Upon returning to the bedroom, I found 'Liao Lan' shadowboxing in nothing but underwear.
"Tess, are you training?" - I asked.
"Yes, Iver. Sleeping for four hours was enough, so I decided to train." - Tess said while lowering her shapely leg.
"Hm. That's fine. How long until we drive to the airport?" - I asked.
"Around an hour. How was your trip?" - Tess asked.
"It was good. I'll go take a quick shower." - I said.
"Take your time." - Tess said and went to dress up.
After having a quick shower and dressing, Tess and I went downstairs, where Zhu Li was waiting with the luggage.
"Young Master, Young Miss. Good morning." - Zhu Li bowed.
"Good morning, Zhu Li. How was your sleep?" - I kindly asked.
"I had some trouble sleeping, but after praying, my mind felt less burdened, so I slept more soundly." - Zhu Li said.
"Hm. Good to hear. Is everything ready?" - I asked.
"Yes, young master. Everything is ready. We can depart whenever you are ready." - Zhu Li said.
"Good, let's head out." - I said.
With each of us taking some luggage, we headed downstairs, where two male and two female bodyguards were waiting.
"Young Master." "Young Miss." - The bodyguards bowed.
The male bodyguards were fit, and the female bodyguards looked unassuming.
The males belonged to Zeng Wei, and the females belonged to Liao Lan.
In China, having bodyguards is common, especially for Billionaires. There are plenty of cases where wealthy people and their family members are targeted, and Zeng Wei and Liao Lan, as only-child scions, are prime targets.
Ignoring things like ransom kidnappings, disgruntled factory workers may come and attack you. And don't even mention getting the Chinese government suddenly inviting you for a cup of tea... Not that the bodyguards can do anything when that happens.
In any case, Zeng Wei's father is kind of up there on the Billionaire ladder, around the $8.9B benchmark, which makes him a target. But he was intimate with the CCP inner circle and the "Big Man" even before he came to power, so his standing is pretty solid.
Liao Lan is the niece of one of the "Big Man"'s most trusted ministers, who himself doesn't have children due to his son dying some ten years ago and leaving no heir, making her a dotted-on princess, or Red Noble. Her father gained economic success thanks to that and investments from Zeng Wei's father. Although she isn't as rich as Zeng Wei, she has more power.
In other words, the marriage between Zeng Wei and Liao Lan is a political move to consolidate interests... Which is pretty good for us.
"Let's go." - I said, deliberately not caring, and dragged my trolley to the car, surrounded by the bodyguards.
Outside, a Limo was waiting, along with an SUV. And there were four more bodyguards outside, two men and two women.
After one of the bodyguards opened the door for us, Zhu Li, Tess, and I entered the Limo before driving away.
Inside the Limo...
"So, what is our travel schedule again?" - I asked through the crystal network.
"First, we are to go to Beijing for three days and pay homage to the "Big Man" with my uncle, Liao Yang. We then have a week in Macau, a week in Hainan island, then go to Europe for a month, and then go back." - Tess listed.
"Seriously?" - I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, seriously. Our new parents think we have a strained relationship, so they want us to get together and hopefully make a child by the time we return." - Tess smirked, amused.
"Wow... Talk about old-fashioned." - I muttered.
"Nah. It's more like cementing the alliance." - Tess shrugged.
"Eh... It is better not to have a child while we disguise ourselves as them. Would be a problem if they see our child is Caucasian and an Ascended to boot." - I jokingly said.
"Though I CAN artificially impregnate myself if I have both DNA samples. The resulting child would be a normal human baby." - Tess pointed out.
"But are you willing to be a surrogate mother to the two we just killed?" - I weirdly asked.
"If we want to blend in with this new identity, I don't mind mothering their child if you recognize it as yours. Otherwise, we can always ditch this identity and move on." - Tess open-mindedly said.
"Nah. I don't want to invest that much into this identity. Let's ditch it after we conquer this world." - I replied.
Honestly, I didn't care much about my kids inheriting my genes. In my eyes, the kid I raise is my kid, no matter who it belongs to. That said, going out of my way to make Tess into a surrogate mother just for this stupid identity is a bit much.
"Sounds good to me. But what about Zhu Li?" - Tess asked and glanced at the silent Zhu Li.
"We can bring her with us later." - I said.
"Hm." - Tess nodded, her eyes holding complicated emotions.
Soon, our ride arrived at the airport, where we skipped many procedures and directly boarded a large private jet. After checking our passports, we were allowed inside the luxurious plane, where we and six guards had our seats.
It looked like a nice living room inside a spacious plane, large enough to seat 20 people.
Without any hiccups, the flight started, and we were soon in the air.
Besides having breakfast, Tess and I also watched some movies in Chinese until our flight reached its destination.
By the way, I took the opportunity to look at her new status...
Name: Tess Hudson(Ic'thotl'itrod's Zealot)
Race: Ascended Polymath
Species: Kin (Human/Flora/Fungus hybrid)
Age: 2 days (Went through rebirth)
Lifespan: 3,010
Gender: Female(Bi-Curious)
Body Type: Human(Adult)
Intelligence Level: Superintelligence I
Personality traits: Hardworking, Assertive, Naturally Charismatic, Devoted(Gulliver Goodman), Passionate, High Sex Drive, Romantically Obsessed(Gulliver Goodman), Avaricious, Glutton, Natural Actor, Cynical, Cunning, Vengeful, Cruel, Sexually Obsessed(Zhu Li, Mind Pollution, Temporary)
Mental Energy: 2,000
Notable Racial Characteristics: High Overall Performance, High Pain Tolerance, Superintelligence I, Unyielding Mind, Fast Regeneration, Inherited Knowledge, High Evolutionary Potential, Night Vision, Partial Ambient Energy Sustenance, Fast Digestion, High Energy Crystal, Crystal Wavelength Communication(50 Miles), High Command Authority, Mental Curtain, Precognitive Intuition, Mental Affinity(Mortal 6), Shapeshifting Affinity(Mortal 6), Energy Infusion Affinity(Local)(Mortal 6), Elemental Control-Solid(Mortal 5), Elemental Control-Liquid(Mortal 5), Elemental Control-Gas(Mortal 5), Elemental Control-Plasma(Mortal 5), Rune-Grafting Affinity(Mortal 6), Metal Control(Mortal 5), Electrical Control(Mortal 5), Machinery Affinity(Mortal 6), Biomatter Affinity(Mortal 6), Probability Affinity(Mortal 6), Susceptible to Hierarchy Commands.
Granted Affinities: Universal Energy(Mortal 5), Universal Body Manipulation(Mortal 4)
Stable Evolutionary Branches: Ascended Polymath II
Description: The Ascended Polymath is a grandmaster of all, a jack of none. The Polymath controls all seven paths, a paragon of excellence in everything he puts his superintelligent mind to. They are the sages of the Ascended race, the most renowned think tanks and champions of the Kin Species. Due to their multifaceted grandmastery of everything, they are revered by the Ascended race and possess resistance to authority, making them equal to the Ascended Royalty in status. They usually serve beside Royalty as an Advisor, Royal Guardians, Sages, Tacticians, Spy Masters, Military Leaders, and the finest Champions in the Ascended Race.
Combat Ability Evaluation: Unlike the Mindweavers and Royalty, the Polymath scuffs at the idea of being protected, for their enemies need protection from them. Possessing Superintelligence, superior bodies, and all the affinities the Ascended race has, the Polymath is the embodiment of skill and martial prowess, unleashing psychic powers, body movements, tactics, precognitive intuition, and weapon play so profound that most fail to even comprehend what they did. Even if this female is a newly evolved Polymath, she already mastered some of her powers and body movements, making her a dangerous adversary for anyone foolish enough to underestimate her.
Superintelligence: The Ascended Polymath has superintelligence, making him able to learn and memorize many times faster than even the Mindweavers, reaching a hundred times as fast. They also have increased problem-solving and memory, making them living libraries and excellent researchers. They also find mastering their body, powers, and weapons ridiculously easy, mastering what would take an entire lifetime to master as easy as breathing air.
Yeah, OP as FUCK.
That aside, I noticed that Mind Pollution thing. Yeah. That explains why she looks at Zhu Li so strangely.
Luckily, it's temporary, and the effect isn't too harmful, so it's not a big deal.
Anyways...
After landing at the airport and entering the polluted-as-fuck Beijing(We wore masks), we saw a limo and several SUVs parked near the plane, with a chubby and bespectacled middle-aged man and two guards standing nearby.
"Young master Zeng, young miss Liao, Old Fu is exhilarated to meet you again." - The chubby man bowed.
I looked at the man blankly and asked Tess, "Who is he again?"
"He is Fu Lim, Liao Yang's secretary, and trusted aide. We need to be friendly and respectful with him." - Tess warned.
"Got it." - I replied.
"Old Fu! It is good to see you again." - I said and warmly shook his hand, nodding.
"Likewise, likewise. You have grown into a fine young man, young master Zeng." - Fu Lim smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Old Fu. You look exactly as I remember!" - I smiled back.
"Haha, you flatter me..." - Fu Lim's smile broadened ever-so-slightly.
He then turned to Tess.
"Young Miss Liao, it is good to see you again. I am sorry I had no chance to attend your wedding, but I had to stay behind to take care of things while your uncle attended your wedding. Please forgive me." - Fu Lim apologized.
"It is fine, Uncle Fu! I know how hard you work for the party. Thank you for coming to escort us." - Tess warmly smiled and lightly shook his hand.
"Thank you for your understanding, young miss. I'll arrange for your luggage and attendants to your arranged hotel. Your appointment with the "Big Man." is in two hours, but we should go early to avoid making him wait." - Fu Lim said.
With that, Fu Lim arranged for Zhu Li and the bodyguards to go to the hotel while we boarded the limo and drove away.
While on the way, Fu Lim didn't forget to remind us of some things.
"Remember to show respect at all times. If the "Big Man." thinks you are putting airs in front of him, even your uncle would be implicated." - Fu Lim warned.
"Thank you, old Fu, we understand." - Tess and I replied.
And so, after driving for half an hour, we arrived at the Zhongnanhai, the "Big Man."'s residence.
We were then brought to a guest room, where we stayed for 90 minutes sipping tea and watching calligraphy before two men arrived.
One of them was a chubby and tall man, looking like he was on the handsome side in his younger days, but time took its toll on him. While the other was a seedy-looking elderly in a suit.
Tess and I both stood up and bowed.
"Greetings, President "Big Man."." - Tess and I said.
"Hahaha! Sit, sit. Call me uncle "Big.". This isn't a formal meeting." - The "Big Man." said.
"Thank you, uncle "Big."." - We both thanked and sat with our backs upright.
"Hm. Good. Good. Chairman Liao Yang, your niece, and new nephew-in-law are a promising young couple." - The "Big Man." said, satisfied.
"You flatter me, President "Big Man."." - Liao Yang said humbly.
The "Big Man." nodded and sat facing us.
"I apologize for not attending your wedding. I am a busy man, you see." - The "Big Man," apologized.
"No, No! How can we let you travel to Shanghai to attend our wedding? It is good enough that you made some time for us." - I humbly replied.
We then chatted for another five minutes, constantly "Flattering" each other, while the "Big Man." dropped a few hints.
He encouraged us to be loyal to the CCP and be humble. To put it more bluntly, he reminded us who is in charge, and to avoid making ourselves more known than him, or he would invite us for a friendly cup of tea. Or, rather, he would remove our protection status and start making our lives a living hell.
Of course, being the filial nephews that we are, we showed understanding and cooperation, vowing loyalty to the party and whatever other nonsense you can think of.
And then, with him being satisfied, he left for whatever other duties he had.
Liao Yang also left with him but secretly gave an approving look before he left.
To summarize, this was all the "Big Man." flexing his flabby muscles.
And with this episode finally done, we were free to continue our honeymoon.
Fu Lim drove us to a 5-star hotel, where Zhu Li and two of the six guards were waiting.
"Young master. Young miss." - Zhu Li bowed.
"Hey, Zhu Li. Everything went well?" - I asked.
"Yes, young master. We already arranged the rooms." - Zhu Li reported.
"Hm. Have you eaten anything yet?" - I asked.
"I haven't, young master." - Zhu Li shook her head.
"How about you, Lan Lan?" - I turned to Tess.
"Yes, I am also hungry." - Tess smiled.
"Then let's go and eat. How about some hot pot?" - I asked.
"Sounds good to me." - Tess said.
An hour later...
We ate at a high-class hot-pot restaurant together with the bodyguards.
While eating...
"So, what are your plans, Iver? Do you want to turn the "Big Man" into a Zealot?" - Tess asked.
"Yeah. But I need to wait until night." - I replied.
"Sounds good." - Tess nodded.
"Hm. So, remind me of our schedule for today again?" - I asked.
"Nothing. We go around touring the place before leaving for our true honeymoon." - Tess said.
"Oh, well. At least we can see Beijing." - I shrugged.
And so, we finished eating the hotpot and traveled around until we returned to the hotel.
...
On a computer chat meeting...
"... And that is why I gave him the True Sun seat." - Filip concluded.
[...]
The chat fell into silence.
After a while, the 3rd elder spoke.
[Then you say that you greatly suspect he went to a technological world and that he can kill us all through cyber attacks and diseases and has the marbles to use it, and that is why you gave the seat?] - The 3rd elder asked to confirm.
"That is indeed what I am saying." - Filip gravely nodded.
The chat fell into silence again.
Then the 2nd spoke.
[... We all understand your worries, but don't you think you are overreacting?] - He asked.
To that, Filip snorted.
"Are you willing to gamble on it, you old coot? Even if I am wrong, do you stand to gain anything? All of us are neutral and not allowed to have the amulet, and only the three candidates stand to lose. And even if they complain, so what? What is stopping him from ditching our reality? Only his sister and perhaps his girlfriend. Don't burn bridges over a moment of lack of judgment." - Filip asked.
[Fair point. But don't you think arranging four class 4 guards, including a valuable detector, for his sister is too extreme?] - The 4th elder asked.
"Is it? When the class 5 candidates try to draw him out, I wonder if those class 4 guards are enough." - Filip spat.
[They wouldn't dare!] - The 5th elder angrily said.
[If assured godhood is on the table, how many wouldn't go silly over it?] - The 1st elder interjected.
[...] - The 5th elder went silent.
[Filip, I understand what you are trying to convey, but I have two questions. Where does his loyalty lie? And would he care about us even if he does stay in this world?] - The 1st elder asked.
"I am uncertain about it, but making him want to stay through incentives is a good start. Besides, what makes you think the other three candidates wouldn't run with the amulet?" - Filip retorted.
[We raised them! Would they dare do that?!] - The 6th elder angrily said.
"And we also injected Ichor into their veins every single day. You know how painful and dangerous that shit is and how many candidates died before reaching class 5. Even with all the brainwashing we did on them, they are ticking time bombs. For all we know, the amulet might undo the brainwashing, and then we would face an angry god. So, why not pick the more tame option?" - Filip asked.
The chat went silent again.
"As for your second question... Gulliver seems like a worldly guy, so why not prove our worth? If we offer this world to him without a struggle and all the riches and women he can ever want, wouldn't it be a piece of cake to convince him to rejuvenate us?" - Filip asked.
[... Fair point.] - The 1st elder conceded.
[Let us hold a vote. Those in favor of letting Gulliver Goodman be the True Sun, vote now.] - The 7th elder, who remained silent until now, said.
[1st elder in favor.]
[2nd elder in favor.]
[3rd elder in favor.]
[4th...]
[...]
[...]
[7th elder in favor. All elders are in favor. Gulliver Goodman is officially the new True Sun.] - The 7th elder concluded.
"Good. Now... Let us discuss the candidates. What do we do with them?" - Filip asked.
[... They had a purpose, but no longer. They are an unstable factor and must be purged. Terminate them.] - The 1st elder coldly said.
[Agreed.] - The 2nd elder voiced.
[3rd elder in favor.]
[4th elder in favor.]
[5th elder in favor.]
[6th elder in favor.]
[7th elder in favor.]
"Then Sundown Protocol is now in effect. Hopefully, we can kill them all before they escape." - Filip darkly said.
Upon returning to the bedroom, I found 'Liao Lan' shadowboxing in nothing but underwear.
"Tess, are you training?" - I asked.
"Yes, Iver. Sleeping for four hours was enough, so I decided to train." - Tess said while lowering her shapely leg.
"Hm. That's fine. How long until we drive to the airport?" - I asked.
"Around an hour. How was your trip?" - Tess asked.
"It was good. I'll go take a quick shower." - I said.
"Take your time." - Tess said and went to dress up.
After having a quick shower and dressing, Tess and I went downstairs, where Zhu Li was waiting with the luggage.
"Young Master, Young Miss. Good morning." - Zhu Li bowed.
"Good morning, Zhu Li. How was your sleep?" - I kindly asked.
"I had some trouble sleeping, but after praying, my mind felt less burdened, so I slept more soundly." - Zhu Li said.
"Hm. Good to hear. Is everything ready?" - I asked.
"Yes, young master. Everything is ready. We can depart whenever you are ready." - Zhu Li said.
"Good, let's head out." - I said.
With each of us taking some luggage, we headed downstairs, where two male and two female bodyguards were waiting.
"Young Master." "Young Miss." - The bodyguards bowed.
The male bodyguards were fit, and the female bodyguards looked unassuming.
The males belonged to Zeng Wei, and the females belonged to Liao Lan.
In China, having bodyguards is common, especially for Billionaires. There are plenty of cases where wealthy people and their family members are targeted, and Zeng Wei and Liao Lan, as only-child scions, are prime targets.
Ignoring things like ransom kidnappings, disgruntled factory workers may come and attack you. And don't even mention getting the Chinese government suddenly inviting you for a cup of tea... Not that the bodyguards can do anything when that happens.
In any case, Zeng Wei's father is kind of up there on the Billionaire ladder, around the $8.9B benchmark, which makes him a target. But he was intimate with the CCP inner circle and the "Big Man" even before he came to power, so his standing is pretty solid.
Liao Lan is the niece of one of the "Big Man"'s most trusted ministers, who himself doesn't have children due to his son dying some ten years ago and leaving no heir, making her a dotted-on princess, or Red Noble. Her father gained economic success thanks to that and investments from Zeng Wei's father. Although she isn't as rich as Zeng Wei, she has more power.
In other words, the marriage between Zeng Wei and Liao Lan is a political move to consolidate interests... Which is pretty good for us.
"Let's go." - I said, deliberately not caring, and dragged my trolley to the car, surrounded by the bodyguards.
Outside, a Limo was waiting, along with an SUV. And there were four more bodyguards outside, two men and two women.
After one of the bodyguards opened the door for us, Zhu Li, Tess, and I entered the Limo before driving away.
Inside the Limo...
"So, what is our travel schedule again?" - I asked through the crystal network.
"First, we are to go to Beijing for three days and pay homage to the "Big Man" with my uncle, Liao Yang. We then have a week in Macau, a week in Hainan island, then go to Europe for a month, and then go back." - Tess listed.
"Seriously?" - I raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, seriously. Our new parents think we have a strained relationship, so they want us to get together and hopefully make a child by the time we return." - Tess smirked, amused.
"Wow... Talk about old-fashioned." - I muttered.
"Nah. It's more like cementing the alliance." - Tess shrugged.
"Eh... It is better not to have a child while we disguise ourselves as them. Would be a problem if they see our child is Caucasian and an Ascended to boot." - I jokingly said.
"Though I CAN artificially impregnate myself if I have both DNA samples. The resulting child would be a normal human baby." - Tess pointed out.
"But are you willing to be a surrogate mother to the two we just killed?" - I weirdly asked.
"If we want to blend in with this new identity, I don't mind mothering their child if you recognize it as yours. Otherwise, we can always ditch this identity and move on." - Tess open-mindedly said.
"Nah. I don't want to invest that much into this identity. Let's ditch it after we conquer this world." - I replied.
Honestly, I didn't care much about my kids inheriting my genes. In my eyes, the kid I raise is my kid, no matter who it belongs to. That said, going out of my way to make Tess into a surrogate mother just for this stupid identity is a bit much.
"Sounds good to me. But what about Zhu Li?" - Tess asked and glanced at the silent Zhu Li.
"We can bring her with us later." - I said.
"Hm." - Tess nodded, her eyes holding complicated emotions.
Soon, our ride arrived at the airport, where we skipped many procedures and directly boarded a large private jet. After checking our passports, we were allowed inside the luxurious plane, where we and six guards had our seats.
It looked like a nice living room inside a spacious plane, large enough to seat 20 people.
Without any hiccups, the flight started, and we were soon in the air.
Besides having breakfast, Tess and I also watched some movies in Chinese until our flight reached its destination.
By the way, I took the opportunity to look at her new status...
Name: Tess Hudson(Ic'thotl'itrod's Zealot)
Race: Ascended Polymath
Species: Kin (Human/Flora/Fungus hybrid)
Age: 2 days (Went through rebirth)
Lifespan: 3,010
Gender: Female(Bi-Curious)
Body Type: Human(Adult)
Intelligence Level: Superintelligence I
Personality traits: Hardworking, Assertive, Naturally Charismatic, Devoted(Gulliver Goodman), Passionate, High Sex Drive, Romantically Obsessed(Gulliver Goodman), Avaricious, Glutton, Natural Actor, Cynical, Cunning, Vengeful, Cruel, Sexually Obsessed(Zhu Li, Mind Pollution, Temporary)
Mental Energy: 2,000
Notable Racial Characteristics: High Overall Performance, High Pain Tolerance, Superintelligence I, Unyielding Mind, Fast Regeneration, Inherited Knowledge, High Evolutionary Potential, Night Vision, Partial Ambient Energy Sustenance, Fast Digestion, High Energy Crystal, Crystal Wavelength Communication(50 Miles), High Command Authority, Mental Curtain, Precognitive Intuition, Mental Affinity(Mortal 6), Shapeshifting Affinity(Mortal 6), Energy Infusion Affinity(Local)(Mortal 6), Elemental Control-Solid(Mortal 5), Elemental Control-Liquid(Mortal 5), Elemental Control-Gas(Mortal 5), Elemental Control-Plasma(Mortal 5), Rune-Grafting Affinity(Mortal 6), Metal Control(Mortal 5), Electrical Control(Mortal 5), Machinery Affinity(Mortal 6), Biomatter Affinity(Mortal 6), Probability Affinity(Mortal 6), Susceptible to Hierarchy Commands.
Granted Affinities: Universal Energy(Mortal 5), Universal Body Manipulation(Mortal 4)
Stable Evolutionary Branches: Ascended Polymath II
Description: The Ascended Polymath is a grandmaster of all, a jack of none. The Polymath controls all seven paths, a paragon of excellence in everything he puts his superintelligent mind to. They are the sages of the Ascended race, the most renowned think tanks and champions of the Kin Species. Due to their multifaceted grandmastery of everything, they are revered by the Ascended race and possess resistance to authority, making them equal to the Ascended Royalty in status. They usually serve beside Royalty as an Advisor, Royal Guardians, Sages, Tacticians, Spy Masters, Military Leaders, and the finest Champions in the Ascended Race.
Combat Ability Evaluation: Unlike the Mindweavers and Royalty, the Polymath scuffs at the idea of being protected, for their enemies need protection from them. Possessing Superintelligence, superior bodies, and all the affinities the Ascended race has, the Polymath is the embodiment of skill and martial prowess, unleashing psychic powers, body movements, tactics, precognitive intuition, and weapon play so profound that most fail to even comprehend what they did. Even if this female is a newly evolved Polymath, she already mastered some of her powers and body movements, making her a dangerous adversary for anyone foolish enough to underestimate her.
Superintelligence: The Ascended Polymath has superintelligence, making him able to learn and memorize many times faster than even the Mindweavers, reaching a hundred times as fast. They also have increased problem-solving and memory, making them living libraries and excellent researchers. They also find mastering their body, powers, and weapons ridiculously easy, mastering what would take an entire lifetime to master as easy as breathing air.
Yeah, OP as FUCK.
That aside, I noticed that Mind Pollution thing. Yeah. That explains why she looks at Zhu Li so strangely.
Luckily, it's temporary, and the effect isn't too harmful, so it's not a big deal.
Anyways...
After landing at the airport and entering the polluted-as-fuck Beijing(We wore masks), we saw a limo and several SUVs parked near the plane, with a chubby and bespectacled middle-aged man and two guards standing nearby.
"Young master Zeng, young miss Liao, Old Fu is exhilarated to meet you again." - The chubby man bowed.
I looked at the man blankly and asked Tess, "Who is he again?"
"He is Fu Lim, Liao Yang's secretary, and trusted aide. We need to be friendly and respectful with him." - Tess warned.
"Got it." - I replied.
"Old Fu! It is good to see you again." - I said and warmly shook his hand, nodding.
"Likewise, likewise. You have grown into a fine young man, young master Zeng." - Fu Lim smiled warmly.
"Thank you, Old Fu. You look exactly as I remember!" - I smiled back.
"Haha, you flatter me..." - Fu Lim's smile broadened ever-so-slightly.
He then turned to Tess.
"Young Miss Liao, it is good to see you again. I am sorry I had no chance to attend your wedding, but I had to stay behind to take care of things while your uncle attended your wedding. Please forgive me." - Fu Lim apologized.
"It is fine, Uncle Fu! I know how hard you work for the party. Thank you for coming to escort us." - Tess warmly smiled and lightly shook his hand.
"Thank you for your understanding, young miss. I'll arrange for your luggage and attendants to your arranged hotel. Your appointment with the "Big Man." is in two hours, but we should go early to avoid making him wait." - Fu Lim said.
With that, Fu Lim arranged for Zhu Li and the bodyguards to go to the hotel while we boarded the limo and drove away.
While on the way, Fu Lim didn't forget to remind us of some things.
"Remember to show respect at all times. If the "Big Man." thinks you are putting airs in front of him, even your uncle would be implicated." - Fu Lim warned.
"Thank you, old Fu, we understand." - Tess and I replied.
And so, after driving for half an hour, we arrived at the Zhongnanhai, the "Big Man."'s residence.
We were then brought to a guest room, where we stayed for 90 minutes sipping tea and watching calligraphy before two men arrived.
One of them was a chubby and tall man, looking like he was on the handsome side in his younger days, but time took its toll on him. While the other was a seedy-looking elderly in a suit.
Tess and I both stood up and bowed.
"Greetings, President "Big Man."." - Tess and I said.
"Hahaha! Sit, sit. Call me uncle "Big.". This isn't a formal meeting." - The "Big Man." said.
"Thank you, uncle "Big."." - We both thanked and sat with our backs upright.
"Hm. Good. Good. Chairman Liao Yang, your niece, and new nephew-in-law are a promising young couple." - The "Big Man." said, satisfied.
"You flatter me, President "Big Man."." - Liao Yang said humbly.
The "Big Man." nodded and sat facing us.
"I apologize for not attending your wedding. I am a busy man, you see." - The "Big Man," apologized.
"No, No! How can we let you travel to Shanghai to attend our wedding? It is good enough that you made some time for us." - I humbly replied.
We then chatted for another five minutes, constantly "Flattering" each other, while the "Big Man." dropped a few hints.
He encouraged us to be loyal to the CCP and be humble. To put it more bluntly, he reminded us who is in charge, and to avoid making ourselves more known than him, or he would invite us for a friendly cup of tea. Or, rather, he would remove our protection status and start making our lives a living hell.
Of course, being the filial nephews that we are, we showed understanding and cooperation, vowing loyalty to the party and whatever other nonsense you can think of.
And then, with him being satisfied, he left for whatever other duties he had.
Liao Yang also left with him but secretly gave an approving look before he left.
To summarize, this was all the "Big Man." flexing his flabby muscles.
And with this episode finally done, we were free to continue our honeymoon.
Fu Lim drove us to a 5-star hotel, where Zhu Li and two of the six guards were waiting.
"Young master. Young miss." - Zhu Li bowed.
"Hey, Zhu Li. Everything went well?" - I asked.
"Yes, young master. We already arranged the rooms." - Zhu Li reported.
"Hm. Have you eaten anything yet?" - I asked.
"I haven't, young master." - Zhu Li shook her head.
"How about you, Lan Lan?" - I turned to Tess.
"Yes, I am also hungry." - Tess smiled.
"Then let's go and eat. How about some hot pot?" - I asked.
"Sounds good to me." - Tess said.
An hour later...
We ate at a high-class hot-pot restaurant together with the bodyguards.
While eating...
"So, what are your plans, Iver? Do you want to turn the "Big Man" into a Zealot?" - Tess asked.
"Yeah. But I need to wait until night." - I replied.
"Sounds good." - Tess nodded.
"Hm. So, remind me of our schedule for today again?" - I asked.
"Nothing. We go around touring the place before leaving for our true honeymoon." - Tess said.
"Oh, well. At least we can see Beijing." - I shrugged.
And so, we finished eating the hotpot and traveled around until we returned to the hotel.
...
On a computer chat meeting...
"... And that is why I gave him the True Sun seat." - Filip concluded.
[...]
The chat fell into silence.
After a while, the 3rd elder spoke.
[Then you say that you greatly suspect he went to a technological world and that he can kill us all through cyber attacks and diseases and has the marbles to use it, and that is why you gave the seat?] - The 3rd elder asked to confirm.
"That is indeed what I am saying." - Filip gravely nodded.
The chat fell into silence again.
Then the 2nd spoke.
[... We all understand your worries, but don't you think you are overreacting?] - He asked.
To that, Filip snorted.
"Are you willing to gamble on it, you old coot? Even if I am wrong, do you stand to gain anything? All of us are neutral and not allowed to have the amulet, and only the three candidates stand to lose. And even if they complain, so what? What is stopping him from ditching our reality? Only his sister and perhaps his girlfriend. Don't burn bridges over a moment of lack of judgment." - Filip asked.
[Fair point. But don't you think arranging four class 4 guards, including a valuable detector, for his sister is too extreme?] - The 4th elder asked.
"Is it? When the class 5 candidates try to draw him out, I wonder if those class 4 guards are enough." - Filip spat.
[They wouldn't dare!] - The 5th elder angrily said.
[If assured godhood is on the table, how many wouldn't go silly over it?] - The 1st elder interjected.
[...] - The 5th elder went silent.
[Filip, I understand what you are trying to convey, but I have two questions. Where does his loyalty lie? And would he care about us even if he does stay in this world?] - The 1st elder asked.
"I am uncertain about it, but making him want to stay through incentives is a good start. Besides, what makes you think the other three candidates wouldn't run with the amulet?" - Filip retorted.
[We raised them! Would they dare do that?!] - The 6th elder angrily said.
"And we also injected Ichor into their veins every single day. You know how painful and dangerous that shit is and how many candidates died before reaching class 5. Even with all the brainwashing we did on them, they are ticking time bombs. For all we know, the amulet might undo the brainwashing, and then we would face an angry god. So, why not pick the more tame option?" - Filip asked.
The chat went silent again.
"As for your second question... Gulliver seems like a worldly guy, so why not prove our worth? If we offer this world to him without a struggle and all the riches and women he can ever want, wouldn't it be a piece of cake to convince him to rejuvenate us?" - Filip asked.
[... Fair point.] - The 1st elder conceded.
[Let us hold a vote. Those in favor of letting Gulliver Goodman be the True Sun, vote now.] - The 7th elder, who remained silent until now, said.
[1st elder in favor.]
[2nd elder in favor.]
[3rd elder in favor.]
[4th...]
[...]
[...]
[7th elder in favor. All elders are in favor. Gulliver Goodman is officially the new True Sun.] - The 7th elder concluded.
"Good. Now... Let us discuss the candidates. What do we do with them?" - Filip asked.
[... They had a purpose, but no longer. They are an unstable factor and must be purged. Terminate them.] - The 1st elder coldly said.
[Agreed.] - The 2nd elder voiced.
[3rd elder in favor.]
[4th elder in favor.]
[5th elder in favor.]
[6th elder in favor.]
[7th elder in favor.]
"Then Sundown Protocol is now in effect. Hopefully, we can kill them all before they escape." - Filip darkly said.
