Chapter 513: Locking Down the Criminal

"Correct," Ling Chen nodded. "I’ve already had people searching for Jiang Xinwu’s whereabouts. All the stations and airports in East Sea City are under close surveillance, so he shouldn't be able to leave. Moreover, I don’t think he will leave East Sea City so quickly."

"Why?"

"I think his next target is likely me. The Secret Society informed me that I have been placed on the God Organization’s assassination list. They will try every possible means to kill me. So, Jiang Xinwu’s presence in East Sea City probably has more than one target."

He Ziyun asked worriedly, "If he comes for you, can you handle it?"

Ling Chen smiled slightly. "Mr. He, don’t forget, I’m at the top of the Newcomer List. My self-preservation abilities are still strong."

"That’s true. But God Organization members are always cunning; they act solely to achieve their goals and never hesitate to be ruthless. If Jiang Xinwu comes for you, he certainly won’t play by any rules."

"I’m aware of that. The so-called means are nothing but techniques of killing. It’s still uncertain who would lose or win when it comes to a showdown. Mr. He, my visit this time is mainly to remind you that the God Organization is definitely planning something big. It’s best if you alert the General and especially those above, and have them prepare their defenses. My words carry little weight; they might not believe me, but it’s different with you. You are, after all, the founder of Ghost. Your words carry more weight, and with the General and others supporting you in the background, those above will surely take it seriously."

"I understand. Don’t worry, I will get in touch with them."

Leaving Qingyun Martial Arts Hall, Ling Chen got into his car and headed straight back to Wealthy Manor.

...

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

That evening, Ling Chen, sitting in a Rolls-Royce with Nanrong Wanqing, watched the flowing traffic outside the window, his eyes revealing deep thought.

"Ling Chen."

Hearing Nanrong Wanqing’s voice beside him, Ling Chen turned his head and asked, "What’s the matter?"

"The suit we ordered last time has been delivered. Try it on when you go back later. Also… there’s a party tonight at Yulong Mansion. You’ll accompany me."

"Okay," Ling Chen nodded.

Although Nanrong Wanqing didn’t say it explicitly, Ling Chen had already learned from Nanrong Hao that today was Nanrong Wanqing’s birthday. However, what worried him was that he hadn’t prepared a gift.

These past few days, he had been so preoccupied with the gift that he hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep. After all, this birthday party was extremely important, both for Nanrong Wanqing and for Ling Chen.

That day at Huamei Mall, when Nanrong Wanqing publicly revealed her identity, it was just to set the stage for tonight’s birthday party. Tonight, he would appear in an official setting as her boyfriend for the first time. Given Nanrong Wanqing’s identity and status in East Sea City, such a move undoubtedly meant public recognition of him. If he failed to impress, it would inevitably lead to disappointment.

In reality, Ling Chen knew very well that Nanrong Wanqing didn’t care about the gift. But as a man, he certainly didn’t want to be seen as a gigolo clinging to a wealthy woman. Therefore, his gift had to be dazzling, to astonish everyone.

Back home, Ling Chen tried on the suit, which fit perfectly. Worth hundreds of thousands, as a bespoke item, both the materials and the craftsmanship were top-notch.

The party was scheduled to start punctually at 8 o’clock. Ling Chen checked the time; there was still an hour to go. Just enough time for dinner, a bath, and then head out.

But then, his phone in the bedroom suddenly rang.

Ling Chen glanced at the incoming number on the display and hurriedly answered the call.

"Hey! Ling Chen, get over here quickly," Hu Fei’s voice came from the other end of the phone.

"What happened?"

"That Jiang Xinwu, there’s news on him."

"Can it wait?" Ling Chen was conflicted as he was about to leave for Yulong Mansion, and leaving now would certainly mean missing the party.

"Wait? How can we wait? Opportunities come and go in an instant. I finally found out his whereabouts; if you dilly-dally, he might vanish. Enough talk, hurry up, I’m waiting for you at the usual place."

Before Ling Chen could say more, Hu Fei had hung up the phone.

"This fatty…" Ling Chen shook his head, feeling helpless.

After careful consideration, Ling Chen decided to prioritize the more important issue. Jiang Xinwu was key in the fight against God Organization, and he had to find out more.

Changing his clothes, Ling Chen left the bedroom and went upstairs to inform Nanrong Wanqing. He didn’t mention where he was going, just said he had something urgent to attend to and asked her to head to Yulong Mansion first, assuring her that he would arrive on time.

Nanrong Wanqing considerately didn’t say much, only reminding him to be careful.

Leaving Wealthy Manor, Ling Chen immediately drove to the Old City.

At the courier company’s office, Hu Fei was already prepared, pulling Ling Chen directly into the car.

Seated in the passenger seat, Hu Fei cradled a laptop, typing on the keyboard, and said, "Let’s go to Vanke Road."

Vanke Road… such a familiar name!

A thought struck Ling Chen. Wasn’t that the road outside Wealthy Manor?

"Fatty, is Jiang Xinwu hiding on Vanke Road?"

"Half an hour ago, the surveillance camera on Vanke Road caught Jiang Xinwu. Though it was just a profile shot, facial recognition software analysis says there’s an eighty-five percent chance it’s him."

"Then it must be him."

Saying this, Ling Chen started the engine and sped towards the destination.

Along the way, Ling Chen took back roads to avoid traffic lights. In less than fifteen minutes, they arrived at Vanke Road.

"There," Hu Fei pointed at a Western restaurant by the road through the car window. "The surveillance caught Jiang Xinwu entering that place. Don’t know if he’s still there now."

"You wait in the car. I’ll go take a look."

Exiting the car, Ling Chen concealed the Tianling Blade he carried and stepped into the Western restaurant.

It was dinner time, and the restaurant was crowded with customers. Ling Chen entered, glancing around the hall in search of Jiang Xinwu. He had seen a photo of Jiang Xinwu from ten years ago, and even after a decade, his appearance wouldn’t have changed much and would be easy to recognize.

"Sir, how many are in your party?" A smiling waiter asked.

"I’m looking for my friend. By the way, do you have private rooms?"

"Yes, they’re on the second floor. Would you like me to take you there?"

"No need to trouble yourself; I’ll go up on my own."

Not seeing Jiang Xinwu in the hall, Ling Chen figured the man might be in one of the private rooms. After dismissing the waiter, he climbed the stairs to the second floor.

Walking down the corridor, he listened to the sounds coming from behind the private room doors, eliminating them one by one as suspects.

After a moment, Ling Chen stopped in front of the private room at the end of the corridor, his gaze fixed on the door, eyebrows slightly raised. Then, he reached for the Tianling Blade, took hold of the doorknob with his other hand, gently turned the lock, and prepared to enter.