Many countries around the world were closely watching the showdown between Xia Country and Shensan Country. The Western powers, led by Beautiful Country, were even secretly adding fuel to the fire, attempting to provoke a major war between Shensan Country and Xia Country in order to halt the momentum of Xia Country's development.
However, completely beyond everyone's expectations, Shensan Country—which had previously sworn up and down to arm-wrestle with Xia Country—unceremoniously and without any warning handed over that huge oilfield on a silver platter.
What on earth is going on with Brother San?
Are they panicking?
Decades ago, the army of Xia Country nearly marched into the capital of Shensan Country, so it was only natural for Brother San to panic.
However, with the Western powers led by Beautiful Country backing them up, logically speaking, even if Brother San panicked, it was impossible for them to retreat without firing a single shot!
...
In the imperial palace of the capital of Shensan Country.
Supreme Leader Teddy wore a gloomy face, while Herman sat on pins and needles beside him, not daring to take a heavy breath.
"Herman, do you have any idea how the whole world is making a laughingstock of us?"
Teddy was furious.
In recent years, Shensan Country had developed rapidly, and they considered themselves on par with Xia Country—a view shared by many nations around the world.
Yet in this showdown with Xia Country, Shensan Country had lost far more than just an oilfield; they had practically lost all their dignity.
"Please calm your anger, Supreme Leader. I had no other choice," Herman replied sheepishly.
Teddy let out a cold snort. "No matter what, you must give me a flawless explanation. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind stripping you of your military uniform!"
Knowing he couldn't take the blame for this disaster, Herman had no choice but to tell the truth.
When Teddy finished listening, a look of utter astonishment crossed his face. "You're saying... that fellow is from Xia Country?"
Herman nodded. "I only found out about this recently, and furthermore..."
Seeing him hesitate mid-sentence, Teddy barked with a stern face, "If you have something to say, spit it out. Stop stuttering."
"Yes!" Herman wiped away a cold sweat and said sheepishly, "He said... if the Supreme Leader dares to go back on his word, he will come find you for a cup of tea."
Swish—
Teddy's gloomy expression instantly cleared up, faster than flipping a page in a book. "Let's consider this matter closed. We don't want that oilfield anymore, and as for the other countries who want to watch a joke, let them laugh."
Losing an oilfield was a small matter; provoking that ruthless expert, however, would be a disaster. The losses would far outweigh any gains!
"Yes."
The heavy stone finally lifted from Herman's heart, and at the same time, he felt immensely grateful for making the wise choice not to cross swords with that man.
Seeing that Herman was about to turn and leave, Teddy waved his hand to make him stay. "Have a few more bodyguards arranged for me—make sure their combat skills are top-notch!"
"Understood."
Herman gave a bitter laugh inwardly, thinking that if that man really wanted to come find the Supreme Leader for tea, no amount of bodyguards would be of any use.
After all, that person could come and go through Beautiful Country's Platinum Palace as if it were an empty courtyard!
...
Xijiang Military Mansion.
Shen Qingtang recounted the entire sequence of events from beginning to end. Huang Zhonghu, Yang Zhian, and a group of senior officials from the Military Mansion pricked up their ears to listen, terrified of missing even the smallest detail.
"I asked him why the forces of Shensan Country retreated. He only showed me a mask and said having that mask was enough."
Shen Qingtang's voice carried a heavy tone. Had she not witnessed it with her own eyes, she would never have believed this fact, even if she died trying.
Huang Zhonghu asked with a tight expression, "What kind of mask was it?"
"That mask was rather bizarre—half of it was smiling, while the other half was crying!" At this, Shen Qingtang paused in deep thought before adding, "Just looking at it even for a split second brings an indescribable sense of oppression."
When the meeting concluded, the tension among the senior officials of the Xijiang Military Mansion dissipated completely as they successively left the conference room.
Shen Qingtang hurried to catch up with Huang Zhonghu and Yang Zhian.
"Little Shen, is there something else you wish to report?" Yang Zhian asked.
"General Yang, General Huang, could you tell me precisely who Special Envoy Xu is?"
At this moment, Shen Qingtang no longer held a shred of arrogance toward Xu Lang; alongside her awe, there was a faint, unperceived trace of adoration.
Huang Zhonghu and Yang Zhian exchanged glances, neither of them speaking at length.
"If you wish to know, you can go home and ask Elder Shen. It is not appropriate for us to discuss the details."
Leaving those words behind, the two of them walked away side by side.
Shen Qingtang stood frozen in place, lost in deep thought, growing increasingly curious about Xu Lang's identity.
Rin-ring-ring—
The ringing of her cellphone snapped Shen Qingtang back to reality. She pulled out her phone and pressed the answer button.
"Girl, you haven't come back to see me in ages. When will you spare some time to visit?" An elderly voice came from the other end of the line.
Shen Qingtang parted her lips slightly, her voice softening into a rare, gentle tone: "Great-grandfather, I will make time to come see you tomorrow."
...
As night fell, Hangzhou International Airport.
A flight from Xijiang slowly landed. Wearing a pair of sunglasses, Xu Lang emerged from the arrival lobby, expertly dodging several women trying to hit on him.
"Master, to Southeast Tower."
Xu Lang flagged down a taxi and departed.
Ten minutes later, the scene shifted.
Xu Lang appeared at the foot of a commercial building. Since it was already after work hours, the employees inside were leaving one after another—some driving, some walking.
Soon, Xu Lang locked his gaze onto a woman.
She wore a white T-shirt paired with blue jeans—a very ordinary outfit, yet it failed to conceal the ethereal aura radiating from her.
Xu Lang pulled a photograph from his pocket, compared it with the woman before his eyes, and then silently followed behind her.
"Sisi, how about dinner together tonight?" A bespectacled, scholarly-looking man caught up with Li Sisi.
"No thanks!" Li Sisi politely declined. "I have other things to take care of tonight."
Although disappointed, the man did not pester her relentlessly. Leaving behind a "Let's make it another day, then," he walked away.
Xu Lang followed Li Sisi onto a bus, and after traveling seven or eight stops, he got off along with her.
There were numerous snack stalls near the bus stop. Li Sisi walked over to one of them and sat down. "Boss, give me a bowl of wonton noodles."
Before the noodles were served, a young man sat down directly across from her. Assuming he was just sharing the table, Li Sisi paid him no mind.
"Beauty, would it be alright to get acquainted?"
Xu Lang's voice was remarkably soft, paired with peach-blossom eyes that looked as though they were filled with deep affection even when gazing at a dog, causing Li Sisi to freeze in momentary astonishment.
"Sorry, I have a boyfriend!"
Clearly accustomed to men trying to pick her up with such lines, Li Sisi casually turned him down.
"Sigh!"
Xu Lang let out a long sigh, his expression turning melancholy.
Seeing this, Li Sisi couldn't help but size him up secretly. She had to admit that among all the men she had ever laid eyes on, the one before her possessed the most unique temperament and the most handsome features.
"Could you buy me a bowl of noodles? I haven't eaten in three days!"
Just as he had looked deeply pensive a moment ago, the words he suddenly uttered caught Li Sisi completely off guard. She didn't agree, assuming this was just a newly invented approach for picking up women.
"I have a gambling addict for a father, a sick mother, a younger sister still in school, and a helpless me..."