What a Surprise

Kang De's phone finally started ringing.

In modern society, personal privacy has become a luxury.

Phone numbers are something any Tom, Dick, or Harry can get their hands on.

Calls from classmates, friends, relatives, strangers... the phone quickly got hot.

When the news spread, Kang De was in another world, and many people had been relentlessly dialing his number. Although they only received a "not in service area" message, the electronic voice when the call connected was now like heavenly music, meaning that making contact had become possible.

Classmates and relatives are eager to satisfy their curiosity and gain something to brag about; media reporters want to create a big news story; and there are many others with ulterior motives who hope to profit from this super hot topic.

Talent agencies, film and television companies, operations companies... The hyenas bred by the internet age have smelled the aroma of delicious food, drooling, and trying to be the first to grab the meat.

I don't need to answer the phone to know what they want to do.

Let's sign the contract.

They'll package you into a super influencer.

You could be a martial arts star.

I'll help you become famous and make a lot of money.

Kang De had seen this kind of thing many times online.

When an ordinary person suddenly becomes famous online, disgusting hyenas will flock to them. A child who looks like Ma Yun, an ordinary employee who wins a big Alipay prize, a homeless person who becomes famous overnight for garbage sorting and erudite conversation, internet beggars and despicable Joker surround them, doing all sorts of incomprehensible things. It is simply the most absurd and ironic scene of this era.

He simply tossed his phone aside, not even bothering to glance out the window. He knew that most of the time, cameras were pointed at all his windows, and if he got photographed, it would be a huge problem.

In the internet age, there are no secrets. Kang De's phone number, his parents' situation, and his home address are all the same, despite the relentless pursuit of frenzied entertainers and hyenas.

It was only when Xiaoman mentioned it that I realized there were already quite a few idiots and their teams wandering around the neighborhood with their phones or selfie sticks, doing live streams and shooting short videos.

Some people even tried to sneak into the community, and some almost succeeded. They successfully reached the building where Kang De lived. Fortunately, the community was considered high-end, and the property management was quite capable. They had the foresight to arrange two security guards to be on duty downstairs. The local police station had also put up a sign outside. With the screening at the downstairs access control, some idiots were finally prevented from knocking on Kang De's door and broadcasting live.

This is only the first day of the information fully taking hold.

In a day or two, all the idiots and internet beggars from across the country will come here.

"We have to move," Kang De said. "Well, my parents shouldn't come back for the next month or two."

Fortunately, the hype will eventually die down. The internet is forgetful, and people will chase the next hot topic. The vultures that can't get any meat won't circle forever.

Wang Yongzhi was in a good mood. First, Kang De had returned safely; second, a certain consensus had been reached with the country; and third, seeing the kid get his comeuppance gave him a secret sense of satisfaction.

He laughed and held up his phone, "Look, a third person has already announced their challenge to you."

This event has truly become a global phenomenon, encompassing all the Element that attract onlookers: a lone hero, saving loved ones, drama, and a legendary story. The plot, which usually only happens in Hollywood blockbusters and novels, has actually unfolded in real life, naturally sparking a frenzy among bored netizens from all over the world.

The three videos generated the most discussion, of course.

And the terrifying physical abilities that Kang De displayed in those three videos.

One-handed sniping, high-speed fire and tail-whipping to dodge rockets, even bouncing between two speeding vehicles—experts and keyboard warriors at home and abroad are arguing about it. Although these movie-like special effects have been proven to be possible for humans, that's only in theory. For ordinary people to accomplish such feats, they would need physical fitness, reflexes, and control that are close to the limits of human potential.

And extraordinary courage.

So...

"This is completely inexplicable now," "A major blunder by the Strategic Deception Bureau," "We finally convinced foreigners that not every China person knows kung fu," and similar sentiments filled the Chinese internet world with celebration.

This includes speculation about Kang De himself.

"Is this guy from an ancient martial arts family?"

"This definitely has a military background."

"Are they super soldiers secretly trained by the state?"

"It's all a conspiracy by us Chinese Communist Party!"

Such examples are numerous and varied.

Before he knew it, Kang De had already acquired the persona of a martial arts master.

As we all know, China martial arts, with its long history, has been ridiculed in this internet age. So-called masters with profound skills and high moral character are beaten black and blue and are easily defeated under the magnification of the ring, cameras and the internet. Those with thin skin pretend to be dead in their own backroom, while those with thick skin take pride in it and even completely abandon their dignity to promote themselves in various ways.

After all, we live in an age of entertainment to the death. Being criticized or embarrassed is not scary; what's truly terrifying is the lack of attention and buzz, because buzz means money.

Immediately, netizens flocked to the Weibo accounts of these self-proclaimed "masters" to leave sarcastic comments. As always, those opportunistic scoundrels jumped out to comment, some criticizing Kang De's martial arts school, some saying Kang De was easily defeated, and some even challenging Kang De to a duel. These shameless bastards, who seem to have popped out of nowhere, have no sense of shame whatsoever.

On Wang Yongzhi's phone, a short video was playing of a skinny, idiotic guy shirtless, wearing boxing gloves, spouting nonsense at the camera, gesturing and taunting, but with a blank expression and stiff lines.

A good-for-nothing.

Damn it, you're so skinny and you still dare to call yourself a martial artist? Just look at the photos of martial artists from the Republic of China era, they were all burly and strong, easily over 200 pounds, their robes stretched like tight-fitting clothes. You, a skinny little monkey, dare to say you can use four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds? Go to hell.

Uncle Wang asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Kang De sighed, "The internet has brought people closer to idiots."

The other party laughed and said, "Aren't you going to accept the challenge?"

Kang De glanced at him. "Someone else wants to challenge Ma Yun, is Ma Yun going to accept the challenge?"

Wang Yongzhi added fuel to the fire, saying, "Are you just going to put up with this?"

Kang De replied, "Of course not. Once things in Africa are settled, we'll take him to the Comora to mine."

"... Don't do anything reckless, buying and selling people is illegal."

"Whee."

Kang De gave a harmless smile.

What are you saying?

Xiaoman came out of the kitchen, wearing an apron and thick gloves, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. Kang De reached out to support the bottom of the bowl, but the girl exclaimed, "Careful, it's hot!"

Kang De handed over the bowl of pickled fish and said with a smile, "It's not hot at all, it's nice and cool."

Xiaoman laughed and playfully hit him, then took off her gloves, and the two sat side by side opposite Wang Yongzhi.

It's also flashy.

Uncle Wang also glared at Kang De.

It's also flashy.

"Eat up, eat up."

It was already noon, and Kang De had originally planned to go out for a nice meal with Xiaoman. It had been a long time since they had eaten out at a restaurant near their home. However, now that he had become a world-famous figure, his appearance in China was not only a pleasant surprise but also a shock... so he could only stay at home.

So Xiaoman went to the kitchen and brought over bags and bags of things from her own home, as if she wanted to empty the kitchen and wine cabinet. Wang Yongzhi saw this and became increasingly annoyed. He himself found it strange; he was usually happy to see Kang De and Xiaoman get along well, but now he felt a subtle displeasure.

They distributed chopsticks, served rice, four kinds of stir-fried dishes, and a fish soup.

Since leaving the island, Kang De hadn't really cooked a proper meal.

Not to mention, like now, Xiaoman is sitting next to him, wearing a plain sweater and a knee-length skirt, her exposed calves encased in black stockings, wearing pink cotton slippers, her shoulder-length hair tied up for convenience while cooking, revealing her crystal-clear earlobes and delicate neck. Sitting next to him, he can turn his head and see her profile with natural rouge, a faint smile on her lips.

"What are you looking at!" Xiaoman noticed his gaze and scolded, "Eat your food!"

Uncle Wang, sitting across from me, expressionlessly picked up a bottle of foreign liquor from the table. "Come on, have a couple of drinks."

Why is everyone trying to force-feed me?

--Wait, why did I use the word "all"?

Xiaoman sighed, "Dad."

Kang De winked at her, indicating that he would give it to me.

Then he picked up a bottle of Moutai, pried open the cap with his thumb, and started gulping it down, emptying it in an instant—of course, this was just an act; the Power of the Fire Thief -stealer as soon as it reached his throat.

He took the empty bottle, turned it upside down, and then said sincerely, "I'll drink it all, you can drink as you like."

"..."

Uncle Wang expressionlessly pushed the bottle of liquor towards me. "I have to drive this afternoon, you drink it."

The meal was enjoyed in a harmonious atmosphere. After finishing, the two young people went to the kitchen to wash the dishes together. Wang Yongzhi looked up at the two figures in the kitchen and heard their continuous laughter. He really wanted to drink.

--Then Wang Xiaoman sent him back to her own house next door.

"Go away, give us young people some private space. Don't you have to go to work?"

Then the two of them lay on the sofa, leaning against each other. Kang De's cell phone was basically unusable due to frequent calls, so they used Xiaoman's phone together to browse Weibo, forums, and even bypass the Great Firewall to access foreign websites to see the global frenzy of praise for Kang De. They even created alternate accounts to leave comments and stir up trouble, giving off a feeling of quietly making a fortune.

It was boring, but interesting.

For Kang De, the pressure and sense of alienation are gradually dissipating. What is being widely circulated and hyped online is the trace he left in this world—his proof, his life.

For Xiaoman, this experience was even more unforgettable and interesting. She used a secondary account to participate in these frenzied topics, communicate with people, joke about Kang De, spread rumors about Kang De, and chat and laugh with strangers. Little did these people know that the world's focus of attention these past few days was snuggling up with her, laughing and joking... This feeling of keeping a secret was really wonderful.

It was fulfilling and joyful; time passed by little by little, and I felt very happy and pleased.

... except for the middle-aged man next door who would knock on the door every few days.

When are you leaving?

"Shouldn't you go back now?"

"It's almost time."

Finally, Xiaoman couldn't take it anymore and shouted, "If you keep knocking, we're going to sleep!"

This sharp rebuke greatly intimidated the middle-aged man, silencing him. Inside the room, Xiaoman face flushed, glared at Kang De: "Afternoon nap! What are you thinking about!"

Kang De put on a blank and innocent face. "Otherwise, how am I supposed to sleep?"

"... Go to hell!"

They were playfully bickering and laughing.

I just huddled on the sofa, holding my phone, and wasted four or five hours.

Looking up again, the sky was already dark; it was almost six o'clock.

Xiaoman calculated the time difference in Comora, paused for a moment, and then asked, "Shall we go after dinner?"

It's around 1 p. m. in Comora now.

Kang De said, "Wait until you're asleep before you leave."

"No need." Xiaoman smiled. "I'll go to sleep first. It'll be evening by the time we get there. Your dad must miss you a lot, and you have a lot to do and discuss... Let's go after dinner."

Without waiting for Kang De's reply, she got up and went to the kitchen to reheat the leftovers from lunch.

Then he called his elderly father.

Wang Yongzhi stayed at home by himself for four or five hours. Heaven knows how he spent it, but the way he looked at Kang De was unpleasant, very unpleasant.

But amidst the displeasure was a sense of triumph, as if some scheme had succeeded, as if they wanted to see Kang De make a fool of himself.

After dinner, they washed the dishes together again. Xiaoman stood beside Kang De, working silently, a strand of her hair falling beside her ear. Kang De wanted to say something, but didn't know how to say it.

After a while, Xiaoman tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "Remember to come back and let me know before you leave."

Kang De said, "I'll come back often; it's convenient anyway."

Xiaoman scoffed, "I might not have time then."

Then we laughed together.

After getting ready, we went to the living room. Uncle Wang was sitting there and said to Kang De, "While you were enjoying yourself, a whole bunch of people were discussing and working on your behalf... The process is almost finalized, and Comora is also busy. Things have to be done step by step, one bite at a time. When you go there this time, the first thing you need to do is seize the initiative and tell the Americans and France that we've made our move."

Kang De asked, "How? Hold a press conference?"

Wang Yongzhi suddenly revealed a strange smile.

Like his Papa Kang, he has a strong ability to accept new things.

"What kind of journalists does Comora have? It's only been a day or two, and they can't even muster all the major news agencies, and they have no class whatsoever."

He laughed and said, "You're so devoted and cooperative, the country has to show its appreciation. You've been a hero, saving so many people, and Comora wants to do something too. Plus, you want to develop your career in Comora, so we decided to do it all at once. The embassy acted as a go-between, and it was all agreed upon immediately. We've prepared a big surprise for you..."

Kang De asked warily, "What?"

Wang Yongzhi smiled broadly, "You'll see when you get there. Hurry up, hurry up!"

"..." Kang De said, "If you don't tell me, I won't go."

"Go or don't go, it's up to you."

"..."

"Don't be afraid. When has your Uncle Wang ever betrayed you? Your father even agreed to it. And would the motherland harm you? Would the King of Comora harm you? It's all good news, all good news."

Kang De set off with a heart full of doubt and caution.

He nodded to Xiaoman and prepared to return to his bedroom when he suddenly noticed Uncle Wang staring intently at him. After a moment's thought, Kang De smiled and said, "Alright, I'll let you see for yourself."

With a surge of spiritual energy, the pretentious spell stored in his glove's wrist was activated, radiating a dazzling light. Two wings of light unfurled from his back, and Kang De stood atop a magnificent halo as a dark spatial portal opened behind him.

He smiled at Xiaoman, then disappeared into the dazzling light.

Even though he was mentally prepared, Wang Yongzhi was still deeply shocked. His heart raced, and he took several deep breaths. His worldview of decades had been shaken and impacted, something no one could easily accept.

It took him a while to calm down. He glanced at his daughter beside him and asked, "What are you thinking?"

Kang De traversed the White Mist World, using a signal generator to notify his father that the teleportation point was the anchor he held, and that the teleportation would be activated upon receiving the agreed signal.

I traversed endless darkness, the surrounding scenery shifting, and found myself in the embassy's basement, my father right before me.

Before he could even give her a hug, Kang Jinzhu grabbed his arm. "Come on, come on, we've been waiting for you."

"Huh?" Kang De exclaimed in surprise, "Where are you going?"

The father also revealed the same eerie smile as Uncle Wang: "Good thing, good thing."

They pulled him out of the room. There were armed police guarding the door. The politically astute soldiers watched the transformation without glancing at him. The father and son went downstairs, where the ambassador was waiting. When he saw Kang De, he froze for a moment. He knew what it meant for Kang De to come out of the embassy.

This surprise and loss of composure lasted only a moment. The ambassador quickly stepped forward, shook hands with Kang De, and then, together with Papa Kang, pulled him along, saying, "Come on, come on, we've been waiting for you."

... disturbed.

The motorcade was ready in the courtyard. The military attaché saluted him. The Kang Family father and son, along with the ambassador, boarded the middle car. The gate opened, and the fully armed motorcade slowly started moving, heading out onto the main street and along the roads of the embassy district. Kang De looked at the France and United States flags fluttering in the wind, shook his head, and asked the ambassador, "What exactly is going on?"

The ambassador's smile was far more sincere than that of the two elders, "A surprise is no surprise if you say it out loud."

Kang De then asked, "And the king?"

The two remained smiling but did not answer.

Kang De found it increasingly strange. Logically, it shouldn't be a bad thing. The king wouldn't harm him, the country wouldn't harm him, and his father certainly wouldn't harm him. But the suspicious smiles of his father and his Uncle Wang made him uneasy.

What the hell is this?

The convoy slowly moved along the main street of Moyani, leaving the embassy district. Suddenly, several cars played the national anthem of Comora. To the melodious and ancient tune, the street ahead was already full of people, cheering and shouting, their faces full of smiles. They were all the people of Moyani, the people who had been saved by Kang De that day.

As for what they were shouting, I couldn't hear or understand it.

But you could feel their gratitude and goodwill.

The convoy moved forward slowly, revealing every sincere face. There were no traffic jams, and the people did not rush forward to stop the vehicles; instead, they followed behind and moved forward with the convoy. Kang De was both moved and bewildered. Fortunately, Moyani was not large, and they soon arrived at their destination.

... This is the Grand Palace.

You can even see signs of collapse.

Wow, are they trying to trick me, the guy who blew up the palace, into coming here to be sacrificed to the heavens?!

Of course, this is just a joke.

The motorcade stopped, and the ambassador got out of the car first, then gestured for the ambassador to proceed.

The area outside the palace was also crowded with people.

After Kang De got out of the car, the soldiers lined up outside the Grand Palace saluted him. He could also see Myanmar and Russian mercenaries lined up separately, smiling at him. Putting aside the Russians, the Myanmar had also stayed behind for the time being. He wondered what they were thinking... He had to discuss it with Uncle Wang.

As Kang De was thinking this, a Black man dressed in a traditional Comora robe and adorned with gold jewelry stepped forward, bowed reverently, and kissed the hem of Kang De's robe.

Then, Kang De was respectfully invited to walk toward the palace, and the gates slowly opened.

Cheers erupted from behind them from the Moyani people.

In the square in front of the palace, many people stood in two rows, all dressed in traditional national costumes. The surroundings were decorated in a grand and luxurious manner. On the throne moved to the square sat King Chakat II of Comora.

He held a golden scepter, wore a white robe, and had gold ornaments on his chest, arms, and legs. When he saw Kang De enter, he stood up, opened his arms, and shouted at Kang De.

They chanted in the ancient language of the Comora.

As he spoke, people raised their hands in agreement.

Kang De could still see the cameras set up everywhere and the United Kingdom journalist he had saved out of the corner of his eye.

Then the king walked toward him, his solemn face slowly breaking into a smile. Two attendants followed closely behind him, bowing reverently, one holding a scepter high and the other a white robe.

"My friend."

This time, the King spoke in Chinese. With a warm smile, he tried his best to suppress the excitement in his eyes. No one understood his joy. After hearing that Kang De was safe and sound, he cheered loudly and was overjoyed. He was so happy and pleased that he resisted the urge to contact Kang De immediately. Instead, he, along with the ambassador Jingzhu, prepared a gift for his dear friend, a gift that would surprise him.

He said softly, "No amount of gratitude can repay even a fraction of what you have done for us. Therefore, I have made this decision. No one objects, and all the elders agree. This is gratitude, and also trust. From now on, you will be one of us, Guardian Eagle God. Please defend our honor and protect our people. You will gain friendship, loyalty, and everything you desire."

At this point, the king smiled and said, "Please come forward, warrior, guardian, hero."

"Step forward to receive your investiture."

"..."

Ah???

Kang De asked blankly, "Investiture? Invest what?"

Behind him, Kang Jinzhu's voice, barely suppressing a smile, rang out. "You are hereby conferred this title. Out of gratitude and appreciation for your heroic deeds, the esteemed King of Comora invites you to share his responsibilities, bestowing upon you power, status, territory, and the loyalty and support of your people. Congratulations!"

The father, suppressing a laugh, said, "May your spears always be coated with poison, Africa chief."

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PS1: 6,000 words! Update! Damn, this should have been split into two chapters.