Chapter 2486: Chapter 2487: Lin Yi’s True Thoughts

The focal point for everyone was originally on how to ensure the safety of ancient books and to bring back people safely.

Now, all attention has shifted onto Lin Yi.

The opponent, when they made their move, at least found a fig leaf to cover their shameless behavior.

But Lin Yi was more direct, not even bothering with excuses; it was like slapping faces in front of everyone, then forcing them to compromise.

Despite the considerable influence of everyone on the ship, when compared to the value of ancient books, it’s hard to weigh which is more important.

If they pushed the other side too hard and they flipped the table, Lin Yi would be in danger.

Liang Xianghe glanced at the wall clock and found that time was passing extremely slowly, as if it had stopped.

“Elder Lu, are we just going to wait here doing nothing?” Liu Hong asked.

“There’s no other choice now, just waiting to see if they will make a statement.”

“But with Lin Yi’s character, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do,” said Liu Hong gravely:

“The impact could be immeasurable if he really takes action.”

“He will handle the aftermath properly. Any impact shouldn’t spread to us.”

Liang Xianghe sighed, “Let’s not talk about anything else for now and just wait for the result.”

Nobody else in the meeting room spoke; these five hours were an agony for each of them.

Moreover, they were well aware that Lin Yi’s child was due to be born soon.

If anything went wrong at this critical moment, the Central Guards Brigade would be letting his family down tremendously.

The five hours felt like an eternity.

The meeting room was smoky and littered with cigarette butts.

During this period, someone brought boxed meals that were laid out on the table but had long since cooled. Nobody touched them.

For them, those five hours were like traversing the cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

“Elder Lu, there are only five minutes left,” Liu Hong said in a low voice, sweating nervously!

“What’s his current position?”

“At the critical point between both sides. If he continues sailing, we’ll be powerless and unable to help him even if we wanted to.”

After a few seconds of silence, Liang Xianghe’s look grew somber.

“Let’s wait. After all, the initiative is in our hands.”

The second hand diligently completed five rounds–the 72 hours had passed!

For those paying attention to this matter, the curtain had been raised, and no one knew how the play would unfold from here.

But they all believed that the person in charge of this drama was a madman!

Another ten or so minutes passed, and the door to the meeting room was pushed open; Liu Hong’s assistant walked in.

“Team Leader Lin’s ship is moving, heading towards the destination.”

“Okay, I know.”

Liang Xianghe responded, and everyone’s expression turned even more solemn.

Before this, Lin Yi’s actions were within their control; they could even forcibly interrupt the affair with military force if necessary.

But now, that opportunity was gone.

…

Gerard’s office.

Gerard and Campbell were sitting in chairs, both looking very grave.

In front of them was a large screen that clearly showed the movement of the Ocean Symphony.

A countdown was also displayed on the screen, with the last three minutes remaining.

“Does he really dare to do that? If he takes action, he won’t survive either,” Campbell said.

Gerard, with a pipe in his mouth, said expressionlessly:

“I bet he won’t dare. If he does that, we can reap more benefits, and I don’t believe he would joke about his own life.”

“Your analysis makes sense, but I’m still a bit nervous,” Campbell said:

“You must realize that they have been a nation unafraid of death since ancient times, and we’ve already suffered many losses to them in history.”

“Times have changed; we can’t keep looking at problems with old perspectives,” Gerard said:

“You have to understand, the people on the ship are their bargaining chips. Without them, they wouldn’t even have the qualifications to negotiate with me.”

“Then we can only wait for time to run out and see what he will do.”

Gerard nodded, no longer speaking, his gaze falling on the countdown.

When the last second ticked by, both of them tensed up, as if their hearts had shrunk together.

At any moment during this time, bad news could come.

“He’s made a move!”

Campbell suddenly said: “He hasn’t taken any action!”

Gerard laughed, his expression arrogant:

“My guess was correct; he’s just bluffing. He wants to keep the people on the ship as his bargaining chips. He doesn’t dare to make a move.”

Campbell relaxed and casually lit a cigarette for himself.

“I think now we can consider how to deal with them.”

Gerard nodded and said indifferently:

“You go make the arrangements, but be careful, it’s very easy for things to go wrong.”

“You’re right; this matter is indeed serious. I should make time to take a trip to Japan, to ensure that nothing goes wrong.”

Gerard’s eyes shifted, “I should go. I might have to meet Liang Xianghe soon.”

“That’s also good.”

…

Tilia Island, Kandaya Forest.

Ever since finding out about Lin Yi’s actions, Lin Jingzhan and his group had halted their advance, constantly keeping tabs on information about Lin Yi.

As things had developed to this point, Lin Jingzhan faintly felt that something was amiss and decided to stop for a rest and regroup.

Before long, Song Jinmin came back, his expression somewhat unnatural.

“Have you found out what’s happening outside?”

“They’ve continued sailing, heading towards Capital City.”

“Capital City?”

This wasn’t quite what Lin Jingzhan had anticipated.

“The final deadline has passed. Gerard hasn’t made any move; he could only do this.”

“It means he still has a bit of sense left,” said Red Ace Mira.

“What on earth is this kid up to? I’m starting to not understand him,” Lin Jingzhan said with a frown.

“Have you also noticed that something’s off?” Song Jinmin asked with a cigarette in his mouth.

“This behavior now is like cutting off his own retreat, but without increasing the stakes, it’s a losing deal.”

Lin Jingzhan touched his chin and said:

“This doesn’t seem like something my son would do.”

“I think so too, but I can’t guess what he’s trying to do,” Song Jinmin said with a shrug.

“Since things have reached an uncontrollable level, let’s first withdraw, we can’t put him in danger,” Mira suggested.

“I believe so too,” Song Jinmin said:

“If he’s in danger, sister-in-law would have us all executed.”

“Who’s to say that’s not true.”

Everyone’s gaze fell on Lin Jingzhan, waiting for him to make a decision.

But Lin Jingzhan didn’t speak; he just frowned deeply, his eyes as sharp as a hawk’s.

A few seconds later, his expression suddenly changed.

“Quick, find me a map.”

“Here you go.” Mira handed over the map.

Lin Jingzhan spread it out, and with just a glance, his gaze shifted away.

“I know what he’s up to now.”