He Fang had always believed that violence was also a way to solve problems. And this time, the decisive action taken by Chong Xiao and Chong Ying to eliminate the entirety of Light City, which was already completely dead, though a helpless measure, was also the best one.
So, he didn’t feel there was anything about these two brothers, Chong Xiao and Chong Ying, that deserved to be criticized.
“We’re… impressive?” Chong Ying, after hearing He Fang’s words, looked straight into his eyes, his gaze full of confusion—and a faint trace of joy slowly surfacing. “City Lord, do you really mean that?”
“Even if it was violence, it was violence that you chose to carry out of your own will. I believe it was a result you arrived at after judgment. Did I ever tell you?” He Fang looked at the young man in front of him, smiling with a sigh. He simply couldn’t help liking his NPCs. “I will respect your choices.”
In that moment, a flash of light burst from Chong Ying’s eyes, which had been shadowed for quite some time—or perhaps, it was a light even more beautiful than before.
Like sunlight breaking through the clouds and illuminating the earth, even though Chong Ying didn’t lift the corners of his mouth, He Fang could feel the brilliant glimmer that flowed from deep within his eyes.
“City Lord.” Chong Ying suddenly took two steps forward and opened his arms. It was the posture of someone asking for a hug.
He Fang instinctively opened his arms to pull the child into an embrace. But what surprised him even more was that, just as Chong Ying flung himself into his chest, another hand suddenly wrapped around him from behind.
He Fang blinked, finding himself with Chong Xiao at his back and Chong Ying throwing himself in front. All he could feel was helplessness. These two brothers even had identical postures when asking for a hug, from morning till night.
But then, He Fang looked at the gray mission indicators above their heads and slightly raised his eyebrows. It still wasn’t complete?
Yet judging by the situation now, the mission should clearly already be completed—at least Chong Xiao and Chong Ying both looked genuinely happy.
He Fang thought carefully, wondering if it had something to do with the mission he had issued earlier. His mission was to resolve the matter of Light City. And now, Light City had indeed been “resolved”—but that didn’t necessarily mean it was finished.
Zhang Guangshi ran.
He Fang looked at the gray question mark. Although the mission wasn’t completed yet, there was finally some progress. And since the mission had a significant impact on the NPCs, if given more time, it might bring even greater qualitative changes to the two of them. If so, then he could afford to wait a little longer.
After all, he had specifically washed up, stuffed himself with food, and only then logged in. He even sped up the game time just so he could finish this mission in one go.
He Fang looked toward Light City, which was still being dismantled bit by bit under the nightmare beast weapon, and let out a silent sigh. No matter the game, he never liked these storylines where a city is wiped out in one stroke. Back then, even just ten thousand of the old, weak, sick, and disabled had managed to rebuild the already-ruined Hope City. But now, a hundred thousand…
A hundred thousand people.
Even though he knew in his heart that they were just rats plundering other cities, when faced with such a scene of death, he still couldn’t help feeling deeply moved.
So, that must have been why Chong Xiao had him wear the mask at the time—so he wouldn’t see all of it.
Loyalty of only just under six hundred, and yet such surprising gentleness.
“Did you two let Zhang Guangshi go on purpose?” He Fang asked.
“Yes.” Chong Ying wriggled out of He Fang’s arms and looked at him steadily. “Big brother said that since Zhang Guangshi intended to turn us into nightmare beasts, then he must still have a backup plan. What he plans to do next, we’ll have to wait and see.”
He Fang’s eyes were full of surprise. “So you two really did think things through… You even considered something this detailed?”
A hint of red surfaced on Chong Ying’s cheeks. “Even though we’re happy to be praised by the City Lord, this was something Zhu Yan told us before we left. He said Zhang Guangshi was very likely scheming something and that we could cast a long line to catch a big fish.”
“But the fact that you could make such a decision proves that you did think things through.” He Fang patted Chong Ying on the head. He had never been stingy with praise for his NPCs. “But honestly, I really didn’t expect that he would lead us to this place.”
Chong Ying blinked and said, “Zhu Yan said that reality doesn’t always go the way we expect, so we need to know how to adapt. Even Zhu Yan didn’t foresee that they’d turn an entire city into nightmare beasts.”
He Fang looked at the glowing sphere, then turned his eyes away, not wanting to keep looking.
“Big brother said that these nightmare beasts unexpectedly still retain human combat thinking—they can still cooperate with one another. So there must be some kind of conspiracy. Leading us here might’ve been to try and parasitize us. That way, if we go back upright and unguarded, they can parasitize ordinary people without restraint.”
He Fang listened to Chong Ying’s words and nodded.
“But what if… we never made it there?” Chong Ying suddenly said.
He Fang froze. He turned sharply to look at Chong Ying—what did he mean by “never made it”?
“If Zhang Guangshi is a very smart person, Zhu Yan said that truly smart people never rely on just one plan. If they chose to use a scheme, there must be a reason for it.” Chong Ying lifted his eyes to glance at Chong Xiao. “Big brother said all those nightmare beasts underestimated him. But after seeing his combat strength, they showed signs of retreat.”
He Fang’s eyes slowly widened. So, from the beginning, these people had actually underestimated their combat abilities?
A smart person wouldn’t casually underestimate someone’s strength. To ensure success, they would definitely have a second plan ready.
“So… is it possible they have other preparations? Like doing something to Hope City?” Chong Ying mused aloud.
He Fang was momentarily stunned.
“Even though City Lord said everything would be left to us this time… we’re still very aware of our shortcomings.” Chong Ying’s fingers quietly tugged at the fabric of He Fang’s clothes. He asked, almost cautiously, “Can we ask for your help?”
In that moment, He Fang once again felt moved by the charm of his NPCs.
Willing to grow and also willing to show vulnerability. He had originally thought the Chong brothers’ programming would make them the stubborn type, but to his surprise, they could actually lower their pride and ask others for help. He had already been surprised enough when he learned the Chong brothers had taken the initiative to seek advice from Zhu Yan.
“Alright.” He Fang smiled. “I never said you couldn’t seek help from outside the field, did I?”
Chong Ying let go of He Fang, and Chong Xiao released him as well, allowing He Fang to stand on his own again.
Then, He Fang heard Chong Ying ask, “City Lord, do you trust Hope City with all your heart?”
He Fang blinked. A moment later, he slowly realized what Chong Ying meant.
If Chong Ying’s guess was correct, then there was a real possibility that Hope City—or Angel City—was already under attack by the hidden enemy. If so, it might be better for them to return now and take control of the situation.
But if He Fang truly, one hundred percent, trusted the people in the city—even those who might have once been potential spies—then their target would shift accordingly.
His answer would determine the brothers’ decision.
In that moment, He Fang suddenly felt a sense of accomplishment as the city lord.
That feeling—that all his subordinates were working toward his goal—was truly a wonderful one.
He Fang thought it over and said, “I trust them very much.”
Chong Ying blinked, and the light of Light City around them gradually dimmed. The vast city had now completely become a ruin.
Yet Chong Ying smiled—a smile different from before. “Alright, City Lord.”
He Fang hoped that his trust could serve as a guiding light for his NPCs.
The Chong brothers ultimately chose to go after Zhang Guangshi.
Apparently, Chong Ying had placed a tracker on Zhang Guangshi from the very beginning.
So it was likely the brothers had intended to track him all along—He Fang had just happened to ask the question.
“But how are we supposed to go now?” He Fang asked.
The three of them stood silently in place, staring at their vehicle, now completely destroyed and unrecognizable under the devastating power of the nightmare beast weaponry.
“W-We’ll just… walk.” Chong Ying’s expression was also rather awkward. Clearly, when they had been destroying things, he hadn’t given any thought to the fact that they still had a car.
He Fang: “……” Wow.
——
Wei Qixuan was studying day and night. The more he studied, the more he felt the vastness of knowledge and how powerless his old, simplistic understanding of the world was when facing its depth and strength.
After class, Wei Qixuan rubbed the spot between his eyebrows to ease the fatigue in his eyes.
“You don’t need to master everything. I’m teaching you this just so you can get a general impression.” His female instructor sat down as well, taking a sip of water to relieve her dry throat from the lecture. “As the Deputy City Lord, you don’t need to memorize every detail.”
Wei Qixuan opened his eyes and looked at the teacher he respected deeply—a stunningly beautiful woman. He said, “But, Teacher, you know everything.”
Her hand paused mid-sip. She looked at Wei Qixuan with a bit of surprise, then suddenly burst out laughing. “Oh? Are you trying to challenge me or something?”
The female teacher’s laughter was clear and crisp. She clearly thought Wei Qixuan was joking. But as she laughed, she gradually noticed the seriousness in his expression. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. Was this child serious?
“In the City Lord’s city, people like you, Teacher, are the norm, right?” Wei Qixuan gripped the pen in his hand tightly.
The female teacher chuckled, “You can’t compare it that way.”
“I’m not comparing,” Wei Qixuan said, “I just want to at least be like an ordinary person in the City Lord’s city.”
The female teacher looked at the boy and shook her head. “You’re not the same as us. Even in the main city, everyone has their own strengths. Children need a long time to be educated, and they’re afraid of the unknown. Food must be prepared step by step. Some are good at finance, some at combat, some at cooking, and some at food delivery. Everyone has something they’re good at. In the City Lord’s world, it’s about giving everyone a chance to do what they’re good at, what they love.”
Wei Qixuan stared at the dense rows of writing in his textbook, but said nothing.
“Wei Qixuan, your dream is to become Deputy City Lord. Then just do your best and head in that direction.”
Wei Qixuan understood the teacher’s words.
But it was precisely because he understood that he felt unwilling.
Because he could only choose one path, while the people of the main city could choose any path.
“You’ve been in contact with too many people from the main city, and it’s made you lose yourself a bit,” the female teacher suddenly said. “You’ve already been working hard these days. Go back and review on your own. Visit Hope City, visit Angel City. Relax a little.”
Wei Qixuan froze for a moment, then quickly protested, “Teacher, I’m not tired. I can keep studying.”
“Although I don’t like to hand out praise,” the female teacher said, “Wei Qixuan, you’re someone who doesn’t make us dislike you. That’s why we’re willing to nurture you.”
No one would be unhappy after being acknowledged—at least, Wei Qixuan was very happy.
Did this mean he was now recognized by the City Lord’s city? Then maybe, in the future, he too could openly and justifiably assist the City Lord just like everyone else.
The female teacher saw through Wei Qixuan’s little thoughts in an instant. Rarely, a trace of bitterness crept into her tone. “Actually, we’re very envious of you.”
Wei Qixuan was taken aback. He pointed at his own nose with a look of confusion—him? What was there to be envious of about him?
“We may be excellent, but it’s actually very difficult for us to have direct contact with the City Lord,” the female teacher said, a rare tinge of grievance in her gaze. “Back when there were fewer people, we could still see the City Lord every now and then. But now, as the population grows, everyone gets less and less time to even look at him. But you’re different. With your identity as Deputy City Lord, you can use all sorts of reasons to meet the City Lord. It’s enough to make people die of envy.”
Wei Qixuan was speechless. Though… was that really how it was?
Did that mean he was already someone special to the City Lord?
Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen—it was from Ye Sheng. He frowned slightly and picked up the call.
“Deputy City Lord,” came Ye Sheng’s mechanical-sounding voice from the other end.
“What is it?” Ye Sheng rarely contacted him directly. Now that the City Lord wasn’t around, any matters concerning Hope City would be reported straight to him.
“The City Lord of Hope City has arrived,” Ye Sheng said, his tone a little odd.
“What?” Wei Qixuan didn’t react for a moment. “The City Lord has returned?”
Meanwhile, at the border defenses, many border guards turned their puzzled gazes toward the scene—various kinds of people were gathering in heaps at the border, all part of a large, fully-formed convoy. The vehicles were visibly stuffed full of supplies, and… there were a lot of people.
They, who were once the gatekeepers, could very precisely sense that the people inside this group were all strong and well-built—clearly individuals with combat capabilities.
There were quite a lot of them.
The convoy was enormous, probably numbering in the thousands.
At the very front was a young man.
The young man had delicate features and wasn’t very tall. Even though he was the leader of the entire group, he didn’t appear arrogant in the slightest—in fact, he carried a calm demeanor. When he looked at the entire border defense and the unfamiliar weapons visible everywhere on the defensive lines, his eyes were filled with complex emotions.
This was clearly a group that looked wealthy and well-equipped, not at all like they were here to seek refuge in Hope City.
As they drew closer, it became clear that this was indeed not the case.
That delicate-looking young man even introduced himself by name, claiming to be the City Lord of Hope City!
At that moment, Ye Sheng couldn’t make a decision. Everyone in the current Hope City knew exactly who their City Lord was. However, this person’s demeanor was not aggressive, and much of what he said reinforced his claimed identity. The lie detector showed no signs of deception.
Ye Sheng also knew that the former City Lord of Hope City had fled with all the city’s resources and the capable and knowledgeable people after the city’s destruction.
So now, this person was, without a doubt, the former City Lord of Hope City.
Should they let them in?
But the current City Lord had said—anyone could be accepted.
And among those “anyone”…
Including the former City Lord of Hope City?
Ye Sheng hung up the phone, raised his eyes, and looked at the vast convoy before saying to the people at the front, “Everyone, please wait a moment. The Deputy City Lord is on his way.”
“Deputy City Lord?” Upon hearing Ye Sheng’s words, the man standing at the very front beside the former City Lord of Hope City immediately darkened his expression. The massive suit of armor he wore made his figure appear extremely imposing, and he stood with arms crossed arrogantly. “Hope City has always had only one City Lord—our Lord Bei Ji. Since when did Hope City have a Deputy City Lord?”
Ye Sheng frowned slightly. As far as they were concerned, the only City Lord now was He Fang.
“I’m sorry. Due to the large number of people, the registration process will take some time. We are currently inspecting each individual. For now, you may not enter.” Because of the unique nature of He Fang’s city, the cold and rigid demeanor once typical of gatekeepers had faded greatly from Ye Sheng. He had seen far too many people over time and had become much more tactful than before, no longer judging things in absolutes.
“Our City Lord is returning to our city, and you, a mere gatekeeper, think you have the right to block us from entering?” In an instant, the tall man’s face twisted with anger.
Yet Ye Sheng showed no fear at all. The body he had built up over time, even with a bit of extra flesh, didn’t seem the least bit weak standing in front of the armored man. With his naturally unapproachable appearance, now further hardened by years under the sun, Ye Sheng had fully taken on the look of a seasoned, strong man. Remarkably, he didn’t lose the upper hand even against the one in armor.
“Even if you are a City Lord of whatever city, anyone entering from the outside must undergo border verification.” Ye Sheng’s stance was firm.
“What the hell do you think you are!” The arrogant man was clearly provoked by Ye Sheng’s rebuttal. He raised his hand, about to strike Ye Sheng.
But at that moment, the former City Lord of Hope City—Bei Ji—suddenly spoke up: “Enough. If we have to wait, we’ll wait.”
Though the arrogant and burly man was filled with resentment, he obediently lowered his hand. With a cold snort toward Ye Sheng, he turned around and returned to Bei Ji’s side.
Ye Sheng and the other border guards unabashedly sized up Bei Ji. It had to be said—Bei Ji actually gave off a somewhat similar impression to He Fang: the same frailty, the same thin frame, the same seemingly harmless appearance, and even a similarly soft voice.
However, unlike He Fang, Bei Ji seemed even more timid.
When Bei Ji noticed Ye Sheng’s gaze, he appeared a bit uncomfortable and turned around to re-enter the vehicle, as the lighting inside at least offered some cover. Ye Sheng noted the unnatural expression on Bei Ji’s face. He certainly didn’t look like someone with the demeanor of a city lord.
Then again, Ye Sheng had always thought that He Fang didn’t look like a city lord either.
“What are you looking at?” the tall man suddenly snapped at Ye Sheng, his voice sharp. “Do you think your filthy eyes are worthy of gazing at our noble City Lord?”
Ye Sheng wasn’t angry. He casually looked away, as if it was nothing worth fussing over. In this world, He Fang’s city was the anomaly. They were long used to words like these.
At least, that was what Ye Sheng thought—until he suddenly heard voices from the border soldiers under his command nearby.
“That’s the former City Lord of Hope City? Seriously? Still thinks he’s above everyone else?” one soldier muttered. “Ran away with his tail between his legs, and now that Hope City’s risen again, he’s back for leftovers? Acting like this, who gave him the nerve?”
“Don’t tell me he really thinks he’s still Hope City’s lord just because he came back? No way, right? No way?”
“If the people of Hope City are still afraid of this so-called City Lord, I’d rather go to Angel City—or even back to Scorching Sun City. If you don’t even have the guts to choose your own ruler, just watching you makes me sick.”
“The City Lord never told us not to look. I even saw the City Lord and Ye Sheng up on the watchtower once. That’s when I realized—our City Lord can be this close to us. Before that, I always thought the old footage left behind was fake. But it was then I understood—so the peaceful world from the past really did exist.”
“Now, when I see those people putting on airs, I feel a visceral disgust.”
As the border guards whispered among themselves, noticing Ye Sheng glancing in their direction, they instinctively looked away and turned to leave.
Ye Sheng didn’t have any intention to oppose the former City Lord of Hope City, nor did he feel any outright rejection. But hearing the conversation, he was surprised.
Compared to ordinary people, his emotions were more indifferent, which always put him at a disadvantage in the internal struggles of Scorching Sun City. He had never paid much attention to this before, but now he understood that he truly was dull and out of sync with those around him.
He really hadn’t expected it.
It turned out that the former gatekeepers of Scorching Sun City, who were now stationed in Hope City, had completely sided with Hope City.
But he couldn’t blame them for feeling that way, especially after being genuinely treated kindly by City Lord He Fang. Even with his emotional indifference, from his heart rose a deep respect for City Lord He Fang.
So now, under such a big-picture environment, wouldn’t it be better if that former City Lord of Hope City, who came from afar, just disappeared?
A faint glint of killing intent flashed in Ye Sheng’s eyes, but he quickly concealed it.
Whether or not he was the former City Lord of Hope City, Ye Sheng’s job was simply as a border guard. The one who should make decisions was not him.
The distance from Hope City to the border was quite far. About half an hour later, Ye Sheng noticed vehicles approaching in the distance. From the watchtower, he looked down at the Deputy City Lord Wei Qixuan sitting in the passenger seat. Suddenly, a strange thought arose within him.
Just like the hints and chatter he had just overheard from the gatekeepers, he unexpectedly began to grow curious about Wei Qixuan’s thoughts as well.
After all, Wei Qixuan was one of those once abandoned by the former City Lord of Hope City. Could he still harbor any lingering feelings toward the City Lord called Bei Ji?
Even Ye Sheng himself could not help but want to explore this, let alone the other gatekeepers.
When Wei Qixuan had just arrived here, he could already sense the various gazes coming from all directions. He lowered his eyes, seemingly indifferent to his surroundings. But in reality, in places unnoticed by others, his hand quietly clenched tighter.
Wei Qixuan stepped out of the car. He lifted his head and looked toward the endless line of vehicles stretched across the border.
In that moment, these vehicles stirred the deepest memories buried in his mind.
They had always said that the City Lord of Hope City had fled.
But in truth, if the City Lord wanted to leave, how could they possibly have stopped it?
These vehicles, like a long, winding dragon, extended across the vast and boundless plain, disappearing into the horizon.
And what Wei Qixuan had once seen were their retreating backs.
What he saw now was their return.
In the instant he saw it, a surge of anger welled up in Wei Qixuan’s heart. Back then, when they learned they were being abandoned, everyone had watched helplessly as the convoy departed, powerless to do anything.
The moment they left, the act of abandonment had already taken form. And now they were back… now they had returned…
Wei Qixuan took a few hurried steps forward. But within those few steps, he forced himself to calm down.
He did resent City Lord Bei Ji.
But such resentment should not come from someone who held the title of Deputy City Lord.
Wei Qixuan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. At that moment, he heard approaching footsteps beside him. Glancing sideways, he saw the person now standing next to him—Shen Houyun.
Upon learning what was happening here, Yuan Zhiran had sent Shen Houyun to accompany him. This was Shen Houyun’s first mission assisting Wei Qixuan, and the two were assigned as partners who would supervise and support one another.
Wei Qixuan looked at Shen Houyun and suddenly asked, “When you found out that the city lord of your own city was merely a system that followed orders, how did you feel?”
Shen Houyun lowered his head and looked at the young boy. As an adult, perhaps he should have offered the boy a more fitting answer—but after thinking it through, he simply said, “From the moment I decided to rebel, I no longer cared who the city lord was.”
Wei Qixuan withdrew his gaze and turned again toward the convoy stretching out like a long dragon before him. He took a deep breath and put on a perfectly composed smile, then stepped forward.
Ye Sheng came down from the watchtower. Upon seeing Wei Qixuan, he gave a military salute. His voice, cold and mechanical as ever, calmly asked, “Shall we let them through directly?”
Before Wei Qixuan could respond, someone suddenly interrupted from the side, “You’re the Deputy City Lord of Hope City?”
Wei Qixuan turned around and saw the towering man. He had to tilt his head back just to see the man’s face. In that moment, memories of this man surfaced in his mind. This was the person whom City Lord Bei Ji had once trusted the most. No… perhaps calling him the true decision-maker would be more accurate. He was Bei Ji’s bodyguard and secretary, wielding immense power—a figure all ordinary citizens of Hope City instinctively kept their distance from.
This man represented the authority of Hope City.
“Yes, I’m the Deputy City Lord of Hope City.” Wei Qixuan turned slightly to the side, raising his head high as he looked at the man who had once terrified them like a monster. “My name is Wei Qixuan.”
“I’m Shi Qiu.” Shi Qiu narrowed his eyes, sizing Wei Qixuan up from head to toe—or rather, there wasn’t much to size up. Wei Qixuan’s youthful face and slight build made Shi Qiu snort with laughter. Then he suddenly let out a thunderous, mocking laugh. “Deputy City Lord? A brat who hasn’t even grown all his hair yet gets to be Deputy City Lord? You’re worse than a gatekeeper!”
His laughter rippled through the crowd. Those from the convoy nearby, who had been paying attention to the scene, also burst out in laughter. Their contempt was completely undisguised.
Shen Houyun’s expression gradually darkened, but Wei Qixuan’s face remained calm as ever. There was no hint of shame or anger, and he responded with a composure that belied his age: “Yes, I am a child. But the City Lord of Hope City places his trust in me and does not discriminate against me because of my age. The broad-minded City Lord He Fang gave me the opportunity to spread my wings. For that, I am sincerely grateful.”
Hearing those words, Shi Qiu’s expression turned cold. His face darkened. From beneath that gloom emerged a chilling sneer that made one’s heart tighten. “The City Lord of Hope City?”
“You are about to enter Hope City, so at the very least, please remember the name of our city lord.” Wei Qixuan lifted his head high, his gaze full of unwavering determination. “Our city lord is named He Fang.”
Shi Qiu’s face grew completely overcast. “What? Now that life’s gotten good, you’ve forgotten who it was that led you here through hardship? Just because you’ve discovered the so-called ‘Land of Hope’, you’ve forgotten the kindness once shown to you by the City Lord Bei Ji?”
At this moment, Shi Qiu had no intention of resorting to violence. But precisely because he was not using violence—because he was thinking, luring, and scheming—this was when he became the most terrifying in Wei Qixuan’s eyes.
It was undeniable that their thoughts and perceptions of the City Lord Bei Ji were clouded with prejudice. The memory of him abandoning them in their time of flight was deeply etched in their hearts, causing them to overlook the merits he had once earned.
The City Lord Bei Ji had abandoned them, yes—but he had done so when there was truly no other choice, when even revival was impossible. Even now, Wei Qixuan could not think of any alternative decision that would have differed from the one City Lord Bei Ji made.
Hope City’s fortunes had run out.
After exhausting all efforts to arrive here, they found nothing resembling the fabled “Land of Hope”.
Lord He Fang was a god, a hero, a miracle worker. His achievements were not something any ordinary post-apocalyptic city lord could ever hope to replicate.
“Back then, the moment City Lord Bei Ji abandoned us, everything was already sealed by fate.” Wei Qixuan lowered his gaze, but his heart was firm—steadfast in his belief in his hero. “It was because of City Lord He Fang that we survived. It was City Lord He Fang who gave us new life. It was City Lord He Fang who brought new vitality to Hope City and developed it into what it is now. All of this belongs to City Lord He Fang, and it has absolutely nothing to do with City Lord Bei Ji!”
Wei Qixuan was still a child, but he was more resolute than anyone.
He might still have to lift his head to look up at the towering adults, but his presence and spirit never lost out in the slightest.
From the corner of his eye, Wei Qixuan could see the former City Lord Bei Ji, seated in a vehicle not far away, silently observing him. And yet, he had to cast aside all the fear he once felt toward the former City Lord of Hope City.
Shi Qiu’s expression remained icy as he suddenly let out a cold laugh, though there was not the slightest hint of amusement in it. “I’m truly curious—what kind of confidence do you have? Where did you come from? You’ve really mastered the art of bluffing, haven’t you?”
“You definitely wouldn’t remember me, Secretary Shi Qiu.” Wei Qixuan lifted his head and called him by his formal title. “After all, I was once so insignificant that I wasn’t even qualified to appear in your line of sight.”
Ye Sheng watched this confrontation that carried no scent of gunpowder. Once again, he felt the miracle brought forth by He Fang.
Wei Qixuan had once been a boy so utterly unremarkable that he blended into the backdrop of the world—a common, dirt-poor bottom-dweller in the apocalypse. And yet, under He Fang’s guidance, someone like him had gained such an extraordinary fortune.
Geniuses naturally shine—but those who can make ordinary people shine? They are gods.
Wei Qixuan turned again to Ye Sheng and said, “Ye Sheng, please process everyone’s entry into the city according to proper procedure. Regardless of who they are or what their identity is, City Lord He Fang once said that Hope City would welcome all who come in sincerity. We will not reject a single person.”
“Yes, sir,” Ye Sheng replied.
Wei Qixuan then turned back to face Shi Qiu, lifted his head, and said clearly, “Hope City is a place that openly accepts all outsiders. But once inside, all must abide by the laws of Hope City. Every person who enters the city receives a basic briefing: do not break the law. The consequence of doing so will be your expulsion from the borders of Hope City, never to be allowed in again!”
Shi Qiu curled his lips and squeezed out words through clenched teeth: “If you truly didn’t care, then why come all the way to the border yourself?”
“Because we must make our stance clear to the former City Lord of Hope City,” Wei Qixuan said firmly, his voice unwavering. “The reason our city is still called Hope City is because City Lord He Fang gave us hope. It’s not out of tradition, and not because we’re continuing the old name—nothing more.”
This was a show of force.
Shi Qiu looked furious, yet unexpectedly, he was able to endure it. Someone who could sit beside City Lord Bei Ji, and even act as his secretary, managing all the affairs of Hope City in his stead—how could he possibly be as crude and simple-minded as his appearance suggested?
Wei Qixuan spoke once more: “The entry procedures might be a bit tedious, but I ask everyone to please be patient. If the wait becomes too long, the border guard will provide a round of food supplies as compensation. Thank you all for your cooperation.”
Shi Qiu stood with his arms crossed, his lion-like frame towering and massive, but the intimidating, soul-piercing pressure he once exuded was no longer there.
Wei Qixuan reminded Ye Sheng to be meticulous in recording every detail. Only then did he turn back and return to the vehicle he had arrived in, with Shen Houyun following him into the driver’s seat.
Their car pulled away.
As if they truly didn’t care about the long line of people left behind—treating them as just regular individuals preparing to enter the city, no different from anyone else.
Sitting in the front passenger seat, Wei Qixuan watched through the rearview mirror until the silhouette of the border checkpoint completely disappeared. Only then did his taut nerves finally relax. He couldn’t stop himself from taking a few deep breaths. That was when he realized—he was trembling. Trembling uncontrollably. Cold sweat broke out all over him. Even though he wanted to steady himself, his body responded instinctively, shaken by the lingering fear.
Wei Qixuan gritted his teeth and turned his head slightly, not wanting Shen Houyun to see his weakness. But that stubborn expression of a young boy trying to hide his vulnerability was fully taken in by Shen Houyun.
“Did I do what a deputy city lord is supposed to do? I didn’t disgrace the city lord, did I? Was I being reckless?” The boy’s voice was still trembling, and his mind was in a daze—he couldn’t remember clearly.
“Mhm. No, you didn’t.” Shen Houyun gave straightforward answers to each of Wei Qixuan’s questions, then added a bit of praise, “You did very well.”
Finally, a trace of relief appeared on Wei Qixuan’s face. Though he was still pale, a childish and satisfied smile crept onto his lips. “I actually feel… kind of great.”
Shen Houyun gave a simple response: “Yeah.”
“It’s like… as long as I think about City Lord, all my fear disappears,” Wei Qixuan relaxed his hands and saw the crescent marks left by his fingernails in his palm. “My body’s been scared this whole time, but my mind—my spirit—doesn’t feel afraid at all.”
“Mm,” Shen Houyun responded.
“City Lord is strong, beautiful, and someone to be proud of. Just thinking of City Lord makes courage well up in me without even trying.” Wei Qixuan looked up at the man in the driver’s seat. “Can you understand that?”
“Mm,” Shen Houyun replied.
Wei Qixuan stared at Shen Houyun, carefully observing his expression. Then suddenly, he smiled. “You do understand. I can tell.”
Shen Houyun responded, “Mm.”
“We speak the same language. We’ll work well together in the future, too.” Wei Qixuan gave a childlike grin. “I’m really glad we’re partners now. When we have time, let’s talk about how cool City Lord is.”
Shen Houyun: “…”
I enjoy how he is still childlike in a sense matching his age