"Don't worry, everything's fine here." Lan Xue noticed Luo Zheng's anxious face and quickly explained, "I just got a ssage from my little sister; it's about my dad. He fell ill, suffering a heart attack due to so business setbacks. He almost didn't make it. Our family has been through a lot, but my dad has been good to . I'm just a little worried about him, but don't worry."
"Phew—!" Luo Zheng let out a breath of relief; as long as nothing's wrong here, it's fine. If Bar betrays us, that would be troubleso. Family matters are okay. After thinking for a mont, Luo Zheng said, "When we get back, our vacation is still valid, and you haven't spent ti with your family in a while. Invite your dad over, and let's have a vacation on the island."
"You don't mind?" Lan Xue asked in surprise.
"Why would I mind?" Luo Zheng replied, looking surprised at Lan Xue, who then smiled sheepishly. Realizing what she ant, he turned serious and said, "Don't worry, he's your dad and has treated you well. Why would I oppose? He'll be my dad too in the future, so it's a good opportunity to get into his good books."
"Thank you." Lan Xue, touched, hugged Luo Zheng, pressing her face against his chest, listening to his strong and powerful heartbeat, feeling particularly at peace inside, wishing this mont could last forever.
Luo Zheng held Lan Xue tighter, took a deep breath, looked at the now calm wooden house surroundings. Moonlight, gentle as water, softly spread across the land, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility. The smoke and fierce atmosphere of war during the day had faded considerably. He sighed and softly said, "If only there were no war, how great that would be."
"Yes indeed. Oh, Bar warmly invited us to stay for three days, saying he wanted to treat us well, but I declined. You were asleep at the ti; we'll head back early tomorrow morning. The Governnt Army arranged a battalion to escort us, and we have vehicles. What do you think?" Lan Xue quickly said, rembering the important matter.
"That's great. I don't want to stay here a mont longer," Luo Zheng replied softly.
They talked for a while longer before returning indoors to continue sleeping. The next morning, Bar ca over with people, beaming, bringing food along. After setting everything down, he warmly approached Luo Zheng and gratefully said, "You were asleep yesterday, and I didn't get to thank you in person. I hope it's not too late now. I, on behalf of the entire tribe and my father, sincerely thank you for everything you've done for us. Thank you."
"You're welco," Luo Zheng said with a smile.
"I really hoped you could stay a few more days, but your people ntioned there's urgent business, so I won't hold you back. If there's anything you need in the future, just say the word." Bar declared firmly.
Luo Zheng glanced around and said softly, "Let's talk outside."
Bar was taken aback but quickly understood and followed. Once outside the wooden house, Bar had the surrounding people move away, looking at Luo Zheng in surprise. Luo Zheng checked around to ensure no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice, saying, "There were white foreigners on the battlefield. Those are soldiers from Sam Country; they're not fond of this place unifying."
"I see. Those bastards can't stand others doing well." Bar's face turned grim, and he angrily said.
Seeing that Bar seed genuine in his disfavor towards people from Sam Country, Luo Zheng relaxed a bit and continued, "I've heard rumors that their Special Agents will be wreaking havoc soon, disrupting the unification process. This doesn't align with your interests or your country's interests."
"Indeed, those bastards. Just tell what you want to do?" Bar, not being foolish, understood the implication behind Luo Zheng's words and asked directly.
"Capture Sam Country people and take them hostage, demanding they exchange them for what you need, but don't act under your tribe's na to avoid giving others ammunition. You're part of the Governnt Army now." Luo Zheng said seriously.
Bar was intrigued yet cautious and didn't imdiately express his stance, instead pondering. Luo Zheng understood Bar's greedy nature and couldn't help but smile. He continued softly, "Arrange to kidnap Sam Country people for gains, then have others rescue them. Of course, the rescued must not die; their condition after rescue is uncertain. That way, you'll have rit in quelling chaos. My country will negotiate secretly with your governnt, securing political benefits for you."
"Are you serious?" Bar's eyes glead with anticipation as he looked intently at Luo Zheng.
"Do I seem like soone who would lie?" Luo Zheng retorted.
Bar laughed, realizing he could capture Sam Country people to vent frustration, gain material benefits, and reap political rewards. Everything aligned perfectly. So long as the hostages were unhard, the situation remained controlled, and Sam Country had no recourse, making it a risk-free endeavor. Clasping his chest, he said, "No problem, let's settle it. It's always a pleasure working with you, hahaha."
"You're welco. There's one thing you must ensure: you can capture ordinary people, but don't harm them. Nothing stays hidden forever; doing too much makes it hard to manage. Our country can't step in if it blows up, especially as they're civilians, but Special Agents and soldiers are different. You don't have to kill them, but incapacitate them to prevent further disruption." Luo Zheng gave serious instructions.
"Understood." Bar answered excitedly, a sparkle in his eyes, as if envisioning a bright future.
Luo Zheng saw his tactic of appealing to interests working again. As long as Bar adheres to the plan, Sam Country people would find no easy footing here, securing his country's interests, and offering future convenience if issues arose. He relaxed and said, "Now that business is done, let's head inside to eat or we'll delay our departure."
"Sure." Bar readily agreed, filled with confidence about the future thanks to Luo Zheng's assurances.
Luo Zheng entered the wooden house, gave Lan Xue a knowing look, which she understood with a nod. After eating a few bites, she started packing. Others also devoured a few bites before gathering their belongings. Luo Zheng approached a table, grabbed so food, and devoured it eagerly; indeed, he was quite hungry.
Once they were full, everyone set out with their belongings. Several trucks awaited outside. A military officer jogged over and, after a salute, spoke in an internationally common language, "Ladies and gentlen, please board the vehicles."
Everyone boarded the trucks. After bidding farewell to Bar, Luo Zheng also jumped aboard. As the convoy slowly left, he looked at the receding figures of Bar and others, the barren mountains, and the endless blue sky and white clouds. Luo Zheng sighed and shouted, "Brothers, we're going ho."
"Going ho." Everyone shouted excitedly, utterly relieved. Those who've never been to the battlefield can never truly understand the depth of this simple phrase's aning. Being alive is great; making it ho alive is even better!
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