Chapter 217

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Protagonist:

Lin Hao

Lin Hao looked at Ding Yao, who remained silent with a gloomy expression, with a cold gaze; the corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful arc as he continued, "Since we can't cooperate, then from now on we'll each rely on our own methods."

His words carried a decisive air, as if announcing the complete rupture of the already fragile cooperative relationship between the two; henceforth they would go their separate ways, contending and struggling in this underworld of surging undercurrents by relying on their own abilities.

Having spoken, Lin Hao turned without hesitation and strode toward the doorway with steady, forceful steps.

His back radiated a solitary courage and resilience, not the slightest panic from Ding Yao's gun threat moments ago. Each step seemed to tread upon the tense, nearly frozen atmosphere of the room, the sounds exceptionally clear in the silence.

Ding Yao stood in place, watching Lin Hao's receding back, her eyes flickering with shifting emotions — anger, regret, and a deep worry over the future situation.

She gripped the gun in her hand tightly, her knuckles white from the force, yet she ultimately dared not make any impulsive move. She knew clearly that Lin Hao now held a recording that could ruin her reputation; she was already at a disadvantage. If she really shot and kept Lin Hao here, the ensuing chain reaction would be far beyond what she could bear.

As Lin Hao's figure vanished at the doorway, a gust of night wind blew in, brushing Ding Yao's cheeks and making her shiver involuntarily, as if also foreshadowing the many unknowns and storms she was about to face.

She bit her lip and secretly swore an oath: she absolutely could not let Lin Hao manipulate her like this; she had to find a way to resolve the immediate crisis, and no matter what, she had to protect everything she had painstakingly built in the San Chain Gang, even if it meant using every trick and fighting Lin Hao to the death.

And after Lin Hao walked out of that house, he melted into the pitch-black night outside. The night wind brushed his clothes; he tilted his head slightly, gazing at the starless night sky, his mind filled with myriad thoughts.

Jiang Tiansheng's death, Ding Yao's betrayal — each and every one of these made him realize the road ahead would only be more arduous and treacherous, yet his gaze grew ever more determined. He had already made up his mind: he would ferret out all the masterminds in this intricate situation, avenge Jiang Tiansheng, and safeguard Hung Hing's glory; even if a bottomless abyss lay ahead, he would step forward without hesitation.

Lin Hao had just stepped into Hung Hing's casino when the clamorous, noisy atmosphere surged over him like a tide, yet his heart remained immersed in the aftermath of the break with Ding Yao, heavy and cold. At this moment, Chen Yao hurried over, his face grave with a hint of urgency.

"A Hao, we've already found out clearly." Chen Yao's voice was low and stern, his eyes revealing a suppressed rage. "Those two gunmen were hired by the San Chain Gang from Vietnam. They actually dared to brazenly attack Mr. Jiang at the wharf — utterly intolerable! We absolutely cannot sit by and watch; we must plan revenge as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Lin Hao's fists clenched instantly, knuckles white from the exertion; his eyes blazed with raging fury, as if they could incinerate everything before him. His originally cold face now seemed covered in frost and snow, radiating a bone-piercing chill. "San Chain Gang!" He forced the three words through gritted teeth, each syllable brimming with boundless anger and hatred. "Since they dared to provoke war first, don't blame Hung Hing for being impolite."

Chen Yao nodded slightly. He knew well the anger and determination in Lin Hao's heart right now; after all, to Lin Hao, Jiang Tiansheng was not only Hung Hing's Dragon Head but also an existence like an elder brother. This bond and respect made them both unable to tolerate Jiang Tiansheng's death passing in such obscurity. "A Hao, we've already summoned the core brothers from every hall; everyone is waiting for your decision. This time, we'll make the San Chain Gang pay a heavy price for their deeds — blood debt must be repaid with blood!"

Chen Yao mused inwardly: the sense of responsibility and righteousness Lin Hao had displayed throughout this series of upheavals let him see hope for Hung Hing's future. Compared to Jing Kun's selfish, power-grabbing conduct, Lin Hao was undoubtedly the more worthy person to entrust.

At this moment, everyone in the casino was immersed in grief and vengeful fervor over Jiang Tiansheng's death; the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed water could drip from it. Suddenly, the casino's heavy main door was slowly pushed open, emitting a low creak, as if the gate of destiny had opened, heralding the arrival of new variables. Eight people filed in; they bore lithe figures, cold faces, and eyes exuding a murderous aura. They swiftly arrayed themselves on either side of the doorway, like two door gods guarding the mysterious person about to enter.

Immediately after, a figure slowly entered everyone's view. Lin Hao instantly went on alert, his gaze blazing as he stared straight at the newcomer and demanded loudly, "Who are you?" His voice echoed in the silent casino, carrying a hint of authority and interrogation.

Chen Yao was also startled by this sudden scene, but having tumbled in the underworld for many years, he quickly composed himself. He shifted slightly, moved close to Lin Hao, and whispered, "This one is also Mr. Jiang — only not Mr. Jiang Tiansheng, but Mr. Jiang Tianyang."