Chapter 571: Stirrings in the Shadows
by xennovel“Look, you’ve just helped someone…”
A man with dreams always manages to connect straight to the heart.
After Lu Xin’s heartfelt conversation and sharing of his own experiences, Yin Mao slowly began to recover from the despair of his career collapse, even immediately starting to plan how to get everyone in the world to taste the stinky tofu and Salty Water Beer of Heichao City. Naturally, there were many difficulties—for instance, the money he had on him now would barely buy two servings of stinky tofu…
Mentioning money brought Lu Xin back to his desk.
After all, when it comes to encouragement, his main goal was to ignite his fighting spirit; everything else was secondary.
……
When Lu Xin returned to his desk, he noticed that both Group Leader and Red Serpent had already disappeared.
Han Bing explained quietly to Lu Xin, “We have to leave eventually. Red Serpent can’t keep using her ability to influence Group Leader forever. In the past, she could quietly depart, and over time those affected by her would naturally come to their senses. But this time is different—Group Leader is already in the throes of grief, treating Red Serpent as his only emotional anchor. Recklessly removing her influence might cause him to break down.”
Lu Xin listened with a concerned expression, asking, “So what are they planning to do?”
“I’ve discussed it with Red Serpent,”
Han Bing said, “She’s decided to give him subtle hints before undoing her effect, so that he notices the cracks in their relationship. This will instill a measure of self-doubt in him, and perhaps he’ll fall into a kind of disarray. Maybe his rationality and emotions will coexist for a while, so even if Red Serpent departs, he can hold on a bit longer…”
“Perhaps, if he truly wishes, he could always see Red Serpent as a daughter…”
……
Lu Xin caught the key point in Han Bing’s words: it all depended on his willingness.
With a helpless sigh, he said, “That’s the only way?”
“Yes.”
Han Bing replied matter-of-factly, “His loss of relatives is a fixed fact now—something no one can change.”
“Actually, if he ever got the chance to fight against Heichao City for the sake of eradicating Black Grass, or even sacrifice himself, it would be a form of solace for him. Unfortunately, not only is it futile, but Heichao City no longer needs him to do that.”
“After all, we must admit that not every wrong in this world earns a second chance at repentance.”
……
No wonder, she really is a girl who studied under Professor Bai…
Lu Xin thought to himself. Han Bing had a knack for quoting famous lines with impressive flair.
Come to think of it, Group Leader was indeed in that very situation.
What else could he do?
When he returned to a home that had been specially outfitted with a high-end security system—designed to protect his relatives even if enemies came after him—he discovered that his loved ones had been murdered because of him. Who could fathom the turmoil inside him at that moment? All anyone saw was that he seemed almost mad, desperate to do something, to make up for it with all his might…
Lu Xin was more than willing to help others, but he also knew that some things couldn’t be fixed.
“Mom always said I had learned a thing or two—it was really just about doing things right,” he recalled.
He used to rarely take the initiative.
Now he understood that you have to be brave enough to be yourself and express yourself by taking action.
Of course, that presupposes knowing right from wrong.
Otherwise, one mistake could cost you dearly, just like Group Leader.
So, what more could he do?
Turning his head, he noticed that Gecko was happily chatting with a drunken underling of Group Leader. As their conversation grew more animated, their faces drew closer—almost to the point of a kiss. It seemed they had already agreed on their next destination.
After explaining things to herself, Han Bing sipped some water while scribbling in her notebook.
Even during such a relaxed moment, to stay clear-headed, she only had one beer and didn’t touch anything else.
Lu Xin, a bit bored, glanced at the contents on her notebook. It appeared to be filled with details regarding this special pollution cleanup mission in Heichao City—likely preparation for the post-operation report.
Not only were detailed investigation results documented, but every individual’s contributions during the cleanup were also noted.
Hmm, I was the first.
Red Serpent was second.
Gecko, the esteemed vice-captain, was surprisingly only third, and she didn’t even list herself…
But…
Seeing that Gecko as vice-captain ranked just third, Lu Xin suddenly felt that something was off.
It seemed he had overlooked a certain detail…
He furrowed his brow, pondered seriously, then relaxed.
Nothing was wrong after all.
……
By the looks of it, his work in Heichao City was indeed finished, right?
Lu Xin mused quietly.
It might not be perfect, but he had done his best…
With that thought, he slowly lifted a cup of beer to his lips. Just as he was about to drink, he suddenly froze.
At the edge of this bustling scene, not far along the roadside, a pair of siblings walked hand in hand. They looked timid, hesitant to come closer—indeed, they were the Ye Xue siblings. The little brother recognized Lu Xin and his group and tugged at his sister, but the girl looked worried and kept her distance.
Looking at the pair, especially the small face of Ye Xue, Lu Xin suddenly realized what the regret was.
He signaled Han Bing to call the siblings over, then got up and hurried off down the street.
Weaving through the alleys, he quickly found what he was looking for and soon returned.
……
When he came back, he saw that Han Bing had already seated the siblings beside her and had ordered some food for them.
Lu Xin smiled as he handed the items he had bought to Ye Xue, saying, “This is for you.”
It was a brand-new guitar.
Even in Heichao City, where merchandise was abundant and expensive, this was considered…
…upper mid-range in price.
The little girl—Ye Xue—looked at the guitar with noticeable surprise, yet fear kept her from taking it as she whispered:
“Big brother, do you know about my guitar getting damaged?”
“…”
“Yes.”
Lu Xin replied apologetically, “And it’s partly my fault, so consider this my compensation to you.”
Ye Xue liked the guitar but was too hesitant to accept it.
Finally, with Han Bing’s gentle reassurances, she cautiously took the guitar. After a brief pause, summoning her courage, she looked up at Lu Xin and said,
“Big brother, may I sing for you?”
“…”
Lu Xin picked up his beer, nodded with a smile, and said, “Sure, I’d love to hear you sing.”
With a bit of trepidation, Ye Xue clutched the guitar and gently began to strum.
The tender voice, the soft strumming, and the unique Salty Water Beer of Heichao City filled the air.
That once busy street gradually mellowed into a quiet scene, its usual gloom seemingly lightened.
Lu Xin savored this moment of calm, finally allowing his heart to relax.
He truly loved life.
At the same time, he realized his deepest grievance with the Old Director—or even Number Seven—was this: if you’re going to fight, then fight, but what kind of fight is it when you shatter a little girl’s guitar?
That cost would certainly be charged to Number Seven!
……
“You all can stay in the safe hotel we’ve arranged until the order in Heichao City is fully restored,”
Han Bing, after listening to a song, said softly to Lu Xin, “Once the Administration Hall has settled the situation, I’ll speak with them about locating her parents. Whether they’re found or not, arrangements will be made for their future.”
Lu Xin nodded. Han Bing always handled these matters reassuringly well.
“From the collapse of a city down to the placement of a pair of siblings, has Qinggang always been this thorough in its planning?”
At that moment, a crisp, clear voice with a formal tone suddenly resonated.
Simultaneously, the heavy ebony window of the restaurant was pushed open, and a figure stepped out.
Huff…
The moment that figure emerged, a biting, ghostly wind swept through, sending chills down everyone’s spine.
Swish—swish.
Both Han Bing, who was talking to the siblings, and Gecko, who had been casually chatting with a subordinate of Group Leader, reacted in unison.
In less than half a second, they both raised their guns toward the doorway.
Only Lu Xin was a bit slower. His gun was usually stashed in his bag, and he didn’t have time to retrieve it—so he grabbed a beer bottle instead.
“Don’t panic, it’s me.”
But after that figure stepped out and quickly closed the door, the cold, eerie wind vanished.
The oppressive, creepy atmosphere that had gripped everyone dissipated just as suddenly.
All eyes lifted to see a girl in a down jacket, short skirt, and black knee-high boots. Bloodstains on her legs were gradually fading as she approached Lu Xin and his group, her face impassive and head held high.
Han Bing frowned slightly, unwilling to relax, while Lu Xin felt a hint of familiarity and strained to recall.
“Ah, you are…”
Just as Lu Xin was beginning to remember, Gecko suddenly burst into laughter and waved his hand, saying, “Lower your guns, lower your guns.”
With spirited enthusiasm, he opened his arms to greet her, “Xia Chong’s Captain, long time no see…”
“Don’t call me Xia Chong’s Captain.”
Before Lu Xin could react, Gecko enthusiastically rushed to embrace Xia Chong.
Observing Gecko’s and Lu Xin’s reactions, Han Bing realized that the intruder was not an enemy.
Slowly, the gun in her hand was returned to the table.
However, Gecko’s embrace had failed; once he reached her, Xia Chong coldly stated in a serious tone.
The stern look startled Gecko so much he withdrew his arms, asking, “What’s wrong?”
Xia Chong’s face was icily calm as she replied, “Because I’ve been promoted.”
……
Before Gecko could react, Xia Chong had moved on, leaving him to sheepishly retract his hand.
“Mr. Single Soldier, hello.”
Xia Chong walked straight to Lu Xin, extending her hand in a firm, formal greeting with a resolute expression.
“Hello, hello.”
Only then did Lu Xin hurry to shake her hand and reply earnestly, “I’ve been promoted too…”