August 6th, 2013, the third day of the Genesis Turmoil...
Observing the live television broadcast, Adam reclined languidly in his leather chair, a faint smile playing on his lips, as if appreciating a performance—a stage play enacted by humanity. The concept of 'nation' evoked no particular sentiment within him. Conversely, the populace's exhibition of extreme devotion to their country struck Adam as ludicrous. Yet, it was precisely such fervent extremism that facilitated their manipulation.
A crisp rapping suddenly echoed.
"Enter," Adam uttered softly.
"Reporting!" Wu Gang strode in with resolute steps.
"Sit!" Adam switched off the television, gesturing towards the opposing seat.
Wu Gang disdained tedious, insincere pleasantries and seated himself without hesitation, his expression stern as he regarded Adam.
Adam found his expression quite agreeable; only individuals displaying such demeanor could assist him in accomplishing the forthcoming tasks.
"May I inquire, Sir, for what purpose have you summoned me?" Wu Gang asked placidly.
"No need for haste. I wish to hear your assessment of the nation's current situation," Adam expressed, genuinely interested in conversing with him.
"It is progressing towards annihilation." Uttered without reservation, such candor elucidated the reason for his previous lack of promotion.
"Are you cognizant of your utterance?" Adam deliberately inquired with frigidity.
"It was the Sir who inquired; I merely expressed my perspective," Wu Gang replied matter-of-factly.
"Annihilation, you say? Can you elaborate on the reasons?" Adam's expression softened once more as he resumed his smile.
"Due to excessively radical actions, the nation's order is in profound disarray. Students are absent from classes, workers neglect their duties, and the police are impeded from enforcing the law effectively. Such a state inevitably leads to demise." Beneath the seemingly composed words, Adam perceived something else. Wu Gang's body trembled involuntarily—a manifestation of agitation. He was striving to suppress his emotions. Only a soldier capable of emotional control is a superior soldier. Only a patriotic soldier is a dependable soldier. Wu Gang embodied both qualities.
"Furthermore, the Anti-Japanese Alliance's indiscriminate and capricious targeting of merchants and acts of vandalism have inflicted unforeseeable damage upon our nation's economy. In my estimation, they are not patriotic groups but rather hooligans! A swarm of vermin eroding the state!" Towards the end, Wu Gang's tone grew somewhat impassioned.
"Well articulated!" Adam actually began to applaud.
"Sir, I…" Expecting a reprimand from his superior, as had been the norm in his previous units, Wu Gang was taken aback by Adam's reaction.
"Say no more. I admire you. Henceforth, you are my confidant." Adam rose from his seat, approached Wu Gang, and gently patted his still-trembling shoulder.
He had almost forgotten the sensation of being appreciated. It seemed that since entering military academy, only ceaseless admonishments had accompanied his development. Well-intentioned friends would occasionally caution him about his speech. Yet, he fundamentally failed to comprehend why uttering an honest word was proscribed. How could the nation prosper without candid discourse? Thus, he had persistently held firm, determined not to be corrupted by his surroundings. Ultimately, he found himself bereft of even a single friend. Superiors regarded him merely with silent headshakes and sighs. Even if he were an unparalleled Qianli, no Bole inquired after him.
"But Sir, I am excessively blunt. Might I jeopardize your affairs in the future?" Wu Gang remained incredulous.
"It matters not." Adam shook his head with a smile. "You need not concern yourself with such things; simply assist me effectively. I believe you are my 'Qianli.' May I serve as your 'Bole'?"
At this, Wu Gang abruptly stood, executing the most standard military salute of his life. "Subordinate is willing to sacrifice everything, including life itself, for the Sir!"
"Incorrect. It is for the nation you sacrifice everything. Our motherland." Adam's words possessed such magnetism.
"Motherland?!" The most profound of terms, Wu Gang savored it on his tongue.
"Indeed, the motherland. I now have a mission for you, one concerning the nation's future." Adam picked up a folder from his desk and handed it to Wu Gang. "Just as you predicted, the masterminds of the Anti-Japanese Alliance are all local gang members. They routinely engaged in illicit activities, and now, under the guise of the anti-Japanese movement, they are consolidating their power through overt theft and covert robbery, exploiting the populace's ignorance to achieve their despicable goals. They are precisely the ones manipulating the rioting crowds."
Listening to Adam's account, Wu Gang's clenched fists ached.
"Awaiting the Sir's instructions!" Wu Gang requested orders.
"Excellent!" Adam nodded affirmatively. "I hereby command."
Wu Gang stood ramrod straight.
"I command you, Wu Gang. Proceed immediately to select the most elite Special Service Warriors from various units. They will all be under your command, with no limit on numbers, until you are satisfied. You will answer solely to me. Your mission is to eradicate every gang member on this list—leave no one alive. Kill! Disregard the consequences; make the operation as conspicuous as possible. Let everyone understand that those who dare to secretly undermine our nation can only cleanse their sins with blood! Anyone who resists or obstructs will meet the same fate—kill!"
"Sir, this…" Wu Gang's hesitation stemmed not from the killing—eliminating these vermin was the aspiration of every patriot—but from the sheer magnitude of the authority Adam had delegated. To some extent, even the Deputy Commander of the Special Services did not possess such extensive jurisdiction.
"Needless to say, I comprehend." Adam naturally discerned his thoughts. "Granting you such immense power is merely to enable better mission execution. Furthermore, as I declared you my confidant, such trust is fundamental. I only hope you do not betray my expectations."
"Rest assured, Sir!" Wu Gang exclaimed tearfully. "To fulfill your expectations, Wu Gang will accomplish the mission even at the cost of his life! Forgive Wu Gang's perhaps inappropriate analogy: 'A scholar dies for his confidant!' You are my confidant!"
"An excellent analogy, indeed." Adam patted Wu Gang's shoulders affably. "Correct. I am your confidant, and you are mine. Let us strive together for the nation's prosperity!"
"Yes, Sir!" Wu Gang's voice began to choke with emotion. On this day, the Qianli had finally found its Bole.
"Go select your personnel now. Remember, swiftness is paramount. I can wait; the nation cannot," Adam reminded him.
"Subordinate understands!" After taking his leave, Wu Gang rapidly exited the office.
Sinking back into the expansive leather chair, Adam sighed wearily. Portraying an impassioned youth was surprisingly taxing. Confronting such fervent gazes felt somewhat unfamiliar to Adam. Nevertheless, acquiring a capable general remained a cause for gratification.
Meanwhile, in Hong Kong.
Sipping French red wine valued at one hundred thousand US dollars per bottle, observing the rioting crowds on television, Black Dragon's banquet was in full, bustling swing.
An almost identical knock sounded as the old man entered Black Dragon's room, holding a connected wireless telephone.
"Is there something?" Black Dragon inquired with a smile.
"Oh, nothing significant, just a call from the American side," the old man replied nonchalantly. On the other end of the line, Edward's nose was slightly out of joint, contorted with indignation.
"Them? Pay them no mind. I am currently enjoying myself. Any matters can wait until my banquet concludes; contact him then," Black Dragon also stated dismissively.
The old man placed the phone to his ear. "Hey, whoever you are, you heard him. That's how it is. Contact us later if there's anything. Use the same number; don't change it. And remember, stay by the phone 24 hours a day. We don't have the luxury of American time to be chasing you daily. That's all." With that, he hung up.
On the other end, Edward's face turned verdant. Imagine, the esteemed US Deputy Secretary of Defense attempting to contact someone, only to be told they lacked time and would reply at their convenience? Likely only Black Dragon, Adam, and 13 in the entire world could utter such words.
"Were we perhaps excessively harsh?" the old man asked, seating himself beside Black Dragon.
"I think not. In any case, we are the 'bosses' now; they are the supplicants. They offended us. If we have nothing better to do, we can have our subordinates establish an Anti-American Alliance just to 'delight' them." Although spoken with a smile, the old man did not perceive it as jest. He could sense Black Dragon's latent animosity towards the United States.
Thus far, only the United States dared to disregard Black Dragon's existence. Such an insult, even slapping the US President several times, would not placate Black Dragon's ire.
"Is that so? Then I'll call back and berate him further. That fellow called while I was drinking, causing me to spill a few drops of fine Maotai," the old man, also a rather coarse individual, retorted.
"Alright, alright." Black Dragon chuckled, walked to the liquor cabinet, retrieved a round bottle, and tossed it towards the old man, who caught it mid-air.
"Consider this compensation from that scoundrel." Black Dragon returned to his seat and explained, "This is aged Nu'er Hong, acquired at auction. Its current market value is no less than five million RMB, and it's practically unobtainable."
To Black Dragon, money was merely a collection of digits.
"Why are you treating me so generously?" the old man inquired, perplexed.
"My mood has been excellent lately," Black Dragon maintained his smile.
"In truth, I am merely one of your bodyguards. Even if you only provide my salary, I will diligently protect you." The old man looked at Black Dragon calmly. "Before joining you, I had heard of your reputation. After following you, I am even more certain. You are a villain more insidious, more contemptible, more nefarious than legend portrays. If Hell exists, I believe you would undoubtedly reside in its deepest stratum."
"Perhaps," Black Dragon raised his glass in a toast.
The old man swiftly uncorked the sealed stopper; the rich aroma alone was intoxicating enough to fell a man. Taking a sip, an involuntary tremor ran through his entire musculature.
"Exquisite liquor!" the old man exclaimed with exhilaration, immediately replacing the cap to prevent the fragrance from dissipating.
"Why have you ceased drinking?" Black Dragon asked, puzzled.
"I dare not drink more, for I hesitate. Finishing this bottle signifies my decision to follow you for life; I require time for consideration. You are malevolent, and will likely only become more so. Following you, I have performed no virtuous deeds. Although I am indifferent to good and evil, you seem excessively kind towards me. You interact with me as a confidant. It is precisely this that frightens me. I ask but one question!" The old man was exceptionally solemn. "If the need arose one day, would you betray me?"
"I would!" Black Dragon answered without hesitation. "No one's life is more important than my own."
The old man sighed.
"However, you are unequivocally my lifelong confidant. Because you remained by my side during my most destitute times. I, Black Dragon, sincerely thank you. I will absolutely ensure that a situation necessitating your betrayal never arises, I guarantee it!" Black Dragon was also exceptionally grave.
It was a silent exchange. Gazing into Black Dragon's eyes, the old man once again removed the stopper.
"Your liquor, I drink it! For you, this 'true villain'!" The old man drained the bottle in one go. It seemed he would be drinking Black Dragon's wine for a lifetime.
"Incorrect. It is for a more intriguing life," Black Dragon also finished the contents of his glass with a smile.
Within this room, another Qianli and another Bole drank freely.
Yet, at this moment, the same telephone intruded once more.
This time, Black Dragon answered.
"Whom are you seeking?" Black Dragon was characteristically impolite.
"You don't even recognize my voice anymore?" a woman's voice inquired.
Black Dragon's spirits instantly lifted. "Ah, Miss Annie. It has indeed been a long time. I presumed you had forgotten me?"
"How could that be? Who would dare forget you, this 'River-Stirring Dragon'?" Annie jested.
"You overpraise me. At least you, Annie, do not hold me in high regard." Black Dragon harbored no goodwill towards the current Annie.
"I do not expect your affection either, but you must return to the United States immediately—the sooner, the better!" Annie was not jesting.
"I am currently amusing myself. Why should I return? In a few more days, China will likely collapse. Isn't this the outcome you desire to witness?" Black Dragon was somewhat curious about Annie's uncharacteristic attitude.
"Cease your sulking. Believe me, reaching this stage is already the limit. The entire American leadership has reassessed your capabilities. Upon your return, no one will slight your existence again." Annie spoke truthfully.
"What do you mean by 'limit'? I do not comprehend?" Black Dragon detected something amiss.
"Because China possesses Nie Adam, that constitutes the limit. He will not permit China to collapse thus. Thus far, his abilities make us, the United States, exceptionally wary. To some degree, we fear him more than 13." Annie's words sent another jolt through Black Dragon.
"Remain in your hotel and do not move recklessly. Our personnel are already en route to retrieve you. Do not depart before their arrival. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee your safety." With that, Annie terminated the call.
"What is the matter?" The old man noticed the change in Black Dragon's complexion.
Black Dragon's face bore the most radiant of smiles…
"Events appear to be unfolding even more amusingly than I anticipated…" Black Dragon murmured absently.