Chapter 106: Defection

In the end, Lin Xiaofeng decided to stay. Meanwhile, Zhang Xingmin and Yang Dalong continued onward with the fleet.

Even many years later, people would still talk about that night.

In truth, that night was not particularly fierce. After all, there were not many people involved on either side, and the main objective was not to defeat the other. Moreover, it all took place on such a small island.

Although the Young Master repeatedly threatened Lin Xiaofeng, his true intention was to keep him around and have him work for him. The Young Master knew Lin Xiaofeng would never wholeheartedly obey, but as long as Lin Xiaofeng’s skills were formidable, that was enough.

He was certain Lin Xiaofeng would stay, not because of any previous friendship, but because the person he was targeting, Wu Jianxue, happened to be a common enemy of Lin Xiaofeng and his group.

As for the fleet, their primary mission was transporting cargo; capturing Lin Xiaofeng was a task for specialized personnel who were already en route. The guards accompanying the fleet were not well-equipped—enough to fend off pirates, but in a real battle, it would be like a stone against an egg.

Zhang Xingmin and Yang Dalong had long understood the fleet’s cautious intentions. Their recent action was primarily motivated by the high bounty. Once they saw the opposing force’s strength, the fleet immediately considered retreat. Anyone not foolish could see that the fleet was fighting a strategic withdrawal, soon reaching the dock.

Though yesterday’s plan had gone smoothly, they were not exactly happy. After they left, they worried more about Lin Xiaofeng. First, because of his betrayal. If before it was just rumors without witnesses, this time many had seen it firsthand—there was no denying it. Could they possibly stage a maritime disaster to eliminate all witnesses?

Second, they worried about Lin Xiaofeng’s safety. From the earlier scenes, the Young Master’s repeated claims of calling Lin Xiaofeng “one of his own” and recruiting him seemed hollow. His attitude, and that of those around him, revealed their true feelings.

In fact, Zhang and Yang’s concerns were not unfounded. After they left, Lin Xiaofeng’s situation was anything but pleasant. Injured in the earlier conflict, he had not received timely medical care and was locked up as if it was natural.

Fortunately, the island’s buildings were newly constructed, and the cell was clean—not the damp, foul-smelling place one might imagine—bringing some small comfort. Lying on the empty bed, Lin Xiaofeng closed his eyes to rest. The wounds on his arm and back were shallow but painful, affecting his thoughts and planning.

The Young Master did not leave him waiting long and soon appeared at Lin Xiaofeng’s cell.

“What? Haven’t made up your mind yet? Your time is running out!” Zhao Zeyi paced the room in his high heels.

Lin Xiaofeng scoffed but said nothing.

“If it weren’t for my kindness in taking care of you, I would’ve already…” Zhao Zeyi made a throat-slitting gesture.

“Then do it!” Lin Xiaofeng replied nonchalantly. In truth, he was uncertain but willing to take a gamble.

“You think I don’t dare?” Zhao Zeyi sneered and then pulled out a gun.

“If you really wanted to kill me, would you have kept me alive until now?” Lin Xiaofeng said fearlessly.

Instead of anger, Zhao Zeyi applauded calmly. “You’re not wrong. I keep you because you’re useful. But since you’re smart, you should know when to quit.”

“What exactly do you want?” Lin Xiaofeng asked warily.

“Listen carefully! There will be benefits for you in the future!” Zhao Zeyi said smugly.

“I won’t betray anyone, nor serve anyone!” Lin Xiaofeng said firmly.

“You’re already a traitor! The whole world is after you now! You can’t go back!” Zhao Zeyi spoke each word deliberately.

…

Lin Xiaofeng hesitated for a moment but eventually agreed to the Young Master’s offer with great reluctance.

Zhao Zeyi knew Lin Xiaofeng would say yes. The terms he offered were impossible to refuse. Beyond their mutual enemy Wu Jianxue, Lin Xiaofeng’s father's safety alone demanded careful consideration.

Lin Xiaofeng had long known he would accept. His purpose in staying was to infiltrate. He had worried how to gain trust, yet the Young Master personally invited him—saving him the trouble of scheming.

Successfully infiltrating the enemy, though still distrusted, was the first step. He had no choice but to follow the plan—no turning back. Whether Zhang Xingmin and Yang Dalong would come through remained unknown.

As for Zhang and Yang, their support was yet uncertain. However, the authorities were indeed efficient.

With the transportation fleet’s reports and related footage, the authorities now had irrefutable evidence of Lin Xiaofeng’s betrayal. They quickly dispatched a task force to re-enter Ghost Island.

This time, their target was no longer just Lin Xiaofeng. As a dismissed traitor, Lin Xiaofeng and his father, now under investigation, posed no real threat. The real target was the powerful figures operating on Ghost Island.

Lin Xiaofeng turned out to be a perfect bait! A certain bureau chief leading the operation smiled darkly in his office as he reviewed the materials brought in.

“Director Feng, here are all the documents you requested. Any further instructions?”

Director Feng waved his hand, dismissing the subordinate.

Looking at the files on his desk, he murmured, “Lin Zheng, let’s see how you’ll turn this around now.”

Since learning of Lin Xiaofeng’s betrayal, Lin Zheng had suffered sleepless nights. Though there was friction between them, he firmly refused to believe his son would do such a thing. Yet others exploited the situation, and the so-called evidence kept piling up. He could no longer help Xiaofeng; he was like a clay idol crossing a river—helpless.

Sure enough, news soon came that Lin Zheng had been relieved of his duties and was under investigation. He shut himself away, refusing contact with the outside world. Those involved dared not harm him due to his status, but as a result, he was completely isolated.

Commander Lin prayed silently every day, “Xiaofeng, Damin, Dalong, you three must be careful!”