Hearing Victor Tang's reasoning, the sharp-faced youth protested unwillingly, "So we're just giving up on avenging Prince Qi?"
"No, this isn't giving up. It's about finding a better future for the people of the Kingdom of Qi," Victor Tang said solemnly, recalling Song Yan's words in his mind: 'If you fall behind, you get beaten; if you're weak, you get bullied. Only by making the people of Qi strong can we drive these invaders out.'
"I'm just a rough man—I don't get what you're saying, Sixth Young Master!" Shawn Shi said angrily.
This sharp-faced youth was Shawn Shi, once a bodyguard at the Qi Prince’s Residence. His family had served there for three generations, and from childhood he was taught to protect the prince’s household, so his loyalty to Prince Qi ran deep.
After the Qi Prince’s Residence was breached, he’d wanted to die defending it, but Prince Qi ordered him to protect Victor Tang and escape. Once they settled in Mesa City, they’d been plotting revenge ever since.
Among them, Darren Fu was the son of the former chief steward of the Qi Prince’s Residence, while Old Gan had been Prince Qi’s groom, and was highly skilled in martial arts.
Seeing Shawn Shi getting emotional, Victor Tang remained calm and explained, "Brother Shawn, think about it—do you really think our handful of people can stand up to the outsiders’ guns and cannons?"
"Even if we can't win, we have to fight! I was born a man of the Qi Prince’s Residence, and if I die, I'll be its ghost!" Shawn Shi declared, voice ringing with conviction.
Victor Tang nodded. "I understand your loyalty. But, look at it this way—if your death could drive the outsiders from our land, then it's worth it. But if your death accomplishes nothing, then it has no value. Like assassinations: killing an outsider official might look like a blow to them, but in reality, our people suffer more losses. So, that's worthless!"
Gradually, Shawn Shi began to understand what Victor Tang meant.
Victor Tang went on, "Right now, we have barely a hundred people in Mesa City. If we use all of them for assassinations, we might kill a few dozen outsiders at most. But if we send them to learn outsider technology, master the making of advanced weapons, and then organize the people of the Kingdom of Qi, maybe we really could restore our nation someday!"
Hearing this, Shawn Shi finally understood Victor Tang's plan and couldn't help but ask excitedly, "Sixth Young Master, can we really restore our country?"
"It's all up to us. If we work hard enough, one day we'll make it happen!"
Off to the side, Darren Fu secretly curled his lip—restoring the nation sounded like a pipe dream to him. He worked in a government office now, and even though he didn't see everything, he knew just how powerful the Federation Empire was. If learning a bit of Federation technology was enough to defeat the Empire, it would have collapsed a long time ago.
Victor Tang turned to Darren Fu, "Brother Fu, your job at City Hall is a huge opportunity. You have to secure the position of personal secretary to the First Deputy Mayor. That way, we can place more of our brothers and sisters in every department!"
"Sixth Young Master, it's not that I don't want to work hard, but we're really short on funds. If I can't get more money soon, someone else will snatch that secretary job!" Darren Fu complained.
"Old Gan, can you scrape together some more funds for Brother Fu?" Victor Tang asked, looking at Old Gan.
"Don't worry, Sixth Young Master—we'll do our best to raise the money!" Old Gan nodded.
Suddenly, Victor Tang pulled out a jade pendant and handed it to Old Gan. "By the way, this jade was a birthday gift from my father, Prince Qi. It should be worth quite a bit. Old Gan, why don't you sell it and use the money for our expenses?"
"Sixth Young Master, that jade was left to you by the old prince. You should keep it—I'll find another way!" Old Gan said, pushing the pendant back.
Darren Fu, standing off to the side, looked irritated and sneered, "By the time you figure something out, it'll be too late. Why not just give me the jade pendant? I'll use it as a gift to smooth things over!"
"Fine by me!"
Victor Tang handed the jade pendant to Darren Fu.
............
Ian Song had just returned to the Special Police Base when he received a call from Mayor Victor Liang, asking him to come to City Hall immediately.
Arriving at the City Hall office building, Ian headed straight for the ninth floor, where Mayor Liang's secretary, Gavin Ji, was already waiting: "Minister Lu, the mayor is in his office. Please go in!"
"Thanks, Gavin!"
Ian thanked him, then knocked and entered.
"Mayor, what can I do for you?" Ian asked directly.
Victor Liang smiled, "It's good news. The No. 3 District Chief wants to meet you."
In Aries District, there are nine top executive officials. The first-ranked is Samuel Chen, and the third-ranked is Jason Han, who oversees armed police and Special Police matters—making him Ian's highest-level superior.
It's also rumored that this No. 3 Chief is a three-star Psychic Adept.
"When will the No. 3 Chief arrive?" Ian asked.
"Should be about ten minutes. Come on, let's go outside to greet him together!" Victor Liang said.
Soon, Victor Liang led a group of people outside the government building. Ian was among them, standing toward the back.
Ten minutes passed quickly, but Jason Han, the No. 3 Chief, still hadn't shown up.
Half an hour.
An hour.
After two hours had passed, Jason Han still hadn't arrived. Victor Liang's expression grew dark, and he had his secretary call again to ask where the No. 3 Chief was.
Gavin Ji dialed the No. 3 Chief's secretary with a wry smile, only to be scolded: "How many times do we have to tell Mesa City? We'll be there soon. Stop calling, or Chief Han will get angry!"
Standing among the crowd, Ian Song calmly scanned the faces of the city government leaders, noticing that most of them looked sullen and uncomfortable.
Of course, no one would be happy after waiting two hours for nothing.
Just from this, Ian could tell Jason Han wouldn't be easy to deal with. He couldn't help but wonder what this chief really wanted from him.
Finally, after another half hour, a convoy of flying cars landed in front of City Hall. A group of people stepped out, surrounding a broad-faced, imposing middle-aged man.
As soon as Mayor Liang saw the middle-aged man, he strode up with a big smile. "Welcome to Mesa City, Chief Han. We're honored to have you inspect our work."
After some polite greetings, Mayor Liang led Jason Han into the conference room.
Jason Han gave an impromptu speech, then left to applause.
"Minister Lu, come quickly—Chief Han wants to see you!" Gavin Ji hurried over and called out to Ian.
"Alright!"
Ian nodded and followed Gavin Ji to an office area.
The area outside the office was already cordoned off, with four tall bodyguards standing at the door.
When they saw Ian and Gavin approaching, the bodyguards' eyes flashed coldly.
"Stop. Body search!" Two of the bodyguards stepped forward, blocking their way.