remaining so unfazed in front of police, did he not realize he was facing years in prison for intentional injury, not just a simple street fight?

At this moment, Zhao Ying made up her mind—no matter what, as long as she was present, she would never let Lin Fan be taken away.

Yan Dong, gritting his teeth through the pain, struggled up from the ground like a mad rooster, gun in hand, charging at Lin Fan.

“Yan Dong, stop right there! If you dare touch him, I guarantee you’ll regret it. You know who my father is,” Zhao Ying now stood in front of Lin Fan, her tone full of threat.

This girl, knowing he had nearly killed someone, still protected him so fiercely. Lin Fan’s heart warmed, and he knew he hadn’t misjudged her—Zhao Ying was indeed someone worth loving and protecting for life!

“You’re threatening me? You’d invoke your father for him?” Yan Dong stared at Zhao Ying in disbelief.

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