"We’ve all made enough money, it’s ti to consider enjoying life..."
Li Dingjian’s words echoed in the room, the air thick with the scent of tobacco and a hint of tension.
No one interrupted; everyone awaited the professor’s response.
The professor maintained a calm deanor, hands crossed on the table, staring at Li Dingjian through his glasses.
His expression showed little fluctuation, as if he had long anticipated this mont.
Li Dingjian said no more, pressing the deford cigarette into the ashtray before pulling out another and lighting it with a "snap."
The bluish flas flickered at the cigarette tip, highlighting his cynical yet sowhat stubborn face.
"Crow."
The professor broke the silence, his voice deep and steady:
"I understand your feelings, we’ve all experienced monts on the brink of life and death, that fear and helplessness, no one wants to go through it again..."
Li Dingjian said nothing, rely exhaling smoke that slowly dispersed into the air, blurring his expression.
"But."
The professor paused slightly, then intensified his tone:
"Do you really think quitting will solve the problem? People like us, from the day we were born, have been caught in the vortex of fate, and joining the team just seems to stir the waters more."
"Do you think those enemies and officials will let us go just because we choose to quit? No, they’ll hunt us down like hounds, biting at our heels until we disappear from this world completely."
In a string of questions, the professor’s gaze, sharp with insight, bore into Li Dingjian:
"And your family, whether you quit the team or not, they’ll always be at risk of being implicated, nothing will change because of it."
Li Dingjian’s fingers trembled slightly, ash falling to the floor, still silent, just staring at the burning cigarette butt.
"The Martial World is never a place you can leave unscathed."
The professor suddenly sighed, his face showing traces of weariness and helplessness, the past seemingly weighing upon his shoulders at that mont.
"This world is stratified, cruel, often consuming one whole. We can only choose to huddle together for warmth, to eliminate the threats around us, to truly ensure the safety of ourselves and our families, rather than relying on fighting alone, returning to that isolated and helpless state."
As he spoke, the professor’s tone gradually softened, allowing Li Dingjian ti to process and reflect.
The room fell into another brief silence.
The other team mbers exchanged glances, each seemingly wanting to speak yet unsure where to start.
Then the professor spoke again:
"Crow, since you’re suggesting we quit too, perhaps we can ask others’ opinions."
Saying this, he slightly turned his head, directing his gaze towards Big Hamr, the one closest to Li Dingjian.
Under everyone’s gaze, Big Hamr awkwardly scratched his head.
"I’ve got no other skills; if I leave the team, I’d probably struggle to support myself."
He said hesitantly, his rough hands ruffling his ssy hair, a shy smile creeping onto his face:
"You all know I’ve always been spendthrift, the money I made earlier is nearly all lost at the gambling table."
"Ah, I know this bad habit of mine, when luck’s bad, money flows out like water, so I swore to set a big goal, once I make a hundred million, I’ll definitely quit gambling, never touch those things again."
Bai Ling bit her lip, hesitantly said:
"I thought, with my sister’s illness finally cured, life would get better, but I got greedy, listened to soone’s lure, invested all my money into a so-called financial innovation project, thinking I could easily wait for the cash roll in, and wouldn’t have to risk action anymore, but those scamrs..."
At this, she lowered her head, suppressing the regret inside, clearly aware her savings were gone.
Monkey still sat silently, twirling a knife flower with the dagger in hand, said sullenly:
"I need money, a lot of it."
No need for explanation, everyone knew he, as a retired Special Forces mber, spent most of his funds supporting fallen comrades’ orphans.
The professor had been quietly listening to everyone, then raised his hand adjusting the glasses on the bridge of his nose, his eyes sweeping over each team mber deeply:
"You all know, I never led us to this point just for the money."
"Our team, tempered by nurous missions, has grown more mature and strong, with bonds, tacit understanding, and shared goals, these are far more precious than money."
Li Dingjian felt a deep sense of helplessness upon hearing this.
The professor’s previous words struck his heart like a heavy hamr.
Indeed, if he left the team, any danger encountered later would leave him isolated, unable to ensure the safety of even his family.
Seeing Li Dingjian’s uncertain expression, Big Hamr couldn’t help but step forward, patting him on the shoulder with a rough voice:
"Crow, I understand how you feel, truly, last ti at sea, if it weren’t for your quick thinking, we both would’ve lost our lives there, so even if you leave the team, we’d still be brothers."
Li Dingjian glanced up at the partner who had saved his life once, feeling a slight warmth in his heart.
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