In the era of the Clash of Swords and Iron Horses, life was far from the grand and desolate image it conjured; it was the Common People who truly suffered, their lives a continuous lament.
However, the conflict between Huankezhao and the United Nations had been raging for over a year, flames of war spreading across the land, accompanied by endless sorrowful songs. Yet, remarkably, a temporary ceasefire had been declared, with both sides occupying their respective Star Systems, glaring at each other in tense standoff.
Even more surprisingly, Huankezhao decided to celebrate the successful campaign by temporarily waiving personal income taxes and other rates for all workers. Though this reprieve lasted only a month, it felt like a sudden melody of pipa resonated on the battlefield, lifting everyone's spirits slightly and softening their animosity towards Huankezhao.
"This move by Huankezhao is indeed a clever one; the common folk value such gestures. A small concession can sway their stance, and public sentiment towards Huankezhao seems to be warming," Liu Gulang remarked while dressing Jufeng.
After a while, a grand banquet hosted by Huankezhao commenced. At this moment, they announced their decision to the outside world, revealing their ulterior motives.
Confirming that the bullet chains in both sleeves were fully loaded, Jufeng said with a stern expression, "The common people are like droplets of water; only when they gather can they form rivers. But what source of motivation will unite them? This is not an era of passionate ambition; thus, the will of the people cannot truly influence anything. The ultimate outcome still hinges on military results. Shangguan Wangyu's actions likely stem from his own twisted desire for perfection—he wants everyone to sing his praises. Are you sure these bullet chains won't be discovered? Otherwise, I could just pick up glass on-site."
Liu Gulang nodded in agreement and reassured him, "Brother Jufeng, rest assured. These are metamorphic metal bullets developed in collaboration with Jinhai Industries. The metal content is so low that it cannot be detected at all. However, once mixed, the material behaves like metal and guarantees that Brother Jufeng can shoot accurately."
Jufeng smiled faintly but expressed some regret: "Even if I can shoot accurately, it won't matter if they have more heads than I do. Just make sure your timing is perfect; remember to strike hard at the critical moment—that's our only chance."
Liu Gulang nodded solemnly and watched as Jufeng left the headquarters of Zongheng Express for Huankezhao.
As the black car gradually disappeared from view, Old Horse appeared out of nowhere.
The two remained silent for a minute before Liu Gulang finally said, "Let's begin our operation."
The streets of Magellanic Star were exceptionally crowded today due to one event—the grand banquet hosted by Huankezhao. The invitees included prominent figures from various fields; luxury cars filled the streets as throngs of people jostled against each other. Only the celebration marking the completion of Magellanic Star as a commercial city could rival such a spectacle.
Time had changed; back then, Huankezhao was merely an attendee but now had become the host—a remarkable passage of time indeed.
Jufeng's car was stuck in traffic and seemed unable to reach its destination anytime soon. However, he remained unhurried because without his presence, Shangguan Wangyu's show could not commence.
The formal tailcoat he wore felt too rigid for someone accustomed to casual attire like Jufeng; it was quite a challenge.
If Jia'er saw him in this outfit, she would probably be very pleased. It seemed every girl should have her prince charming dream; unfortunately, he never had the chance to wear it for Jia'er.
Before entering the Tiger's Den, Jufeng found himself deeply reminiscing about Jia'er, the longing in his heart almost overwhelming.
The car crawled forward at a snail's pace as Romain gazed out the window, hoping to ease his yearning by observing the bustling crowd. Instead, he spotted an unexpected figure approaching him.
A woman in a flowing black strapless gown, elegantly adorned with finely crafted lace gloves, her hair styled simply yet exuding an air of nobility. As she walked through the crowd, her exquisite features drew gasps of admiration from those around her.
She gently approached Romain's car, lightly tapping on the window before breaking into a radiant smile.
Romain felt as if his heart skipped a beat; his pupils dilated in disbelief at the sight before him.
Yet, even though the car moved slowly, it was still inching forward. If Romain didn't open the door soon, the woman would soon be out of reach.
He hesitated for a moment, and she noticed his uncertainty, disappointment flickering across her face.
In the past, she would have left without a second thought, choosing to embrace the regret of unfulfilled moments rather than linger here.
But now, things were different; her mindset had shifted, or she wouldn't have appeared here at all.
So she stood her ground, watching the slowly departing vehicle with hopeful eyes.
Seeing the emotion in her gaze stirred something within Romain. An impulse surged through him, and he opened the car door.
As the door swung open, a joyful smile spread across her face.
Onlookers assumed they were witnessing a scene from a romantic drama; this woman must be a star about to step into the public eye—her beauty was otherworldly, as if she didn't belong to this realm at all.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she gracefully entered the car, trailing her gown behind her.
Romain made room for her inside. Eight years had passed since they last met, yet time seemed to have left no trace on her face.
She still looked as she did the first time they met, though the girl had matured, and the bud had long since blossomed.
"You shouldn't be here."
Jufeng stared for a while before finally uttering these words.
The woman seemed to smile even more than before. Although her laughter was not as intense, it was undeniably beautiful.
Upon hearing Jufeng's words, she chuckled lightly. It resembled her previous cool demeanor but carried a hint of charm.
"I had guessed you would say that, but I am already here. Does it really matter anymore? Besides, this concerns all of humanity. When Yang Chou was destroyed, I was part of it too, and naturally, I must continue to bear this responsibility."
Not only did she smile more, but she also spoke more freely than before.
Jufeng thought for a moment and realized he had no valid argument to counter her, so he fell silent.
"From now on, I hope to fight alongside you. Is that alright?"
The woman seemed to sense Jufeng's future mission, so she refrained from discussing personal feelings and instead framed it as a matter concerning all humanity.
"I really don't deserve this from you. Since you gave up on me back then, why persist now?"
She continued to smile, though there was an inexplicable sadness in the corners of her lips.
"It is precisely because I once gave up that I don't want to do so again. I've tasted the pain; once is enough. I truly have just this one wish."
Jufeng was not arrogant; no man in the world could feel proud in front of such a perfect woman. But they were on a battlefield now, far more dangerous than the Underworld.
Seeing his hesitation, she continued, "If living without a soul is no different from being dead, then if you cruelly refuse me, my remaining days will truly be devoid of joy."
For women and people like Jufeng, if there is no joy in life, it feels like being a walking corpse, much like the dullness depicted in Jufeng's Eight Years.
Jufeng understood this feeling, and after a deep inner struggle, he slowly smiled.
"I really have no reason to refuse. Thank you, Vera."
Seeing Jufeng finally relent, Vera's smile blossomed like a captivating rose.
The car suddenly came to a stop at the foot of the Universal Building.
Vera linked her arm with Jufeng's, and the two of them stepped out of the car side by side.
(To be continued)
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