Hearing Wu Zhao's voice, Chen Fan was not surprised.
He said coldly, "As expected, I can't underestimate you, Wu Zhao. Yin Ya Zi is indeed your man."
"At the Heroes' Gathering, you were really putting on an act with Zuo Li Zhou."
"I thought you had figured it out long ago." Wu Zhao's tone was relaxed. "To only realize this now is rather disappointing compared to my expectations."
"Before, it was just a guess. Now, I am truly certain."
Chen Fan walked into the crew's cabin and saw Xiong Baiming respectfully stand up.
Nodding, Chen Fan continued, "I am very curious. You wanted to kill Zuo Li Zhou, so why did you let Yin Ya Zi cooperate with him?"
Wu Zhao chuckled, "In my game, everyone is a chess piece. It's only natural for chess pieces to cooperate. Moreover, circumstances change, and it's a matter of time. Chen Tianjiao, you surely understand this logic, don't you?"
Chen Fan snorted, "Those who swim too much will drown. You treat everyone as a chess piece, and one day, those pieces will break free from your control."
"At least not yet. Even you, the most restless piece, are still within my control."
Chen Fan sneered and looked out the window.
The scenery at the dock began to move, receding into the distance.
It was already eight o'clock in the evening, and the luxury cruise ship began its scheduled departure.
"Yo, we're setting sail. Chen Tianjiao, please be patient. The grand show is about to begin. This game has reached its most exciting point. I'm looking forward to it."
"I'm also looking forward to the moment your identity is revealed," Chen Fan said coldly. "You and the person behind you will pay the price."
"Haha, that depends on whether you have the ability."
Putting down his phone, Chen Fan lay on the bed with a casual posture.
"Mr. Chen, did you find the person you were looking for?" Xiong Baiming asked.
Chen Fan shook his head and smiled, "I'm not looking anymore. He knows I'm on board, so he'll come to find me."
Xiong Baiming was taken aback and said, "That's great."
Though he said so, he couldn't help but feel suspicious. If that were the case, didn't Chen Fan waste all that money he spent earlier?
Chen Fan was unconcerned and closed his eyes to rest.
His previous actions had exposed him, and there was little point in continuing the search in the same way. It was better to wait for Wu Zhao to make his next move.
A few minutes later, Xiong Baiming received a call and said, "Mr. Chen, there was some security incident on the ship. The checks are very strict now."
"But don't worry, they probably won't check here."
Chen Fan remained noncommittal.
Ten minutes later, a knock sounded at the door.
Xiong Baiming, who was slightly nervous, went to open it. As soon as it opened, he smiled and greeted, "Ito-san."
However, Ito's expression was strange, with a hint of guilt, helplessness, and blame.
Immediately after, two figures flashed out from behind Xiong Baiming and subdued him.
A middle-aged man entered the cabin. He was tall and slender, with incredibly deep eyes, exuding an aura as profound as an abyss.
Chen Fan had already stood up, looking at the man who entered with a slight surprise.
"Chen Tianjiao-kun, it is indeed you."
The man spoke in Japanese, frowning slightly, appearing displeased to see Chen Fan here.
Chen Fan smiled and said, "So it's Yagyu Sword Saint. You're quite quick."
This middle-aged man was Yagyu Jubei, a martial arts master in Japan, known as the Sword Saint there.
He had been on the ancient city wall during the decisive battle at Qixing Ridge. Chen Fan had caught a glimpse of him from afar and recognized him.
"This ship belongs to the Mitsui Group."
A young man wearing glasses and a designer suit also entered. He said, "Mr. Chen has caused such a commotion on the ship. If we do nothing, wouldn't that make the Mitsui Group seem incompetent?"
Chen Fan's gaze fell upon the young man.
This person was not a martial artist, but he had the right to speak beside a martial arts master like Yagyu Jubei, indicating his extraordinary background.
He bowed and said, "As one of the heirs to the Mitsui Group, Mitsui Yuta, I have heard of Mr. Chen's name many times. I never expected to meet you here, Mr. Chen."
Xiong Baiming, being controlled, began to sweat on his forehead upon hearing this.
An heir to the Mitsui Group was on this ship?
One had to know that the Mitsui Group was the largest conglomerate in the Greater East Asia region, with immense capital and power, virtually controlling Japan's economy.
Was Mitsui Yuta here to escort Watanabe Tsumina back to Japan?
Chen Fan sized up Mitsui Yuta and asked, "So, how do you two plan to deal with me?"
With Mitsui Yuta, an heir to the Mitsui Group, present, it was not surprising that they could track him down.
One should not underestimate others' capabilities.
From boarding the ship until now, Chen Fan could not have left absolutely no trace under so many surveillance cameras.
Of course, he also hadn't intended to completely conceal his identity.
"Mr. Chen, you are currently within China's borders. Given your status in China, how could we dare to say we'll 'deal with you'?"
Mitsui Yuta narrowed his eyes and said, "This is not the place to talk. Please accompany us, Mr. Chen. What do you say?"
"What if I refuse?"
Chen Fan said with a smile.
"Then we will have no choice but to ask you to disembark."
Mitsui Yuta said, "We are still in Chinese territory, but this ship belongs to the Mitsui Group. While asking you to disembark might be impolite, even the Chinese authorities cannot blame us."
"If I still refuse, will you forcibly expel me?" Chen Fan asked.
"Then that would be very unfortunate," Mitsui Yuta said. "Not only would it damage Mr. Chen's reputation, but it would also be detrimental to us."
Chen Fan smiled and said, "Let's go."
Mitsui breathed a sigh of relief, stepped aside, and said, "Mr. Chen, please!"
Chen Fan's status held little sway on this cruise ship, but he was well aware of Chen Fan's capabilities.
If Chen Fan insisted on not cooperating and a fight broke out here, it would be a challenge for him.
Yagyu Jubei watched Chen Fan and then turned to leave the cabin.
"Let Mr. Xiong go. This has nothing to do with him," Chen Fan said, glancing at Xiong Baiming.
"Certainly."
Mitsui was quite accommodating. He waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to release Xiong Baiming, and said, "Mr. Xiong will not be subjected to any difficulties."
Chen Fan nodded to Xiong Baiming, walked out of the cabin, and followed Mitsui.
Yagyu Jubei, however, remained at the back, prepared for any impulsive actions from Chen Fan.
Walking towards the bow of the ship, the group arrived at a private elevator and took it upstairs.
The elevator stopped on the eighth floor. After exiting, they walked down the corridor a short distance to a quiet, serene room.
Two men sat cross-legged on a tatami mat.
One of them wore traditional ethnic clothing, with a composed face but a sharp and powerful aura.
It was Watanabe Tsumina.