Trafford's Trading Club

578: Chapter 46: Sacrifice 578: Chapter 46: Sacrifice This place is incredibly quiet… deep within the island’s forest.

Visitors on the regular sea routes rarely venture into such places.

On one hand, the old trees with twisted roots and the abundance of snakes, insects, rats, and ants make it hard to navigate.

On the other, the island’s forests are everywhere, and there are plenty of scenic spots on land to take photos.

There’s little reason to travel all the way to this isolated island.

Mu Enli arrived at a sloped earth bank where a large tree was rooted and began to pull away the vines entangled there.

The old captain suddenly felt a bit grateful.

If it had been a day earlier, with his physical condition, he probably couldn’t have endured such physical labor for a few minutes without collapsing.

But now, he was feeling rather strong, really strong.

After tearing off the vines, Mu Enli started using a branch he had picked up along the way to dig away the earth under the slope.

Not long after, a cave entrance appeared, big enough for a person to enter.

The old captain took a small high-powered flashlight from his clothes, bent over, and walked into the cave… it seemed even deeper than expected and sloped downward.

The underground cave, which had never seen sunlight, was very humid, and water dripped in some places.

Mu Enli’s shoulder clothes were already soaked.

After advancing about ten meters, the space suddenly opened up slightly, but it was already the end.

There were some roughly assembled wooden structures here, nailed together to form a basic frame to support the earth above.

Mu Enli silently came to the center of the frame and sat cross-legged in silence.

He took a white candle from his hand luggage and a pack of soft box cigarettes from his clothes.

He lit a cigarette with a lighter, inhaled deeply like a bellows, then lit the candle.

The smoke from the burning candle and cigarette mingled, creating a hazy atmosphere.

The old captain smiled faintly, lowered his eyes with a touch of affection, and gazed at a spot right in front of him—a simple mound of small stones surrounding a larger stone, erect and standing.

This was an extremely simple tomb. “How have you been?

I’m here to see you again.”

He spoke even more gently, reaching out to softly caress the largest stone, and said softly, “Another year has passed.

Days don’t seem fast, but they aren’t slow either.”

The old captain smiled again, this time taking out his steel flask, unscrewing the lid, pouring some in front of the stones, and taking a sip himself, “The doctor said I shouldn’t drink, but today it’s alright.”

He quietly savored the liquor from the flask, like an old drinker.

But what was in it wasn’t anything rare or expensive, just some cheap, easily available stuff.

Mu Enli rarely changed what he was used to.

For example, the soft box cigarettes he carried had sold for only fifty cents a pack in the past, and now they could sell for five yuan a pack, yet he had smoked them for decades.

Luckily the packaging of these cigarettes had never changed, otherwise, he might have felt uncomfortable.

The old captain looked at the straight candle flame in the windless environment, his eyes lowered further and said softly, “Right… next year, I probably won’t be able to come.”

As he spoke, he took out some spirit money from a black handbag, grabbed a handful, lit it with the candle, and scattered it before the tombstone.

The old captain shook his head, “Actually, I’ve thought about it.

After retirement, I’d quietly come to this island, just build a hut outside and live here.

Until when?

Maybe until a storm at sea, or maybe a sunny day when it feels like the time is right, then come here to lie down.

But, time isn’t waiting for me.”

A long, long time.

The smoke burned out, the drink was finished, and all the spirit money had turned to gray ashes.

The candle had burned halfway.

Mu Enli exhaled, got up, and said, “If possible, I’d like to lie down here today too.

But sorry, there’s still some business outside I need to finish.

Baiyu Cruise has been with me for thirty years.

I must let her safely return… you’re not upset, are you?”

Mu Enli silently dug with his hands into the soil beside the makeshift tomb and unburied an object wrapped in a piece of canvas, about the size of two palms.

The old captain placed it in his handbag, gazing intently at the tombstone, his look going from affectionate to relieved. “Being able to make your anniversary on my final sail is wonderful.”

He picked up the bag and blew out the candle.

Actually, there were many candles here, some almost burned out with only a stub left, some half-burned, others less than a third remaining.

Actually, Mu Enli never dared to let the candles burn completely.

Because there’s an old saying that when the candle wax turns to ash, that’s when the tears dry… perhaps if some remain, it means it doesn’t extinguish.

If it doesn’t extinguish, then neither does he, and he can remain here forever. …

Pushing aside the branches obstructing the path, the golden sandy beach lay in front of him.

The old captain raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sun above and walked out.

He could still see some tourists playing by the sea, though fewer in number; probably some had already left.

Mu Enli looked around and found that the young couple hadn’t boarded the ship yet, but stayed on the beach not far from the Baiyu Cruise.

The old captain thought for a moment and then approached the couple.

Approaching.

The beautiful girl was sitting on the sand, her head lowered.

In her hands was an almost complete string of small shells, with more shells placed beside her.

The boy was by her side, looking at her from the side. “Is this… the Red Peony Conch?” The old captain squatted down beside them, gazing at the girl… actually, the maid was stringing a shell necklace in her hand.

You Ye looked up, smiled faintly, and said, “Hmm, I was lucky enough to find it by accident.

Do you recognize it, Captain?”

The old captain laughed, “Someone like me, who’s spent a lifetime dealing with the sea, can always name a few.

But I’ve never seen one this small.

Still, finding a Red Peony Conch by chance, you’re really lucky.” “Thank you.” You Ye nodded, still focused on the threading work.

The old captain then looked at Luo Qiu and asked, “Have you gone to the cliff over there for pictures?” “Not yet.” Luo Qiu shook his head, casually saying, “It feels nice just staying here.

It’s a pity that I probably won’t wait for the sunset; it would be even more beautiful then.”

The old captain grabbed a handful of fine sand, let it slip through his fingers, and nodded, “Yeah, it’s about time to get back on the ship.” “Captain, have you finished what you needed to do?” Luo Qiu asked softly.

Mu Enli hesitated, as if about to speak, but was filled with doubt.

Luo Qiu then said, “It’s nothing, I just felt like someone going into an isolated forest had something they wanted to do.” “Yeah, normal people wouldn’t go in there.”

The old captain nodded with a smile, then shook his head without a word, dusted off the fine sand from his hands, adjusted his captain’s hat, and stood up, saying to the two of them, “The wind will pick up, so head back if there’s nothing else to do.”

Boss Luo nodded gently, watching Mu Enli’s footsteps leave a long and straight trail on the sand.

The shells were skillfully strung into a necklace by the maid.

Who could string together the captain’s footprints?

But when the tide rises, the sea will wash them away, and they’ll probably disappear. “Master, it’s finished.” “Thank you for your hard work.” … …

The sea surface was calm, and the enormous cruise liner was stable as Mount Tai.

But aboard the Baiyu Cruise, things were not so peaceful.

For example, in the small theater set up in the entertainment area of the Baiyu Cruise, the actors performing an exotic stage play were experiencing an unprecedented problem.

Amidst the crowd’s gazes, a man wearing a straw hat and flip-flops suddenly barged onto the center of the stage, then grabbed a female actor—more precisely, he just held her shoulders and hid behind her back.

The female actor naturally screamed in panic… because aside from this man, five onboard staff members also rushed onto the stage.

Three security guards, two crew members—as for beneath the stage, more and more security guards and crew members were emerging one after another! “Catch him!

Don’t let him escape!”

Flying Eagle chuckled as he pinned the lady actress’ shoulders, swaying her left and right as though she were a shield, blocking those security guards and crew members who wanted to pounce on him.

But he didn’t plan to stay long, suddenly reaching out and yanking off the actress’ skirt—it was an apron-style skirt, far too easy to pull off!

The actress, who had a good figure, screamed in terror, but Flying Eagle just pushed her towards the crowd!

Waving the skirt he had just taken off, Flying Eagle laughed heartily: “Ladies and gentlemen, original scent!

Who wants it!!”

People seemed even more interested than Flying Eagle had anticipated.

Leaping down from the stage onto a security guard’s shoulder to borrow strength, he then hopped into the audience, tossing the original-scented piece of clothing.

A few men instinctively stood up, trying to grab it.

Flying Eagle laughed again, as joyful as could be, stepping on chairs and swiftly heading towards the emergency exit at the back of the small theater!

In fact, similar situations had occurred numerous times before—seeing the gray faces of those security guards and crew members, one could tell how many miserable times they had suffered along the way, almost like being played as monkeys again and again. “Not playing with you anymore!”

Flying Eagle snatched a handbag with a long chain from the shoulder of a lady in the last row of seats, then darted out the door, finally wrapping the bag’s chain several times around the door handle, securing it tightly.

Only then did he clap his hands, smugly preparing to leave with ease—only for his expression to change slightly as he turned, “Ah, isn’t this Officer Ma?

Long time no see!” “Flying Eagle!

You won’t get away this time!” Officer Ma glared furiously at this guy… brimming with confidence!

Flying Eagle glanced around; next to the bulky Officer Ma stood a woman… probably in her early thirties, but she was undeniably charming, not at all like those twenty-something influencer types with zombie faces.

Ali. “Sir, just you and this… rather beautiful lady?” Flying Eagle shrugged, “Even if I let you use one hand, I doubt you’d catch me.” “Oh?

Are you looking down on women?” Ali squinted her eyes.

Flying Eagle patted his heart with a frightened look, “Of course not!

But my principle is, pretty women should be cherished.

Beautiful lady, if I hurt you, I’d feel bad.” “Quite the flirt.” Ali shook her head, hands lowered, slowly walking up, “But unfortunately, I don’t like frivolous people.” “There are places on me that are very serious too, miss.” Flying Eagle grinned, arms wide… suddenly squatting down!

Just narrowly avoiding Ali’s sudden side kick!

Flying Eagle stepped back two steps, holding onto his hat, “Madam, we should be talking about emotions here.

I don’t hit women.” “But I enjoy hitting men.” Ali grinned, her hand suddenly reaching toward her waist.

A loud bang rang out, and Flying Eagle broke out in a cold sweat, looking down where a tiny smoking hole appeared near his feet!

Flying Eagle was freezing inside… instinctively raising his hands, staring at the black gun in Ali’s hand, gulping, “Miss… isn’t this against the rules?” “Still thinking of running?” Ali shrugged.

Flying Eagle chuckled awkwardly, eyes darting around, but just then, another gunshot echoed… the bullet probably went right through his hat, prompting Flying Eagle to nervously stammer, “Not not not running…” …

Snap!

The sound of handcuffs clicking twice in succession.

This time, Flying Eagle’s hands were cuffed behind his back, even with a rope tied around his neck.

The knot was a slipknot, tightening with a pull… and the other end was latched tightly to Officer Ma’s wrist. “Sir, isn’t this a bit much…

I said I wouldn’t run.” “Hmph!

I swore I’d dry you out like salted fish!”

Flying Eagle shrugged, “Sir, after much thought and pain, I’ve decided to cooperate with the police!

I want to turn informant!

I know who the killer of Qian Guoliang is!”

Officer Ma and Ali exchanged a glance, with Officer Ma furrowing his brow, “You really know?”

Flying Eagle raised his eyebrows proudly, then chuckled, “But I’ll only tell this lady.

Sir, you step aside.” “Trying to pull tricks?” Officer Ma grabbed Flying Eagle by the collar, “I’ll warn you!

I’m not doing any phone or chest-thumping clichés!”

Flying Eagle calmly replied, “Sir, this is my condition, you can’t not accept it!

Otherwise, do as you please, but let me remind you, the killer might already be planning an escape, the longer you mess around with me, the person might be gone, don’t blame me then.” “You brat!” “Old Ma, let me handle this.

Just wait a moment.” Ali tapped Ma’s shoulder, taking the rope from him.

Seeing this, Ma could only helplessly step aside, yet stared daggers at Flying Eagle… shaking his head, this young fool perhaps didn’t know how terrifying Ali was.

She’s a complete witch… dear! … “Alright, young man, you can speak now.” Ali smiled as she leaned closer to Flying Eagle.

They were at most ten centimeters apart, Flying Eagle took a deep breath, “So fragrant, miss, what perfume are you using?” “Weren’t you going to accuse?” Ellie fiddled with the gun in her hand but lightly rested the muzzle against Flying Eagle’s chest, slowly moving it… as if tickling him. “Whoa, miss, you like to play this way?” Flying Eagle intentionally nudged forward.

Ali responded quickly by retreating a step and fired another shot at the floor, causing Flying Eagle’s legs to tremble slightly.

Despite his boldness, he maintained his usual smiling face, “Miss, if you really kill me, you won’t know anything, right?

Besides, can you kill people casually?

I’m genuinely aiming to cooperate.”

Flying Eagle then whispered, “I have a recording pen on me, it can at least prove a lot… miss, this can reduce a sentence, right?” “Give it to me.” Ali calmly extended her hand.

Flying Eagle helplessly said, “Miss, can you see my condition here to take it out?”

Ali rolled her eyes and reached into Flying Eagle’s coat pocket, only to grasp air.

Flying Eagle oddly chuckled, “Miss, such an important item is naturally placed in an important spot…”

Saying this, Flying Eagle looked under himself, arching his waist… revealing a mysteriously bulging area.

Ali furrowed her brows but quickly relaxed them, extending her hand slowly toward the mysterious bulge…

Flying Eagle licked his lips…

This female cop, worthy of being a mature woman, seemed indeed unafraid.

Unexpectedly, at the moment she was about to touch it, Ali withdrew a small step, without hesitation lifted her leg and kicked, the toe of her shoe striking squarely between Flying Eagle’s legs.

Ah——!!!!!!

The scream was even louder than the previous gunshots, as Flying Eagle’s legs clutched together, his face contorted, kneeling on the ground, opening his mouth but too pained to make a sound. “Old Ma, did you see that?

This guy was sexually harassing me, right?

My counterattack in self-defense is justified, correct?” Ali said loudly, looking sideways at Ma. “No… no problem.” Ma gulped, nodding vigorously.

Ali acted as if nothing had happened, pointing at the immobilized Flying Eagle, calmly saying, “Retrieve whatever is in his pants.”

Ma nodded…

After all, such a task couldn’t be left to a woman.

Thus Sir walked to Flying Eagle, rolled up his sleeves, under Flying Eagle’s desperate, collapsing, and panicking gaze, executed the ultimate move he hadn’t managed to use earlier against Ali…

Monkey Steals the Pear!

Grab. “No!!!!!!!!!!”