Ch-187 interection with fang hua

The plane settled back into a smooth flight as the engines stabilized. I sat down, stretching my legs as Olivia slid into the seat beside me. Qian Yan stood near the window, her golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully as the last traces of the enemy's aircraft disappeared into the dark clouds.

Lao Shandong, now standing at the edge of the cabin with her arms crossed, brushed back her long silver hair. Her sharp amber eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and cold calculation. The casual confidence in her posture contrasted with the tension that still lingered in the air.

"Well," Lao Shandong said with a crooked smile. "That was fun."

I arched a brow. "You call that fun?"

She laughed, the sound low and dangerous. "What can I say? A little turbulence makes the trip more exciting."

Olivia's gaze darkened. "They moved faster than expected. Whoever Fang Hua hired — they're experienced."

"And willing to die to keep secrets," Qian Yan added. "That's not just loyalty — that's fanaticism."

Lao Shandong leaned casually against the wall, her arms still crossed. "That means Fang Hua isn't just covering up the Wine God's death — she's protecting something bigger."

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "And I intend to find out what."

Lao Shandong's smile sharpened. "That's what I like about you, Raghav. Always aiming straight for the throat."

I met her gaze. "And you'll have my back?"

Her amber eyes flashed dangerously. "Always."

Just then, the pilot's voice crackled over the intercom. "Sir, we're receiving a priority transmission from the Fang family."

My eyes narrowed. "Patch it through."

A holographic projection flickered to life in the center of the cabin. A tall woman with long black hair, sharp crimson eyes, and a cold, elegant expression appeared. She was dressed in a flowing black and red gown, her gaze impassive as she studied me from behind the flickering light.

"Raghav Ye," Fang Hua's voice was smooth and controlled, but the underlying tension was unmistakable. "What an unexpected surprise."

"I doubt that," I said coolly.

Fang Hua's lips curled into a faint smile. "And yet, you're on your way to Vintressa. Should I take that as a declaration of war?"

I leaned back, my expression hardening. "You already made the first move."

Her smile didn't waver. "If you're referring to the unfortunate misunderstanding in the skies — I assure you, I had nothing to do with it."

Lao Shandong scoffed. "Bullshit."

Fang Hua's eyes flicked toward Lao Shandong, a faint trace of disdain appearing in her gaze. "Ah, the wayward daughter of the Lao family. Still running with dangerous company, I see."

Lao Shandong's expression darkened. "Careful, Fang Hua. You're one insult away from losing a limb."

"Enough," I said sharply, cutting through the rising tension. "Fang Hua — the Wine God is dead. And you know exactly why."

Fang Hua's smile thinned. "You've always been direct. Fine. Come to Vintressa — I'll meet you at the Crimson Moon Palace. Perhaps we can… exchange information."

"I'm not coming for a conversation," I said darkly.

Fang Hua's crimson eyes gleamed with quiet amusement. "No… I imagine you're not."

The transmission cut out. The hologram disappeared, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Olivia was the first to speak. "It's a trap."

"Obviously," Qian Yan added.

"I wouldn't expect anything less," I said as I stood. My hand brushed the hilt of my blade. "But Fang Hua underestimated me the moment she let me step foot in Vintressa."

Lao Shandong stretched, her slender frame outlined against the dark window. "And when things go to hell?"

I smiled coldly. "We burn it down."

Lao Shandong's eyes gleamed. "Now that sounds like fun."

The plane flew deeper into the dark sky, cutting through the storm clouds ahead. Vintressa was waiting — and so was Fang Hua.

She thought she was playing the game.

She had no idea I was already planning to end it.