Chapter 1673: Chapter 1673 Lin Lan Revealed the Secret
“The Ishihara Family is likely connected to Japan’s intelligence agencies. They have a certain amount of underground influence but operate independently, having had conflicts with the Sankou Group, and this is possibly the reason,” Lin Lan answered vaguely, not knowing the specifics. “They should not have participated in this operation.”
“What have we gained from surveilling the Ishihara Family?” Since Lin Lan brought up the Ishihara Family, Luo Ziling took the chance to inquire about the situation.
Lin Lan seemed a bit troubled and finally shook her head: “I don’t know the specifics. Our team leader should be coming to visit you, so ask her directly. She should share some information with you, as you’ve had more contact with the Ishihara Family. Also, unless something unexpected happens, Ishihara Naka will arrive in Hanseong tomorrow—no, it’s already today—this afternoon, likely because of you.”
“Did I manage to play a trick on that old rascal Ishihara Tarou?” Luo Ziling said with a cheeky smile. “Promised to teach him acupuncture techniques, refused his lavish gift, and left with the matter unresolved.”
“Ishihara Tarou didn’t expect you would do this, given your age. He’s probably terribly frustrated now,” Lin Lan said meaningfully, staring at Luo Ziling. “He originally thought you were easy to deal with but didn’t expect you to be so cunning.”
“You think I’m cunning too?”
“Everyone thinks so.”
And so, Luo Ziling felt hurt.
He looked at Lin Lan with dissatisfaction: “How am I cunning?”
“How are you not cunning?” Lin Lan shot Luo Ziling a glance, then chuckled.
Before Luo Ziling could speak, she reminded him: “Let’s get back to business. What’s certain now is that the Ishihara Family wants the acupuncture bronze figures and your acupuncture skills. The acupuncture bronze figures are Huaxia’s national treasures, and the Taiyi Divine Needle is our intangible cultural heritage. If they’re seeking possession, they mustn’t succeed. Thus, our task has expanded to follow up on matters concerning you and the Ishihara Family and act decisively when needed. This is what the higher-ups mean, and I’m conveying it to you privately, but you should act as though unaware when in front of others.”
“I understand,” Luo Ziling nodded, knowing what Lin Lan meant to express.
Initially, Dragon Rise’s mission in East Asian countries was only focused on the Sankou Group, with a side goal of protecting him. But as events progressed, they were surprised to find he had become the main character in the story, causing Dragon Rise’s plans to adjust accordingly, even prompting Phoenix, the leader, to personally help with the operation. Luo Ziling also realized that Dragon Rise’s attention on the Ishihara Family couldn’t be that simple; otherwise, Phoenix wouldn’t personally investigate Ishihara’s villa. There must be reasons unknown to him or even Lin Lan.
In the future, he ought to discuss this with Phoenix, hoping she wouldn’t put on airs.
“Things are getting interesting and quite explosive,” Luo Ziling smiled at the now silent Lin Lan, then asked, “Where are you going later?”
“Nothing for the moment, so I came here,” Lin Lan said, yawning slightly.
Luo Ziling suggested, “Why don’t you rest here for a while? After breakfast, we’re visiting the Xu Family, and you can leave after you’ve rested enough without having to find another place.”
“I’ll think about it,” Lin Lan didn’t immediately agree, pondering a bit before discussing other serious matters with Luo Ziling. “Regarding the Black Gold website, there’s no new development. Through personal connections, I’ve asked a European whose life I once saved to look into taking down the bounty against you on the site. If successful, all should be well.”
“You have such capabilities?” Luo Ziling looked amazed.
Lin Lan disdainfully smirked, “Don’t underestimate me, okay?”
“I’ve never underestimated you; you’re not small anywhere.” Luo Ziling couldn’t resist making a joke.
Lin Lan glared at Luo Ziling but didn’t retaliate.
“Have you been keeping track of domestic matters?” she further asked softly.
Luo Ziling shook his head, “Not much, since Yang Qingyin and Luo Yuqing arrived, they haven’t mentioned anything.”
“Your mom will surely talk about those things with you.” Lin Lan said quietly, “It’s strange; Yanjing has been calm. The death of Chen Jiahai and Yang Yunzhong caused only a ripple before settling, and neither the Chen nor Yang Families have made any drastic moves; everything is peaceful.”
“Isn’t that good?”
“Of course, it’s good, but don’t you find it unusual?”
Luo Ziling pondered deeply and finally agreed: “It does feel a bit unusual.”
“As you went on international visits, things seemed to have blown over, but how could such a major incident just disappear? So, be vigilant. They might be plotting something against you. If true, you could face unexpected situations both abroad and after returning home. If someone more senior than Chen Jiahai is orchestrating actions, they won’t be small-scale like before—it could be a deadly strike, potentially destroying everything your family has built.”
Witnessing Lin Lan shifting from her usual demeanor, speaking this many reminders and expressing concern, Luo Ziling was quite taken aback.
“Thank you for your warnings,” after quietly locking eyes with Lin Lan, Luo Ziling held her hand emotionally, saying, “I’ll take your warnings to heart and closely watch domestic developments, discussing seriously with my mom. Anyway, I won’t die so easily.”
Lin Lan didn’t pull away her hand and gave a slight smile upon hearing Luo Ziling’s words.
“Get some sleep here, while I go out for some morning exercise,” Luo Ziling declared, gently patting Lin Lan’s hand before standing up.
Lin Lan rose as well, not refusing Luo Ziling’s kindness—despite feeling awkward about sleeping there with Yang Qingyin nearby—since Luo Ziling treated her gently, and wanting to rest a bit, she felt embarrassed to decline.
Of course, another reason was that she needed to monitor Luo Ziling’s whereabouts and ensure his safety.
After all, the matter wasn’t concluded.
After a quick shower, Luo Ziling went out.
As he exited the room, he took all necessary items along and closed the door for Lin Lan.
It was still early, just before six o’clock local time.
Luo Ziling didn’t leave the room but performed some exercises outside, avoiding making too much noise.
While performing light indoor exercises, his phone rang—it was Yang Xiaodong.
“Young master, I have important news to report,” said Yang Xiaodong, deliberately lowering his voice when Luo Ziling answered.
Upon hearing Yang Xiaodong was right outside, Luo Ziling promptly opened the door.
“Early this morning, Ishihara Naka was attacked by unknown assailants and injured while exercising near his residence,” Yang Xiaodong reported a message that shocked Luo Ziling.