83: Chapter 83 Welcome to the Ship of Desire

Jiang Feng took the first step onto the red carpet, with Zhao Yi following closely behind.

The view before them suddenly opened up.

The hall's dome featured a hand-painted starry sky, and a crystal chandelier hung from the center, illuminating the surroundings.

Well-dressed guests mingled throughout, the casino area echoed with the clinking of chips and the soft whir of spinning roulette wheels, while a band played jazz on the dance floor.

Zhao Yi saw a short, stout man with a receding hairline, arms around two blonde women, pushing a stack of chips onto the gambling table.

That man's face appeared on an Interpol Red Notice for arms trafficking in Southeast Asia.

He also saw a woman at the bar, wearing a kimono and sipping whiskey.

Black Cherry, a high-ranking executive of an assassin organization, with at least a dozen lives on her hands.

And another...

Zhao Yi's temples throbbed.

These people were all top-tier dangerous figures in the police files of various countries, yet here they were gathered for a cocktail party.

This ship was a Location of sin floating in a lawless land.

Jiang Feng remained indifferent to everything around him.

He activated "Empathy Shielding" in his mind, shutting out the various lewd emotions surrounding him.

"Good grief, this isn't just a den of thieves, it's practically an international criminal convention," Jiang Feng thought to himself.

"That bald guy is a Southeast Asian arms dealer... Did Mr. K invite his entire client list to throw a party?"

He surveyed everything.

A waiter led them through the noisy hall toward a sightseeing elevator made of pure gold.

The elevator rose silently, and the scene below shrank beneath their feet.

Ding.

Before them lay an exceptionally quiet corridor, covered in a thick wool carpet that made no sound when stepped upon.

At the end of the corridor was a heavy oak door.

The waiter stopped in front of the door and knocked three times.

"Please come in."

A gentle male voice came from inside.

The waiter pushed the door open, bowed again, and then retreated silently.

The scene inside was completely different from the luxury downstairs.

This was a penthouse suite, but it looked more like a private study, with rows of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves packed with various books.

A middle-aged man wearing a Chinese-style button-down shirt stood with his back to them, holding a small copper watering can and focusing on watering an orchid.

"Please, have a seat, gentlemen."

The man did not turn around, his voice remaining gentle.

Jiang Feng, without standing on ceremony, walked to a rosewood tea table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

Zhao Yi, however, stood where he was, motionless, his gaze fixed on the man's back.

"Where is my sister?" Zhao Yi's voice was cold, filled with suppressed rage.

The man's watering motion paused for a moment.

He set down the watering can and turned around.

It was a face in its early forties, thin and gaunt.

He was Mr. K.

Mr. K smiled, a very warm smile.

"Criminal Police Officer Zhao, don't be so anxious."

He walked to the tea table, sat opposite Jiang Feng, and skillfully began to rinse the tea, warm the cups, and brew.

"The moment you stepped onto the ship, your sister was already wandering freely in Jinghai City."

He pushed a cup of freshly brewed hot tea to the empty seat in front of Zhao Yi.

"We are businessmen; we prioritize harmony to bring wealth."

Zhao Yi did not sit down, nor did he touch the cup of tea.

"Your business is built on the destruction of countless families."

"Criminal Police Officer Zhao, that is a bit biased," Mr. K said, picking up his own teacup and taking a gentle sip. "I never force anyone. I simply provide the products that those in need desire."

"It is their own desires that destroyed them, not me."

His twisted logic made Zhao Yi's fists clench until they cracked.

Mr. K ignored him and turned to look at Jiang Feng, who had been silent since entering, his face showing great interest.

"Master Jiang's reputation precedes him."

Mr. K's voice held a smile.

"Compared to the righteous Criminal Police Officer Zhao, I am more curious about what kind of existence you are."

Jiang Feng picked up the teacup in front of him and blew on the steam.

He took a sip and then smacked his lips.

"Not bad tea. From the mother tree of Da Hong Pao, isn't it?"

Mr. K's appreciation grew stronger.

"Master Jiang is indeed a kindred spirit."

"Speak. You invited me here, what exactly do you want?" Jiang Feng put down the teacup, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his legs. "Beating around the bush is pointless; everyone's time is precious."

"Good, straight to the point." Mr. K clapped his hands.

"On this ship, my talisman is hidden—that is, the Eye of the Deadlock."

He looked at Jiang Feng and set the rules of the game.

"If Master Jiang can point out its specific location on the ship in front of everyone before the banquet ends tomorrow night, I will fulfill all my promises."

"You and Criminal Police Officer Zhao can leave safely. My people will never set foot in Jinghai again."

His tone shifted, though his voice remained gentle: "But if you cannot find it..."

A look of regret appeared on Mr. K's face.

"Criminal Police Officer Zhao and you will likely have to contribute some materials for my next talisman."

Zhao Yi could no longer hold back; he slammed the table and stood up.

"You dare!"

Mr. K seemed not to see his rage, continuing to smile at Jiang Feng, waiting for his answer.

Facing this death threat, Jiang Feng's face showed no panic, and he did not even change his posture.

He reached out, picked up a chip from the table, and flipped it nimbly between his fingers.

Jiang Feng spoke slowly.

"Mr. K, betting my life here, the odds aren't exactly fair."

He turned the threat directly into a business negotiation.

Zhao Yi was stunned.

Mr. K was also taken aback, then the smile on his face became even thicker.

"Oh?" Mr. K leaned forward slightly. "Then in Master Jiang's opinion, what should be added to the stakes?"

Jiang Feng stopped spinning the chip.

He slammed the chip heavily onto the rosewood tabletop, making a crisp sound.

He grinned, revealing a row of white teeth, his smile bright and arrogant.

"Simple."

"If I win, besides the conditions you mentioned..."

Jiang Feng extended a finger, tapped the carpet beneath his feet, and then pointed to the endless darkness outside the window.

"This ship Belongs to Me."

The refined smile on Mr. K's face froze for the first time.