The light outside fell across Chen Mo's face.
Too young.
Really, far too young.
So Chen Mo did not stand in the brightest spot.
Chen Mo walked over to the bar and stood at the boundary between light and shadow. The dim tavern concealed his age and made his voice sound steadier.
"Can I say a few words?"
No one answered.
Jiubao glanced at Chen Mo and, surprisingly, did not stop him.
The television was still playing.
The presenter on the screen wore an expensive suit, his tie perfectly straight, his tone as steady as if he were reporting tomorrow morning's weather.
"The relevant authorities have stated that unregistered minors participating in public safety incidents pose significant risks, and law enforcement personnel at the scene took necessary action..."
A chorus of curses immediately rose through the tavern.
Chen Mo picked up the remote and turned the volume higher.
The presenter's voice continued spilling from the television.
"The relevant authorities emphasized that public safety must be founded on lawful deployment and centralized management. Any unauthorized superhero activity could increase the risks..."
Chen Mo muted it.
The tavern fell silent at once.
The screen was still lit.
The presenter's mouth was still moving.
But the sound was gone.
Chen Mo watched the screen, then turned around after two seconds.
"Did you hear that?"
"Necessary action."
Chen Mo repeated the words.
This time, his voice was very soft.
"When the school exploded, necessary action didn't come."
"When the children were trapped inside the building, necessary action didn't come."
"While the fire was still burning, necessary action finally arrived."
Chen Mo raised a hand and pointed at the television.
"With guns aimed at Spider-Man and Patriot, who were saving people."
No one in the tavern spoke.
Only the ice clinked softly in a glass.