Ablana: A thick wall already stood between us / Armistice conference? Chen Qi supporters' meet-and-greet!

But now things are better. She finally has a way to prove herself. Although this kind of proof doesn't matter to Xi, she would certainly be happy if she could show off in front of her brother and get a few words of praise in return.

"Well then, I'll see what makes this movie, which can turn hostility into friendship, so appealing."

As he spoke, Chongyue casually put the painting away. Of course, he wouldn't burn his sister's painting. Even if it was no longer of any use, using it as a decoration would be a small consolation.

What Chongyue valued most was this movie... It was directly related to whether he could report the movie to the Emperor of Yan, use the movie to express Chen Qi's position, and ensure that his two younger sisters would not have any dissenting thoughts. It all depended on how the movie turned out.

Meanwhile, in Little Hill County, Victoria, the Dukes of Victoria chose this location for negotiations and invited the Pope of Laterano as a notary, along with leaders from various countries, to witness this ceasefire agreement.

It can be said that almost all the prominent figures on Terra are now gathering in Little Hill County, because after the ceasefire agreement, Victoria will announce its new course of action. In other words, Victoria's future will be decided on this day.

As a result, representatives from various countries came to watch, including Grand Knight Commander Ioleta of Kazimierz and Silver Ash, CEO of Karlan Trade in Siracusa. These people who had dealt with Chen Qi all came here.

Silver Ash, who had just arrived from Siracusa, was surrounded and photographed by a large number of civilians and reporters in Little Hill County Silver Ash a representative of a small country.

Clearly, Silver Ash gained immense popularity in Victoria after playing Frederick III in "Darkest Hour," becoming a Victoria star overnight, which made the somewhat aloof CEO feel a little uncomfortable.

"This is the actor who played King Rama III in 'Darkest Hour'! If the cast list hadn't been released, I wouldn't have believed that the old man in the movie was played by such a handsome person."

Meanwhile, on the other side, Ablana, who had returned to Little Hill County from the front lines due to the armistice agreement, and the Duke of Wellington stood together. Ablana, dressed in formal attire, quietly awaited the arrival of each foreign ambassador, smiling as she spoke:

"So, Ursus hasn't agreed to come yet?"

"They only agreed to a temporary ceasefire, but given Ursus's tough diplomatic approach, their participation in the ceasefire signing without achieving any results, especially with the broadcast throughout Terra, could easily damage their reputation."

Duke of Wellington was not at all surprised that Ursus had not sent an ambassador, but he was more concerned about two other things.

"It's puzzling that Columbia sent representatives, though."

"Ah, that 'boss' of Rhine Lab." Ablana nodded, immediately understanding the Duke of Wellington's words, and her gaze involuntarily drifted to the side.

The Columbia representative, a charming woman named Kristen Wright, was discussing her impressions of the visit with several reporters, offering nothing more than platitudes about "yearning for peace" and "the future policy of Victoria being relevant to Columbia."

Clearly, she had other plans, and Ablana's womanly intuition gave her a vague idea of why she had come.

"Also, there's that director Chen Qi... We invited him here, even to be one of the notaries, I really don't know if that was the right thing to do."

The Duke of Wellington couldn't help but feel a headache coming on when he mentioned "Chen Qi." In less than a year, Victoria had been torn apart and rebuilt because of this man, and now that such a person had penetrated deep into the heart of Victoria, one wondered if he still had any grand plans...

Just as they were reminiscing, a messenger arrived just in time and said to the Duke of Wellington and Ablana:

"Sir, Director Chen Qi has arrived—along with the Sarkaz and Sarkaz delegations!"

"They came together?" Duke of Wellington was also somewhat surprised, but before he could finish speaking, three landships slowly approached from not far away.

After the three landships slowly came to a stop, the three gates opened simultaneously with the help of Victoria soldiers, quickly revealing to everyone who had entered.

The car in the middle carried Chen Qi and his crew, as well as representatives from Rhodes Island. Chen Qi stood in the center, while Patriot, Talulah, Nian, Młynar, and Amiya got out of the car one after another.

On the left, Theresis, Manfred, and the Sarkaz delegation led by the Bloodborne Archon naturally walked alongside Chen Qi and his group.

On the right is the notary for this event, Laterano Church, accompanied by four Pontiff Knights. He still smiles and doesn't seem to mind walking with Chen Qi, Theresis, and the others.

As this group of people walked by, they didn't exchange any words, but their presence was enough to make any country's high-ranking officials tremble with fear. Even the Duke of Wellington couldn't help but swallow hard, appearing lingering apprehension.

That's exactly what he's worried about... With this bunch of lawless people coming, is it really okay?

Chapter 114: Ablana: We're already separated by a thick wall.

For all the high-ranking officials and representatives from various countries who are present in Victoria, Chen Qi's arrival is arguably the ultimate reason they came – they all want to know who this director, who is rumored to never show his face or hold office, and Chen Qi has stirred up the Terra solely through his art, really is.

Because Sarkaz and Sarkaz were willing to jointly acknowledge that one person was a "friend" of two sworn enemies for the sake of a director, although this did not resolve their differences, it was already an extraordinary exception.

However, such rumors remain just that—rumors—for the high-ranking officials of various countries. After all, apart from Victoria and Sarkaz, who is still with Victoria, no one else has witnessed such a scene. Just receiving such news would make the high-ranking officials of various countries suspect that it is false intelligence sent by spies.

But now, with Chen Qi and the others walking together, along with Theresis, the representative of the Sarkaz, and the Pope, the representative of the Sarkaz, all the doubts in everyone's hearts were dispelled, and they began to show different expressions.

When Grand Knight Commander Ioleta of Kazimierz saw Chen Qi again, his face was filled with undisguised solemnity and apprehension.

Kristen, the high-ranking founder of Rhine Lab, representing Columbia, immediately turned his attention to Chen Qi upon seeing him.

Meanwhile, Iberia, Bolívar, Rim Billiton... all the countries and forces that have direct interests with Victoria sent envoys. Their purposes were mostly the same: to make an acquaintance with the sensational director Chen Qi in Terra.

Beside the Duke of Wellington, Ablana, dressed in a long dress, rushed forward almost the instant she saw Chen Qi, standing directly in front of him.

"Director Chen Qi, it's nice to see you again. I'm Ablana, the leader of [Deep Pool]. I think you should still remember me."

Ablana looked somewhat excited. This was the first time Ablana had formally introduced herself to Chen Qi their first meeting in Londinium, and she greeted Chen Qi with very elegant aristocratic manners.

"Ah... Miss Ablana, shall we say it's nice to meet you?"

Ablana's sudden arrival startled Chen Qi slightly. However, facing this leader of [Deep Pool], he really couldn't understand why she was so excited... Could she be his fan?

Chen Qi was actually quite nervous this time. Victoria's invitation made him feel uneasy, especially since the signing of the ceasefire agreement would be attended by people of status and position from various countries. As a small director, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"No need to worry, Director Chen Qi. Your trip to Victoria this time is of great significance, and you will definitely be the focus of attention. However, no country will make a move on that occasion unless they want to become the target of everyone's criticism."

What put Chen Qi at ease was actually Młynar, the pillar of the Nearl Family, who approached Chen Qi for the first time and said to him:

"I will be traveling with you this time. After all, I also acted in 'Braveheart,' and as one of the lead actors, I received an invitation as well."

Since Młynar said so, Chen Qi eventually went with Talulah and Patriot, while Amiya only came as a representative of Rhodes Island who was "incidentally invited" to accompany Chen Qi.

As for encountering the Sarkaz and Sarkaz delegations on the road... Chen Qi felt that Theresis and the Pope were deliberately waiting for them.

"This time, since Victoria's division and subsequent reunification, a new policy and order have been promulgated, and the Sarkaz have played a crucial role in this war."

"It's alright to tell you, Director Chen Qi, the Sarkaz will cooperate with the Victoria government, which is establishing a new order. Before we achieve our own goals, we will lend our power to Victoria, which needs to rebuild its home from ruins. In return, Victoria will help the Sarkaz by providing assistance in building our own new city."

"Director Chen Qi, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity you gave to the Sarkaz people to participate in this war and achieve what can be described as a war that will establish our nation."

Theresis's words to Chen Qi at that time were quite sincere—since their separation in Londinium, Theresis had seized the opportunity and hints that Chen Qi given Theresis this time.

Back when "Darkest Hour" was happening, if Chen Qi hadn't warned him beforehand not to send Sarkaz troops to assassinate Victoria at that time, he probably would have been one of those defeated by the aftermath of "Darkest Hour".

Theresis would never have considered sending the Sarkaz to the front lines of Victoria to fight this war of national founding. Their current achievements here have completely silenced the princes of the Royal Court, providing them with the results they desired.

And now, with "Braveheart," the Sarkaz army has managed to end the war without suffering too many losses. The Sarkaz clan can be said to have achieved their desired results at a very low cost.

This delighted Theresis, and upon hearing that Chen Qi would be coming as one of the notaries, he deliberately waited on the road that Chen Qi and his group were bound to take.

However, to his surprise, the Laterano pope thought the same thing.

"Haha, Director Chen Qi, although this is our first meeting, we'll have a chance to get to know each other better during our time in Victoria."

The affable, plump pope with a long white beard, who looked quite fortunate, also expressed the Sarkaz clan's hospitality towards friends when he first met Chen Qi.

Of course, the main reason was to prevent Chen Qi from being simply won over by the Sarkaz, represented by Theresis. Although Laterano didn't need Chen Qi's expertise for help yet, the Pope couldn't just watch the Sarkaz use Sarkaz Chen Qi's strengths to boost their own prestige.

Moreover, making friends with Chen Qi is infinitely better than making enemies with him. Chen Qi may not have the intention to destroy anyone, but he certainly has the ability to do so...

This time, when faced with Ablana's advance, everyone except Chen Qi remembered how Ablana had led [Deep Pool] to try and seize Chen Qi.

Therefore, as soon as Ablana stepped forward, Talulah, Patriot, Manfred, and the others almost immediately took action, which surprised Ablana slightly.

At this moment, Ablana realized that the situation was different from before. Chen Qi was no longer the weaker party. On the contrary, compared with the power behind Chen Qi, she was the weaker party.

I can no longer follow the original plan and take it for myself...

Now, Ablana's own stance has changed again and again. At first, she wanted to become the Queen of Tara, then her ambition expanded to become the Queen of Victoria. But now, reality tells her that she is not even a queen at the top, at most a general.

She could no longer control Chen Qi's will. Perhaps she could before, but things were different now.

"--I apologize for what happened back then; I hope Director Chen Qi can forgive me."

Ablana has matured a lot, quickly adjusting her posture and revealing an elegant, aristocratic smile. This time, however, Ablana's smile lacked some of the scorpion-like ruthlessness, but instead possessed more composure and elegance.

... This woman... she seems different now? Chen Qi blinked curiously. He originally had no good feelings towards this Tang San Shi older sister, only wariness and a bit of fear. But now, Ablana's composure made Chen Qi a little curious about her change.

Could it be that the fierce battles of this period of time have awakened her? Chen Qi knew that Ablana and [Deep Pool] had clashed with the Ursus Army Group more than once, and he guessed as well.

"Now I am just a fan and admirer of Director Chen Qi."

"Director Chen Qi, you might not know this, but I've been a loyal fan of yours ever since 'Yes, Prime Minister.' I'm a little too excited to see you again; please forgive my rudeness."

"No, it doesn't matter. On the contrary, I'm very happy that Miss Ablana likes my work." Chen Qi certainly knew Ablana. Of his several films, Ablana had never failed to impress him, and each time she contributed a lot of reputation points.

Ablana also noticed that Chen Qi's attitude had softened, and her eyes lit up as she softly asked:

"If it's convenient, could you please sign your autograph for me?"

"An autograph?" Chen Qi was a little surprised. This woman had come all the way up just to ask for an autograph, but he didn't refuse.

"Okay, but where do you want to sign?"

"--This is fine." Ablana didn't seem to have anything suitable for signing, but then she revealed a sly smile, turned slightly towards Chen Qi, and showed the open back of her dress.

However, Ablana pointed towards her own dress. Ablana's action immediately made Chen Qi's heart skip a beat.

Beside Chen Qi, Talulah's eyes were also slightly narrowed, looking as if she was on the verge of exploding, which would make anyone who saw her feel a little scared.

Chen Qi, of course, sensed this as well, and he had no choice but to look to Nian for help, hoping she could offer him some assistance.

"--Please, Director Chen~"

However, when Nian saw Chen Qi's gaze fall upon her, she seemed to be enjoying the spectacle even more, and proactively handed Chen Qi a marker, then said in a pretentious manner:

"Without my help as assistant director, Director Chen Qi really wouldn't have prepared anything. Luckily, I specially prepared a pen for signing autographs. So please come on in!"

"After all, they didn't ask me for an autograph, so I couldn't very well steal Director Chen Qi's thunder, could I?"

"..."

You just wait, I'll eat my hat if you manage to get a single chili pepper in your lunchbox on set this week!

However, faced with Nian, who seemed to enjoy watching the drama unfold, and Ablana's back still waiting in front of him, Chen Qi, holding a marker, had no choice but to grit his teeth and crookedly write his name on the back of Ablana's pristine white dress.

It's not that Chen Qi's handwriting is bad, it's just that this time the situation is different... his hand is shaking.

"Oh, thank you, Director Chen Qi."

Ablana didn't seem to care at all about her dress. Or perhaps, this dress could be used as a token in the future, so she could ask Chen Qi for help in a crisis?

Although she hadn't known Chen Qi for long, Ablana felt that... Chen Qi seemed surprisingly easy to get along with, quite humane, and never refused requests from others.

Ablana even began to think that Chen Qi was a kind-hearted person—a personality trait that was almost unheard of for someone of Chen Qi's status and position.

But what if? What if the future really brings Chen Qi back? Ablana looked at the dress with Chen Qi's signature on the front and said to Chen Qi with a hint of joking:

"This dress has been elevated to a whole new level because of Director Chen Qi's autograph. I have no doubt that someone would spend a fortune to buy it."

"... Whatever makes you happy." Chen Qi was also a little confused about Ablana's thoughts. Was there something wrong with this woman's character? Or had he missed something in the plot?

Only the Duke of Wellington, standing not far away, seemed to understand something after looking at Chen Qi, who hadn't refused, and Ablana, who now seemed unusually happy... He revealed a meaningful expression.

... If Ablana is so confident in her charm, why not let her give it a try? This thought crossed the Duke of Wellington's mind. After all, a try wouldn't offend anyone, and who knows, she might just make a killing.

Especially now that various forces and countries have witnessed Chen Qi's abilities, they all want to get to know him. Victoria is powerless to stop them, but if it can make Chen Qi care more about Victoria, that would be good too.

Chapter 115: Ceasefire Agreement Meeting? Chen Qi Supporters' Meeting!

"If Ablana can really find a way to make Director Chen Qi feel more favorably toward Victoria, that would be a good thing."

"Now that it's Victoria's home turf, we have ample opportunity and time to extend an olive branch to Director Chen Qi... However, we still don't know what methods to use to win Chen Qi over, or what exactly he's interested in."

Having witnessed firsthand Chen Qi's talent, Victoria has truly recognized his immense potential and the maximum impact he can achieve.

It can be said that during this period, Victoria became a true "exhibition" for Chen Qi to prove his abilities, a demonstration that could shake the very foundations of the world. Through several major changes in Victoria, Chen Qi showcased just the tip of the iceberg of his talent.

Victoria was torn apart by Chen Qi's TV series, but united by his movies. Now, thanks to Chen Qi's movies, it can even be said that Victoria's crisis has been resolved, allowing Victoria to rebuild her home from the ruins.

Chen Qi never used direct combat power to achieve all this; he used a method that was not yet highly valued on the Terra —culture.

Cultural export alone can achieve results that even a massive army might not be able to accomplish. Now, the eight dukes of Victoria can be said to have reached a consensus on this issue—that is, they absolutely must not provoke Chen Qi!

As for Chen Qi's stance... the Duke of Wellington felt that Chen Qi's most troublesome aspect was that he had no stance to speak of; he was completely free from interference from any power and not bound by the orders of any country.

This means that if they want to win over Chen Qi, they can only try to get him to "favor" Victoria to some extent, just like the joint assistance from Sarkaz and Sarkaz some time ago. The Duke of Wellington doesn't believe that Chen Qi didn't play a role in it.

"Perhaps, someone like Director Chen Qi... is only interested in his own work? If we want to cater to his tastes, why not start from that angle?"

The Duke of Wellington thought this to himself, and at the same time, he took out his phone to convey his thoughts to the other dukes. They hadn't yet publicly announced Victoria's new policies... They still had time to add a few personal touches to curry favor with Chen Qi.

As for how to cultivate a good relationship, the Duke of Wellington clearly already had a plan.

"Director Chen Qi, it's been a while! You've really been surprising us time and time again."

Meanwhile, before Ablana could speak again, Ioleta, the Grand Knight Commander of Kazimierz and one of the witnesses invited to participate in the ceasefire agreement as a representative, turned her gaze to Młynar beside Chen Qi as soon as she approached.

"Młynar, it's been a long time. I never expected to see you here... and right next to Director Chen Qi."

"... I was merely an actor who was invited to the Victoria Film Festival to present an award because of my role in 'Braveheart'."