Little Stories Before Setting Out

The boss sent a new mission—with a mix of trepidation and barely concealed excitement, Meteor returned to Joestar's bar.

As soon as he returned, the restaurant staff and customers all rushed to greet him, crowding around him like they were meeting a celebrity.

A Xing responded to the enthusiastic fans with a smile, but because of his sudden weight loss and lack of his former physique, he was squeezed out of the main entrance by the surging crowd.

Red Sister immediately chased after them, exuding an air of authority without being angry.

Upon seeing the butler's anger, the diners and drinkers scattered like birds and beasts, returning to their respective seats.

When Red Sister saw Liu Xing's laughing and joking expression, she felt a mix of amusement and exasperation.

She went up to brush the mud off A Xing, her words carrying a hint of reproach.

How much do you weigh now?

This question, like a wake-up call, is just what we hear when we go home and see our parents.

"One hundred... one hundred and thirty." A Xing hesitated to speak, "But my body fat percentage is still very low!"

As he said this, A Xing immediately rolled up his sleeves, showing off his arm muscles, "Look, look, 12% body fat, Cristiano Ronaldo!~"

This is the body fat percentage of a football superstar.

Red Sister frowned and said disdainfully, "Looking at you now, you're all skin and bones and look so weak! How come you came back from studying abroad and don't even have the strength to hit someone?"

Meteor bowed his head, hunched over, and looked apologetic. "Teacher San San (3301's real name) wants me to get more degrees, but I sit all day long. Isn't the ultimate goal of the Power Ship to become a mage? It's the same with the dad in Jackie Chan Adventures. He was good at fighting when he was young, but he started learning spells when he got old."

"You're sharp-tongued, but I won't argue with you," Red Sister Hong said with a slight smile. "I'm just saying a few words on behalf of your mother. Any mother would feel heartbroken to see her child lose weight."

Meteor squinted and nodded vigorously. "Yes! Red Sister is right!"

As she said this, Red Sister led Meteor toward the bar's front desk, and Meteor continued to ask questions.

Why send diners home? I like it lively with lots of people.

Red Sister said disdainfully, "It's so crowded. I've told the guests the rules. You're the second-in-command of the nameless group, so you can't just get close to them. Do you think 3301 would be happy if a woman got close to you? That's how people are. If you stay away from them, they're afraid of you; if you get close, they'll offend you."

Meteor seemed lost in thought. He was still like a child who never grew up. He only knew that he had fought many battles in the past six years, but he rarely paid attention to how people viewed this second-in-command.

The diners whispered amongst themselves, pointing and gossiping about the shooting star behind his back.

"That's the General of Tears."

"He doesn't look like the person in the photo."

"You've lost a lot of weight."

The title "[General of Tears]" refers to the image people see in the battle records left behind by numerous battles.

During the initial investigation phase, A Xing would often encounter people persecuted by the Madness Butterfly Sect. At this time, he would feel as if he had suffered a great injustice. Later, when he was seriously carrying out the extermination mission, he would also have tears in his eyes—but the harder he cried, the higher the killing efficiency.

Later, people called him "the General of Tears," because he would beat people while crying. If they saw this angry, strong man start to shed tears because of injustice, he would definitely use his most vicious knife to kill him.

Compared to six years ago, A Xing has lost more than 30 kilograms. At 193 centimeters tall, he only weighs 130 kilograms. The fat and a lot of muscle that maintain his physical strength have naturally disappeared. In Red Sister's opinion, he is indeed "emaciated and frail".

Meteor asked Xue Ming, "Where's my older brother?"

As Red Sister made coffee for the second-in-command, she pointed to the second floor.

"In the office, with Tang Ning."

A Xing rushed upstairs with his coffee and immediately saw fourteen or fifteen people lining up on a bench outside the office, all looking restless—these were people who had come to ask the Nameless One for favors.

Meteor strode forward, having accepted the BOSS's commission. He was about to tell his older brother the news, and before leaving, he Ming Ge to prepare two sets of equipment.

He pushed open the door and saw Tang Ning sitting in the host's seat, with Jiang Xueming listening in the background.

Robert Tang Ning ultimately couldn't escape this torment. As the gunsmith's apprentice, he had to handle these matters and fulfill the responsibilities of an anonymous figure. With the war against the Madness Butterfly Sect coming to an end, Jiang Xueming immediately stepped back to the sidelines, letting his apprentice take the lead and deal with trivial matters.

Hasben Madison was in charge of external affairs, while Tang Ning.

Based on her experiences over the past few years, Xue Ming finally understood why Brother Ye Bei's tasks were so complicated and down-to-earth—because the major Spirit Calamity in the mortal world had been resolved, what remained were just the mundane matters of daily life. Brother Ye Bei's special operations team even had to do the work of a neighborhood committee.

At this moment, Tang Ning sat stiffly in the main seat. He had changed into decent clothes as instructed by his teacher, while the gunsmith teacher, dressed casually, sat quietly beside him, holding his journal and listening intently.

As soon as Liuxing entered, Xue Ming waved for his younger brother to sit down beside him and not speak yet, so that the guest could finish telling his story.

"Respected anonymous guest," the young man, barely twenty, said humbly, his face showing signs of weariness. "I have come here to ask for your help."

"My name is Hamilton, and I'm a militiaman. Some recent events have left me feeling confused, and even my outlook on life is starting to waver."

"My hometown is in the second district. It has developed rapidly in recent years, and young people have gone to the city to work. But I am still responsible for security and defense work in the township, protecting the lives and property of the elderly and children."

Tang Ning was about to speak when Xue Ming immediately looked up and interrupted, "Wait, Tang Ning, wait—let him finish."

Hamilton nodded gratefully to the nameless leader.

He turned back to Tang Ning and spoke.

"A week ago, a minor plague broke out in the satellite towns of the Second District—it's quite common. Every region experiences cyclical changes in the concentration of Spirit Calamity. The elderly, women, and children who are mentally stressed or physically weak can also be infected with the Vita Imprint. The probability is very, very low, but once it occurs, it can become an epidemic."

"The medical personnel from the prevention and control team arrived quickly, and the elderly and children cooperated with the militia's work. But there's one thing I don't understand. Sorry, I've been a bit long-winded."

Tang Ning glanced at the gunsmith teacher.

Jiang Xueming nodded, encouraging the students to speak up.

"It's alright," Tang Ning said, her heart pounding. "Mr. Hamilton, the anonymous person will help you, whether through counseling or practical action."

Hamilton first looked at the gunsmith, then looked away and stared seriously at Tang Ning, who was in the main seat.

"Here's the thing: in the quarantine zone of the township, in the area under my jurisdiction, there are four large supermarkets. People have to buy their food, drink, and daily necessities from these supermarkets."

"The elderly have difficulty walking, so we militia members will help them with errands. At first, I ran errands for more than 60 households in the community without charging them."

"Later, for some reason, some people said I bought low and sold high, making a profit from the difference—I got angry, argued with the neighbors, and used the purchase invoices to prove it."

"But they wouldn't listen. They said I was colluding with the owner of the big supermarket to commit fraud. No matter how I explained, Grandfather grandparents wouldn't believe me. They didn't believe I was willing to work for free."

"So when I tried to take the money, they said I wasn't as kind as before. When I quit, they accused me of trying to make a quick buck and run."

"Until yesterday, when I saw a new small supermarket open in the residential area, I vaguely felt that I might be blocking someone's path to wealth."

"I was furious, but I didn't want to talk to the militia captain about it because the owner of that small supermarket was just an ordinary person from the town, and I wanted to protect him—but then something happened that made me so angry I couldn't sleep."

"Small supermarkets have a full range of goods, and the prices are a little higher than those of large supermarkets. I think this is a good thing. At least now Grandfather only need to call their grandchildren downstairs to buy daily necessities quickly and easily."

"But yesterday morning, when I went to the supermarket to buy cigarettes, I saw several aunties buying vegetables."

At this point, Hamilton lit a cigarette and, as if a child had done something wrong, became flustered and asked the gunsmith questions.

"May I smoke here? Excuse me."

The gunsmith slammed his hand on the table, signaling Tang Ning to speak first.

Tang Ning immediately replied, "Please go ahead."

"Thanks to the anonymous generosity," Hamilton continued. "I went to the supermarket with some change, and while buying cigarettes, I saw the extremely busy owner, who was also a man in his fifties."

"I handed him a cash bill and asked for change, but he wouldn't accept cash and looked at me with disdain."

"I can't forget the look in his eyes; it was like he was looking at a rat, as if he considered me a pest."

"Because I thought, in these two blocks, within a radius of more than 600 meters, elderly people asking their children to buy things certainly can't bring their mobile phones. The children are still young, and if they know how to swipe cards and spend large sums of money, something bad will definitely happen."

"So I questioned him, why won't you accept cash? Refusing to accept Hui Stone Currency is illegal."

"But he immediately started shouting, pretending to be scared, and complaining to the people still in line next to him."

"I can't forget the look of malice in his eyes when tears and snot streamed down his face. That feeling terrified me. I saw it with my own eyes and heard him scream—"

"--The officials want me to accept cash! Folks! My business is so small! I can't afford to hire any other helpers!"

Hamilton became agitated and swung his arm forcefully.

"I'm so sorry to have inconvenienced everyone! Ladies at the back of the line will have to wait a little longer. I have to get more stock early tomorrow, and this shop might have to close down!"

After saying this, he took a deep breath and tried to organize his thoughts.

"I felt like a clown, driven out of this small supermarket by the stares of other customers. Suddenly I felt like a monster, and I started to doubt myself—I wavered more than once about whether I should continue serving as a militia member in the community. Respected anonymous people, could you answer the questions in my heart?"

Tang Ning said calmly.

"Mr. Hamilton, you should argue your case logically and find evidence, instead of just guessing—things become clearer through debate."

Hamilton's eyes dimmed; this was not the answer he wanted.

If truth becomes clearer through debate, he wouldn't bother the anonymous person with such a trivial matter.

Just then, a strange clicking sound came from inside the office.

Tang Ning was startled; the voice was all too familiar.

--Whenever I say something wrong, the gunsmith teacher's fist gets hard.

At this moment, both Bu Liuxing and Jiang Xueming clenched their fists, their knuckles grinding together with a sharp, cracking sound.

Jiang Xueming stood up, walked behind Tang Ning, and spoke to Hamilton.

"If you really want to do charity, open a small supermarket in the community, with prices lower than this old bastard's, only one cent more expensive than the big supermarkets. If he still tries to sabotage you, give me the evidence, and I will give you justice."

Xue Ming patted Tang Ning's face, his eyes fixed on Mr. Hamilton.

"If you are lying to me, trying to use the power of an anonymous person to seek personal gain and eliminate your rivals—I will invite you into my 'Merit Forest' (a place for meritorious deeds)."

Mr. Hamilton put his hat back on and nodded nervously. Before he could leave, he was so startled by the gunsmith that he forgot to say goodbye.

The gunsmith reminded him, "Mr. Hamilton! You didn't say goodbye properly. Is there anything else you want to say?"

Hamilton immediately turned around. "Thank you for listening to my story, Mr. Gunsmith."

The gunsmith continued.

"Mr. Hamilton, you are a militiaman, do not question its sanctity. You are a hero and deserve commendation and praise. The people you protect should look at you with new respect."

"What's more terrifying than death is when the heart dies before the body does."

"You're an adult now. You shouldn't get angry at the enemy. It will make you lose your mind. Don't let the enemy know what you're thinking. Don't run away weakly. Go and fight the enemy."

"What is truly valuable is not a clever mind, nor idle talk, nor speculation, Mr. Hamilton."

The gunsmith stroked Tang Ning's head, fearing that this student was not yet quick to grasp the concepts.

"The anonymous person will support you. You can go to the first floor and find Mr. Leslie. He will send Silver Bay's friend back with you to investigate this matter. If you have been wronged and your reputation has been tarnished, they will get to the bottom of it."

I believe one is one, and two is two.

"No matter how others slander you, sow discord, or spread rumors, the truth is there, waiting for us to discover it."

Hamilton stood frozen in place, while the militiaman took off his hat again and bowed to the gunsmith in thanks.

Before the next customer could enter, the gunsmith went to the office door to greet the people in line behind him and ask them to wait a moment.

Xue Ming returned to Tang Ning's side and told the disciples about it.

"Robert, this is a simple matter, don't complicate it."

Robert Tang Ning pursed his lips and rolled his eyes.

Jiang Xueming focused on the key points.

"When people come to you for help, it's because they've encountered a problem in life that they can't solve. They can't find anyone to help them, and they're desperate, so they come to you."

"Don't get caught up in unnecessary rituals, and don't interrupt Hamilton. Let him finish telling his story, and then think carefully about whether what he's saying is true or false. If you can't tell, consider asking Teacher Victor to determine the truth."

"If Leslie can handle it, let Silver Bay's men gather intelligence. Don't do anything unnecessary—this matter could be big or small. Hamilton is a militiaman, and there are many children and elderly people in the area. If someone like him goes astray and his thinking goes astray, his destructive power is beyond imagination."

"I understand." Tang Ning breathed a sigh of relief, though she was still a little nervous. "Teacher, I understand."

Jiang Xueming stroked his disciple's full head of golden hair, hoping the boy would come to his senses soon, and then added an explanation.

"Ultimately, this matter boils down to restoring Hamilton's confidence, giving him justice, and ensuring that this man who speaks the truth and does practical things is rewarded. Do you understand?"

Tang Ning: "Hmm"

Jiang Xueming: "We don't need to put on airs when we speak."

Tang Ning: "Hmm"

Jiang Xueming: "Alright, please come in next."

With that, Xue Ming sat back down next to Liuxing, patted Liuxing's thigh, and told Liuxing to wait a little while.

A distraught woman, who looked to be in her early thirties, entered through the door.

This woman played a winning hand right from the start.

"I have been defiled."

Before Tang Ning could speak, the gunsmith interrupted, "Madam, what kind of predicament forced you to abandon the Police Department, and instead of seeking help from the militia or the Lapis Lazuli Guards, come directly to the Nameless Ones?"

The woman took a videotape out of her bag, her expression grave.

"Because the person who violated me was a militiaman, an Indian, I didn't dare go to the local Police Department. I came directly to the main station to seek justice from you. This is the evidence from the surveillance camera in the fire escape—if that's not enough, I also have the recording."

The gunsmith glanced at Tang Ning.

Tang Ning said nervously, "Don't worry, ma'am, I'll handle this immediately."

Jiang Xueming rolled his eyes, and Liuxing followed suit.

Tang Ning: "Oh, I'll definitely make those thugs pay."

Xue Ming: "The tone wasn't strong enough."

Meteor: "Be more aggressive."

Tang Ning: "Fuck him! I'll send this beast to Gongdelin immediately!"

Xue Ming felt as if he had just relieved himself of a constipation, and inwardly marveled that Tang Ning had finally seen the light.

"If the evidence is complete, these vermin in the law enforcement team shouldn't survive until the next day, ma'am. Although I don't know your name, I think you can bravely face the rest of your life."

The woman stood up, breathed a sigh of relief, bowed to the gunsmith and Tang Ning to express her gratitude, left her cell phone and videotape as evidence, and then left.

The gunsmith immediately said, "Tang Ning, notify Yang Chun from customer service to have someone keep an eye on this lady—make sure she doesn't do anything foolish. At this moment, her self-destructive urges are at their strongest."

Tang Ning immediately got up and went out.

Only Meteor and Xue Ming remained in the office.

As Jiang Xueming tidied up the ashtray, she asked, "Why have you gotten so thin?"

Bu Liuxing was still immersed in the tragedy of others and couldn't quite get over it.

Hearing his older brother's question, he repeated what he had said to Red Sister, and then began to talk about the request sent by the BOSS.

Jiang Xueming whispered to Liuxing in private.

"As you can see, I might not be able to get away. Robert is still a child, and I need to keep an eye on him, as well as my children."

Xue Ming will not be able to go on this journey to find Shinto City with Meteor.

Xue Ming then added, "But if you encounter danger, ring the Summoning Bell, and I will come immediately."

There was a time when Brother Ye Bei had said the same thing to Xue Ming.

Bu Liuxing immediately replied, "Okay! I also wanted to Ming Ge for help."

Before he finished speaking, Xue Ming picked up two large boxes from beside the sofa.

"This is your gear, and Ahei's saddle—exploring unknown terrain definitely requires transportation. I know you get carsick, so if you can't drive, ride Ahei. Everything has been prepared in advance."

"Wow!" Meteor said with a smile, "You're so thoughtful!"

Jiang Xueming waved his hand, smiled, and shook his head, saying it was all a small matter.

Meteor then asked about the club.

"Ming Ge, since Robert can't do this, why not let Hasben do it? Isn't he your student too?"

"No." Hearing Meteor's suggestion, Xue Ming's eyes showed even more worry. "Although I don't believe in the power of bloodlines, it seems that the ghost of Lawrence Madison has always been haunting Hasben's heart—if we give him this power, I can't imagine what kind of person he will become."

Meteor seemed to be deep in thought before continuing.

"Ming Ge, have you considered choosing one of my nephews as your successor? Xiaobai, Zhengyang, and Zhenzhen? These kids."

"I thought about it, but then someone stopped me." Jiang Xueming had a wry smile on her face.

Meteor: "Who?"

Jiang Xueming pursed her lips and frowned. "When I first started dealing with these trivial matters, I wondered if it was possible to raise a son to help manage these things."

"Just then, a violent surge of psionic energy emanated from the bathroom of a guest room in the Council of Five Kings's quarters."

"My wife was terrified. She saw FE204863 climb out of the bathtub, come up to me, and raise his hands in front of my dumbfounded expression."

He slapped me hard across the face, making my cheek swell up.

He said, "You'd better not think that way. Your precious children should all have their own lives."

Xue Ming described it vividly, a helpless smile on his face.

"Then this ghost, wandering in higher dimensions, climbed back into the bathtub and left. I didn't even have time to ask why; he vanished without a trace."

Meteor laughed so hard his stomach hurt.

"Ming Ge, why don't you perform again?"

Xue Ming: "What are we performing?"

Meteor: "Repeat after me."

Xue Ming: "Okay."

Meteor: "In the future, I will definitely let my youngest daughter, Zheng'er, study civil engineering. She can experience the happiness of working on a construction site, just like her mother."

Xue Ming: "In the future, I will definitely make sure that my youngest daughter is sent to Zheng'er's school."

Before Xue Ming could finish speaking, 9527 rushed in.

She raised her hand and slapped her husband, trying to wake him up.

"You bastard! What did you say?!"

Meteor: "Hahahaha! This summoning spell is so effective! Hahahaha!"

Jiang Xueming tilted her head, unsure of what to say.

Finally, remembering that the meteor was about to depart, he hugged his best friend.

Have a safe journey!

Meteor picked up the two equipment boxes, hugged Ming Ge, and then hugged his sister-in-law to say goodbye.

"Yes! I'll be safe!"