Old buses and worn-out sedans were the most common road users. A few off-road vehicles showed up occasionally—it seed only wealthier people could afford to ride those.
Just from how poor the highway looked, Xiao Yue couldn't imagine the darker and more impoverished areas. While the airport and nearby zones had been constructed decently, the rest of the country clearly needed more investnt and planning.
Perhaps the higher-ups didn't care that much, since the lives of the people didn't hold much weight in their eyes.
As for regions constantly threatened by battles and civil wars—no doubt, they were even worse off.
Or perhaps, there were people who cared and tried to make changes—but they were too powerless within the system.
Most of the ti, those idealists were either abolished by the officialdom or deliberately blocked from climbing the ladder.
After all, what corrupt leaders in their right mind would promote a talented person only to risk losing their own wealth and power?
Maybe so revolutionaries were simply biding their ti, pretending to blend in while waiting to launch their plans.
Whether they would stay true to their original ideals… that still required further testing—and uncertain futures.
These were Xiao Yue's quick contemplations as she observed the living conditions in Country E.
As ti passed, the barren, deserted scenery gradually shifted into more urban surroundings. Advanced infrastructure began to appear, and a sense of the city slowly erged.
Sure enough, the closer they got to the capital, the more showy it beca. One couldn't judge a nation's developnt at a glance.
A deeper study would reveal its weaknesses—and the true causes behind them, along with their solutions.
But so long as those in power never fancied the idea of reform, the wealth imbalance would persist.
High-rise buildings and improved roads beca evident from the smoothness of the ride—though the vehicles' excellent suspension systems, produced by Ling Qingyu's group, helped mask roughness too.
The road widened into six lanes. More vehicles zood past. Compared to developed nations, the city still fell short—but the difference was understandable.
As expected of a capital city, population density spiked all of a sudden. There was a bit of traffic congestion, and more pedestrians were visible.
Even if the rest of the country wasn't safe, the capital maintained at least a surface-level order—or so it appeared.
While Xiao Yue observed and reflected, Ling Qingyu remained deep in thought. Neither Xiao Yue nor the other operators disturbed her.
Ling Qingyu was envisioning how Country E's leaders might attempt to exploit her or make her bleed.
She was ntally preparing counterasures, excuses, and rebuttals while carefully reading the nation's reports compiled by Athena.
At the sa ti, she consulted Miss System to learn exactly what her na had achieved to earn ownership of the valuable island chain.
Seeing the sheer amount of investnt involved, Ling Qingyu shuddered. It was more than enough to buy the country—fifteen tis over.
Buy, with a price so rciless it could suffocate the seller. That was how Miss System operated.
Against such overwhelming power, only fools would try to resist—especially in corrupt nations. Who in their right mind would reject free money?
Of course, Ling Qingyu suspected there would be tentative tests ahead of her visit. Maybe, after reviewing her background information, so would develop crooked intentions or overwhelming greed.
It seed she would have to stage a shock-and-awe performance.
Ling Qingyu shook her head, sighing. Pity. Miss System really loved handing out problems.
She had complained before—but was t with a deadly punch from that unscrupulous System.
Her words: "If you can't stand the test, you don't deserve the reward."
Ling Qingyu had nothing more to say after that.
She couldn't bla Miss System for not being thoughtful or careful, could she? She suspected Miss System had felt a little guilty about her extre approach and simply forgot to fill in the holes.
But it didn't matter.
Like Miss System said, she had the confidence to face it all head-on.
After a while, the convoy slowed down, as the road seed to lead toward a sparser district—likely a residential zone reserved for high-ranking figures, possibly even the President or one of the Ministers.
Her "donation" definitely earned this kind of treatnt and respect—regardless of their doubts about Ling Qingyu's background, given how unofficial this entire scenario was.
And the presence of Spirit Fox added an extra layer of confusion. Possessing such a heavily ard unit during a diplomatic visit was a clear ssage—one of hidden strength.
The convoy made a turn and rolled forward, passing through the first checkpoint after a brief halt.
It seed the destination wasn't far off. Soldiers' gazes followed them, trying to peer through the tinted windows, but in vain. Only the pitch-black glass reflected their own faces back.
Normally, the two Aegis vehicles should have been stopped before being allowed to proceed any further.
Unlike ordinary SUVs, these MRAPs—ard with firepower strong enough to level entire building blocks—weren't sothing one could afford to let roam as an uncontrollable variable.
Perhaps the recent airport attack had loosened a few strings, granting temporary rights to accommodate Ling Qingyu's visit.
At the very least, the gesture left a subtly positive impression, even if she knew it was done deliberately.
Still, she hadn't let down her guard. A psychological battle awaited her ahead.
As for panic? Ling Qingyu sneered inwardly.
She had t Gu Yi, Minister of Justice—her own mother-in-law—and had plenty of interaction with true political titans.
Why would she be fazed by officials from a small nation?
No racism. No arrogance. Just pure confidence.
Elena, Athena, Spirit Fox, her imnse wealth, and the dark hand of Miss System—these were her weapons.
After a few more checkpoints, Spirit Fox's commander inford her that the two Aegis vehicles were requested to remain behind.
Ling Qingyu accepted the request without much thought. It was likely the final checkpoint.
Leaving the two Aegis 2.0s and two SUVs behind, the rest of the convoy moved forward.
Even the initial military escort vehicle wasn't permitted inside.
Only the SUVs were allowed to drive through the winding road, passing beautifully maintained vegetation and a classically designed pool—rare sights for this country.
Eventually, the convoy eased to a smooth stop. Doors clicked open in unison.
The operators swiftly took position, alert to any vulnerabilities that might threaten Ling Qingyu.
Everyone had already been briefed inside the vehicles before arrival. Each mber took over their roles imdiately.
However, their intimidating formation startled the military guards stationed at the residence.
The decorative statues, auspicious ornants, and manicured fields sharply contrasted with the ard and clearly battle-hardened security detail.
Ling Qingyu and Xiao Yue stepped out of the SUV, scanning their surroundings.
The eting spot was well-chosen—quiet, secure, far from disturbances, and with heavy protection.
At least the ard soldiers here had an air of steel-hardened professionalism, unlike the loosened, half-hearted posture she'd seen earlier in the day.
Of course, judging their actual capabilities would require live action—talk was cheap until bullets flew.
Initially, Spirit Fox's operators had been underestimated, dismissed because of their appearance and gender.
Ling Qingyu still caught signs of skepticism among the Country E soldiers—unconvinced that these won had been the ones to neutralize the terrorist threat so cleanly.
While surveying the area, she spotted a small group approaching.
All were black n and won—the latter clearly ant as visual foils ard with flowers —with welcoming smiles.
The man in front, clearly the leader, called out with enthusiasm, "Welco! Welco to Country E, Miss!"
"Thank you," Ling Qingyu replied with a polite nod.
She had already read the files Athena compiled—this man was the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"I'm sorry your first day turned out so unsightly," he said sincerely. "Those lunatics... Fortunately, you're unhard. Otherwise, we'd be overwheld with guilt."
"It's alright, Your Excellency. Sotis life needs a little excitent to rid itself of boredom," Ling Qingyu replied lightly, downplaying the incident.
"It's our fault for endangering your safety," he said, then glanced at her team. "Your guards are impressive. The way they dealt with the situation—swift and thunderous—was admirable."
"As human beings, it's not too much to offer help when we can," replied Ling Qingyu. "I hope the investigation will maintain pressure and identify the real culprits."
"This is only natural," the man nodded. "Now, please—our President is waiting for you."
"It's an honor."
Ling Qingyu's composed deanor raised the deputy minister's alertness. In his eyes, she left no flaws in the conversation—nothing to exploit.
She didn't seem bothered by the attacks beyond making a few polite remarks to push for deeper investigations. Was that a subtle hint?
Or was she implying the attack had nothing to do with her? He had intentionally brought up the incident to probe her, to test her stance—but her unshaken, expressionless face gave away nothing.
"Actually, Ms. Ling," the deputy minister hesitated, casting a glance at the Spirit Fox operatives. "I hope what I say next won't offend you."
"I understand," Ling Qingyu cut in smoothly. "Only my secretary and I will accompany you. Will that satisfy you?"
"O-of course," the minister stamred slightly. His thoughts raced—so her politeness was only a façade to lower others' guards. The sudden assertiveness caught him off guard.
On the other hand, her words frightened him a lot as if this woman could read his mind thoroughly. Before he even spoke, Ling Qingyu finished the sentence.
In truth, Ling Qingyu had acted bluntly on purpose. She had no need to feign humility or conceal her edge, only to entice others into overstepping.
Sotis, a show of appropriate firmness worked better in dangerous situations. Take one step back, and others would trample you.
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