Bird in a Cage

As Ian self-destructs and the Special Air Service and the Knights of the Round Table confront each other over Ian's wife and daughter, Kang De's phone call reaches 10 Downing Street.

His voice was warm and cheerful. "Oh, Your Excellency."

In Grand Secretary Yue asked, "Mr. Kang De, is there something you need?"

"Our ambassador to the UK has received the person. Thank you for the UK's support and cooperation."

"Of course, please convey our apologies to Miss An. This was not my intention."

"However..." Kang De changed the subject, "We're still missing two people."

Grand Secretary Yue asked in surprise, "What? Aren't there only Miss An and Miss You?"

Kang De said calmly, "We're still missing two United Kingdom."

Grand Secretary Yue's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light—how did he know?

"Well, Grand Secretary Yue, your methods of distorting the truth, betraying trust, being shameless, and being disgustingly despicable are truly a tradition passed down from ancient times to the present," Kang De said. "An Youyi's release was clearly due to Ian Crook's attempt to protect his wife and daughter by hijacking the embassy. How did that become your achievement?"

Grand Secretary Yue coldly replied, "I don't know what you're talking about!"

"As the leader of a nation, you shouldn't be like those despicable politicians, spouting endless lies. I've already brought this to your fingertips; what's the point of denying it now?" Kang De said calmly. "Send him to the embassy."

The golden retriever closed its eyes and took a deep breath.

He had received news not long ago that Ian had died by suicide.

This major threat died just like that, which was really unexpected. But since both the Round Table and the SAS said he was dead, then he was dead. He almost threw up his fries after just one glance at the photos of the scene.

As for Ian's wife and daughters, they were of little use. It was estimated that the Knights of the Grand Secretary Yue Round Table might take them with them, since some of them were quite fond of this art.

The Grand Secretary didn't seem to care about that.

-- 250,000 people go missing in Britain every year, and 20,000 of them are never found. He also knows where a significant portion of them went.

These two don't matter.

But now, unexpected complications have arisen, and Kang De has also come to demand his return.

Originally, two useless women were given away, but now there's a small problem: Ian's wife and daughter witnessed the appearance of the Round Table, as well as the fate and outcome of the family of three, and were delivered alive to Kang De. If they say something, it'll be a bit of a hassle.

He organized his thoughts and said, "May I ask why?"

Kang De, on the other end of the phone, let out a somewhat impatient sigh, then forced a smile and said, "I don't care why or how that Ian went to raid the American Empire embassy, and I don't care how you want to kill him, but it was indeed his efforts that ensured An Youyi's safety. If sending his wife and daughter to China so they can live peacefully is his wish, then I have no reason not to help him."

He said coldly, "Do you understand? I originally admired this kind of hero American Empire and was grateful for everything he did for An Youyi. But he's probably a superhuman now. If I wanted him too, you definitely wouldn't agree. So, take a step back and send his wife and children over. I'll protect them."

Grand Secretary Yue laughed and said, "I see. You don't need to worry. We've reached an agreement with Ian. His wife and daughters don't need to flee; they can continue living in Britain..."

Kang De said, "Then give me his phone number, I'll ask him myself."

... Grass.

Why is this China guy so concerned about Britain mother and daughter who have absolutely no relation to him?

Grand Secretary Yue was about to make an excuse, Kang De said, "Don't want to give it? Then I'll just call A Chuan and ask him for the American Empire ambassador Woody's cell phone number. Guess if he'll give it to me or not?"

The golden retriever sighed, "Mr. Kang De, don't you think some things don't need to be taken so seriously?"

"Get out, riddle teller," Kang De said coldly. "Speak like a human being."

"... What I mean is, this isn't good. Ian will be working for the government, while his family is being sent to China. You know what I mean? We're worried, and he's worried too."

Grand Secretary Yue calmly told a lie.

"Please let them stay in the United Kingdom. It would be good enough if they could reunite with Ian from time to time. Besides, Miss An is already saved, so why create unnecessary trouble for these two women?"

His tone sounded very earnest and serious.

"Because I think you barbarians will definitely not let them go."

Kang De seemed to have lost the spirit of the conversation. "Never mind, let's talk about it when I get to London— "

"Listen, Grand Secretary Yue, I'll assume that the family of three is still alive and well. Ian was a terrorist, and you deserved to kill him on the spot, but women and children are innocent. If I don't see them when I get to London, I'll make your wife and children pay with their lives—that's it."

He seemed about to hang up the phone.

Unexpected complications.

Grand Secretary Yue heard this, his head throbbed. He thought the matter had been resolved, but these damned China were still holding onto the traitor's wife and daughters!

He shouted angrily, "Do you know what you're saying? I can't pretend I didn't hear you! This is a declaration of threat, provocation, even terrorism! You're threatening my family!"

"Well said, but Prime Minister, is there any difference in status between your family and Ian's family? According to your propaganda, everyone is equal and free, so why can Ian's family die, but your family can't?"

Kang De shouted, "Just wait! I want to see him alive or dead—whose body will do!"

"--Fuck!"

Grand Secretary Yue's anger flared. He'd had enough of this chink's constant provocations. Ian, the Round Table, Kang De —any superhuman dared to swagger in his face! Bastard!

He roared, "We will not yield to any threats! We will never surrender! We will not agree to any of your claims! Britain is a free kingdom with an independent judiciary!"

"We act in accordance with the law, punishing terrorist Ian and protecting all the legal rights of his family. We will not allow outsiders to interfere or meddle, and we will not tolerate external military oppression—we will defend our freedom and peace in any way, even if it means using force!"

Kang De exclaimed in surprise, "What? It's the 21st century, and you still have India like Can*da, Australia prisoners, and India coming to die for you?"

"..." Grand Secretary Yue roared, "The United Kingdom is capable of protecting itself!"

"Come on!" Kang De scoffed, "Your queens outnumber your tanks by a wide margin!"

The golden retriever was furious but helpless. Although verbal battles are common in politics, they still maintain a certain level of decorum. When it comes to fighting, it certainly doesn't have Kang De's unconventional approach.

"Do you understand, Your Excellency? I'm very unhappy right now, don't give me any reason to make a fuss."

Kang De said calmly, "You released An Youyi, and the embassy said she wasn't hurt. For the sake of our countries, I won't hold it against you. I won't investigate further, and I won't make things too ugly—I'm giving you face by not digging up your country's dirty secrets. I have no interest in going to your country to punish evil and promote good; it's better if you continue to rot."

"So, send Ian's family to the embassy, and I guarantee this matter will end there."

All that could be heard on the phone was Grand Secretary Yue's breathing.

He once again became the rat in the bellows, caught between two Kang De's influences.

"It's settled then."

Kang De calmly said, "Also, I want Ian's wife and daughters unharmed. Don't give me two drooling idiots. I have some skill in treating mental and emotional problems too. If you ruin them and then I heal them, and I discover your underhanded dealings, then..."

"You're threatening me again!" Grand Secretary Yue said sternly.

"No, I will threaten your father."

Kang De said menacingly, "If you're not satisfied, I'll call A Chuan and have him put pressure on you—I'll tell him that if he doesn't listen to me, I'll go and cure A Deng's Alzheimer's."

"..."

"..."

His furious resentment ultimately turned into shameful appeasement. The office of the Grand Secretary Yue was already a mess. He covered his forehead, his blond hair was a mess, and his eyes gleamed.

Sometimes fearful, sometimes furious, sometimes venomous.

For a fleeting moment, he did indeed have the idea of provoking Kang De into a battle with the Round Table, hoping that this ancient and massive organization would mobilize its entire force to annihilate this China man.

However, doing so would have unpredictable consequences, and the situation would inevitably exceed expectations.

Moreover, Kang De and the Round Table weren't fools— Kang De's phone call just now did demonstrate a restrained and knowing-how-to attitude, while the Round Table's stance was already very clear.

"What a pity, but..."

Grand Secretary Yue slowly raised his head, gazing at the group photo hanging on the wall, his eyes filled with melancholy.

This idea isn't entirely unacceptable.

It just requires some communication and negotiation.

There was another trigger.

And a motivation and consensus that everyone firmly believes in.

The golden retriever pondered and calculated, its ancestral skills, imbued with a sense of urgency, stirring within it.

Communication, negotiation, alliance.

The entire free world, and the other side of the world represented by the Round Table.

The two most powerful forces on both sides of the world.

Kang De was right about one thing: Britain does need some allies who are willing to make sacrifices.

As for reasons and motives? There's absolutely no need to look for them.

This powerful superhuman, who rose to prominence with lightning speed and shocked the world...

He is China.

Just as irritating as his homeland.

That's enough.

Grand Secretary Yue picked up his phone.

Today's events have deeply shaken him. The extraordinary are increasingly influencing the world, and Kang De's unbridled attitude and blatant hostility prove this point. If he can threaten a permanent member of the Security Council for an ordinary friend today, what is he incapable of doing in the future?

"Hello?" he said calmly as the call connected. "We need to talk."

About half an hour later, in a corner of Heathrow Airport, Ratchet slowly entered.

Medical personnel in full protective gear lifted Ian's wife and daughters onto stretchers and into the vehicle.

How did you get the United Kingdom to release the prisoners?

"Of course, we should reason with them and appeal to their emotions."

Qin Mengjin's laughter came through the phone.

Another vehicle was cleaning up and collecting Ian's remains.

From bloody skeletons to shattered flesh, everything was carefully placed in various boxes.

Kang De gently shook his head.

In less than a day, this Military Intelligence Section 5 officer, who was used to cleaning up the messes of the Round Table and tidying up the scenes of massacres, also enjoyed the services of his own government in the same way. Fate is truly unpredictable.

Qin Mengjin laughed on the phone, "How can I reason with them or appeal to their emotions? Grand Secretary Yue isn't so easy to talk to... Besides, that mother and daughter saw something they shouldn't have."

Kang De smiled and said, "I have special persuasion skills, but I won't repeat the specifics, as it would damage my illustrious image—in short, the matter should be resolved."

"Yes, that's good."

Qin Mengjin paused, her tone somewhat serious. "The suggestions from above also end here."

Kang De smiled and remained silent.

"This is not an order or interference... You know, Kang De, we've been cooperating very well, and there's no reason for you to be displeased or offended. So this is a suggestion. Your method today, though clever, is like walking a tightrope. If Britain and the United States find out, the consequences will be extremely serious."

Qin Mengjin said in a deep voice, "This is no joke... You'll be seen as a threat by them."

Kang De replied, "Isn't it the case now?"

"No, not now, because politicians are short-sighted and afraid of taking responsibility. They don't have the courage to take a gamble. After all, they only enjoy their freedom for a few years and don't care about their descendants."

Miss Qin slowly said, "But you must understand that besides the ever-changing games of democracy, there are stable and enduring forces influencing and controlling these countries. Britain has them, the American Empire has them, and when the true power controlling these countries realizes your threat and instigates certain hostile actions..."

Kang De pondered for a moment, "Round Table?"

"Hmm... The higher-ups advised you not to act rashly. Our Jianguo has only been established for a few decades, and we know very little about such things. However, based on the clues and signs you discovered today, we've found that the Round Table is terrifyingly large. The Knights of the Round Table you saw tonight may only be the tip of the iceberg."

"Oh, oh," Kang De said nonchalantly, "That's pretty awesome?"

"... He's even more formidable than you imagine. Don't underestimate him."

I never underestimate my opponent.

Just then, Horus's voice reverberated through the bones. "Oh dear, Father, have you seen this chariot? Who overturned it? The wheels are still turning."

... You son of a bitch.

Kang De was on the phone with a cute girl and pretended not to hear. "Anyway, I know what I'm doing. Don't worry, I have no intention of fighting the Round Table —why would I want to eradicate this dark organization for Britain?"

"That's good... So, that's the end of it?"

Qin Mengjin said cautiously, "We hope so. After all, although you didn't show up in person, you threatened the Britain Prime Minister several times over the phone. This kind of behavior is actually very dangerous. No national leader can tolerate such a thing... He definitely won't swallow this insult."

"Alright, alright, thank you for your concern. Let's leave it at that, as long as An Youyi and Ian's wife and children arrive in China safely." Kang De's expression shifted at this point, "Oh, right, there's one more thing."

"What?"

"The Round Table is fine, but this Barber has to die." Kang De watched the man's retreating figure, now inside his luxury car. "I'm going to chop him up and feed him to the dogs."

Qin Mengjin hesitated and said, "This..."

"He must have countless lives on his hands. The women in his hiding place are definitely not the first victims. Besides, even the foul-mouthed Ian is dead, so why is this killer still alive?"

Kang De said coldly, "One last thing, once it's done, the matter is settled."

"... well."

Seemingly sensing that Kang De had made up his mind, the people back home stopped trying to persuade him and instead instructed him, "Whatever you do, don't let anything be discovered. It's best to destroy the evidence. If you can be patient a little longer, it would be best to kill him after some time has passed."

"I understand."

Kang De thought for a moment, then continued, "Please provide me with information about the Round Table, as well as details about this Barber, that is, his public identity... In short, I need further intelligence support."

Before Miss Qin could speak, he continued, "By the way, I observed and recorded Ian's sudden awakening process, and I gained quite a bit of insight. I'll discuss it with experts back home. Also, I left a few spatial beacons on Ian's remains... If there are any discoveries, I'll share them with everyone."

In the domestic intelligence analysis room, the outstanding figures of the Republic looked at each other, then gave a helpless, bitter smile.

This isn't the first or second time.

Kang De always offered irresistible bargaining chips when his opinions clashed with those of the state or when there were disagreements. He always had an inexhaustible supply of pieces and methods, making him unfathomable and elusive.

"Okay, then we'll look forward to it."

Qin Mengjin glanced at the messages sent to her screen, her tone calm.

"Please be extra careful. Also, Miss An Youyi has woken up; you can go and check on her. The embassy is absolutely safe; there's no need to worry about being eavesdropped on—we've increased our security measures since what happened in Australia."

She said, "Miss An Youyi seems to be in a rather strange state."

Kang De nodded and said, "Okay, thank you."

"Goodbye."

He hung up the phone, and slowly exhaled, facing the London night breeze.

Less than 24 hours.

An Youyi was successfully rescued, Ian's wife and daughters were also safe. They would find an opportunity to capture the Barber and bring him to the White Mist World for execution. With that, their trip to Britain would be a great success, and the question marks on the map would be cleared.

The Round Table will be the next main storyline.

He took one last look at the pool of blood Ian had left behind. The flesh and blood were being gradually cleared away, and cleaning staff were washing the floor. A strange feeling suddenly arose in Kang De's heart, but it came and went quickly. He shook his head, turned and left. "Let's go see An Youyi."

Night wanderers soar through the sky, the city ablaze with color. The heart of London has the feel of a metropolis, provided you ignore the low, dark areas around it.

But that has nothing to do with me.

Kang De chuckled and said, "You really should come and have a good look around when you have time."

The rescue was over, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He could see Xiaoman, and everything was going well.

His figure swept across the River Thames, glancing down at Palace of Westminster below. Ian Crook's fate was forever changed. The scene of the accident had already been cleared, though a few people had come specifically to see it—though not many, just a scattered few.

The reason there are few people here is not because the United Kingdom are particularly well-mannered and don't like to crowd around.

It's because they're all at the American Empire embassy—they're having a much bigger time there, you know.

Things have changed.

Kang De sighed and continued towards the China Embassy, which was located in Chinatown.

What he didn't notice was that among the tiny, ant-like crowd below, a disheveled, crazed man grabbed someone and started asking questions.

Were you here during the day? Did you see the woman the police rescued from the car?

"How many people were saved in total? Not five, six, right? And one more, right? It was Shalana, right?"

His eyes were bloodshot, his hair was disheveled, and he looked like he was high on drugs. Onlookers and pedestrians all gave him a wide berth. Shouts rang out in the distance, and police officers were running towards them. The man looked panicked and fled into the darkness, leaving glistening water droplets on the ground as he ran.

He was also unaware that high in the sky, a figure blended into the night, like a god touring London. In the air and underground, the two traveled in parallel directions for a brief time, but never intersected, never understanding each other's joys and sorrows.

Meanwhile, in the western suburbs of London, the vast underground space of a now-closed horse farm is brightly lit.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the cheerful conversation of gentlemen and ladies, seated on the high platform, sipping red wine and dressed in elegant attire, they gazed down at the stage with curiosity in their eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

A gentle, magnetic voice rang out as a handsome man stepped to the front of the stage. He bowed to everyone and smiled, saying, "I apologize that tonight's original theme has been cancelled, and the lovely mother and daughter will miss their chance to perform. As compensation, I will present an opening performance entitled..."

He removed the blindfold from the woman beside him.

The woman looked to be in her thirties or forties, but she appeared old, with a thin, emaciated figure, lifeless eyes, and a blank stare.

The man's voice resounded throughout the entire venue.

"--A caged bird!"

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: It seems our country thinks A Deng is a sure thing.

PS2: A--Chuan--