VESSEL - Extinction Countdown 973: Dragon King’s Severed Bones

Sweet Potato Street, Shisan Bakery Second.

Some big shot arrived on this rundown street today, drawing crowds and even tabloid reporters.

Some said Lin Changrong, head of Xiehe Medical Group, came to repay a debt. Others noted he arrived only after Ye Shisan’s arrest—too suspicious. The wildest tabloids claimed Lin Changrong fancied Ye Shisan’s young girlfriend, framing him for a bold date.

But rumors stayed among the street’s small fry. With Lin Changrong’s power, one call could bar them from hospitals forever.

As onlookers settled with snacks and drinks to watch the drama, one person felt something was off.

Vanilla.

You Long’er swung the door open, and Vanilla, eavesdropping, stumbled in, bumping her head.

You Long’er snapped, “You little brat, stop spying on adult talk! Go play downstairs!”

Vanilla pursed her lips in a pout. “Hmph, Uncle Shisan’s missing, and you’re bringing men home!”

You Long’er glared, her Dragon Gate heiress aura flaring. “What do you know? I’m not in the mood for your nonsense—out!”

“Fine! I’ll grab my Bum-Bum Bear and go!”

Vanilla grabbed one of the bear pillows and left.

The door shut. Vanilla rushed downstairs, pressed the bear’s rear, and voices came from its belly.

Lin Changrong: “Ye Shisan’s really been arrested?”

You Long’er nodded. “Yi Qing took him herself—no mistake. But I checked nearby precincts. No record of him.”

“He’s caught the higher-ups’ attention. A man like him can’t stay hidden, no matter how he tries.”

“The higher-ups… you mean?”

“Miss Long’er, your father surely told you about them—Fireseed, Eastland’s hidden force.”

You Long’er tensed. “If Ye Shisan’s in their hands, we’re in trouble!”

Lin Changrong chuckled. “I doubt Fireseed would target him. Since his release, he’s never harmed anyone willingly. My concern is someone using our kind friend.”

“Tch! Kind? That guy’s lecherous and vile!”

“Sounds like Miss Long’er’s fond of Brother Ye, haha!”

“No way! Who’d like that jerk? He’s thirty-four—way too old!”

“Alright, my mistake,” Lin Changrong said, amused. “I came to check on Ye Shisan and bring you a message.”

“Why not call? Why come yourself, Uncle Lin?”

“Your father, the Dragon King, entrusted me. I couldn’t refuse.”

“Dad? Is he alright?”

“The Dragon King’s tough. Two bullets grazed his heart and carotid. Without Ye Shisan’s surgery, no doctor could’ve saved him. Two body swaps in hours? Unheard of in medicine.”

“That’s a relief. Tell Dad to recover. Once he’s back, I’ll deal with that traitor second brother first!”

“Hold off. Your brother You Lulong controls Dragon Gate and allied with Hong Gang for Eastland’s business. Even if the Dragon King returns, taking back Dragon Gate won’t be easy. I’m just the messenger.”

“This… this is…” You Long’er sobbed.

“Your brother You Hailong’s skull, pierced by a bullet. The Dragon King says endure the shame—his vengeance will come.”

“Tell Dad I, You Long’er, won’t disgrace him!”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll go.”

“Uncle Lin…”

“What?”

“If you’ve got time… or if it’s no trouble… maybe have some random subordinate look into where Ye Shisan is…”

Lin Changrong laughed. “Miss Long’er, you’re as stubborn as your father! Don’t worry—Ye Shisan’s fine.”

You Long’er felt as if her secret was laid bare, her face flushed to her collarbone, but she shrugged it off. “Tch, I just need his fighting skills…”

“Of course, I understand. But a word of advice, Miss Long’er.”

“Go ahead, Uncle Lin.”

“From my years as a doctor, Ye Shisan carries deep trauma. To gain his trust, don’t lie to him. Tell him the truth when the time comes.”

You Long’er, still flushed, stayed quiet. Lin Changrong added, “The Dragon King’s favor is repaid. We’re even now. Your path, Miss Long’er, is hard.”

You Long’er sighed. “It’s not just my traitor brother silencing me. My big brother’s soul demands vengeance. And Dad’s bullet wounds… that blood debt must be paid!”

Lin Changrong saw her resolve. “And Ye Shisan?”

You Long’er’s heart stirred. “He knows nothing of that night. If he won’t help, so be it. But I fear Hong Gang will find him, and then…”

Lin Changrong said firmly, “Hong Gang will face ruin.”

“You’re that sure of him?”

“Miss Long’er, I’ll share a secret. Xiehe Medical has ties to Fireseed’ edges. Those they watch and let live? They’re beyond human limits.”

You Long’er recalled facing “that Ye Shisan”—fear, helplessness, a reckless surrender to death.

She understood Lin Changrong.

“I’ll consider it, Uncle Lin.”

Lin Changrong said no more, standing to leave. You Long’er saw him out.

The doorway was crowded. As Lin Changrong left, You Long’er locked the door, wary of He Qiang sneaking in.

Then she saw Vanilla waving her phone. “Little Vixen, your phone’s ringing!”

You Long’er’s heart raced. “Maybe it’s that jerk Ye Shisan!”

She answered, her face paling.

“Little Miss! One of our men saw Ye Shisan… with a beauty, shopping!”