The morning sunlight bathed the land of Hancheng, heralding the commencement of a new day for all industrious individuals. For instance, Zhenxian, holding the position of President.
Through the ornate windowsill, a uniformly warm sensation irradiated Zhenxian's fair complexion. Gently massaging her heavy forehead, it felt somewhat akin to awakening after intoxication. Glancing around, it was still her familiar room; she had initially believed the preceding night's events were merely a dream. Yet, upon lifting the thin blanket and discovering the black dress upon her body, Zhenxian knew it was no hallucination. And the challenges confronting her today were even more numerous...
Taking a deep, composing breath, she swiftly rose from the bed, proceeding towards the restroom. This route invariably passed the expansive European-style balcony. Zhenxian favored pausing here momentarily, for the gentle morning breeze served as the finest tool for mental clarification; being caressed by it seemed to lighten both body and spirit.
Entering the restroom, observing the haggard visage reflected in the vanity mirror, Zhenxian could only sigh helplessly. As the toothpaste upon her brush reached one-third extrusion, Zhenxian recalled some less critical matters. She remembered collapsing into sleep thusly upon returning; who, then, had covered her with the thin blanket? Perhaps it truly wasn't significant. Zhenxian continued her unfinished preparations.
Removing the heavily creased black dress, clad only in undergarments, she walked out, preparing to select today's attire. Yet, upon reaching the living room, Zhenxian froze in place, unable to move!
"Good morning," 13, seated on the sofa, offered a placid greeting.
"You... How did you enter?" Zhenxian inquired, striving equally to maintain composure.
"Henceforth, remember to secure the balcony," 13 stood up, approaching Zhenxian.
The expression on his face was excessively natural, as if ambulating within his own home. The gentle breeze wafting in danced through the disheveled bangs across his forehead; sunlight cast an elongated shadow beside him. Within his eyes, her own reflection grew increasingly distinct; Zhenxian even observed the subtle parting and closing of his lips. As he drew near, his waist bent, inclining towards her face...
Time flowed silently...
"Well now, have you decided upon your wish?" he whispered softly beside Zhenxian's ear, merely brushing past her, proceeding directly towards the wardrobe.
For reasons unknown, a sense of disappointment stirred within Zhenxian's heart, as if she had been anticipating something?
Pulling open the heavy wardrobe doors revealed a spectacular sight. To call it a wardrobe was an understatement; it resembled a room, occupying a space fully twenty square meters, metal racks adorned with clothing of various styles.
13 began searching meticulously.
"What precisely do you intend to do?" Zhenxian demanded sternly.
"Nothing significant. Merely wish to protect you," 13 continued rummaging, completely disregarding Zhenxian's irate expression.
"Those trailing you yesterday were R-nation agents." Picking up a pair of shoes, inspecting them carefully, then setting them down again.
"So what if they were R-nation agents?" Zhenxian felt on the verge of eruption.
"Don't be naive. R-nation has already noted your activities. This is merely a prelude; failure to apprehend you will lead to continued efforts." Finally selecting shoes, he began browsing through clothes. "Therefore, commencing today, I shall assume responsibility for your safety."
"Enough! You are excessively presumptuous! We have no connection," Zhenxian roared.
"Yet, until you make your wish, I cannot permit you to perish..." 13's reasoning sounded exceedingly valid.
"Desire a wish? Presently, my sole wish is for you to perish immediately!" Zhenxian's voice echoed throughout the room, deeply imprinting upon 13's heart.
Her words seemed effective; 13 ceased his actions, turning to gaze at Zhenxian. His eyes were so gentle, so reluctant, as if he were genuinely about to die...
"Is this what you desire?" 13's voice was equally gentle.
"Y-yes... Yes," Zhenxian herself didn't know what she was saying. Merely that the excessively forward man before her induced unparalleled anger. He completely disregarded others' perspectives, cared not for anyone's thoughts. He acted solely upon his own convictions, and absolutely would not alter course before completion...
"In truth, death holds no terror," 13 smiled; Zhenxian was certain he was smiling. "I have perpetually yearned for that day. It was you who made me comprehend the negativity of such an attitude, prompting genuine change within me..."
Again, memories and reality intertwined. 13 immersed himself within, unable to extricate himself.
"If it is you who desires my death, I shall harbor no regrets. My only wish is to perish at your hands. Just like that day upon the rooftop. You may continue the unfinished cut. This time, I absolutely will not resist..." 13's expression was blissful.
Zhenxian's body trembled strangely, as if her own heart were being eroded by 13's memories, devoured bit by bit. As if she herself were his angel, moved by his confession, sorrowful, joyful. Never had she encountered such a devoted boy. Truly unknown how, in a world devoid of his beloved's companionship, he managed to seal away his longing?
"I..." Zhenxian nearly uttered "love you," but final rationality restrained her. She could not speak it, for she was not his angel, merely bore a resemblance. Perhaps this constituted her own tragedy...
"Slap!" 13's raised right hand struck his own face. He shook his head forcefully.
"Apologies for the earlier impropriety." 13 picked up a white dress and leather shoes, placing them on the ground before Zhenxian.
"This is..." Zhenxian failed to comprehend.
"Put them on! You cannot remain unclothed all day," 13 stated the astonishing words placidly.
Only then did Zhenxian realize she had remained in her undergarments.
She hastily donned the clothes.
Observing Zhenxian adorned in the attire he had "selected," 13's face flushed strangely crimson. Because this ensemble matched her appearance when he first encountered Angel. In 13's heart, this was the most beautiful visage.
"Hearing Miss shouting 'Perish' just now, I initially thought she was swatting rats," Baozhu suddenly appeared at the doorway. "Turns out there truly is a large 'rat' present."
The moment Baozhu spoke, 13 had already assumed a combat stance. To allow entry to such proximity without detection—13's mind registered only two words: expert!
"Who are you?" Baozhu clenched her delicate fists, her habitually smiling face exceptionally grave.
"How old are you?" 13 inquired strangely.
"I posed the question first; you must answer me first," Baozhu retorted, yet simultaneously lunged abruptly towards 13.
Before Zhenxian could intervene, Baozhu executed a spinning kick. The motion was too swift; blocking was the only option. Raising his right arm—the seemingly frail calf, upon contact, induced a sensation of regret within 13. Potent force compelled 13 to shift sideways half a step involuntarily, his arm numbed.
"No need to state your age; I already know." 13 offered a strange smile. "Although your appearance suggests merely eighteen years, your actual age is unlikely below thirty-five. Such strength is atypical for a girl."
"Contemporary rats are excessively verbose!" Retracting her leg, she leaned forward with full force, launching a punch. A remarkably simple motion, yet indescribably swift; likely superior even to an unarmored 24. Yet, her attack possessed the immense power characteristic of 36. Like a terrifying amalgamation of the two.
13 disdained concealing his strength. Standing erect, he caught the attacking fist with his left hand.
Baozhu's expression turned strangely grave. Attempting to exert force again, yet feeling no impact as if striking iron.
"What do you intend?" Baozhu stated sternly.
"I am merely assuming the security duties here," 13 spoke truthfully.
"Is that so? Then you are encroaching upon my livelihood. Defeat me first, then speak!" Her free fist launched another attack.
Releasing his captured prey, executing a spinning side kick. Baozhu leaped, supporting herself with one hand on 13's straightened leg, bending her body forward, somersaulting. Her right leg, completing a full rotation, descended in an axe kick towards his head.
"Stop! Both of you!" Zhenxian shrieked.
13 shifted sideways, evading the potentially fatal attack. Baozhu, landing on the ground, looked excitedly at 13, seemingly elated at encountering a worthy opponent.
"We are not adversaries," Zhenxian declared.
"But we are decidedly not friends either," Baozhu supplemented.
"What we are is inconsequential. I merely wish to protect her," 13 gestured directly at Zhenxian.
"Just you? I fear you are unworthy," Baozhu held no favorable impression of strangers.
"Care to confirm?" 13 reassumed a combat stance.
"With pleasure!" Baozhu mirrored him.
"Enough, both of you. How long do you intend to fight? I already stated you are not enemies, yet you persist," Zhenxian grew exasperated with the pair.
"Given time, I must ascertain your qualifications." The young lady's command could not be violated; Baozhu suppressed her urge to continue.
"You would not enjoy fighting me. Because when I engage seriously, it means killing," 13 also relaxed his stance.
At the breakfast table, Zhenxian announced 13's temporary inclusion as a companion. Neither Uncle nor Baozhu displayed pleasant expressions. Only Madman observed 13 with considerable interest.
Though described as a vast apartment, it housed only Zhenxian, Uncle, Madman, and Baozhu—four individuals. When Zhenxian decided to support the guerrilla forces, all other personnel had been dismissed. Only these three refused to depart, representing the most loyal, and also most useful, talents.
Precisely at this moment, the legendary invitation arrived.
Venue: Hancheng Hotel Banquet Hall. A masquerade ball. Currently, the location served as the R-Army General Headquarters, closed to the public. Plainly stated, the lion's den.
Everyone's opinion was not to attend!
Yet, 13 believed attendance was imperative. However, the crucial point was that he too must attend as an escort.
"Easily said. How would you enter?" Baozhu stated contemptuously.
13 smiled, pointing to a corner of the invitation, where the "method" of entry was clearly written.
"Accompanied by male companion?!" Everyone was stunned...