Chapter 245: A Lone Blade Storms the Manor for the Meeting

Just as Lin Yu finished reviewing the fleet and returned to Lin Gong Guan, while he was scheming how to give the approaching Eastern fleet a "surprise," an unexpected message arrived on his desk.

"Report, Commander! There's a self‑styled Zuoteng Jianyi, an Easterner, at the gate requesting an audience," a guard reported.

"Zuoteng Jianyi?" Lin Yu raised an eyebrow slightly; the name rang a bell—wasn't he the head of the Eastern intelligence outpost in Kunshan?

"Is he coming alone?" Lin Yu asked.

"Yes, Commander, just him alone, dressed in a full kimono, walked straight to the main gate and demanded to see you by name," the guard replied, his tone tinged with oddity.

"Oh?" Lin Yu heard that and couldn't help laughing aloud, "Alone? In a kimono? Strutting into my Lin Gong Guan to demand an audience?"

The behavior was wildly abnormal and bold. After all, since the press conference where Eastern journalists were shot, most Easterners in Shen City have been like startled birds, staying indoors and fearing trouble.

This Zuoteng Jianyi, as the head of the Special High Section in the Qianzhong region, not only fails to hide his movements but brazenly comes alone—what trick is he selling?

"Interesting," Lin Yu's mouth curled into a playful smile, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "Seems someone thinks their backing is about to arrive and can't wait to flaunt their might before me?"

At that moment, Intelligence Bureau Chief Qi Ming Yuan happened to be present; hearing the news, he furrowed his brows, stepped forward and whispered, "Chief, this Zuoteng Jianyi, according to our intel, is indeed the head of the Eastern Special High Section at the Kunshan outpost. He's always cautious and cunning; his lone, abnormal arrival today suggests…"

"Probably he's relying on their southbound fleet, right?" Lin Yu finished Qi Ming Yuan's sentence, a mocking sneer on his face.

Qi Ming Yuan nodded and analyzed, "My assessment is that the Easterners likely think that with the main force of the First United Fleet closing in on Shen City, we're in a hopeless bind with no choice but to submit. This Zuoteng Jianyi probably feels the situation is settled and wants to test our reaction before the fleet arrives—perhaps even to deliver a final ultimatum on behalf of the Eastern side, or… to see us panic."

That assessment fits the Easterners' usual arrogance and hubris. They are convinced their navy is invincible and believe that Lin Yu, faced with overwhelming sea power, will inevitably fear, waver, and ultimately submit. Hence they dare let an intelligence chief swagger in alone to the meeting.

"Heh, a final ultimatum?" Lin Yu sneered, a hint of mockery in his eyes, "Fine, since he's come so 'sincerely' to my door, I'll see what he wants to discuss with me."

He stood, smoothed his collar, and ordered the guard, "Take him to the reception hall; I will personally meet this 'recklessly bold' Mr. Zuoteng."

Lin Yu was eager to see what this self‑confident Eastern spy chief would blurt out, unaware that Lin already possessed the power to crush their fleet; what 'spectacular' remarks would he make? This drama delivered to our doorstep was not to be missed.

The guard obeyed, and shortly after brought in a middle‑aged man in a dark kimono and wooden clogs. It was the Eastern Special High Section's head in Central China, Zuoteng Jianyi.

His attitude now matched the boldness of his solo arrival.

Zuoteng Jianyi stepped into Lin Gong Guan's opulent grand hall, showing not the slightest restraint or unease, but instead surveying everything as if inspecting his own property, unabashedly.

His gaze swept over the gleaming hardwood floor, the dazzling crystal chandelier, the famous calligraphy hanging on the walls, and the antique, valuable rosewood furniture and ornaments, openly revealing naked greed and a possessive desire to claim them as his.

That expression suggested that this manor, symbolizing Shen City's new sovereign power, would soon change hands, becoming the property of Zuoteng Jianyi—and even the Great Eastern Empire.

When he was led to the reception hall and saw Lin Yu already waiting, he merely gave a slight nod, skipping even a basic bow, and plopped loudly onto the sofa opposite Lin, even crossing his legs to reveal an ankle in white socks, exuding extreme arrogance.

Beside Lin Yu, Guard Battalion Commander Feng An saw Zuoteng's contemptuous stare, his face darkening instantly, his eyes sharp as knives.

Zuoteng Jianyi seemed oblivious to Feng's murderous gaze; instead, he examined the lavish décor again with interest, clicking his tongue and saying, "Commander Lin really has a grand hand! This manor was originally property of the British HSBC's senior division, right? Wow, just this location and renovation must be worth a fortune!"

Zuoteng Jianyi paused, speaking in an infuriating tone, half inspecting, half calculating as he looked at Lin Yu, "I hear Commander Lin has recently 'acquired' many assets—first the Green Gang, then the Sun and Lu families… Oh right, even those out‑of‑touch foreign firms, probably also paid tribute? By that count, Commander Lin has made a fortune these past months!"

He spoke softly, yet his words reached everyone's ears. This was no longer a simple probe or provocation, but a naked humiliation and contempt! He seemed to be tallying Lin Yu's 'ill‑gotten gains' on the spot, the implication crystal clear—everything you now possess will soon no longer be yours!

"You're courting death!"

Feng An erupted in fury, unable to contain his rage any longer. He lunged forward a step, his right hand reflexively gripping the gun holster at his waist, cold murderous intent instantly locking onto Zuoteng Jianyi.

With just a glance from Lin Yu, he had no doubt he would draw his gun and turn this clueless Eastern dwarf into a pile of scrap! The other guards in the reception hall also tensed, the atmosphere instantly becoming tense as a drawn sword.

Yet, at that critical moment, Lin Yu raised his hand and made a gentle gesture to Feng An, indicating "hold your fire."

Lin Yu's face still bore that faint smile, as if he hadn't heard Zuoteng Jianyi's insulting remarks at all. He even watched Zuoteng with interest, his gaze like that of someone enjoying a clown's flamboyant performance.

He wanted to see what "spectacular" act this self‑assured Eastern spy would perform next.

A prey's final frenzy before falling into a trap is always especially entertaining, isn't it?