NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 26:
Chapter 26: Jiang Huaiyue Arrives:
Lin Fan had some cash on him, so he left the dilapidated neighborhood and headed out to buy essentials. He picked up a blanket and a simple pot. He also stocked up on several packs of cigarettes, a stack of self-heating hotpots, instant noodles, large water jugs, and other necessities.
There was no running water or electricity in the area, and it was uncertain whether those services would resume. So he had no choice but to make do.
Lin Fan felt a deep sense of frustration.
He had once stood proud and mighty—the Border Wolf King, a martial arts prodigy, admired by countless people. Now he was hiding like a rat in a crumbling ruin.
Still, despite the anger and bitterness, he accepted his situation.
After all, he had taken an innocent life. Regardless of whether he could overpower the Haisha Group or not, he was undeniably in the wrong. His conscience wouldn’t allow him to fight back.
If someone killed your son, seeking revenge was only natural.
If Lin Fan believed he could kill others freely but remain untouchable himself, then how was he any different from those tyrants he once fought against?
To avoid further bloodshed, he chose to endure—at least for now. Once the storm died down, he would go after Shen Wuxiao and settle the score.
After a quick meal, Lin Fan leaned back on the nearly broken-down sofa and lit a cigarette.
In a place like this, it was easy for the mind to wander.
And sure enough, his thoughts turned to Jiang Huaiyue.
That cold, beautiful face with its rare faint smile drifted through his mind, and a soft smile formed on Lin Fan’s lips.
She was on a mission. He couldn’t contact her, and he didn’t want to cause her any worry either.
…
Three days passed quickly.
During this time, Shen Wuxiao kept in contact with Lin Fan, mostly through brief phone calls. Each time, he exaggerated the chaos outside—how the Haisha Society was hunting high and low, eager to tear Zhonghai apart.
He told Lin Fan it would be best to lay low for at least another week.
Lin Fan silently accepted it. He knew it was for his own safety. He didn’t want more trouble—he just wanted revenge on Shen Wuxiao.
That same day, a woman arrived at the Longting Seven-Star Hotel.
She wore a fitted outfit that outlined her graceful yet athletic figure. Her ponytail swayed as she walked with steady, sharp steps—exuding elegance and strength.
She headed straight to the front desk.
After a quick scan of the lobby, she asked the staff, “Hello, which room is Lin Fan staying in?”
The front desk receptionist looked up, briefly stunned by the woman’s beauty.
Even as a woman herself, she couldn’t help but be dazzled by the stranger’s striking presence.
“Excuse me, which room is Lin Fan in?” the woman asked again.
“Ah—sorry!” The receptionist snapped out of her daze. “I’m afraid we can’t disclose guest information. If you know him, you can call and ask him to come down.”
The woman at the desk was none other than Jiang Huaiyue.
Three days ago, she had returned from her mission only to learn what had happened to Lin Fan.
She had been furious.
Though Lin Fan was expelled from the army, her status hadn’t been affected. The higher-ups hadn’t targeted her specifically, so her request for leave was approved after a short delay.
Before leaving, she had already arranged for someone to investigate Lin Fan’s whereabouts. That led her here—Zhonghai, to the Longting Hotel.
But now she couldn’t reach Lin Fan. His number was no longer in service.
Just as she was pondering her next move, Manager Xie walked out from the lobby, having noticed the commotion at the front desk.
“Hello, miss. Are you here to check in, check out, or file a complaint?”
As soon as he arrived, the receptionist stepped aside respectfully.
Jiang Huaiyue turned to him. “I’m here to find someone, but your staff said they can’t disclose guest information.”
Her tone was calm. She wasn’t one to demand special treatment—rules were rules.
Manager Xie smiled professionally. “I understand. We take our guests’ privacy very seriously.”
Jiang Huaiyue nodded and didn’t press the issue. She decided to stay at the hotel. If Lin Fan is still here, I’ll run into him eventually.
“Fine. Then I’ll book a room.”
“Would you prefer a suite or a standard room?” Manager Xie asked politely.
“Suite.”
He nodded and turned to the computer. Manager Xie was sharp—he remembered exactly what Shen Wuxiao had instructed him to do.
These last few days, anytime a beautiful woman showed up, he followed a routine script.
“Miss, we’re nearly at full capacity. It looks like we don’t have any suites available—”
He paused deliberately.
“Wait a moment…” he muttered, pretending to scroll through the system.
“Room 1708… Oh, right! Mr. Lin Fan just checked out!”
Then he looked up at Jiang Huaiyue. “It seems we do have a suite available after all.”
Manager Xie’s approach was calculated. If the woman decided to book the room, it meant she wasn’t here for Lin Fan, and he would quietly cancel the reservation later.
But Jiang Huaiyue froze.
“What did you say just now?”
Her reaction caught Manager Xie slightly off guard. Could this really be the woman Master Shen mentioned?
“I said there’s a suite available,” he replied smoothly.
“No, the part before that. What did you just mutter under your breath?” she pressed.
Manager Xie pretended to suddenly recall. “Ah, I mentioned that a regular guest—Mr. Lin Fan—checked out earlier. He had a suite.”
“Lin Fan?” she repeated.
He nodded. “Yes, the same person you just asked about, correct?”
Jiang Huaiyue studied him. Everything he had said and done so far followed standard procedure. There was nothing suspicious.
She nodded. “Yes, I’m looking for him.”
Manager Xie was secretly stunned.
Master Shen was right again. That’s why he never sent me her photo—she’s sharp.
If he had behaved oddly, even slightly, she would have immediately sensed something was wrong.
“You’re looking for him?” he asked casually. “Well, he’s not here anymore. He was picked up by a friend.”
“A friend?” Jiang Huaiyue narrowed her eyes. “Are you sure?”
She knew Lin Fan well. He had never been to Zhonghai before. How could he have friends here?
“Absolutely,” Manager Xie replied confidently. “His friend is an old customer of mine—Master Sikong. He was here when Mr. Lin checked in. I handled the booking myself. No mistake.”
Jiang Huaiyue fell silent, her eyes thoughtful and focused. Something didn’t feel right… but she needed more proof.
And if what the manager said was true—then she had a new lead.
A man named Sikong…