LSDWTWHA chapter 65

Chapter 64

After punishing the three players who stirred up this trouble, Qi Hanyi had no intention of letting the mastermind behind it go unscathed.

Through investigations, Qi Hanyi quickly traced the mastermind, Mo Shan, from a recent large transfer among some substitute players involved with the game operation team.

Mo Shan’s motivation for this was clear: profit.

Mo Shan accepted “Star Wars” to make money, but under the strict control of the military, the game currency was prohibited from exchanging with real-world currency. As a result, whether in daily operations or the profits from hosting competitions, they fell far short of Mo Shan’s expectations.

Thus, Mo Shan set his sights on the casinos. He collaborated with them to privately open betting markets, wagering on players he believed could make it into the top ten, earning a certain rebate if they won.

The odds for those outstanding players whom everyone deemed promising were extremely low; even if someone placed a bet on them, the profit was minimal. To truly earn money, one had to bet on the underestimated players.

During the rematch period, a substantial sum of money flowed into the casino from Mo Shan, betting entirely on the three accounts used for substitutions, thus reaping immense profits.

Of course, now, with the situation reversed, the involved dealer had been investigated, and all benefactors were required to return their gains.

However, Qi Hanyi’s investigation did not stop there. In his eyes, Mo Shan was merely being used and was not the original planner of this incident. The person behind the scenes providing him with information was the true mastermind.

Qi Hanyi had already found leads on this planner. Following the clues from Yan Bai, he discovered a so-called tech company on Freedom Island and their myriad connections to a force called “Dark Tide” based on Freedom Island.

Coincidentally, this was also the organization that had previously bribed the defense bureau’s review staff, Zhou Zhong, colluding with the insect race, leading to the recent information theft from the space station.

In this way, the previous suspicions could finally be substantiated.

This group of “Dark Tide” members had deliberately leveraged Zhou Zhong’s hand to allow the insect race to infiltrate the space station disguised as humans to steal data, their objective merely to distract him while ambushing Su Su during the arranged marriage.

As for their purpose, Qi Hanyi couldn’t help but recall the old matters concerning his father and mother. Would it be similar to then? Using his access to the Bai Ze to obtain login verification?

Because his mother had failed with his father, did they plan to employ the same tactics with him?

Qi Hanyi’s lips pressed into a thin line, a strong hatred surging from the depths of his misty eyes.

Just right, he also had a score to settle with these people.

He calmly reviewed every move these individuals had made.

Starting with Yan Bai approaching Su Su.

They initially intended to have the Dark Tide mermaids infiltrate his side. Since Su Su’s interference failed, their next step was likely to try and persuade him to join the mermaid camp.

Currently exposing Su Su’s identity was most likely due to their realization that Su Su wasn’t easily compliant; he was out of their control. Thus, they resorted to this method, attempting to destroy Su Su.

And after destroying him? How could they ensure their people would smoothly infiltrate the expeditionary force and board the Bai Ze?

Qi Hanyi thought about the upcoming starship competition; this was an excellent opportunity for them. If their people stood out and became the top, they could naturally board the Bai Ze without issue.

So, among the top ten qualifying positions, there should be their people.

They were determined to secure the first position, and anyone standing in their way had to be eliminated one by one. Given this, even though he had cleared the situation for Su Su amid the recent media storm, he might have inadvertently pushed him into a much more dangerous situation than before.

The other side would not simply give up, and soon there would be further actions.

Qi Hanyi had considered submitting the clues he had gathered to send forces to eradicate the Dark Tide organization directly.

But first, the main body of the opposition was located on Freedom Island, where the environment was complex, and factions were numerous. Deploying forces there would be immensely costly, and now the insect race was eyeing their planet from space; humanity really had no energy left for internal strife.

Secondly, the evidence he had found was insufficient; many things were merely based on his own assumptions. In such a situation, the Imperial Defense Bureau would likely not agree to send troops.

Lastly, even if they did launch a large-scale attack on Freedom Island, it might not uproot the Dark Tide organization. This organization was like its name suggested, a current hidden in the deep sea, perceivable only when it was swept up. Once it blended into the seawater, it was utterly untraceable.

The enemies responsible for his parents’ tragedy seemed to be right in front of him, even planning to harm the one he cared about most now. But Qi Hanyi could only continually urge himself to remain restrained.

His enemies were secretive and cunning, capable of carefully preparing for decades after a failed action to await their next scheme.

To win, Qi Hanyi had to be more patient than them.

Su Su counted the days; there were three more days until the banquet, and he would finally be able to take the mermaid medicine given to him by the High Priest.

Inside the little medicine box lay quietly four capsules. Would it succeed this time? Su Su was anxiously contemplating.

The bedroom door pushed open, and Qi Hanyi appeared at the entrance. His clothes were still impeccably organized, only slightly tinged with the chill of wind and snow.

The silver-white shark by the basin was staring at a small medicine box, and upon noticing Qi Hanyi’s return, it snapped back to reality, waving its fin: “Hi, you’re back!”

Su Su was easy to appease; he wasn’t the type to purposely sulk. After learning about Qi Hanyi clarifying the situation for him, he had already unilaterally forgiven his behavior of avoiding him over the past few days.

Qi Hanyi had a trace of gloom between his brows but quickly concealed it when Su Su looked over: “Mm.”

Qi Hanyi seemed to have some concerns, noticing the medicine box in front of Su Su: “Preparing to take your medicine?”

“Yes, didn’t you come back specifically to keep me company?” Su Su knew that Qi Hanyi was pretending not to know. He hadn’t returned home for several days and choose to come back at this time, just because he remembered Su Su needed to take the mermaid medicine today.

Su Su was right; Qi Hanyi had indeed timed his return. However, it wasn’t solely to accompany Su Su while he took the medicine; he had another matter to inform Su Su: “I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to attend the banquet in three days.”

Su Su had just begun to open his mouth, preparing to take the medicine when he heard Qi Hanyi’s words and froze in place, looking somewhat foolish, tilting his head in confusion: “Why?”

“I just feel it’s unnecessary. Things have been busy lately; I plan to just make an appearance and leave. Now that your identity has passed the scrutiny, I will inform them that you are preparing for the competition, so there’s no need for you to participate.” Qi Hanyi presented his prepared excuse, his tone appearing casual.

“I’m not busy; you don’t have to worry about my training. I’m going!” Su Su threw a tantrum, his tail splashing water: “Isn’t my public identity your partner? Why aren’t you taking me with you?”

Qi Hanyi hadn’t expected Su Su to be angry. He had always taken a nonchalant attitude toward such matters, so he thought Su Su would obediently stay at home once he brought up not going.

“Don’t be so hasty,” Qi Hanyi extended his hand to rub Su Su’s head, awkwardly attempting to comfort him, even though he clearly wasn’t skilled at it: “It’s not that I don’t want to take you, it’s just that the situation is a bit special.”

Su Su shoved Qi Hanyi’s hand away with his nose: “How special? Are you trying to say that someone has been targeting me lately, and you’re worried I might be in danger, so you won’t let me go?”

Qi Hanyi was taken aback. He initially thought Su Su was merely throwing a fit because he wouldn’t take him but didn’t expect Su Su to have figured this out.

However, Su Su surprised him even more. The little shark stared at him with round eyes, angrily: “Do you think I can’t guess? It’s obvious that someone on the internet is targeting me. You helped me clarify once, and since they didn’t achieve their goal, they’ll naturally attempt to strike again. They can’t act while I’m usually around you, so this outing is an opportunity for them.”

Qi Hanyi was astonished at Su Su’s growth; perhaps the little shark hadn’t yet realized that in just a few months, he had gradually begun to learn to think in human ways, moving from a state of complete naivety.

“Since you understand, just stay safe at home,” Qi Hanyi softened his voice, seemingly soothing him: “Once things settle down, I’ll take a day to accompany you out. You can go wherever you want.”

“Do you think I’m a turtle? Am I just supposed to cower at home being bullied?” Su Su was even angrier: “I’m a shark! I can go wherever I want! If anyone wants to target me, I’ll fight back myself; I don’t need you to protect me!”

Su Su released a flurry of bubbles: “Besides, what value do I, a shark, hold that’s worth a hit? This situation probably has more to do with you, right? Is it not dangerous for you to go?”

“You don’t need to worry about me. Even without mental force, I can protect myself,” Qi Hanyi was quite confident regarding this point.

Su Su immediately retorted: “Then that’s even more troublesome. If they can’t see me and can’t take you down, they’ll just keep hiding and waiting to make a move. How are you going to resolve this?”

Qi Hanyi never dreamed he would find himself at a loss for words, held up by a shark. He genuinely didn’t know what to do. The enemy was so close, yet he could only continue waiting.

Seeing Qi Hanyi silent, Su Su pressed on: “We can cooperate; I can be the bait to draw their moves out while you handle it.”

“No way.” Qi Hanyi decisively rejected.

He knew full well that Su Su’s proposal was quite feasible. He had found himself in a stalemate, and Su Su’s suggestion was a good breakthrough. Su Su was intelligent; he could adapt and was skilled at protecting himself. Having him as bait would increase their chances significantly.

But a certain feeling crossed over his rationality and blocked him. He couldn’t accept this proposal.

If Su Su acted as bait, what would happen if he fell into the enemy’s hands? Would he be bullied? Would he be starved? Would he get hurt? Just thinking about these possibilities filled him with dread.

This fear even surpassed the nightmare of the deep sea, transcending years of hatred. He could wait a little longer to take revenge, could plan meticulously, but he didn’t want Su Su to be involved in even a hint of danger.

“Opposition is pointless; you can’t stop me.” Su Su swallowed the medicine in one go, baring his teeth at Qi Hanyi: “Once I grow legs, this fishbowl won’t be able to contain me; this house won’t stop me either. If you don’t let me go, I’ll go myself.”

“Su Su!” Qi Hanyi’s brow furrowed deeply.

Even a familiar face like Jian Cheng would distance himself from Qi Hanyi upon witnessing such an authoritative demeanor. Yet Su Su showed no fear, leaning closer: “I’m not afraid of death, Qi Hanyi.”

Qi Hanyi let out a cold laugh: “I can tell.”

Anyone who saw Su Su’s defiant expression would have to commend his bravery.

“But I fear that if this matter isn’t resolved, you’ll always hide from me like this,” Su Su’s voice lowered.

Hearing such words akin to submission, the anger Qi Hanyi had just gathered vanished unexpectedly.

“Even if I might not truly be human wearing a human shell, I’m not completely clueless. Qi Hanyi, I like you. Whether you believe it or not, whether you think we have no future, it doesn’t matter. I don’t need you to respond. But you can’t always hide from me.” The mermaid medicine began to take effect, and Su Su seemed a bit drowsy, yet he forced himself to finish speaking, as if afraid that if he didn’t do so now, Qi Hanyi would find another excuse to distance himself.

He nudged his round fish head against Qi Hanyi’s chest, splattering him with water, quietly expressing his grievances in nearly inaudible whispers: “I haven’t seen you for many days, and I’ve realized that wanting to see a person feels even worse than being hungry.”