Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
As night fell, the wartime demonstration took place in a massive stadium. The arena was brightly lit and packed with a crowd of over a hundred thousand people who had come in response to the news.
The purpose was naturally similar to the banquet hosted by Huankezhao, showcasing strength and uplifting spirits, instilling greater confidence in the government among the citizens of Dawn. However, unlike Huankezhao's chosen audience, the United Nations still adhered to a grassroots approach.
Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it; their philosophy remained rooted in the belief that the people are paramount and the ruler is secondary.
After all, elections require votes. In this society, everyone has a vote, and everyone possesses a so-called right.
Jufeng, accompanied by Vera, arrived at the lounge of the stadium while others had already taken their seats in the stands.
The demonstration consisted of various segments, including landing operations, individual ground combat, simulated battleships engaging each other, and of course, the grand finale: Mecha Combat.
Holographic projection was employed here to achieve a realistic effect; each spectator experienced what felt like watching a blockbuster war film in immersive detail.
While Jufeng waited in the lounge, the demonstration outside had begun. High-definition screens displayed scenes from outside where two teams of a hundred Landing Troops engaged in sparring on a virtual yet strikingly realistic simulated battlefield—exciting and intense.
The military history of the Universal Police spanned over two hundred years, more than double that of the less than one-hundred-year-old Suihuan Army. Thus, the exercises of the Universal Police were more spectacular and refined. However, to Jufeng's eyes, they were not particularly appealing.
"Exercises are ultimately not war; they may look good but where is such artistry on the battlefield? They can only serve to entertain the citizens who dwell in prosperous cities, allowing them to catch a glimpse of the atmosphere of war."
Jufeng truly found such displays distasteful; they were far less fulfilling than the mission assigned to him by Dragon Elder to infiltrate among terrorists.
Vera also showed little interest in these exercises but remained silent as footsteps approached.
The Jade-faced Scholar appeared in view, impeccably dressed in a suit.
Today’s Ganwen was clearly well-prepared; his tie was gentlemanly and elegant, and his polished shoes were solemn. Following him was someone who appeared to be his subordinate based on their gait.
"General, this statement is absolutely correct. Ordinary people, no matter how much they understand, will never grasp the brutality of war unless they experience it firsthand. The current approach is regrettable, but we have no choice but to use it to instill confidence in everyone."
Ganwen sat down next to Jufeng and continued, "If they remain unaware of certain false situations, they will jump to wild conclusions. If we allow this situation to develop unchecked, the stability of our society will be thrown into chaos. None of us can bear the consequences of that."
Jufeng's gaze remained fixed on the screen, while Vera and Ganwen exchanged smiles, one pale-faced and the other flushed, perfectly in sync with each other.
Seeing that Jufeng ignored him and Ganwen showed no reaction, a frown appeared on the face of Ganwen's follower behind him.
"It seems General has some misunderstandings about me," Ganwen said with a hint of regret.
Jufeng remained indifferent, even as Vera quietly held his hand beside him.
Ganwen's subordinate had followed him for a long time, witnessing his transformation from a naive student into a shining star in the political arena. Given Ganwen's current status and position overlooking the entire Magellan Star System, who would dare to treat him with such disrespect? Anger surged within him as he stepped forward towards Ganwen.
"You—"
The man pointed at Jufeng, clearly preparing to reprimand him. However, before he could utter another word, he found himself unable to continue, his speech reduced to a single sound.
"Ah—!"
He watched in horror as his finger twisted grotesquely within Jufeng's grasp, letting out a pained cry as sweat poured down his face.
Ganwen shot up from his seat, staring at Jufeng in shock.
Jufeng slowly released his grip, and the man's finger returned to its original state, though it was temporarily numb from pain.
"General, your actions are rather inhumane," Ganwen said. Even with his best demeanor, he could no longer tolerate Jufeng's arrogance and rudeness. He had been exceedingly courteous, yet received not an ounce of respect in return. How could Ganwen accept that?
Jufeng finally tore his gaze away from the screen, where the exercises of the Landing Troops were nearing their end. He looked at Ganwen and suddenly burst into laughter, saying, "I still prefer the current state of Councilor Gan. Can't we have a bit of genuine emotion in our lives? Must we always maintain a facade to feel comfortable?"
Ganwen was momentarily taken aback by Jufeng's rapid change in attitude, leaving him unsure of how to respond.
Jufeng smiled at the man behind Ganwen and continued, "Don't worry; I just don't want to be pointed at by others. Your fingers won't be an issue; they'll only become more agile from now on."
The man looked at Jufeng in fear, having not grasped what had just happened. Although Romain was smiling, he dared not approach any closer.
When Ganwen entered earlier, he had been overly confident, dominating the atmosphere. However, Jufeng remained unyielding, disrupting Ganwen's calm demeanor and steadily shifting the situation in his favor. Thus, the ensuing conversation would naturally follow Jufeng's lead.
"Brother Gan, our relationship is one of gentlemen; where is there any misunderstanding?" Jufeng stood up and gestured for Ganwen to take a seat before sitting beside him, speaking in a gentle tone.
"I previously lacked understanding of you, which is why I had my subordinates investigate. After learning about your identity, Brother Gan, I naturally wish to treat you as a brother."
Liu Gulang's investigation into Ganwen could not escape Ganwen's notice; this was also the direct reason he decided to help Zongheng Express transform into Universal Express. At this moment, Jufeng spoke openly without hiding anything, making Ganwen feel somewhat relieved.
Ganwen sensed the shift in the conversation's atmosphere and couldn't help but chuckle bitterly, sighing, "After years in politics and being older than General by a few years, I find myself at a disadvantage before you. How embarrassing."
Jufeng chuckled and accepted the cup of water that Vera handed him, distributing one to Ganwen and the man behind him. "Just call me Jufeng."
Seeing Jufeng's proud smile made Ganwen shake his head slightly. He thought it was better this way; schemes should remain in the shadows, while interactions with Jufeng were best conducted in the light.
"Alright, Jufeng. Now that you're in the dominant position, it's better if I let you lead the conversation from here on."
Jufeng continued to smile as his gaze shifted from Ganwen to the screen, where the exercises of the Landing Troops had concluded. The display transitioned to a more thrilling and realistic Battleship exercise set against the vastness of outer space. Massive flames erupted in the starry sky, immersing viewers in an exhilarating experience that demanded their full attention.
Ganwen's gaze followed Jufeng's to the screen as he heard Romain's calm voice resonating beside him.
"The first question is, Brother Gan, if you want to recruit me as an ally, at the very least, I need to know how the power structure of the Magellan Star System is divided. How strong is the enemy? How weak are we? What are our strengths amidst this weakness? And what are your plans for future development?"
"Of course, Brother Gan can choose not to answer, but if that's the case, it's best not to deceive me with false or cheap information that's readily available."
Ganwen listened to Jufeng's inquiry, and the bitter smile on his face vanished completely. He could no longer muster a smile because Jufeng was far deeper than he had imagined after their initial meeting.
A gentleman is open and honest, yet Ganwen did not expect Jufeng to be so forthright.
Although he wanted to open his heart to Jufeng, he wasn't foolish enough to reveal all his important secrets just because of one question. So he curved his lips into a sly smile and countered, "I agree with you; after all, I was the one who found you first. However, the Dragon Breaker Army is a legacy from the Dragon. Even if he intends to give it to you, without my mediation, you wouldn't have received a single penny by now. As for Universal Express, I don't need to elaborate. Although I have requests of you, up until now, before you make your appearance later, you haven't done anything for me. So I would like to ask, can you first share all your fundamentals with me?"
Jufeng seemed to have anticipated Ganwen's question long ago. He set down his cup and replied cheerfully, "Then listen closely as I explain."
(To be continued)
Comment 0 Comment Count