A World Where No One Gets Hurt

United Kingdom Prime Grand Secretary Yue has indeed entered his darkest hour.

A rogue agent from Military Intelligence Section 5 called, with the background sounds of the American Empire ambassador's pleas and screams.

"Immediately negotiate with the Round Table, continue to exert pressure, and persuade them to release the China girl and then hand her over to the China government in my name—I want to see my wife and daughter with those two China girls at the airport and on the plane within an hour!"

"Ian" said sinisterly, "Otherwise, you can expect to be fucked like a sheep."

"Damn it! Ian, I can't..."

The protests and venting had barely begun when the other end of the line hung up.

Grand Secretary Yue stared blankly at his phone, listening to the dial tone.

Before he could recover from the shock of "the dreadful demon from the East marching westward," another call came in from China's phone number.

"Hey, Grand Secretary Yue, I've boarded the plane and it's about to take off. I'm calling to wish you a Happy New Year in advance. I hope you've prepared the people and money, otherwise I'll have to take matters into my own hands."

The sound of documents being flipped through came through the phone. Kang De's voice was full of interest. "I'm looking at our government's intelligence records on this matter. It's very interesting. Who exactly kidnapped An Youyi?"

"This afternoon, there was a car accident at Palace of Westminster. A van overturned, spilling a pile of shredded flesh and several kidnapped feminists. The person in charge was Ian Crook, the 007 who kidnapped the American Empire ambassador—oh, he's from the Fifth Division. So here's the question, Mr. Prime Minister: even if this Ian really is 007, couldn't he single-handedly take down an entire Marine Corps security detail and abduct the ambassador?"

"If Ian were an ordinary person, the situation wouldn't be so deadlocked. Superhumans have an overwhelming advantage over ordinary people. Your United Kingdom has its own superhuman force... why don't you send one?"

"Prime Minister, these pieces of information are scattered and fragmented, yet they are subtly connected, as if a huge mystery is hidden within them. What truth lies behind all of this? I am very curious."

"What I'm more curious about is why Ian would take such a risk and do something like this. What pressured him, what secrets did he know that forced him to take this gamble? My intuition tells me that this seems to be related to An Youyi... Good brother, do you think I'm right?"

Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary Yue was greatly shaken.

He felt his mouth go dry and repeatedly said, "Mr. Kang De, please calm down, we..."

"Calm down, my ass! I'm going to set your country on fire the moment I get off the plane!"

"You! Kang De! This is a direct declaration of war against Britain, you cannot..."

"You motherfucker, you think you're the only ones allowed to set fire to the Old Summer Palace? Damn it!"

"... Damn it!"

"Alright, don't be angry." Kang De softened his tone. "Our government contacted you last night, and you still haven't found anyone. I think your government, while incompetent, isn't this incompetent. So tell me, is it that you don't want to look, or that you can't?"

Grand Secretary Yue was shocked again. "This..."

"Is it possible that the people or organization that kidnapped An Youyi are powerful enough to ignore you?"

Kang De said calmly, "If that's the case—I'm not some kind of demon. Tell me their names, where they are, and what their background is, and I'll go and get them myself."

The golden retriever composed itself. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, bad memory, huh? Forgot?" Kang De said calmly. "Don't worry, I have a hundred ways to make you remember, a hundred... Good brother, let's talk after I get off the plane."

After saying this, without giving Grand Secretary Yue time to speak, the communication was immediately cut off.

Beep beep beep.

Grand Secretary Yue held his phone to his ear, expressionless.

A third phone call came quietly.

"--I'm warning you, Boris, I'm warning you!"

A booming roar came through the phone, a furious shout from across the ocean, "That bastard's been sending me junk texts again! Kill him right now! Get Woody and his phone back!"

The former rebellious son, now a strict father, speaks with such an Amerikkka tone.

The Grand Secretary Yue maintained his composure and upheld the dignity due to a loyal and equal ally.

He said, "Donald, we'll handle it."

"Oh, really? What's your plan? A superhuman! A damn superhuman! Why did he kidnap Woody? What are his demands? Why are you still stalling?"

A Chuan pressed aggressively, "Are you hiding something from me?"

The Grand Secretary Yue was speechless— the Round Table, Kang De, An Youyi, there were just too many things they were hiding.

He hesitated for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Some internal matters in England... we will coordinate them, please rest assured. Also, we need your cooperation in controlling public opinion on the internet..."

"I think what you need isn't a media campaign, but a superhuman America army!" A Chuan raised his voice. "My patience has its limits! Those Democratic Party bastards are cursing me again! Damn it! What does your United Kingdom kidnapping of my ambassador have to do with me! Why do they always drag me into this!"

"Boris! Listen up! I don't know what you're hiding, but I demand you resolve this immediately. I will not allow any America citizens to be injured or killed. I warn you, if anything goes wrong, I will have to take every possible action! You understand!"

Grand Secretary Yue was so frustrated he felt like vomiting blood, but he had to endure dealing with A Chuan, otherwise the big stick from across the ocean would be coming down on him.

The specific intensity depends on how much A Chuan's self-esteem is insulted. As we all know, this 74-year-old is a sensitive and fragile flower. Any ridicule, criticism, or mockery from the outside world will make him lose control, smash things, and make a scene.

Yet he rules the most powerful nation on the planet.

Grand Secretary Yue's tone softened. "A Chuan, A Chuan, believe me, we are excellent allies. We cooperate fully and honestly, trusting each other and never deceiving one another. I..."

"Wait a minute, this bastard is sending me spam texts again, I... shit!"

A Chuan's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

What is the Round Table? Who is An? What is his relationship with the China government?

Grand Secretary Yue was stunned for a moment, then felt as if the world was shaking and his heart was about to explode.

A Chuan's questioning voice seemed to echo from afar, "Why would your Military Intelligence Section 5 superhuman provoke us for two China? Was he coerced by that damned China man, Kang De?"

Grand Secretary Yue felt his blood boiling, and he said urgently, "We'll handle it!"

The golden retriever, its eyes blazing with fury, hung up the phone, dialed a number with red eyes, and then unleashed a torrent of barks. "Why did you tell Trump this! Why!"

"Put appropriate pressure on you and the Round Table to remind President Trump of the real reasons behind the kidnapping of diplomats and the damage to America's international reputation."

Ian's voice carried a hint of sarcasm. "The United States is an ally, so it doesn't matter, Prime Minister. You still have a chance. In ten minutes, I will contact the China government."

Grand Secretary Yue's mind went blank again.

He repeatedly cried out, "No!"

"Then release them." The other party hung up the phone after saying that.

Grand Secretary Yue held his phone, motionless, as it beeped.

He then shivered.

The United States, Ian, China, Kang De —once Ian explains this to the China government and reveals the details, it means Kang De will know about the Round Table incident, damn it!

"Damn it! You've seen the footage of the Battle of Moyani! You know how strong Kang De really is! He'll be arriving in London soon! Soon! Less than ten hours!"

Holding his phone, Grand Secretary Yue spoke vehemently, "Are you really planning to go to war with him? Is it necessary? Do you think you can win? Even if you can win, are you really willing to pay such a heavy price for a China girl? And it won't just be you who pay this price! It will be the entire Britain."

"Even the whole world!"

All the troubles surrounding An Youyi were amplified by Ian's acts of terrorism, drawing in the world's most powerful hegemonic nation and the world's most powerful superhuman.

The former wants to maintain its own authority and that of its people.

The latter wants to protect their friend's friend.

Moreover, most of them are using this as an excuse to stir up trouble and cause problems.

Damn it, a friend of a friend.

A deep voice came through the phone. "You're overthinking it, Prime Minister. The China are just bluffing; they wouldn't dare do anything to us—it would only cause fear and backlash throughout the free world."

"You son of a bitch! You make it sound so easy! You're not the prime minister!"

Enraged, Grand Secretary Yue's disheveled blond hair flew wildly. "A newly awakened Ian can kidnap the United States ambassador and force me to demand people from you, what do you think Kang De can do? He has a hundred ways to force me or anyone else to reveal your intelligence and leads! A hundred ways!"

"You don't have to say it, but so far, Kang De doesn't know that the Round Table kidnapped his friend," the voice said. "We can find a few scapegoats to make Kang De return empty-handed."

"Returning empty-handed? You think he'll leave empty-handed? He'll stay in London, using this as an excuse to cause trouble everywhere! Extort us! Vandalize! Steal things! He might even bother the Queen!"

The Grand Secretary Yue has been completely destroyed.

It only takes one bad day to drive a prime minister crazy—or even less.

He roared, "Besides, even if I don't say anything, he'll know it was you! Because of Ian! Ian will talk! Do you think Kang De will keep quiet once he gets to London and catches Ian?"

A flustered, anxious voice came from the other end of the phone.

Grand Secretary Yue continued his tirade, "And what do you think will happen if Kang De finds out? That China man is a hundred times more dangerous Ian! Ian is just a desperate United Kingdom, but Kang De is China! China man with deep-seated hostility towards us!"

The voice on the other end of the phone disappeared.

Everyone is aware of Kang De's background and political leanings.

When the leaders of the free world saw the report summarizing Kang De's personal ideas and character profile, they felt as if they had eaten shit. Such a scoundrel with deep hostility towards the West, strong ideological views, and extreme great-power chauvinism was going to the United Kingdom, and even dogs would dislike him.

No one can imagine what Kang De would do after arriving in the United Kingdom and being unable to see An Youyi.

Grand Secretary Yue breathed heavily, awaiting a reply and the outcome.

Meanwhile, in the Aston Martin near the American Empire embassy, Barber Todd was on the phone.

"Yes, gentlemen, yes, Ian's attitude is extremely firm. He is wary of us and doesn't believe we can protect his wife and daughters... He's probably worried that we'll use his wife and daughters to coerce him."

An aged voice came through the phone, tinged with a faint disdain and mockery.

"The thoughts of mortals are immature and shallow, filled with pointless worries and anxieties."

"Yes, sir, Ian has just completed his ascension, and his mindset hasn't changed yet. He still harbors illusory feelings of love for his wife and daughter," the Barber said. "He insists that we release the original body in exchange for the China government accepting his wife and daughter; otherwise, he will reject our offer."

"--How disrespectful!"

"Yes, sir, please forgive his rudeness and ignorance. He is a lost child who needs guidance."

The Barber said softly, "We have to do something."

"Yes, we have to do something."

Huge whale oil candles illuminated a massive Round Table around which sat several figures. The calm voices emanated from the composed gentlemen. In the Shadow behind them, figures stood silently, the deep darkness twisting and twisting strangely, occasionally flashing with terrifying red light.

One of the people at the table said, "Because of Ian... Ian has become a threat to us."

Those present exchanged solemn glances. The extraordinary Kang De from China had indeed put immense pressure on them—because they had all seen the footage of the Battle of Moyani.

Whether you can win or not is one thing; whether it's worth it is another.

Another person suggested, "Should we kill him?"

The elderly man chairing the meeting calmly asked, "Barber?"

"We need at least three Grail Knights, plus a squad of Oathkeeper, to be absolutely certain of victory."

The Barber's voice came through the phone. "Because we not only have to kill Ian, but also protect the United States as much as possible, without making the battle too loud for ordinary people to witness."

After he finished speaking, he added, "After all, there are just too many ordinary people surrounding the embassy."

"Ian..."

The man at the Round Table murmured, "Was this also part of your calculations?"

"Besides, gentlemen, Ian's combat strength and potential are beyond expectations. He has only just awakened, but to me, he seems to have already transcended the ordinary."

The Barber hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Are we really going to kill this compatriot with unlimited potential? For a body that is clearly inferior to his?"

One Round Table participant added, "We also have to endure the uproar caused by the heavy casualties among United States, the subsequent dissatisfaction and backlash from the government, and even a full-scale war with Kang De."

A long silence followed; neither of them spoke, each lost in thought, occasionally glancing at the other.

After a long while, the elderly man who was hosting the Round Table took off his glasses and gently wiped them.

"It sounds like..." he said slowly, "That we have no other choice."

No one spoke; this was the default silence.

Even if they felt it was a pity, even if they harbored resentment, after weighing the pros and cons, they all knew what the right choice was—the gains were disproportionate to the losses.

Another commentator remarked calmly, "Consider it a good thing she escaped."

"Pity."

"She's clearly perfect for it..."

"The master seems to like her very much... She's very suitable."

"But..."

"--Alright." The old man put on his glasses and tapped the old, rustic Round Table. "Let's vote."

Hands were raised.

"Then the outcome is clear," the old man said. "We will return the body to the China so she can go home and avoid war."

People nodded silently, offering no objections.

"This is not fear, but respect. We respect the China Kang De. Although we are of different races and have opposing stances, we respect powerful and extraordinary individuals, and we are returning his things to him."

The old man paused here, then slowly said, "But for the dignity of the Round Table to be upheld, even with embellished words, the truth remains painful—our return of the original body was due to threats and manipulation."

The Round Table must respond.

He looked around at everyone present, then made his decision.

"Ian must be punished, the prestige of the Round Table must be upheld, and we will not tolerate its infringing or disrespect."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Then, sound the horn—extend the olive branch, and nock the arrow."

Grand Secretary Yue finally received the phone call he had been waiting for.

All his grief and anger turned into joy. He jumped for joy in the messy office, then realized something was wrong with him, but... whatever!

He eagerly dialed the number. "Ian! The Round Table has agreed to release them! You absolutely mustn't hurt a single United States! Understand?"

Then came Kang De's satellite phone call, "Mr. Kang De, the people have been found! We will soon take them to the airport and onto a special plane back home! You can return now!"

Then there were his half-brothers.

"A Chuan! A Chuan!"

In an instant, countless people breathed a sigh of relief and completely relaxed.

They whispered among themselves, exchanging ideas, each with their own plans, but it seemed that the undercurrents that had stirred up London today were gradually subsiding, and the impact would be eliminated. It appeared that everyone involved in or affected by this event had gotten what they wanted, and a world where no one was hurt was about to be achieved.

No, not yet.

Amidst a peaceful atmosphere, there are discordant notes that no one is aware of.

That was the London Metropolitan Police Headquarters, less than a kilometer away from the American Empire Embassy.

"Shalana? Who is Shalana?"

Faced with the anxious questions from several members of a feminist organization, the police officer looked bewildered.

The man roared, "Don't joke around! Where is our companion whom you just took away?"

"When did I take anyone away? Your companion?" The officer looked around the room. "There are only five of you, all here, the ones we rescued—who else is there?"

"Shalana! What the hell are you saying!" The man seemed to sense something was wrong, his tone becoming increasingly agitated. "Tell us now! We need to take her away!"

The officer glanced at them, his gaze enigmatic and unsettling, then pressed the intercom on his chest. "Medical ward? This is the waiting room. The victims who were kidnapped after witnessing the dismemberment case need psychological intervention. They seem to be imagining a nonexistent companion. Is this some kind of stress reaction?"

"What the hell are you talking about? You're the one who doesn't exist anymore!"

The man grew increasingly furious, but this anger seemed to stem from an inexplicable fear. He strode to the table where their electronic devices and personal belongings, confiscated by Military Intelligence Section 5, were displayed. He picked up the phone, unlocked it, and opened the photo album. "This is her! The one we took a picture with a few days ago, her..."

His voice abruptly stopped.

The photo shows a group of more than a dozen friends camping together.

Shalana, who was originally standing on the far side in my memory, was not among them.

Where she stood, there was blue sky, white clouds, and lush greenery.

Nothingness.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Update... Another day without A Chuan's miraculous comeback, so dull and empty.

PS2: However, the dust won't be settled until December 5th... If A Chuan really loses the election, I've already come up with the reasons for his defeat and the plot in the book. After all, there's no pandemic in the book, so A Chuan will most likely be re-elected. I've come up with a super exciting story for his defeat -- let's see how it goes.