Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 618: To Help or Not to Help

Chapter 618: Chapter 618: To Help or Not to Help

Everyone was currently living in harmony, sharing the same cargo ship as a home and even eating together. Perhaps this was due to the recent rescue of Hai, which had eased the hostility between the two parties.

Hearing that Hai, Jie’s brother, was the top enforcer for the big boss, Xu Haowen was greatly surprised, "My God, our relationships are really complicated! I never imagined it would be like this."

Jie responded with a bitter smile, "Yeah, I also didn’t expect my brother to hold such a role."

Hai sighed with resignation, "I didn’t anticipate either that you would join Gu Fan on his adventures and cross paths with us. It’s all the work of fate, I suppose."

At these words, everyone fell silent, for any mention of fate inevitably reminded them of the Destiny Stone buried beneath Gu Fan’s old house which changed his fate, prompting him to continue his exploration to find... what exactly?

In the foreign lands, Yuxueyun Mountain, and now the Triangle Sea Area, after having faced off so many times, everyone was weary. A peaceful coexistence would be much preferred.

However, prolonged peace would only be possible if there were no conflicting interests and hinged on the attitudes of Gu Fan and the big boss.

Hai put in, "It seems Gu Fan has decided to leave. This is for the best. After you return, focus on work and don’t end up like me."

"Don’t worry, I definitely won’t end up like you," Jie retorted. His usual reverence and respect toward Hai seemed conspicuously absent.

Hai didn’t take it to heart. Knowing that he had disappointed his brother, he didn’t blame anyone but himself.

While eating, Xu Haowen voiced his thoughts, "Has Gu Fan really decided to return? So, we’ll just pack up and leave?"

"Isn’t it great to go back? Isn’t it nice to return home?" Ouyang Jin commented, beaming. His smug look was met with disapproval by everyone, which caused Su Hui to snicker, "Looks like you’re eager for this to end, aren’t you Ouyang Jin? You just want to get paid."

Rushing to his own defence, Ouyang Jin replied, "How could you say that? Don’t forget, we’ve gone through hardships together. You all trust me, right?"

"Barely," came the collective reluctant agreement, leaving Ouyang Jin speechless.

At that time, Gu Fan didn’t join them for breakfast. Instead, he stood alone at the bow of the ship, watching the sunrise tint the horizon with an ethereal, crimson glow.

He felt the wind against his face, listened to the crash of the waves while a flood of thoughts occupied his mind. He was so engrossed that he didn’t notice the big boss approaching.

The boss stood beside Gu Fan, keeping a respectful distance, pretending to enjoy the view, "The weather is quite good today, a perfect day to set sail for home. You may return, but I cannot."

"The map and notebook are gone, so continue to do whatever you like," Gu Fan replied indifferently, his resentment toward the big boss evident.

The big boss sighed, "I seldom apologize to anyone, but I must admit that my attitude was not appropriate last night. I apologize."

At these words, the previously drowsy Gu Fan jerked awake and stared at the big boss, incredulous, ’Is this even real? The big boss –the boss I know– apologizing... to me?’

The boss then met Gu Fan’s eyes sincerely, "I really need your help. I want to rescue Leng Le."

"So, you’ve lowered your pride and apologized because you want something from me," Gu Fan retorted disdainfully, "Why should I help you? So you can potentially find the island, learn how to control the Destiny Stone, and then seize our old house?"

The big boss shook his head, "I’m sorry, but I have no interest in the Destiny Stone. I’m here because I suspect that the island is connected to the ancient Super Civilization. Maybe there’s something there related to immortality. I despise such things, so I want to confirm my suspicions, and if true, destroy it."

After hearing this, Gu Fan finally understood why the boss was so obsessed with chasing the large wooden ship. It wasn’t for saving Leng Le, but to find the island and destroy anything related to immortality.

Yet Gu Fan didn’t agree. He even thought of getting away and coldly stated, "Do whatever you like, Big Boss. I’m not going along."

Seeing Gu Fan’s determination to leave, the boss frowned and stopped him, "Gu Fan, don’t you want to know if Leng Le ever loved you?"

Hearing this, Gu Fan was startled, his inner wounds began to throb. However, he repressed his emotions and retorted coldly, "At this point, it doesn’t matter anymore. I have Lin Xi now."

"It’s important. You may not want to know, but I owe it to Leng Le to clear up the misconception you have of her as an emotional manipulator," the boss said, noting that Gu Fan was still willing to listen, he continued, "In the beginning, Leng Le did indeed plan on using her relationship with you to gather information. But after spending a long time by your side, I can assure you that she fell in love with you. She even considered marrying you. I’m the one who knows Leng Le the best. As a young girl, she was deeply hurt, causing her to isolate herself emotionally from others. Yet, after meeting you, she was moved. Her frozen heart began to melt. Even I find it hard to believe that she was capable of such love. But this relationship didn’t have a good ending. Gu Fan, if not for your attempt to expose the truth, things between you and Leng Le wouldn’t have turned out this way. Now, she has reverted back to her cold, unapproachable self. You owe Leng Le."

"Thanks for telling me this much, but I’m sorry. Regardless of whether Leng Le truly loved me I can’t be with a woman like her," Gu Fan replied coldly, turning away to imply the end of the conversation.

As he watched Gu Fan walk off, the boss sighed, realizing that any attempt to convince him further would be vain.

Just then, the captain of the ship approached the boss and asked, "They all call you the big boss so I’ll address you the same. You seem to have great influence. I have brothers aboard that wooden ship. Could you help me save them?"

"I’m sorry, but I can’t help," the big boss sighed, bearing an expression of deep remorse as he walked away.

The captain wanted to say something more, but he found himself at a loss for words. His hope shattered yet again, leaving him in agony.

Gu Fan hadn’t gone far; he was hiding in a corner where he saw the captain wiping away tears. A wave of emotion passed over Gu Fan as well.