"You won't stop this arms deal. You can't stop it, and you don't want to. You know all too well that the Commonwealth needs to strengthen its defenses as much as possible right now. Whether it's the weapons and production lines we're providing, or your own plans in the New World, you're doing your best to protect your homeland. But, Yu Lian, don't you think your actions are contradictory? Are you protecting your homeland, or the positions of those bigwigs on Earth whom you despise most?"
Yu Lian's smile faded, replaced by a deeply sour expression.
"You know the Blue Star Commonwealth isn't the ideal state you envision. You're trying to change it. But we all know how history works: either it stagnates for thousands upon thousands of years, or, once the conditions for change emerge, it becomes a mighty river rushing toward the sea. So why not turn that tide to our advantage and let it gather speed?"
As he listened to Yani, Yu Lian kept his stone-faced expression and tore off another hind leg. In just two or three minutes, he'd polished off half the meat, which was a little tough and stringy.
Yamita stopped pressing her advantage and propped her chin on her hand, watching Yu Lian turn his frustration into an appetite. She seemed unable to get enough of the sight.
Only after his stomach was satisfied did Yu Lian feel a little better. He let out a long sigh. "You really are something, you know..." You'd be perfect hanging from a lamppost. No, a flagpole would be better—one on the roof of a skyscraper.
"Well? Am I not good enough to you? I'm actually helping you make up your mind." Yani tilted her head and smiled at Yu Lian. Her smile was dazzlingly bright, with