295 Self-consistent_3

"But if I do that, I will never be able to appear before you again, and the ultimate pleasure will be forever beyond your reach. The rest of your life will merely be a performance, playing a mechanism you believe to be evil, immersed in a false self-brainwashing, finally dying in some Secret Realm.

"Alternatively, you could keep silent.

"Join our plan and revel in this glorious Secret Realm!

"You will understand our pleasures and might even become one of us. I have no doubt that you could be our leader, leading the world to indulge in the pleasures we create!

"It's time to take that step, Li Qingming!"

By the end of his speech, Zhang San's hands were pressing on Li Qingming's shoulders, his eyes brimming with tears.

"Over the years, they have besieged us, hunted us, tortured us...

"We were forced to twist our true selves... finding joy amidst sorrow...

"You see me laughing happily, but I too have walked a lonely path...