Nightmare

Congratulations!

The embassy's rooftop was silent and still.

The eloquent ambassador had given up all struggle and persuasion efforts; all the efforts this billionaire had made to protect his life and fortune had been in vain.

Whether it was a promise or an inquiry, a heart-to-heart talk or a frank discussion, all the suggestions were met with the damned United Kingdom's cold response—"Fuck you, you idiot."

In the spiritual realm beyond the ambassador's perception, a secret and silent exchange is taking place.

"You have achieved your goal; your people are saved."

Ian's feelings were extremely complicated.

In just a few hours, the world turned upside down, lives changed dramatically, and the world is unpredictable.

A car accident near Palace of Westminster, chaos within Military Intelligence Section 5, a terrorist attack on the American Empire embassy, the kidnapping of the US ambassador to the UK... a series of events shook London and even astonished the world. Beneath the surface of what the public talked about and speculated about lay a shocking secret capable of overturning the existing order.

Therefore, the kidnapping of the American Empire ambassador by a person with a secret could cause a permanent member of the Security Council to be in a state of turmoil, could make an ancient and powerful organization rooted in England dance to its tune, and could even indirectly be used by China and the United States. The pressure from all sides was guided and cleverly converged on the Britain government, and then transmitted to the Round Table... In the end, the other side was forced to release the hostage.

Objective achieved.

There was no fighting, no conflict, and no hostility.

It didn't even appear.

Yes, to outsiders in the know, this was a desperate gamble by the superhuman Ian to protect his wife and daughter, but only Ian, who was being manipulated and imprisoned, knew the whole truth.

He was not the one who planned this astonishing scheme.

He is a China.

He did this simply to save his compatriots.

Without clashing with the United Kingdom government, without directly confronting the powerful Round Table, and without incurring two formidable enemies, one overt and one covert, no one knew that he had orchestrated everything.

He simply caused a car accident in front of Palace of Westminster, then possessed and controlled a pathetic Military Intelligence Section 5 agent, manipulating him to break out of Military Intelligence Section 5 and attract attention, before kidnapping the American Empire ambassador and using him to stir up trouble and exert threats.

Then, Ian, the American Empire, Britain, and the Round Table fell into a situation of mutual fear, mutual restraint, and mutual suspicion. This precarious balance of power was gently pushed by an external force, which triggered a chain reaction of collapse, finally forcing the Round Table to yield and give up, and the mission was accomplished.

The Round Table has agreed to release the man, and the two China girls will be returned to China as a "gift of goodwill" in exchange for the China government accepting and sheltering Ian's wife and daughter.

Throughout the entire process, the true mastermind never appeared, and people didn't even know who he was.

Recalling and reconstructing this process, even though Ian was manipulated and controlled by this China devil, ruining his life, he couldn't help but marvel at the other party's cunning, audacity, and ingenuity in planning.

"You're China, but I wasn't wrong to call you a devil."

Knowing he was doomed, Ian grew bolder. He sighed, "Playing intrigue, making everyone dance to your tune, you made the Round Table and the Britain government look like fools."

Kang De countered, "Aren't they?"

"I haven't figured out what made the Round Table change their minds... but don't underestimate them," Ian said in a deep voice. "They are far more powerful than you think."

Me too.

"Ah?"

The devil chuckled and said, "You need to know one thing, Ian Crook: it's a good thing that I'm willing to resort to trickery and intrigue; it's a great thing for you all."

He continued, "Look, a world without war, without conflict, innocent girls safely rescued, everyone kept in the dark, and no one injured—it's complete."

"This is blatant lying!" Ian roared. "No one's hurt? What about me?!"

The demon said matter-of-factly, "You're not human."

"..."

Ian's anger was like a flickering flame rekindled in the embers, quickly extinguished. He was disheartened and even somewhat disillusioned with the world.

He sighed, "Never mind, it doesn't matter what I say now..."

The man lowered his voice and slowly asked, "Could you tell me your name?"

Kang De smiled. "What, trying to snitch?"

Ian countered, "Do I even have that opportunity?"

The expected answer did not come. The demon seemed to be silent for a moment, then said in a strange tone, "I will not give anyone the chance to inform."

"That settles it then." Ian chuckled. "Just let me know who killed me."

I'll tell you before you die.

"That does sound like good news." If Ian could control his body, he would shrug. "Looks like I can live a little longer—you just don't want to let me go, do you?"

He had already foreseen his fate.

The person who caused chaos at Military Intelligence Section 5, kidnapped the American Empire ambassador, broadcast it globally, threatened the Prime Minister, and defied the Round Table was Ian. The Round Table members considered themselves gods, the American Empire government was extremely petty, and the Britain government was no better; neither of them would tolerate Ian's actions and offenses.

If Ian were truly some kind of superhuman, then perhaps he would still have a chance to survive.

But he was nothing.

He was just a pitiful, ordinary man.

The former agent whispered, "Can I see my family?"

Before Kang De could reply, footsteps approached from outside, and the Barber's calm voice came through the crack in the door. "Ian, be grateful. The Round Table agreed to your request and released those two China girls. This is a great favor and shows great patience. I hope you won't let us down."

"Ian" said coldly, "I'll go with you after I see them onto the plane."

The Barber smiled, his tone meaningful. "I'm looking forward to it—please don't try anything funny."

Immediately, the phone rang; it was the Prime Minister calling.

"Ian, the two China girls have already left. I contacted the China ambassador for you, and the China side has agreed to your request. Can you release them now?"

"Ian" sneered, "Do you think I'm a three-year-old? Arrange a private jet now to take the China girl and my wife and daughters to the airport, give me a car, and I'll take the ambassador with me. I need senior officials from the embassy and our government to accompany them to China, in case you try anything—I'll surrender after they take off."

He paused for a moment, then said, "I'm at your disposal—you can hand me over to whomever you want."

"Hey!" The real Ian protested in the mental world, "What are you saying? The person you're trying to save is already safe. Do you still want to stir up internal strife between Britain, American Empire, and the Round Table?"

After all, Ian, such a powerful superhuman, is a hot commodity. The Round Table wants to recruit him, and the Britain government probably wouldn't be willing to execute him immediately. As for the American Empire, needless to say, they would try to extradite him or something and then offer him a secret agreement to work for them.

It's easy to imagine that whoever Ian surrenders to will trigger a bloodbath.

"Why not?" the devil said with a grin. "I'm China, of course I have to do bad things."

Over the phone, Grand Secretary Yue hesitated only briefly before saying impatiently, "We'll arrange a script for you... We'll reach an agreement with the Round Table, don't try anything funny, Ian."

"Ian" said calmly, "Why do you say that, Mr. Prime Minister? From beginning to end, I have been innocent. You have forced me to this point... Blame David."

"... Hmph." Grand Secretary Yue's tone softened slightly. "He was indeed a fool, Ian. I regret that things didn't have to come to this. You were a patriot who could have contributed more to England, but fate is fickle... However, we still have a chance to make amends."

The golden retriever's voice softened. "Anyway, things are getting better, aren't they?"

"... I hope so, Mr. Prime Minister."

The car will arrive soon.

"Thank you. Also, tell the driver not to do anything foolish."

"The same as you."

The call ended, and the real Ian said in a complicated tone, "It's almost over... everything."

Just then, the satellite phone rang on a private flight departing from Capital and flying directly to London.

It's Duan Jingzhu, the golden retriever... well, it's Grand Secretary Yue.

"Hello?"

Kang De arrived in a flash, picked up the phone. "Are the reparations and policy documents ready?"

"..." Grand Secretary Yue took a deep breath and forced a smile, "We..."

Kang De said, "No money? Then I suggest you borrow from Huabei, it'll be a good opportunity to advertise."

"... Mr. Kang De, please don't joke." The Prime Minister maintained the dignity of a head of state and the elegance of a Britain gentleman. "I want to tell you that the matter has been resolved. We no longer intend to invite you to deal with Ian Crook, your friend. The missing China girl has been found and is being taken to the airport. Diplomats from your embassy and government officials from our country will escort her back to China."

Kang De was taken aback. "Huh? That's it?"

Grand Secretary Yue instinctively asked, "What?"

Kang De immediately snapped out of his daze, a cold smile creeping onto his lips, and shouted, "Are you kidding me? The plane's already airborne and you're telling me this? Labor costs, dispatch fees, fuel costs, depreciation costs, compensation for emotional distress—pay up! And who kidnapped An Youyi? Who's the prisoner?"

Grand Secretary Yue calmly stated, "We found Ms. An by chance. She was likely abandoned on the street by frightened criminals. She was only slightly frightened and unharmed. As for who kidnapped her, we are currently investigating and pursuing them, and we cannot give you an answer at this time. If you would like to know, you can follow our law enforcement's follow-up actions and press conferences."

Kang De retorted angrily, "Who are you trying to fool?"

"Watch your words, Kang De. The Britain government has gone to great lengths and endured much hardship to find this Miss An. We don't care about your reward, but we cannot tolerate your rudeness."

Grand Secretary Yue said coldly, "That's it. Please wait patiently. Goodbye."

Then he hung up the phone.

With An Youyi released, Grand Secretary Yue's fear and anxiety subsided. More importantly, he was no longer afraid of Kang De— "I've found the person for you. If you cause any more trouble, you're just being unreasonable."

Yes, now that An Youyi has been safely rescued, Kang De has no reason to use force. If he insists on causing a scene in London, it will only arouse the fear and unease of other countries, and will not bring him any benefit.

"Holy shit!" Kang De muttered, listening to the busy tone on the phone. "That's fucking shameless."

His expression turned amused.

--The Britain government made tremendous efforts and worked very hard to find Miss An.

Tsk.

"The car is ready... in the secret parking lot. Take the elevator down; you'll need to enter a password."

The rescue team, which had already surrounded the embassy and devised numerous plans, prepared a vehicle according to the instructions of 10 Downing Street. The elevator dinged, and "Ian," who was holding the ambassador's shoulder, remained expressionless.

"Young man, you have utterly Amerikkka."

Ambassador Woody whispered, "The President will be furious. We never tolerate any enemy, provocation, or harm, but you still have a chance to atone for your sins. The President will grant you a pardon, as long as you swear to serve the Amerikkka from now on—we will never treat you like the United Kingdom did."

Ian remained calm. "Let's go."

The parking lot had been cleared out, and a car was parked a few dozen meters away in the direction the elevator was facing.

The driver stood beside the car with his hands raised high, indicating that there was no harm.

"Prime Minister? We're ready to depart."

Ian glanced around. The underground parking lot was dimly lit, and the Shadow in the distance were unsettling. "I know there will be more than ten snipers pointing their guns at me, but you have to understand, I'm not an ordinary person. Even if I'm shot, I can burn the ambassador alive in less than a second."

"Don't worry, Ian, it's just a precautionary measure."

"That would be best."

They got in the car, the engine roared, and the car set off.

A few meters away, an Aston Martin turned on its headlights. The Barber smiled knowingly, made a phone call, and a soft male voice came through the receiver. "Is everything going well?"

"Successfully... He's still too naive." Todd chuckled. "He thought he was important, but he just did the right thing at the right time. He thought that by rescuing the body and returning it to China, the China would remember his kindness—but we were the ones who returned the body. The China only care about the result."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then a sigh escaped, "Fate is truly wondrous, full of amazing coincidences. It's hard to imagine that the original body was actually something from Kang De... No wonder."

"Are you scared?" the Barber teased. "Don't worry, the body doesn't know that you discovered and targeted her, and that you planned everything, so Kang De won't know either."

"Why be afraid? We are the Round Table. The reason we released her is that there's no need to go to war with Kang De for a mere physical body, and conversely, there's no need for Kang De to become our enemy for her." The voice on the other end of the phone chuckled. "That's the rule of the strong. We are noble people; we won't shed blood for ants."

"The raw material is not an ant."

"Yellow race."

"Too."

The Barber started his car and slowly followed Ian's, asking as he drove, "Where are you now? I've taken care of this for you."

"Consider it a favor I owe you," the man said. "What, do you need help?"

"No need for that. The knights are already on their way, and besides, a major battle is unlikely to happen tonight... We just need to punish Ian and let him know the love and severity of the Round Table."

The Barber said, "But what are you doing now?"

"An unexpected surprise, I'm still searching for answers... We've lost a precious specimen, one that I personally located and captured. The regret of losing our prey must be compensated for in another way."

The man's tone was full of anticipation and joy. "The fruit that was unintentionally nurtured is ready to be harvested."

Meanwhile, the exchange of ideas between the vehicles ahead continued.

"Soon, I'll be able to see my family... and you too. I don't know where you are, but you'll be seeing the people you want to see soon, right?" Ian said. "That missing China girl, was she your lover, a good friend, or a relative?"

"None of those."

"What? So you were asked to do this? Did someone offer you a huge reward? Or was it commissioned by your country?"

"Is that the only reason you can think of?" Kang De said. "She's just a friend of a good friend of mine. We've only met a few times. We're not lovers, and I don't have any romantic feelings for her. She's not particularly beautiful, and her personality and style aren't my type. You don't need to imagine any melodramatic scenarios."

Ian's voice was more astonished than usual. "That's all?"

"Just like this... what's wrong?"

"You actually went to this lengths for someone you barely know, someone you can't even call a friend? Did you even consider what would happen if your near-failure, and what if the Round Table and Britain found out you were behind it all...?"

"So what?" Kang De said calmly, "They'll pretend they don't know."

Why?

"Because according to your white logic, if I discover that you've discovered my secrets, I'll definitely strike first to prevent you from coming after me."

"Ah..." Ian hesitated, then sighed, "It's so nice to be your friend."

Kang De remained silent, following the moving car like a ghost, his gaze fixed on the Aston Martin following not far away, a silent, cold smile playing on his lips.

From the phone call with Grand Secretary Yue, he had already guessed the thoughts of Britain and even the Round Table. Combined with what the American Empire ambassador had said to Ian before, it seemed that this lively drama was far from over.

"The United Kingdom are really interesting."

He was reflecting on his inner world.

Ian asked in confusion, "What?"

--I've decided not to destroy the Round Table.

Kang De smiled. "You know what, Ian, your life today is a comedy."

The car drove through a closed alley, leaving the bustling area behind. The night view of the Metropolitan Police flashed by, and Kang De only glanced at it before continuing on his way into the darkness.

Unbeknownst to him, the air was filled with frantic, terrified, and excited screams.

"Shalana! She's not fake! She's our friend! She was just with us!"

The man's roar was hoarse and desperate.

"You've checked the surveillance footage, you've checked your own phone, and there's no record of her in our system. You can't even produce a photo of her, so how can we believe this person is real?"

The officer spoke coldly, "Please stop making trouble. I know you're full of resentment, and I know you feminist organizations love to criticize the government, but fabricating a woman and then falsely accusing us of imprisoning her is a serious crime... Don't force me to arrest you."

He said to the doctor next to him, "Have they been examined? Do they have any mental illnesses or psychological disorders? Should they be hospitalized for treatment?"

Upon hearing this, several indignant members of the feminist organization changed their expressions and quietly took a step back.

Only the man looked grief-stricken, frantically dialing the phone. "Someone will prove she's real, they definitely will! Hello! It's me! President, Shalana is missing! We were taken to the police station, Shalana was taken away by a policeman, and then she... What did you say?"

His face became blank and deathly pale.

Because their leader and president said, "Who is Shalana?"

The man took a few steps back, feeling as if the world had become strange and absurd. His companions, their expressions shifting and uncertain, the police officers with their cold eyes and mocking expressions, and the police medic with his eerie demeanor—even the indoor lights seemed so sinister and dim. Something was wrong with this world. He clearly remembered everything about Shalana, but it wasn't on the surveillance footage, it wasn't on his phone, and his friends in the organization said they didn't know either.

"But... could it really be that we're hallucinating?"

One of his companions spoke hesitantly.

The officer nodded in satisfaction. "That must be it. You need to rest and forget about this terrible..."

"Nightmare."

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PS1: Update... As expected, A Chuan fired his defense chief. A satisfying revenge.

PS2: What did everyone buy for Singles' Day?