Chapter 866: Pass the Buck First

Zhang Yi put on his combat suit and moved the wardrobe aside with one hand. He felt along the wall before deftly opening a hidden compartment.

"Ke'er, go inside and stay there for a while."

This secret room was a specially designed space on the Golden Edge, originally intended as a hideout against pirates. Zhang Yi had specifically instructed Chen Jingguan to reinforce it—not only was it nearly impossible to detect, but also extremely difficult to breach.

Only concerned about Zhou Ke'er's safety, Zhang Yi had her take shelter inside as danger approached.

"Zhang Yi, be careful too!"

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Zhou Ke'er didn't argue and stepped into the compartment, giving him a trusting glance before disappearing inside.

"It won't take long. I'll handle everything soon."

Zhang Yi smiled reassuringly at her.

After securing Zhou Ke'er, Zhang Yi's first move was to contact the Jiangnan Region headquarters. When facing major problems, it was always wise to consult leadership—that way, no matter what happened, the blame wouldn't fall on him.

But before that, he went next door and knocked on Zhu Yunque's cabin door.

Though Zhu Yunque's presence on this mission was more for prestige than practical value, she was Zhu Zheng's niece. Bringing her along when contacting Zhu Zheng would help share responsibility.

With Columbus Navy ships approaching, Zhang Yi opened the door to find a weary-looking Zhu Yunque and the sound of baby Tommy wailing inside.

"We've got trouble. We need to contact Commander Zhu immediately!"

After informing Zhu Yunque, Zhang Yi turned to Su Nuanxi, who was tending to Tommy. "Take the child and leave. Go to another room!"

Su Nuanxi protested, "Can't you see Tommy's crying his lungs out?"

Zhang Yi strode over and slapped her across the face without hesitation.

"Get out!"

The blow left Su Nuanxi's face burning red. Tears welled up in her eyes as she prepared to yell at him, but one look at Zhang Yi's murderous glare froze her in place. It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over her head. Not daring to utter another word, she grabbed Tommy and fled the room.

Zhu Yunque looked displeased but didn't dare show it. "What's the problem?"

"The Columbus Navy is coming to inspect our ship."

Zhu Yunque's brow furrowed immediately. Though inexperienced, she understood the gravity of their mission—especially keeping intelligence from foreign powers.

"Then our priority is silencing Li Zongyu."

Zhang Yi scoffed. "Can you guarantee he didn't share intel with others during those six months on Rockflow Island?"

"Today, no one on this ship can slip up. Otherwise, I won't take responsibility for such massive risks." He pointed at her. "Of course, once we contact Commander Zhu, you can volunteer to shoulder that responsibility yourself."

Zhu Yunque stiffened. "Why should I?"

Despite her complaints, she obediently retrieved the communication device and quickly established contact with Jiangnan Region headquarters.

Soon, Zhu Zheng's stern, square-jawed face appeared on the translucent blue screen.

"Yunque, what's the situation?"

Zhu Zheng asked authoritatively, his hands folded on the desk.

Zhu Yunque glanced at Zhang Yi, who leaned into view. "Commander, it's me!"

In that instant, Zhu Yunque witnessed her uncle masterfully transform his expression. His stern demeanor melted away like snow under sunlight, replaced by a warm, grandfatherly smile.

"Zhang Yi! What's happened?"

Zhang Yi replied, "Worst-case scenario. On our return trip, we've encountered a Columbus Navy inspection."

Zhu Zheng's eyes sharpened. He steepled his fingers beneath his chin. "The Columbus Navy... exactly who I didn't want to run into."

"What's the current situation? Give me details."

Zhang Yi kept it brief. "They've already issued warnings and are approaching fast."

"Unknown whether this is routine or if they've discovered our mission."

"How should we proceed? Awaiting your orders!"

Zhang Yi was no fool. Left to his own devices, he might kill—sinking Columbus Navy ships would create an international incident. When blame got assigned later, whose head would roll?

So he dumped the problem on Zhu Zheng. Whatever you say, boss!

For subordinates, the worst mistake was acting on assumptions during uncertain situations. Stating things clearly didn't make you seem indecisive—it showed prudence.

In short: pass the buck. Workplace survival 101: protect yourself first.

Zhu Zheng fell silent. With unclear circumstances, no ideal solution existed.

"Priority is determining their intentions while ensuring no intel leaks about... that item."

Zhang Yi nodded. "My thoughts exactly. But if conflict erupts or the mission gets compromised, am I authorized to act at discretion?"

A grin spread across his face. "Say... eliminate them?"

This was his real concern.

Destroying Columbus Navy ships required regional backing—otherwise, Zhang Yi wouldn't stupidly provoke their entire ocean fleet alone at sea.

That'd be suicide.

Zhu Zheng's gaze deepened. Without hesitation, he declared: "No. That intel is top-secret, affecting Jiangnan Region's—no, all of Huaxu Kingdom's interests!"

"Zhang Yi, you must prevent leaks at all costs. Whatever it takes, understand?"

Zhang Yi narrowed his eyes. "'Whatever it takes' meaning no limits? Any action is permitted?"

His glance flickered toward Zhu Yunque.

So even abandoning ship was acceptable?

Naturally, for absolute secrecy, he'd slaughter everyone aboard before leaving.

"Correct. No limits! Even war with Columbus Navy!"

Zhu Zheng was resolute.

"Don't worry—if things go south, we'll send reinforcements."

"I'll coordinate with East Sea Region to divert their fleet."

"Your mission is bringing that intel home!"

At this point, if they couldn't monopolize the Divine Source intel, Zhu Zheng would rather share it with East Sea Region than let Columbus Ocean obtain it.

"With your assurance, I know how to proceed."

"Good. Act boldly! Remember—a powerful homeland stands behind you!"

Zhang Yi raised his right hand in salute.

"Loyalty!"

After ending the call, he lowered his hand. The entire conversation had been recorded by his combat suit's camera—insurance against Zhu Zheng's potential blame-shifting later.

Author's Note