Chapter 51 – Snake in the Garden
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In the dim hallway leading to Lin Shaotian's private bunker, Lin Nuo walked with a calm swagger, but under the surface, every nerve was on fire.
The guards led him through layers of security—fingerprint scanners, retina checks, pressure-sensitive floors. Lin Shaotian didn't trust anyone.
Exactly the kind of man Xueqing needed to exploit.
A heavy door opened with a hiss. Inside, Lin Shaotian sat at a polished teak table, his face lined with years of battlefield experience. Cold, piercing eyes met Lin Nuo's as the latter entered.
"You claim you have information?" the man said.
"I have something better," Lin Nuo replied smoothly. "Proof. That your network has a leak. And Lu Yiran's operations are compromised."
Shaotian's gaze didn't flinch. "You speak boldly for someone so uninvited."
"I'm bolder when I know I'm right."
From his coat, Lin Nuo slid out a flash drive and placed it on the table. "Encrypted logs. Cross-referenced data points. Transactions tied to Lu Yiran's name—some routed through your men."
Shaotian picked it up, eyes narrowing. "You're bluffing."
"I don't bluff with wolves," Nuo said. "Only with sheep."
The tension in the room rippled. Then, the general barked, "Leave us," to the guards.
When the door shut, Lin Nuo leaned in. "Lu Yiran's empire is falling. You're too smart to die with her."
Shaotian studied him. "And what do you gain?"
"Me?" Lin Nuo grinned. "I like to bet on the winning side."
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Meanwhile, in the van outside, Xueqing listened to the audio feed, chin resting on her fist.
"He's good," she murmured.
Mo Chen, beside her, smirked. "I taught him well."
"You taught him how to charm and annoy."
"And yet he survives."
She shot him a look. "You're enjoying this."
"I enjoy watching you take down enemies," he said simply. "And I enjoy imagining how we'll celebrate when it's all over."
A slow blush rose in her cheeks, which she pretended to hide by adjusting her headset.
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Back in the bunker, Shaotian finally spoke. "You're not here for information. You want me to turn."
"I want you to survive," Lin Nuo corrected. "Your loyalty is admirable, General. But Lu Yiran's already sharpening knives behind your back. I'd know. I saw the contract out on you."
Shaotian's eyes flickered.
"Five days from now. Her cleaner will strike."
A long silence.
Then Shaotian reached for the flash drive. "I'll verify this."
Lin Nuo nodded. "Good. Because the war is already here. You just haven't seen the first body drop."
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Outside, Xueqing exhaled as the van pulled away.
"One snake in the garden is enough," she muttered.
Mo Chen looked at her. "Then let's prepare for the viper queen."