045 : The Game of Power Begins.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the school as students moved through the halls, chatting, laughing, living their ordinary lives. But for Lin Tian, this was the calm before the storm.

The meeting at the docks had proven one thing—Zhou Minghai was willing to do anything to keep his secrets buried. He had sent Zhou Jianhong and his men to intimidate, to test Lin Tian's resolve.

But instead of backing down, Lin Tian had sent a message of his own.

Now, the real battle was about to begin.

Zhou Minghai was a man who operated from the shadows, using his wealth, power, and influence to control the world around him.

But Lin Tian?

He had spent lifetimes tearing down empires.

And he was about to do it again.

The first step?

Control the information.

Lin Tian needed leverage—something that could turn Zhou Minghai's power against him. He had already learned from Zhang Rui that there had been an attempt to leak information about Su Yun's mother's disappearance years ago.

Someone had tried to expose the truth before.

And now, Lin Tian was going to finish what they started.

During lunch, Lin Tian walked through the busy cafeteria, his eyes scanning the room.

Zhang Rui was sitting at his usual spot, eating lazily while scrolling through his phone. Lin Tian approached, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him.

Zhang Rui looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Back so soon? Don't tell me you already have another insane request."

Lin Tian smirked. "I need more."

Zhang Rui groaned, leaning back. "I swear, you're going to get me killed one day."

Lin Tian's golden eyes glinted. "Not if you do exactly what I say."

Zhang Rui sighed. "Alright, what do you want?"

Lin Tian leaned forward slightly. "The person who tried to leak the truth about Su Yun's mother. Find out who they were."

Zhang Rui blinked. "You think they're still around?"

Lin Tian nodded. "If they were willing to risk exposing Zhou Minghai, they knew something important. And if they're still alive—they can help us."

Zhang Rui rubbed his temples. "You really don't stop, do you?"

Lin Tian smirked. "Not until I win."

Zhang Rui sighed again, then pulled out his phone. "Fine. I'll see what I can dig up. But this isn't going to be easy. People don't just leave traces when dealing with someone like Zhou Minghai."

Lin Tian leaned back. "That's why I'm counting on you."

Zhang Rui shook his head. "You better buy me lunch after this."

Lin Tian chuckled. "Deal."

Later that afternoon, Lin Tian walked home with Su Yun as usual.

She was quiet today, more thoughtful than usual. Lin Tian could tell something was on her mind.

After a while, she finally spoke.

"Lin Tian."

"Hmm?"

Su Yun hesitated. Then, softly, she asked, "Why are you always looking out for me?"

Lin Tian's steps slowed for just a second.

She had noticed.

Of course she had.

He had been careful, but Su Yun was smarter than most people realized.

She wasn't stupid.

And now, she wanted an answer.

Lin Tian smirked slightly. "Isn't it obvious?"

Su Yun tilted her head. "Not really."

Lin Tian exhaled. "Maybe I just like keeping you safe."

Su Yun's lips pressed together. "But why? You barely knew me at first. And yet, you've always been there."

Lin Tian looked at her, his golden eyes unreadable.

She wasn't wrong.

When he had first met Su Yun, he didn't know she was the key to his trial. He didn't know about her past, her family, or the darkness that lurked behind her smile.

But something about her had drawn him in.

Maybe it was the loneliness in her eyes.

Maybe it was the way she kept smiling, even when she was hurting.

Or maybe—just maybe—it was fate.

Instead of answering, Lin Tian simply said, "Does it matter?"

Su Yun blinked. "What?"

Lin Tian smirked. "I'm here, aren't I?"

Su Yun looked at him for a long moment. Then, softly, she smiled.

"Yeah," she whispered. "You are."

And for some reason—that was enough for now.

That night, Lin Tian received a call.

Not a text.

Not a warning.

A direct call.

He picked up without hesitation. "Who is this?"

A familiar voice spoke on the other end.

Zhou Jianhong.

"You don't know when to stop, do you?"

Lin Tian smirked. "I like breaking rules."

Zhou Jianhong sighed. "Then I hope you're ready for what comes next."

Lin Tian leaned back. "Let me guess. Another warning? Another attempt to scare me?"

There was a brief silence.

Then—

"Not this time."

The call ended.

Lin Tian's golden eyes narrowed.

Something was wrong.

Then—his phone buzzed.

A new message.

From Zhou Jianhong.

Lin Tian opened it—and his expression darkened.

It was a photo.

Of Su Yun.

Taken from a distance.

From behind.

Without her knowing.

Lin Tian's grip tightened around the phone.

This was a message.

They weren't just watching him anymore.

They were watching her.

A quiet rage built inside him.

"You just made your last mistake."

Lin Tian didn't waste time.

He grabbed his coat, stepping out into the night. His mind was already ten steps ahead, calculating his next move.

Zhou Minghai thought he was untouchable.

Thought his money, his power, his influence made him invincible.

But Lin Tian had spent lifetimes proving people like him wrong.

He wasn't going to let them control this anymore.

He wasn't going to let them touch Su Yun.

This wasn't just a battle of secrets anymore.

This was a war.

And Lin Tian?

He had already decided how it would end.

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