Chapter 602: Chen Xiaoyu's Plan to Capture the Fugitive

Wu Changsheng walked into the bridge with his hands behind his back, as leisurely as a stroll in a garden, utterly composed.

As his gaze swept over the complex console, Wu Changsheng had no interest in examining those intricate instruments; he fixed his eyes on Chen Xiaoyu.

Seeing Chen Xiaoyu holding a copy of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Wu Changsheng struck an appreciative pose, chatting easily: "Captain Chen, you're young and promising—became a captain at nineteen. The province pays close attention to marine economic development; I happened to be passing by and decided to drop in."

But inside he was cursing: "Little brat, you're pretty lively; just wait till I deal with you!"

Likewise…

Chen Xiaoyu also muttered to herself: "This fugitive, even with death looming, still pretends to be a leader—could he be trying to use me to threaten Brother Fan?"

Although she couldn't be sure of his motive, Chen Xiaoyu's vigilance was already at maximum.

Just as Chen Xiaoyu was pondering how to respond,

Her uncle Chen Dingchao chimed in: "Please rest assured, Leader, our vessel belongs to the Oceanic Fishery Company, a subsidiary of a state-owned enterprise; we will certainly follow provincial policy."

Then that's good.

Wu Changsheng gave a casual reply, hands behind his back the whole time, pacing the bridge like he was inspecting his study, actually racking his brains for a strategy.

Currently, there are eight people on board.

Should he first draw his gun to control the scene, then order Chen Xiaoyu to sail out? Or should he first trick Chen Xiaoyu into sailing out, then draw his gun to seize control of the vessel once offshore?

This is a matter of life and death.

The Haishan Police are no salted fish lying belly-up; they could show up here at any moment.

If he first drew his gun to control the ship, should any fearless person resist desperately, it would likely delay things, preventing a smooth departure.

He himself can't sail the ship, so he needs to keep someone alive who can.

Better to get offshore first, then, once clear of the Haishan Police's jurisdiction, make the next plan.

Having thought this through silently,

Wu Changsheng casually opened the navigation log on the console, putting on a show: "Oceanic fishery is a key supported project of Haishan City. Captain Chen, you must seize this great opportunity to expand the oceanic industry. The province is recently evaluating marine economic demonstration units; I happened to be passing by to do some research. If you cooperate well with me, the demonstration unit's plaque will someday be yours."

The leader's big promises—every stroke hits the mark!

Had she not already known Wu Changsheng was an escaped fugitive, Chen Xiaoyu might well have believed his nonsense and fully cooperated with the so-called investigation.

Now, cooperating with the investigation is impossible; sis can only go along with your act.

Chen Xiaoyu glanced at the bulge on Wu Changsheng's waist, wondering if it was a gun. Even if it were a gun—so what? Once aboard my ship, you're my bounty.

The walking hundred thousand must be captured!

Chen Xiaoyu composed herself, offered a faint smile: "Leader, thank you for your attention. How would you like us to cooperate?"

First, let's test your offshore operation capability.

Wu Changsheng thought Chen Xiaoyu had taken the bait.

He immediately set down the navigation log he was holding, lifted his wrist to check his watch, and issued the next instruction: "Time is pressing, the task urgent—let's get offshore and set sail now."

Set sail?

Hahaha, I get it—you fugitive just want to escape!

Chen Xiaoyu stifled her urge to laugh, forcing a strained expression: "Leader, really unfortunate—today a batch of crew members are supposed to come aboard for training and evaluation, so setting sail would be inconvenient."

The crew's evaluation can be postponed a day or two—no big deal. I'm pressed for time, I can't wait around for you; I have to head back to the province this afternoon." Wu Changsheng glanced at his watch again, adopting a solemn air: "The demonstration unit's plaque isn't something just anyone can grab; you need to think it through."

Leader, I've thought it through—please, this way.

Chen Xiaoyu waved her right arm, making a guiding gesture.

Wu Changsheng momentarily dazed: "What… are you asking me to go where?"

Please, Leader, go rest in the lounge first. Before departure I need to check in with the company so the training and assessment team doesn't make a wasted trip." Chen Xiaoyu waved ahead, leading the way: "Please, Leader."

That works.

Wu Changsheng never regarded Chen Xiaoyu as a person at all.

In his eyes, the nineteen-year-old Chen Xiaoyu was merely a vase—pretty but useless, a vase Lin Dongfan forcibly promoted.

At this moment, he felt secretly pleased.

He thought a vase is ultimately just a vase—unsophisticated, easily swayed with a few words.

He had probably forgotten—that a top hunter often appears as the prey! What awaits him ahead is a deadly trap.

Chen Xiaoyu brought him to a lounge and had someone bring a fruit platter and drinks.

In terms of hospitality, she left nothing undone.

As Chen Xiaoyu was leaving, she said: "Leader, please rest here for now. I'll go arrange the departure preparations; I'll be back shortly to keep you company."

"Hmm, get underway quickly, don't waste my time." Wu Changsheng glanced at his watch again, reckoning the Haishan Police wouldn't be able to track them down here within half an hour.

Chen Xiaoyu replied enthusiastically: "Rest assured, we'll set sail right away."

As she turned to leave the lounge, Chen Xiaoyu casually shut the door. Strictly speaking, she had locked Wu Changsheng inside.

The all-metal mechanical door cannot be opened without a password.

After locking the door, Chen Xiaoyu ordered: "Turn on the air conditioning, set the temperature to minus twenty degrees, freeze him until he curls up like a shrimp ball!"

Hearing this, Chen Dingchao looked bewildered: "Xiaoyu, did the leader offend you?"

What damn leader—he's an escaped fugitive, a walking hundred‑thousand bounty!" Chen Xiaoyu commanded sternly: "Do exactly as I say, immediately; without my order, nobody is to let him out!"

!!!

Chen Dingchao was so startled he staggered, not daring to even fart, and hurriedly went to activate the air‑conditioning system.

Although he is Chen Xiaoyu's uncle and senior by generation, on this ship Chen Xiaoyu is the boss! He must obey her orders unconditionally.

Once the air‑conditioning kicked in, a strong blast of cold air surged out through the vents.

Inside, Wu Changsheng sneezed.

For the moment he didn't notice anything odd, and actually took an interest in sipping red wine.

After tasting the flavor of French red wine, Wu Changsheng couldn't help cursing: "Damn it, a little fisher village girl actually ended up living such a luxurious life—unfair!"

The cabin's sealing was excellent, and its soundproofing was top-notch.

Those outside couldn't hear anything.

A crew member curiously asked Chen Dingchao: "How did Xiao Yu know he's a wanted criminal? Could we have gotten it wrong?"

"I don't know, don't ask me." Chen Dingchao still looked bewildered, standing guard at the cabin door, lighting a cigarette and taking a puff: "Xiao Yu is smarter than us; whatever she says, we do."