"If there’s still a choice to be made, are they not even more despicable now?"
Ai Qing replied coldly, "You can say it’s forced by life, while people like , standing on solid ground, are just lucky and able to speak without experiencing pain.
However, if one chooses a way of survival that cannot see the light, they shouldn’t fear being devoured by sothing in the darkness... nor should they bla hunters for becoming their enemies.
Those unwilling to fall may die painfully, but those who willingly fall are beyond cure."
"Don’t forget, to overthrow the Astronomical Society, Green Day is willing to do anything, even if it leads to rivers of blood. And don’t forget what you’re here to do."
Huai Shi sighed and asked, "Can’t the Astronomical Society help them?"
"Aren’t we already helping? Otherwise, what are we doing?"
"No, I an, could we go even further..."
"Sorry, that’s impossible. The Astronomical Society is prohibited from interfering with national sovereignty and internal affairs. The rules of the Jurisdiction Bureau ultimately cannot cover every place, nor can they cover everything."
In the silent office, under a solitary lamp, Ai Qing raised her eyes, looking toward the city beyond the blinds: "If the Jurisdiction Bureau truly controlled this world, who could guarantee it wouldn’t beco the next Utopia?"
Huai Shi said nothing more.
Unable to tolerate the thick smoke in the private room, taking advantage of the mont when a group of drunken folks were talking loudly, he found an excuse to go to the bathroom to get so fresh air.
The izakaya was silent.
Late at night, all the guests downstairs had left, the tables and chairs were cleared, the door was open, and the cool breeze blew in from the night.
The proprietress was wiping the lampshade, chatting casually with the custor at the bar. Seeing him co down, she warmly asked, "Do you need anything else? If it’s drinks, they’ll be ready soon."
"No, I’m just taking a walk."
Huai Shi pointed at the bar: "Do you mind if I sit here? If possible, please give a beer, the sa as this gentleman."
The burly custor sitting by the bar raised his eyes to glance at him, seemingly annoyed, but said nothing. His dark skin showed signs of sun exposure, vaguely carrying a fishy sea scent.
He was a fisherman.
He ate voraciously, rapidly finishing his rice soaked in tea and fried chicken, then raised his hand to drink his beer in one gulp.
"Mr. Takahashi, is the flavor suitable today?"
"Yes, Miss Kinai’s skills are always good, I’m already full." Fisherman Takahashi grinned, full of flattery, but the rough facial features combined with stubble were nearly enough to scare a child.
Beside him, Huai Shi sensed a different vibe and felt sowhat awkward.
He had co down and turned into a third wheel, no wonder they disliked him.
He picked up his beer and took a couple of sips, getting ready to leave with an excuse, but then footsteps sounded from outside. A weary-looking man entered the izakaya.
"Sorry to disturb."
In his hand was an old photograph, and upon entering he eagerly asked, "Excuse ..."
Huai Shi’s steps halted, astonished, he looked over and saw that familiar face... it was Chef Demon competition opponent and good teammate, Head Chef · Shenjin Qing from the San Tu?
So, was that back during the day him?
Shenjin Qing also froze.
He stood speechless, looking at the proprietress behind the counter.
The photo in his hand trembled, almost slipping from his grasp.
"A Tao?"
Staggering forward, he widened his eyes, examining the face that had appeared countless tis in his dreams, almost about to shed tears:
"Miss A Tao, is it you?"
With a clatter.
The empty glass in the proprietress’s hands fell to the ground.
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