Chapter 90: Freshly Arrived, and Already Able to Eat Meat

Qin Lin had once said that Ding Yan was a major figure on the sea routes—connected, but with his fair share of enemies. To have survived to this age, he must be cautious by nature; it was impossible for him to show up somewhere and let someone block his path home. Moreover, Ding Yan was still boasting, claiming that in Edo City, on this very island, no one dared lay a finger on him.

Either this was all a charade, exaggerating his own power, or it was a trap—Ding Yan had prepared in advance, luring his enemies to the surface. If it was the first, then Ding Yan needed to be careful in his dealings, for his strength was lacking. If it was the second, then one had to be even more cautious, for it meant Ding Yan was ready to sell him out at any moment.

Suddenly, a hundred motorcycles roared onto the scene, hundreds of men gathering in the street. The man called "Stinky Fish" looked as grim as water.

"Ding Yan, you actually played me?"

"Of course. If I didn't keep my wits about me, I'd have been devoured by you little fish long ago," Ding Yan replied with a low chuckle. "Since I have two esteemed guests today, I won't let you shed blood. Go with my brothers, have some of the local tea. Once I've seen my guests settled, I'll come back and talk things over with you slowly."

"Fine, I want to see if you have the guts to lay a hand on me."

"Take him away. Clear the area, quickly—don't disturb the neighbors."

With a harsh command, Ding Yan turned back, grinning broadly. "Are you both all right? I hope you weren't frightened," he said.

"We're fine," Zhang Tianfeng replied.

"Good. Please don't take it amiss—I've made a lot of enemies over the years, so wherever I go, I have to make arrangements with the local powers. I can't help it; the older you get, the more you value your life."

He waved a hand dismissively. "But enough of that. Let's go—the hotel I booked for you both has proper ocean-view rooms."

On the way back, Ding Yan casually mentioned helping a local islander during his seafaring days. Laughing, he said he'd almost sold the man off to work as a laborer in the South Seas, only to discover the fellow was the son of a high-ranking member of the Mountain Summit Group. After returning him to the island, Ding Yan was treated as an honored guest. Many times since, when he’d faced danger, the Mountain Summit Group had stepped in to help him out of trouble.

"Lads, don’t scold me—I never became one of the island people. My life and death belong to the country. I'm just using them, that's all."

"Old Ding, be careful you’re not the one being used."

Assuming Ding Yan was telling the truth and really was just leveraging the Mountain Summit Group's power, it still stood to reason that anyone who could dominate this island gang must be sharp. No fool could rise so high.

"I know, I know. I’m always on guard, don’t worry," Ding Yan said, raising a hand to point at a building ahead. "We're here—this is where you'll be staying for now."

Zhang Tianfeng was stunned at the sight of the six-story hotel. Its name, "Maple Grove at Dusk," was written in Chinese.

"Old Ding, don't tell me this hotel is yours?"

"Of course not! How could that be?" Ding Yan insisted, but his eyes gave him away.

So it really was his hotel!

Gao Ran, oblivious to this exchange, was busy taking pictures of the distant scenery with her camera.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," said the receptionist, "but since the hotel is fully booked, the two rooms you reserved have been merged into one. As compensation, we’ve upgraded you for free to a hot spring suite. We hope you'll understand."

A hot spring in this sweltering summer! Just looking at it made one feel hot.

Zhang Tianfeng glanced at Gao Ran, who seemed unfazed. He said nothing and followed Ding Yan upstairs.

The room was spacious, with a living room, a bedroom, and a door leading straight to the backyard, where a massive infinity pool awaited—fed by hot springs in winter, perfect for swimming in summer.

"Wow! My swimsuit can finally be put to use!" Gao Ran shouted with glee, kicking off her slippers and dashing barefoot to the pool.

Ding Yan chuckled. "Looks like our little stock god's girlfriend is pleased with the suite. That’s all I needed to see."

"You both rest up. I'm off to meet my old enemy—I'll come back tonight."

"Thank you, Old Ding."

"No need for thanks. Rest well—everything you need is in the drawer."

Ding Yan winked meaningfully, then hurried out.

Once the door closed, Gao Ran came running back. She whispered, "He's gone?"

"Yeah, he's gone," Zhang Tianfeng replied from the sofa. "I'll sleep in the living room these next few days, you take the bedroom. Try not to act strange in front of anyone."

"Why are you so quick to draw the line? You know how many people would jump at the chance to sleep with me—and they haven't had it yet."

Without giving Zhang Tianfeng a chance to retort, Gao Ran snorted, arched her neck to show off her pale throat, and dashed out to play in the water again.

Zhang Tianfeng stepped out onto the balcony, took out a pager, and sent a message to a local number, including his location and situation. Ever since the incident at the toy factory, when Wang Qi had given him a scare, Zhang Tianfeng had become much more cautious about his own safety.

This time, before coming to the island, he had called the Huo family. Qin Lin might have influence, but his reach only went so far; only an old-timer like Huo could truly affect things here.

The number belonged to the Huo family’s local office. With them around, Zhang Tianfeng could relax for now.

After sending the message, he returned to the room, took out the reference materials on lathes he had prepared, and began his homework.

Time slipped by. As evening fell, there was a knock at the door.

Gao Ran, still barefoot and munching on watermelon, ran to open it. She let out a delighted squeal.

"Qingqing, you’re finally here!"

"You two really have taste, choosing such a unique hotel," Li Qing commented, stepping in. She greeted Zhang Tianfeng, then sat with Gao Ran to chat in whispers.

"Li Qing, you came at just the right time. Can you help me with these questions?"

The notebook was filled with difficult problems about machinery and lathes, which Zhang Tianfeng couldn’t solve alone. He could only turn to an expert.

Li Qing glanced at the pages. "My advice? For now, forget about partnering with them and focus on acquiring the manga rights."

"Why?"

"The mechanical market here is dangerous right now."

The economic bubble had just burst, and the surviving manufacturing companies were all scrambling for the top. The market was limited; the competition, brutal. For a deal with less than a five percent profit, they would still fight to the death, showing every card they had.

"The three companies on your list are all at a disadvantage. Their stock prices are about to crash. I suggest you wait and see for a while."

"What? Their stock prices are about to crash?"

Well, it seems fortune is smiling on me. I’ve only just arrived on this island, and already there’s a chance for easy money.