Chapter 2488: Chapter 2489: Ping An Returns

Liu Donghai’s words took Lin Yi by surprise.

“The loyal often come from a rough crowd, while the treacherous tend to be scholars.”

At such a moment, his willingness to step up stirred a warm current in Lin Yi’s heart.

“You’ve been with me for so long, risking your lives again and again. You’ve done more than enough already. From here on, you’re not needed.” Lin Yi patted Liu Donghai on the shoulder:

“If I can’t get you all back safely, my conscience won’t rest easy. Just do as I say and make the most of your time.”

“But if you end up in danger, we won’t feel at ease either,” Liu Donghai said:

“We’re all flesh-and-blood Huaxia people; we can’t simply work for money and turn a blind eye.”

“Having you say that is more than enough. The rest can wait until we get back,” Lin Yi responded:

“Don’t worry, the person who can kill me hasn’t been born yet. It’ll be fine.”

Seeing Lin Yi’s persistence, Liu Donghai didn’t know what else to say.

“Alright then, we’ll do as you say.”

Lin Yi nodded with a smile.

“Go now, but move carefully. Don’t let the others notice.”

“We know what to do.”

“Good. Go on.”

Liu Donghai left, leaving Kenji Nakada at Lin Yi’s side.

“Mr. Lin Yi, let them leave first. I’ll stay here.”

“If I send all the Huaxia people away and leave you, a Sunrise Landese, here to risk your life, that’s something I, Lin Yi, would never do.” Lin Yi took out a cigarette and handed it to Kenji Nakada:

“This is our second time working together. You’ve helped me a lot, and we understand each other now, so I won’t say more. Just do as I ask–prepare everything. I’ll handle the rest personally.”

“Understood!”

Kenji Nakada walked away, leaving Lin Yi alone on the ship. He stood solemnly, staring out at the distant ocean, lost in thought.

Three hours passed in the blink of an eye. It was already late at night.

The Ocean Symphony showed no signs of slowing down as it sped toward Yokosuka Port.

…

Meanwhile, Gerard was as frantic as an ant on a hot pan.

Moments ago, Morimoto Chunyi had called, saying that the Ocean Symphony was charging full steam ahead and posing a threat to the harbor’s safety.

Instinctively, Gerard looked at the clock on the wall–less than an hour remained.

If no resolution was made soon, it might truly be too late.

The risk was too great; no one could afford to play this game.

Thump!

“That damned bastard!”

Gerard’s fury was like a volcano on the verge of erupting. “Who the hell is controlling that ship?!”

In his younger days, Gerard had been a gambler.

Whether at the card table or in his career!

Until now, he’d thought he’d made the right bet, but now he realized he was helpless against the opponent!

Because he understood that the opponent was not only a gambler like himself but, most crucially, someone unafraid of death!

He dared to gamble with his life!

Whereas Gerard lacked that kind of courage!

“Gerard, we don’t have much time left. If no decision is made, it’ll be too late.”

Campbell, just as anxious, leaned toward seeking a compromise, but they needed Gerard’s command.

“Get me on the phone with him!”

As if speaking to himself, Gerard dialed Lin Yi’s number.

“Do you think you can force me to relent like this?!”

“Why would I think that?” Lin Yi chuckled and said:

“Another hour and the real show begins. But don’t worry. If you find it monotonous, I can spice things up a bit.”

“What are you planning?!”

“Recently, a new film released in China called *Battle of Changjin Lake*. In five minutes, it’ll be playing on the big screens in Times Square. Don’t forget to watch. And make sure to have your popcorn and soda ready.”

“What are you trying to say?!”

Gerard couldn’t grasp why Lin Yi was bringing up such seemingly trivial topics at this moment.

“Nothing much. Just offering you guys a show.” Lin Yi responded with a smile:

“But we don’t have enough time for the full movie, so we’ll play a few clips. Then, live coverage will begin. I’ll notify the whole world to tune in and witness the spectacle. It’ll be more exhilarating than 9/11, I guarantee.”

As those words fell, Lin Yi hung up, giving Gerard no chance to respond further.

“Damn it, bastard!”

Gerard cursed, his expression nearing madness. Yet, he hadn’t completely lost his mind!

“I want a live feed of Times Square. I need to know what’s going on there.”

Neither Campbell nor his aide understood the reason behind the request but complied nonetheless.

Soon, the live feed from Times Square appeared on the large screen in Gerard’s office.

In less than thirty seconds, the giant screen in the square switched to clips from *Battle of Changjin Lake*.

Passersby stopped in their tracks, bewildered by what they were seeing.

Some even began pointing and whispering, curious to understand what was happening.

The scene left everyone in the office dumbfounded.

Clearly, something was amiss!

“How could this happen?”

“It’s his doing. In a few minutes, it’ll switch to a live feed of the Ocean Symphony, exposing everything to the world!”

Campbell and the others wore expressions of sheer alarm.

If that truly happened, the resulting negative impact would parallel that of a historic tragedy!

“Gerard, we’re out of time.” Campbell urged anxiously:

“We don’t need to wait for disaster. Just the release of the footage will spell our doom!”

“I know!”

Gerard’s fists clenched tight, his teeth grinding audibly, like the shriek of brakes.

“Get me Liang Xianghe!”

“I’ll arrange it.” The aide replied.

“And book me a flight. I’m going to Japan! I have to catch that bastard myself!”

…

Onboard the Ocean Symphony, Lin Yi leaned against the railing. The sea breeze, sharp as a blade, cut into his face. Even with a mask, he could feel the chill.

Ring-ring-ring–

At that moment, the phone rang. It was Liang Xianghe calling.

“Stand down. They’ve agreed to release the hostages. All four teams are currently facilitating the evacuation.”

“Understood.”

Neither hung up immediately. After a brief silence, Liang Xianghe softly said:

“Come back safely.”

“I will!”

As the call ended, Lin Yi let out a heavy sigh of relief.

This grand gamble had not been in vain.

Now, he had to figure out how to return safely.

Glancing at his watch, it was shortly after six in the evening. It was time to arrange for disembarkation.

A few minutes later, Lin Yi called Caie Mitsui. He spent the next half-hour detailing instructions, only hanging up once everything was in order.

Nearing midnight, the sea breeze turned piercingly cold.

The Ocean Symphony altered its course and began heading toward Jyoto Port.

Yet Lin Yi’s expression remained unusually grave.

He knew–the most dangerous phase of the plan had just begun.