The Gentleman May Die

"What's all this fuss about?"As Chen Dafeng arrived at the gate, he saw Lu Nianxin busy in the front, seemingly involved in some sort of documentation.However, it was Chen Xun who noticed him first, his sharp eyes spotting the returning leader. He quickly approached with a warm smile."Captain Chen, congratulations on your victorious return!""What's going on here?"Chen Dafeng gestured toward the crowd, confused. "Is today some kind of festival for your Brave Men's Alliance? Why is it so lively?""They're not from the Brave Men's Alliance," Chen Xun explained with a grin. "They're representatives from the other armed factions of Xinchang City.""This is all thanks to you. You've made such an impression, getting the Unfeeling Shelter to soften up. Now, many people realize the tide can't be stopped.""Look, everyone's sending people here to make contact with us, hoping to gain the approval of the rescue team or assist with the ongoing rescue efforts.""Ah, so this is all my doing."Chen Dafeng grinned, his eyes gleaming with pride. "I'd heard that things were chaotic here in Xinchang, but it doesn't look that bad now. Only a few troublemakers are stirring things up.""See? There are still many who have a sense of national responsibility, who understand how urgent the rescue efforts are.""The people of Xinchang are still capable of understanding the big picture."Chen Dafeng's expression was serious, though inwardly, he relished the moment.He enjoyed delivering these official-sounding lines—it felt good to sound so dignified."Indeed, in the face of disaster, the people of our nation should be awake to their duties."Chen Xun nodded in agreement, though he was somewhat surprised by the sudden solemnity of Chen Dafeng's words.As for what Chen Dafeng said about national duty, Chen Xun wasn't convinced.Everyone understood the concept of national unity, but in this world, nothing comes without strength. All ideals must be backed by a strong fist.Had the Jinling Rescue Team not displayed their formidable power, would these people have been sending representatives in the dead of night to make contact?Most likely, the situation would have escalated into another round of bloody conflict."By the way."Chen Dafeng interrupted Chen Xun's thoughts with a casual wave. "This is the Unfeeling one. You should arrange things for him and send a report up.""Whether we accept him or not is up to higher-ups; I'm not concerned.""Not my problem. I'm going to sleep."With a lazy wave of his hand, Chen Dafeng signaled for Chongshan and the Defenders to return to camp, heading toward the building that served as the camp's headquarters."Take care, Captain Chen."Chen Xun turned his gaze back to the middle-aged man before him, his eyes scanning Unfeeling up and down.Unfeeling met his gaze but scoffed, looking away, though the defiance and resentment in his eyes didn't escape Chen Xun's notice."Troublemaker," Chen Xun muttered to himself. After a moment's thought, he turned to a nearby staff member."Go find Captain Qin Dashan. Inform him of the situation here. Let Miss Jiang decide what to do with this Unfeeling person... I'm not the one to make that call."Chen Xun passed the responsibility, hoping to test the woman's handling of the situation.

As Chen Dafeng walked toward the small building, he collided with two people exiting."Hey, Dashan!"He greeted with a smile, "How's it going? What task did Miss Jiang assign you? You look all serious... oh, who's this? He looks new!"Chen Dafeng's gaze fell on the young man standing next to Qin Dashan. He had a head of fine, thick hair, striking good looks, and bright eyes that glowed even in the night, exuding an aura of youthful vitality."This is Liu Wenbo, the commander of Xinchang," Qin Dashan introduced.Chen Dafeng circled Liu Wenbo, clicking his tongue. "Can't believe it. You were all scruffy this afternoon, but now you've cleaned up pretty well. Looks good on you.""Hello, Captain Chen."Liu Wenbo smiled and nodded politely. "Thanks to the supplies from the Brave Men's Alliance, I managed to get myself together and maintain some dignity for the Jinling Rescue Team.""By the way, I've already spoken with Miss Jiang, and from today onward, I'll fully support the Jinling Rescue Team's work in Xinchang.""Everything will be led by the Jinling Rescue Team, and I will provide all the help I can, including using my position."Liu Wenbo spoke earnestly, revealing the result of his discussion with Jiang Xiaoci.Chen Dafeng raised an eyebrow, suddenly stepping closer with a sly grin."Fully support us, huh? Then... what happens after the rescue work in Xinchang is done?""Are we going to hand over the management of Xinchang to you? Or will you, as Xinchang's commander, just stand by while we take over?"Chen Dafeng's questions were sharp and direct, making Qin Dashan frown slightly.There was no tact in his words, no consideration for face."Captain Chen, I didn't expect you to focus on the issue of Xinchang's governance," Liu Wenbo replied, slightly surprised. He took a step back, his face showing mild disdain."Right now, in the face of the apocalypse, the survival of humanity is at stake. The people of Xinchang are still suffering, and you're already worrying about what comes after the rescue work?""Aren't the most important things saving the people from the flames of disaster? Should we be fighting for power while the apocalypse is still ongoing?""I thought Miss Jiang was someone with high awareness, someone who represented the Jinling Rescue Team, but now I'm disappointed in you, Captain Chen."Liu Wenbo spoke with righteous indignation, laced with criticism and sarcasm.Chen Dafeng wasn't offended; instead, he squinted and smiled playfully."Well, I guess I don't have such high ideals... I'm just curious, do you really not care about Xinchang's future?""Xinchang belongs to the country, to the people. It belongs to no one individual," Liu Wenbo said, his tone calm and resolute."I know you don't believe me, but I don't care. As long as Miss Jiang believes in me, as long as the Jinling commander believes in me, that's all that matters.""Right now, nothing is more important than helping the people of Xinchang."Liu Wenbo paused for a moment, then continued, his voice firm."If we manage to stabilize Xinchang and get the people through this crisis, I won't do anything that goes against the greater good. I have no desire for power."Chen Dafeng watched him carefully, a little uncertain."Damn, maybe I've misjudged him?"He scratched his head and glanced at Qin Dashan, who whispered, "Miss Jiang has already accepted him... and judging by the regulations for commanders, most of them are people of good conscience. His sense of responsibility isn't far-fetched."If Liu Wenbo passed Miss Jiang's test, it meant he was likely trustworthy."Good, good," Chen Dafeng nodded thoughtfully. He gave Liu Wenbo another once-over before suddenly smiling."So, what's your plan now?""I'll join Qin Dashan to make a joint statement, with both of us as commanders, to further coordinate and promote the rescue efforts throughout the city, ensuring that the rescue work is implemented down to the smallest detail."Liu Wenbo said flatly.Chen Dafeng couldn't help but smirk. "You really have the air of an official. Only Dashan can tolerate you.""Alright, I'll leave the tough stuff to you guys. I don't care."Chen Dafeng waved his hand lazily, glancing at Liu Wenbo one last time before turning and heading toward the small building. "I'm going to bed. You guys can keep working. Don't bother me unless it's urgent.""Has he always been like this?"Liu Wenbo frowned, watching Chen Dafeng disappear into the building.Qin Dashan chuckled softly, "You'll get used to it. Miss Jiang says he has the talent of a general, but he's a wild horse. He's not bad, though, once you get to know him.""Well, I suppose so," Liu Wenbo sighed. "Strength is a good thing, and having more powerful people in the rescue team ensures the safety of the people in the disaster zone.""Your awareness is commendable. Shall we continue?""Let's continue. We must focus on the real work, not just talk.""Exactly."The two men walked into the darkness, unaware of the amused gaze watching them from the shadows."In the end, was this an unexpected development?"Chen Dafeng stood silently by the window, his eyes following Liu Wenbo's retreating figure, murmuring softly to himself."Miss Jiang, you had me kill him before, but now you've accepted him... So, do you want me to kill him or not?""Working for you is truly complicated."