In an elegant manor in Russia, lush greenery thrived, and a nimble Blue Cat darted playfully among the bushes, startling two or three butterflies resting on the flowers.
A unique pavilion peeked through the varying shades of green, where a woman of extraordinary beauty leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance. It was unclear whether her sight was fixed on the greenery before her or on him far away.
Before long, a graceful young lady approached from afar, her captivating presence causing hearts to race. However, when she caught sight of the woman's delicate silhouette, her vibrant gaze dimmed slightly.
"Sister, Brother Feng has already left Earth. He left on his own."
After eight years, Sisi had blossomed into a stunning beauty, adorned with jewels and elegance. Her voice had softened after the trials of adolescence, yet in such a moment, it carried a hint of desolation.
Waiting for eight years, with unresolved feelings—how could one not feel sorrowful?
Vera's gaze shifted from the distance back to the present. The Blue Cat, tired of chasing butterflies, leaped back and lay lazily on the railing, feigning sleep.
It was hard to discern how much emotion lay behind her eyes, but her haggard face and frail body spoke volumes about the torment she had endured over these eight years.
In times of conflict, perhaps she could mask her inner sorrow with the intensity of battle and busy footsteps. But now that everything was peaceful and clear, Vera suddenly realized that what she truly desired had changed ever since she met Jufeng.
A complete transformation.
"Sometimes, I truly envy Lu Qijia. Though she has left, she continues to live in Jufeng's heart. She effortlessly obtained what I have longed for so desperately; how pitiful it is that I only now see it clearly."
This statement was meant to carry a tone of self-mockery, yet Vera couldn't even muster a self-deprecating smile.
There is no greater sorrow than a heart that has died.
Her slender figure stood still in the wind like a pear blossom. Sisi looked on, her eyes growing moist.
"Sister, why don't you go find Brother Feng and talk to him?"
"Do you understand?" Vera's gaze flickered momentarily before dimming again.
"Eight years ago, he gave me a chance, but I made the wrong choice. Is there still a chance to turn back?"
Sisi stepped forward, grasping Vera's arm and insisting, "How can you know if you don't try? Just because you've made one mistake doesn't mean you have to live in punishment for the rest of your life. No, the world isn't that cruel. Sister, trust me, trust Brother Feng, and most importantly, believe in yourself!"
Vera's expression softened slightly, but her heart remained in turmoil, struggling to make a decision.
Sisi looked anxious, like an ant on a hot pan. Suddenly, she remembered something and thought it might be a good way out.
"Sister, my mech skills are already at Blue Level Lower Tier. I want to go home and add some soil to Dad's grave. Will you accompany me?"
Vera turned to look at Sisi, seeing the hope in her eyes. Suddenly, she pulled Sisi into an embrace.
"Thank you, Sisi. Let's go; life hasn't reached its end yet. How can we give up so easily?"
Sisi's face lit up with joy as she nodded vigorously.
...
The long interstellar journey was nothing new for Jufeng. To avoid drawing attention and due to the current combat alert in the Large Magellanic Cloud and Magellan Star System, Jufeng chose not to use a private spacecraft but instead boarded a passenger ship, quietly arriving at the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Due to the war, the economies of both Star Systems had significantly declined, and Zongheng Express was no exception, especially since it was uncertain how long the war would last. Chen Hua had already called Washing City to prepare for abandoning Outer Space and returning to Earth.
This was the plan of many businesses in Outer Space; however, the process of completely withdrawing was complicated, especially for a global Fortune 500 company like Zongheng Express that couldn't afford to cut ties hastily. Thus, Jufeng first visited his own company.
Eight years had passed; while people remained the same, circumstances had changed considerably.
Jufeng listened intently as Liu Gulang recounted the events, his brow furrowed in concern. He felt that the situation was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.
"The United Nations isn't lacking funds, so why would they suddenly raise taxes so drastically? And regarding the matter of silencing those who have been killed, it doesn't seem to align with the United Nations' usual style at all!" Jufeng voiced his doubts.
Liu Gulang explained, "Those with insight can see that this matter is not as straightforward as it seems. Moreover, the defection of the United Peace Army was too sudden and intense; otherwise, how could the Universal Police have been defeated by Huankezhao and his group?"
"Additionally, I've heard a more reliable piece of information. Some members of the United Nations who proposed the tax increase are backed by major corporations. The deaths of those individuals are quite mysterious, and it was members of the United Peace Army who led the factory blockades. All signs point to Huankezhao and these large companies; they simply want to dominate the world."
Liu Gulang's analysis made sense. The surface narrative was merely a facade to deceive ordinary citizens, providing a pretext for their own conquests. Everything else was secondary; history is written by the victors, so what does it matter?
Jufeng fell silent upon hearing this and then shared Chen Tan Hua's findings with Liu Gulang. The latter was immediately taken aback.
"They are truly ambitious and ruthless, willing to go to any lengths to achieve their goals, even at the cost of countless innocent lives!"
Jufeng understood Liu Gulang's anger. Wealthy individuals prioritizing their own interests over the lives of ordinary people was something that would never happen in the Underworld. The Underworld had its humanity, while if Huankezhao's actions were true, they exhibited none at all!
If they could bring this information to light, Huankezhao's reputation would surely plummet, putting him in a precarious position in this war. However, the key issue was that everything remained speculation without any concrete evidence.
Jufeng knew that they first needed to locate Chen Tan Hua.
As for Huankezhao, he still had brothers and loved ones there, which made Jufeng worry not only about his hatred but also about Civilization and Jiang Xue.
"What has Sister Xue and Civilization been up to in Huankezhao?"
After eight years, Jiang Xue's journey as a designer must have reached its peak by now.
Upon hearing this, Liu Gulang's expression relaxed somewhat because this was indeed a matter worth celebrating.
“Jiang Xue is now a Crimson-Level Researcher and is currently working on a project. If successful, she will earn the title of Lifetime Honorary Researcher, which is one of the highest honors in the history of Huankezhao. There are only about twenty living Lifetime Honorary Researchers, most of whom are elderly and nearing the end of their lives. I was truly surprised by the civilization; I initially thought that due to research issues, she might leave Huankezhao. However, her mecha piloting skills have been advancing rapidly. Just recently, she entered Crimson Rank and is now an Imperial Mecha Researcher in Huankezhao. Jiang Xue and her partner are inseparable.”
Jufeng felt a bit more at ease after hearing Liu Gulang's introduction. Sister Xue would soon be returning to Earth after completing her work.
“What about Wen Yun?”
Eldest Sister Wen Yun has been developing the entertainment industry in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Her musical talent is extraordinary and has long captivated the Magellanic Star. I wonder what level she has reached after eight years.
“Wen Yun's achievements are beyond my ability to describe. Let’s put it this way: she is now the Music Goddess of two Star Systems! Every concert or performance is sold out, and only prominent individuals can buy tickets. The reason our Zongheng Express has such a great reputation is largely due to her being our spokesperson.”
Jufeng was genuinely happy; the sisters from back then have all achieved great success. As Sister Dai's Jia'er, she could finally feel at ease.
“Prepare two civilian mechas for me, modified for fully automated control. The situation in Huankezhao is urgent; their conspiracy must be exposed. I’m leaving immediately.”
(To be continued)
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