The Greatest Invention in Human History

The Russian shouted into the phone, "We're almost at Comora!"

Kang De was slightly startled, then frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"Of course they're running away! Luckily, I've been feeding them enough money! That's how I got the news in advance!"

Kirov's voice carried a hint of exasperation and embarrassment. "In just a few hours, the Federal Security Service, the Federal Agency of Government Communications and Information, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff, even the damn Merchant Marine Reconnaissance Team are digging up my old dirt—the entire Russia intelligence agency is asking me about me! My friends are calling to ask me if I sold nuclear bombs!"

"How could I sell such a thing! I'm a law-abiding businessman!"

He lowered his voice, his tone tense, and said, "But, buddy, I heard that Moyani was attacked with white phosphorus bombs, could it be...?"

Kang De bought a lot of white phosphorus mortar shells from him.

Upon hearing this, Kang De paused slightly, then a cold glint flashed in his eyes. "Of course not, it was France mercenaries who fired. I captured them alive, seized their shells and mortars, and have video evidence. This is enough to prove my innocence—if the people behind you want to use this to blackmail or slander me, they're in for a disappointment."

Kirov paused for a moment, then stammered, "No, this, what kind of coercion?"

Kang De sneered, "White phosphorus bombs attacking civilians, the weapons might be from you. Such a serious matter, you dare to talk about it on your cell phone? What if you're being eavesdropped on? I've heard that the history of cooperation between arms dealers and the Russia military and even the government dates back to the Cold War. You can get Russian equipment and procure goods all over the former Soviet Union. I don't believe you don't have connections with the Russia government."

"You're Russia, all of Russia's intelligence agencies are investigating you, GRU agents have called you, they're putting pressure on you through all sorts of channels, tempting you with benefits, threatening you with the law and even your family, trying to get you to do something for them. Do you think you can refuse? Do you dare refuse?"

The Russian on the other end of the phone had fallen completely silent; only his heavy breathing could be heard.

Kang De took out his phone, checked the time, and said calmly, "Kirov, it's been a pleasure working with you. I came to Africa to rescue my father, and you went to great lengths to prepare weapons and arrange details for me. Your products have been a great help to me, even playing a crucial role. I'm very grateful. Although you took money, as you said, there are some things in this world that money can't always buy."

The Russian on the other end of the phone forced a laugh, "You... you're too kind, I..."

"So."

The Russian was silenced by just two words from Kang De.

"So, I'm giving you two choices."

"We are simply shop owner and customer. I haven't asked you to keep your promises, and the benefits I've given you are insufficient to make you keep your promises or remain loyal. I fully understand that you had no choice under the pressure of Russia's national power. After all, I won't force anyone. Considering our previous pleasant cooperation, I'll give you two options."

"First, once you reach the designated location, airdrop the goods I ordered as originally agreed. Then you can turn around and fly away, go wherever you want. I'll have someone settle the final payment, and then we'll never see each other again."

"As for how to deal with the Russia's disappointment, that's your business. After all, it's just a business deal, and you have to take risks when you do this kind of business. Like you said, you knew this day would come sooner or later."

"Secondly, I will come to pick you up and guide the plane to land. You can come here, or you can come to my side, but from now on, my level of vigilance towards you will be at its highest. In other words, the moment you land, your status will be no better than that of a prisoner. I will be wary of you, I will monitor you, I will keep an eye on you."

"All our communication, your mission, and decisions—all contact—will be based on this. In other words, if you show any dangerous tendencies, or if I feel any threat, I will not hesitate to kill you. Don't think this is just a threat; I'm telling you responsibly, I never joke about killing."

That's it.

Kang De said, "Think about it slowly."

"..."

"..."

The silence on the other end of the phone lasted only a dozen seconds.

"The second way!"

Kirov's voice was resolute.

Kang De raised an eyebrow. "It seems the Russia are quite resolute. What are they threatening you with?"

"It's nothing more than going to jail. Arms dealers sell small, inconveniently sold goods for major powers. With the backing of a nation as a high-quality and massive source of goods, they naturally make a lot of money. It's both safe and risky. The biggest risk comes from Russia behind me. If they want to take me down, they have as much evidence as they need."

At this point, the Russian suddenly made a few loud thuds, as if he were pouring vodka. "This industry is inherently a crazy business of high risk and high reward! Since that's the case, why not take another gamble!"

"Kang De, you China! I don't know what you did, and I don't know why Russia is targeting you, but the fact that they're going to such lengths to establish a connection with you means you must have immense value! Turning back means going to jail, so why not take a gamble!"

Kirov's resolute shout came from the phone.

I can easily picture him holding a bottle of liquor, his face flushed, shouting.

"That's not a very wise choice," Kang De said, "But I keep my word, so I'll report my location."

After exchanging a few more words and confirming the details, Kang De hung up the phone.

Kang Jinzhu kept his eyes on him and spoke to the Russian in Chinese.

The father frowned. "You want to contact the Russians? To have them do things for you?"

"His words are hard to discern as true or false, including his final confession, which could also be deceptive," Kang De said calmly. "Those who are not of our kind are bound to have different hearts—I never readily believe; I must observe the unfolding events."

Kang Jinzhu glanced at him sideways. "You're really awesome."

Kang De shrugged. "Could you go and tell Ambassador He for me that the Russians are very well-informed and have already come looking for us? Just let the country know and ask what's going on."

Seeing his father looking at him, he pouted and said, "What are you looking at? I'm not stupid. China is my motherland."

Kang Jinzhu snorted, "If a Russian girl who's still within her expiration date comes along later, you'd better remember what I said today: be loyal, don't be shameless."

Damn, do you know how many foreign women I've seen lately? Russian girls, my Kang De. Even if I chose the youngest, Leona, I wouldn't be interested in some mere Russian girl.

He waved his hand and urged, "Go quickly, go quickly."

Kang Jinzhu retorted, "I'm your father. How can a son order his father around? Why don't you go and say it yourself? Ambassador He would also like to have a talk with you."

Kang De proudly declared, "Laughing loudly, I stride out the door; how can I, a man of such talent, be a mere commoner!"

"Speak like a human being."

"I don't want to go." Kang De crossed his arms and shivered. "I'm terrified of dealing with these bureaucratic people; I always feel like something bad might happen if I'm not careful..."

"That's ridiculous." Kang Jinzhu thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Actually, it makes sense. It's not a bad thing that you're a bit mysterious and aloof... Damn, in the blink of an eye, I'm practically your manager."

"Yes, yes, yes, it's all up to you, agent. When the government or foreigners come to me for breeding, you must make sure they're carefully selected. Don't let my Kang Family's ancestral chromosomes end up in the belly of some freakish child."

"Pooh."

The father pushed open the door and left, casually giving his son the middle finger.

After what happened today, especially tonight, the relationship between father and son has become more harmonious.

This is the best way for fathers and sons to get along: considering each other's needs and communicating like friends.

After Papa Kang left, Horus whispered, "Father, I think..."

Kang De knew exactly what it was going to say and firmly replied, "No! Don't imitate me!"

Horus was about to say something when he suddenly shut his mouth. Kang De turned his head, and his father, who had returned, came to the driver's side and knocked hard on the window.

The window rolled down, Kang Jinzhu pointed over there with a displeased expression. "Look, over there. The time has come to test your class purity."

Kang De peeked out and saw a thin figure standing there timidly, wearing a coat, cautiously looking in his direction, hesitating whether to approach.

He recognized her. "Oh, it's that United Kingdom. What's she doing here?"

Kang Jinzhu rolled her eyes at him. "You rescued her, then just dumped her on the street, leaving a girl whose partner had just died all alone in the streets of Moyani, where bombs were exploding and fires were raging everywhere, while you flew around playing the superhero. Then you completely forgot about her, and you still have the nerve to ask this question."

Kang De then remembered this.

"Human life is at stake, and there are priorities. I saved her and took her out of danger, so of course I should go and save other people who are about to be burned to death. Isn't that right?"

He glanced again at the figure in the night wind and asked, "What is she still doing here? How long has it been? Doesn't she have a country? Doesn't she know to seek asylum at the embassy?"

Kang Jinzhu rolled his eyes so hard they almost reached the sky. "The United Kingdom doesn't have an embassy in Comora."

Kang De said nonchalantly, "Then let's go to United States. Anyway, Britain and America are practically inseparable. These two countries are like father and son taking turns, with no respect for elders or younger brothers. It shouldn't be a problem for the United States to temporarily settle her in, right? They should at least take care of their third grandson."

Where did this conversation even begin?

Kang Jinzhu sighed heavily, "No wonder you've never been popular with women. I thought it was because of Xiaoman... but it turns out it's your own fault. Luckily, Wang Yongzhi gave birth to a daughter."

"You saved a young and pretty United Kingdom girl, and she didn't go looking for the United States or do anything else. She just waited here for you to wake up. You should at least say a few words to her, right?"

He reached out and poked his son's head. "A hero saving a damsel in distress! The suspension bridge effect!"

"I don't speak English, so you can just send her away. It'll just be some words of thanks or self-reproach, nothing meaningful," Kang De said. "I don't want to sleep with her, and I don't have time to give her counseling. This isn't a place for her. Let her go back to Britain and see a therapist."

Kang Jinzhu said helplessly, "Hey!"

"Oh, right, her companion, in the spirit of humanitarianism, ask the King for help and have a few people collect the body of that dead photographer. Let me see, here's a map, it's roughly around here. Although it's all blown to pieces, we can still salvage a little bit, add some of his belongings, cremate it into ashes, and let her take them back—of course, remember to make the United Kingdom pay, let the King take the opportunity to extort some money."

Kang De waved his hand vigorously. "Alright, alright, I have to go pick up the Russian."

Helpless, Kang Jinzhu had no choice but to walk towards the reporter.

Alina wrapped her coat tighter around herself, feeling innocent, sad, and cold.

Cole died, but he was saved. The China man rode a divine eagle across the sky, extinguishing the fires of hell and saving life after life until he was exhausted, and the city was filled with starlight...

If this story were reported, it would probably be worth at least three Pulitzer —superpowers, the massacre by France mercenaries, the glimmer of humanity—it's practically a movie.

But she has absolutely no interest in reporting big news right now.

She didn't even know why she was standing there waiting foolishly, or why she had refused the China ambassador's offer to help her. She just wanted to stand there, waiting for the China man who had saved her life, to thank him, and to say a few words to him... nothing more.

She waited a long time, finally seeing the lights come on in the car, but hesitated to go forward. Then she saw his father go over, talk to him for a while, and then come out again. Then his father seemed to notice her...

Finally, the China man involved in the kidnapping case, the center and origin of this matter, came to him.

Alina whispered, "Sir, may I ask...?"

"Miss Alina, how can I help you?"

Kang Jinzhu inwardly grumbled about his son's heartlessness and dullness; what a perfect opportunity!

The reporter glanced in the direction of the Humvee: "Is your son awake? May I say a few words to him? Nothing more, just want to thank him..."

Kang Jinzhu sighed inwardly.

"I'm sorry, Miss Alina..."

That's what he said.

The reporter looked dejected and lowered her head, on the verge of tears.

--Oh, that little rascal.

Kang Jinzhu originally wanted to directly shatter the United Kingdom girl's hopes, but seeing her like this, his heart softened, and his mouth started to run wild.

"Kang De felt that meeting and talking would be pointless, only leaving behind sadness. He felt apologetic and guilty for failing to save your companion, and therefore was ashamed to see you..."

Alina suddenly looked up, her gray eyes wide, her expression like a withered flower blooming anew. She cried out in a panic, "No, no, no, I won't blame him, he did nothing wrong..."

Kang Jinzhu said softly, "That's what he's worried about, Miss Alina. If you don't blame him, you'll definitely blame yourself and take responsibility for your companion's death. And the result of the conversation will only be two apologetic people constantly blaming themselves and sinking deeper and deeper into self-reproach."

That's why Kang De was unwilling to meet with you.

--What the hell am I doing?!

Alina's body trembled slightly, her eyes flickered, then she covered her mouth and finally began to sob softly. "He... he really was a gentleman, a noble and kind man..."

--Grass.

Kang Jinzhu felt extremely awkward.

He patiently continued, "Both he and I are saddened by what happened to your colleague. He has already informed the King and requested his assistance in sending people to collect your colleague's remains and belongings. We will do our best to help you... What are your plans?"

The reporter choked up, "I... I don't know... Cole..."

Just then, Kang Jinzhu had a sudden thought.

--We can't let this little beast be so comfortable.

He suddenly remembered something: the information the ambassador had revealed, and the discussions with the King.

So Kang Jinzhu said gently, "If you are at a loss, please allow me to offer my opinion and a few suggestions. After all, I have more experience and years than you."

"Please, please speak..."

"Your companion, your colleague, a great journalist, Mr. Cole, who came with you to the land of Comora to seek the truth of evil in this unjust war, kidnapped and killed by the evil France mercenaries, and this innocent city was also attacked by white phosphorus bombs, children, the elderly, innocent civilians, wounded and even killed..."

Kang Jinzhu patiently persuaded, "I think such evil is intolerable to all honest Civilization people. Your friend was killed by the cruel France in order to reveal this truth; he made a sacrifice. I think you have an obligation to ensure that this sacrifice is not in vain. I think you have an obligation to write a report so that the whole world knows what happened here, in your name and Cole's name..."

Alina's eyes gradually brightened.

"Yes... that's right, you're correct."

She remembered something, glanced again in the direction of the Humvee, and said softly, "But, your son, he seems a bit... unusual. If this gets reported..."

"This is where we need to make a slight change, but the theme of this report is anti-war, accusation, and exposure, not superpowers and the supernatural, right?"

Kang Jinzhu said, "I'm not saying you should fabricate stories, but sometimes, in order for truly important news to be released, we have to take some measures... We only focus on the realistic part, and the supernatural part is left to the governments of each country to decide, Miss Alina. Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't be able to get past your country's government."

I'm doing this for your own good, United Kingdom girl.

Otherwise, once you return to China, you'll likely be overwhelmed by military intelligence and other unrelated matters.

Alina hesitated, then slowly nodded.

"I got it! I got it!"

Kang De took a DV camera from the White Mist World, ran to the back seat, leaned over, and filmed his father talking to the foreign woman. On one side was his tall and upright Papa Kang, and on the other side was the foreign woman with her head down and reserved.

"Hmph hmph hmph..."

The truth is irrelevant; what matters is the visuals. With visuals, one can create whatever one wants.

Perfect.

I'll show it to Mom, and see if she believes what you're saying.

--Let's threaten Dad like that.

"They're gone!"

He slapped the steering wheel. "You stay here and watch the house!"

"Father, aren't you taking me with you?"

"Let it go this time."

Kang De said, "You stay here and keep watch. Little Bob might have run off somewhere. What if they break into the house? Call me if anything happens, and I'll teleport back. I've left the DV here; you keep an eye on it too, and don't let my dad find it—film for as long as you can."

"Yes."

Horus's voice sounded somewhat strange.

There was even a hint of smugness in his expression.

However, Kang De did not notice this. He gave a few instructions, then disappeared again. A spatial coordinate anchor was engraved on the Himo's Eagle. He had already appeared in the night sky and was soaring into the distance.

"Well..."

Horus's sigh, though soft, contained an barely suppressed sense of triumph.

A lot happened today.

And I saw another side of my father.

The fathers' exchanges, arguments, doubts, and venting, along with the city's starlight, and humanity's wavering between darkness and light... all of this was under Horus's watchful gaze, with the Humvee quietly observing from beginning to end.

No one knew, yet he was there watching.

And...

Well, how should I put it?

Horus sincerely believed that, from his perspective as a mechanical life form, the greatest invention in human history was undoubtedly...

Dashcam.

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PS1: Five thousand five hundred words, combined into one.

PS2: Going to Guangzhou tomorrow... Time for bed.