Chapter 335: At Sea

After a brief chat, Yang Chen instructed Macedonia to steer the Hatakaze towards a port. Once ashore, Macedonia's men would return the destroyer to the Self-Defense Force.

When Anxin saw the Sakura national flag hoisted on the Hatakaze missile destroyer, she couldn't believe her eyes. It was indeed a military vessel stolen from the Sakura Self-Defense Force.

An Zaihuan remained silent throughout. He could vaguely sense that the people around Yang Chen were all proud and confident individuals. Yet, paradoxically, they all seemed to harbor a deep-seated sense of submission towards Yang Chen. This perplexed An Zaihuan even more about Yang Chen's true nature.

Anxin, however, didn't dwell on such thoughts. Despite gradually understanding Yang Chen's enigmatic background, she refrained from asking too many questions, knowing he wouldn't divulge much. She simply needed to know that the man beside her was the one she loved.

Hokkaido, known as a leisure and vacation sanctuary, was particularly picturesque in winter. Verdant forests were blanketed in glistening snow, and quaint Sakura-style towns sprawled at the foot of the mountains.

Yang Chen recalled something and asked Edward beside him, "Edward, didn't Ron come with you?"

Edward chuckled, "Ron said he's too old for Hokkaido's cold weather. He'd rather bask in the Mediterranean sun. He asked me to convey his apologies to you and hopes you'll visit him before he ascends to heaven, and also retrieve what you left with him."

Yang Chen sighed helplessly, "He's still as lazy as ever."

"Not exactly. At least he's arranged everything for you on this side of Hokkaido," Edward remarked.

"My stomach's really growling. Where are we going?" Macedonia interjected.

After disembarking, they followed Edward toward a seaside town, unsure of their exact destination.

"I've purchased a resort here with authentic Sakura Hokkaido leisure facilities and cuisine. Let me treat you all this time," Edward said.

Jane glanced at Edward incredulously. "Cousin, how much did Ron pay you?"

Edward blushed slightly, coughing a few times. "Jane, my esteemed sister, can't you spare me a little dignity?"

"You said you'd give up anything for money or dignity," Jane teased with a smirk.

Edward chuckled awkwardly but offered no retort.

Relaxed by the jovial atmosphere, Anxin listened to everyone's banter and felt her own mood easing considerably. Despite their formidable backgrounds, she found these individuals more endearing than many insignificant people she had encountered.

Anxin finally understood why Yang Chen always maintained a nonchalant attitude. Even those around him could casually commandeer a Self-Defense Force warship from the Sakura fleet, let alone Yang Chen himself.

From this vantage point, matters concerning the Liu and An families seemed trivial and inconsequential, completely beneath notice.

Thinking of such figures unexpectedly meeting her in a bar and then, after three encounters, embracing her, Anxin suddenly felt that fate truly worked in mysterious ways.

"Yang Chen, how are those two from the Liu family doing now?" Anxin asked curiously.

Yang Chen smirked mysteriously. "They should be having quite an exciting time."

Out on the open sea, surrounded by endless horizons of deep blue waters, a small lifeboat floated. On board sat two men: one old and one young. They were none other than the abandoned Liu Kangbo and Liu Yun, who had just been tossed into the lifeboat, his entire body barely covered by a thin towel.

Initially abandoned in the middle of the sea, Liu Kangbo had shouted for help for a long time. Eventually, they managed to encounter a small yacht, only to find it manned by two members of the Yamaguchi-gumi who were escorting Liu Yun.

Liu Kangbo attempted to call for help but witnessed his severely emaciated son being tossed into the lifeboat by the Yamaguchi-gumi members, who then proceeded to ignore his pleas. From the yacht, they retrieved several large plastic barrels, opened them, and dumped them around the lifeboat.

Liu Kangbo stared in disbelief as crimson liquid slowly leaked from the barrels, spreading in the seawater.

Soon after, the Yamaguchi-gumi members laughed heartily and sailed away.

Confounded, Liu Kangbo rushed to Liu Yun's side. Turning over Liu Yun's body, he saw deep sunken eyes, a pallid complexion, and marks of severe beating all over. What was even more horrifying was the state of his lower body, which was unrecognizable.

Recalling the image of Liu Yun being tormented by the plump woman from the Sakura fleet on the cruise ship, Liu Kangbo realized his son had been completely crippled by torture.

Liu Yun was extremely weak, briefly regained consciousness, uttered "dad," and then fell silent.

Seeing his once proud son reduced to this state filled Liu Kangbo with a mix of hatred and sorrow, but he didn't know what to do.

Most vexing of all, he had no idea whom he had offended.

Therefore, Liu Kangbo shifted the blame onto Liu Yun, cursing, "You unfilial son! It's all because you never did anything right! Offending such powerful figures—how are we supposed to return now? No food, no water on this boat—will we starve to death or freeze?"

Liu Yun rolled his eyes but couldn't respond.

At that moment, triangular fins suddenly appeared on the sea's surface, causing the waves to surge intensely! Liu Kangbo first froze, then turned pale with shock—were those sharks?!

Recalling what the Macedonian captain had mentioned aboard the ship, Tiger sharks were known to frequent these waters.

Of course! The barrels they had tossed earlier clearly contained blood! They deliberately used blood to attract Tiger sharks to this location!

A group of Tiger sharks spotted the small lifeboat and immediately began circling around it, clearly interested in the flesh and blood aboard.

Liu Kangbo trembled with fear, unsure of what to do.

Just then, unable to wait any longer, one of the Tiger sharks began striking the lifeboat with its head and tail!

The lifeboat rocked violently. Liu Kangbo's face turned ashen as he listened to the waves stirred up by the Tiger sharks, feeling a soul-shaking terror.

Seeing the lifeboat on the verge of capsizing, a flash of determination crossed Liu Kangbo's eyes. He lunged towards the prone Liu Yun, lifting him up with both hands, and said chillingly, "Son, for your father to survive, you must make a sacrifice. I've raised you for over twenty years. Since you're already like this, living is just suffering for you. Don't worry, I'll find our enemies and avenge you!"

With those words, Liu Kangbo decisively pushed Liu Yun out of the lifeboat, sending him into the sea!

Liu Yun's final gaze lingered on his father's grimacing face, filled with piercing resentment that chilled Liu Kangbo to the bone.

Soon, the fallen Liu Yun became the target of the Tiger sharks. They viciously tore into him, their sharp white teeth and gaping mouths leaving him defenseless. In an instant, his head was severed.

Watching his son meet such a fate, Liu Kangbo found himself unable to mourn, regret, or grieve. His mind entered a frenzied state.

Gritting his teeth, Liu Kangbo knew this tactic would temporarily distract the Tiger sharks. He had to leave this bloodied area quickly. Grabbing the oar from the lifeboat, he began rowing with all his might.

However, Liu Kangbo underestimated the number of Tiger sharks and their speed in consuming human flesh.

Within seconds, Liu Yun's bones were devoured completely. More blood spread in the sea, further fueling the frenzy of the Tiger sharks. Another horde of Tiger sharks, now blood-red with rage, surged towards the lifeboat!

The strength of the Tiger sharks overwhelmed the small lifeboat. After a few strikes, the boat finally capsized!

"No!"

Liu Kangbo uttered a choked cry, then fell silent forever.

The sea returned to its calm state, leaving only an overturned lifeboat drifting aimlessly...