Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 970 - 971 You Owe an Explanation

Chapter 970: Chapter 971 You Owe an Explanation

A military helicopter had arrived, and Li Fangding stepped forward directly, starting with a self-introduction.

Then, with a wave of his hand, he said, "Let the women go first. We men will wait here for the next rescue team." He truly exhibited the demeanor of a leader.

Miao Xuanxuan sneered and said, "When we were out at sea, did anyone see him being so magnanimous? Hmph, now that he knows everything’s safe, does it even matter whether you leave first or later?"

Miao Qingqing also scoffed and remarked, "He’s just putting on airs at this point."

Wu Xiaoya was even more furious with Li Fangding. As a flight attendant, she’d been thinking all along about getting everyone out of this mess. It was precisely because of people’s selfishness that more lives were lost; otherwise, at least ten more people could have survived.

But at this moment, saying these things was utterly meaningless.

The military helicopter couldn’t carry many people, so it took five or six away first, leaving the rest to wait on the beach.

Li Fangding brought two individuals over directly to Song Xiaodong. Cao Heyang, however, absolutely refused to come along. He had personally witnessed how those two people died. Although Song Xiaodong wasn’t the one who directly acted, it was undeniably a trap set by him. Hence, seeing Song Xiaodong triggered an intense fear in Cao Heyang.

"Mr. Song, let’s have a chat." Li Fangding clasped his hands behind his back, his face bearing a smile.

"What do we have to talk about?" Song Xiaodong replied indifferently.

Li Fangding, unhurried, said, "There’s plenty to discuss. Since we’re waiting anyway, why don’t we chat about mutual interests?"

Song Xiaodong met Li Fangding’s gaze and laughed naturally. "Alright, then let’s talk."

The two stepped aside. Li Fangding still had his hands clasped behind his back, looking out toward the sea with an air of confidence. "In life, people always have pursuits. For men, it’s naturally fame and fortune. These are things I can give you."

Song Xiaodong replied flatly, "What fame and fortune could you possibly offer me?"

Li Fangding turned around, looked at Song Xiaodong, and smiled. "That would depend on what you want to pursue—business or politics?"

Meeting Li Fangding’s gaze, Song Xiaodong responded, "And what of politics or business?"

"Politics—I can arrange a position for you in a government department, then gradually promote you. Within five years, I can have you in an influential department as a deputy director. In ten years, you could be a director or even a deputy county chief. It’s all achievable."

"Impressive, huh?" Song Xiaodong’s tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

Li Fangding chuckled arrogantly, "You think I can’t pull it off? Let me tell you, in Jinhua City, there’s no such thing as something I can’t achieve."

"Alright, then tell me about business."

"Business is much simpler. I can arrange for some projects for you, like engineering contracts or government procurement. The profits are substantial—making a few million a year would be a breeze. After a few years, once you have capital, I’ll help you acquire land, and you’ll be able to establish a development company and become a billionaire."

Song Xiaodong chuckled faintly and said, "But I’m not very interested in either."

"Not interested?" Li Fangding looked at Song Xiaodong doubtfully. "Then what do you want?"

"I want... accountability!" Song Xiaodong’s smile vanished.

"Accountability for what?" Li Fangding frowned.

Song Xiaodong’s gaze suddenly turned sharp. "Accountability for those who lost their lives at sea."

Li Fangding’s face instantly darkened. "What if I refuse to provide accountability?"

Song Xiaodong stared into Li Fangding’s eyes and said slowly, "If you refuse, someone else will come to demand it from you."

"Are you threatening me?" Li Fangding’s gaze grew equally piercing.

Song Xiaodong let out a cold laugh. "Do you even deserve my threats?"

"Kid, are you deliberately trying to make trouble for me?" Li Fangding’s expression turned extremely ugly.

"If you were upright and acted righteously, why would I trouble you? But because you conspired with those people, causing the deaths of over ten lives—don’t you feel a shred of guilt in your heart? Are you not afraid of those lingering souls haunting you at night?"

"You..." Li Fangding involuntarily shuddered, stepping back a pace, his face twisted with rage. "Kid, if you’re determined to be obstinate, then let’s see who’s right in the end."

"Suit yourself. With a scum like you, I honestly think there’s nothing worth talking about." Song Xiaodong finished, throwing an unimpressed glance at Li Fangding before turning away toward Miao Qingqing and Miao Xuanxuan.

Cao Heyang and a few others clustered around Li Fangding. Cao Heyang whispered, "Mayor Li, that kid didn’t agree?"

Li Fangding responded viciously, "Hmph, let him show off for a while. Once we’re back in Jinhua City, I’ll make him regret it."

"Exactly, back in Jinhua, it’s Mayor Li’s domain. No matter how capable that kid is, he won’t stand a chance against Mayor Li. Won’t you crush him any way you please then?"

Li Fangding gritted his teeth and said, "Damn it, when the time comes, I’ll make sure I get those girls!" His mentality was already deeply twisted at this point, even abandoning the pretense of virtue.

Before long, two more helicopters arrived, transporting Song Xiaodong and the others to a warship. Everyone felt a sense of newfound hope, of escaping death.

Song Xiaodong, Miao Qingqing, and Miao Xuanxuan were assigned to a room. Borrowing a phone, they hurriedly called home.

"Who’s this?" Song Xiaoru’s weary, hoarse voice came through the speaker.

"Sis, it’s Dongzi." Song Xiaodong’s heart ached as he quickly identified himself.

"Ah! Dong... Dong... Dongzi? Is it really you?"

"Yes, it’s me... it’s really me!" Song Xiaoru’s excited response made Song Xiaodong’s eyes instantly red. He choked as he said, "Sis, I worried you, but now I’m fine. Qingqing and Xuanxuan are with me—we’re all safe."

"Good! Good..." Song Xiaoru said "good" over ten times, then suddenly screamed with joy, "Dongzi’s okay, Dongzi’s okay, Dongzi’s still alive!"

Following Song Xiaoru’s shout, Song Xiaodong could hear a burst of thrilled cries through the phone.

"Dongzi, I turned on the speakerphone. Talk." Song Xiaoru’s voice came back.

Song Xiaodong wiped his eyes and said, "My dear ones, I’m still alive, and very soon I’ll be home. Sorry for worrying you all."

"See, see, I told you! Brother Dongzi could never die. There’s no need to be sad, no reason to cry!" Xiao Yingying’s voice rang out first, but immediately thereafter she let out a loud sob. All the strength she’d been pretending to have came undone at this moment.