The clock upon the wall ticked along lonesomely.
On the night three days later, before Zhenxian's door, three grown men awaited something.
Madman, unusually, donned a white chauffeur's uniform, even sporting the detested bow tie. Beside him, 13 was attired as a clown, currently applying embellishments to a pure white mask with a paintbrush.
Uncle was undoubtedly the most agitated among them, pacing ceaselessly back and forth before the door, resembling an anxious father outside a delivery room...
"Could you please remain still? Your pacing is making my eyes swim..." Madman finally interjected, exasperated.
"How can you expect me to be calm? The young lady is about to attend that bastard's ball!" Uncle glared indignantly at Madman.
"Glaring at me serves no purpose. The initial vote was three to two; it was a decision reached by consensus. You cannot renege..." Madman adopted a helpless posture.
"What kind of vote was that? This fellow lacked the qualification to participate in the decision!" Uncle gestured towards 13.
Seemingly oblivious to the peculiar gaze, 13 continued his work, appearing fully immersed in a "creative state"...
"Cease your incessant chatter. Since even the young mistress herself declared her intention to attend, our obstruction serves little purpose." Madman offered consolation. "Besides, the ball isn't exclusively for the young lady; other attendees include prominent figures from all over Korea. Aota Hideaki wouldn't dare act recklessly..."
"Let's hope that's the case..." Though spoken thus, his gaze fixed upon 13 remained venomous.
"Miss, are you truly decided?" Baozhu inquired doubtfully within the room.
"Mm. If I do not attend, the consequences remain unknown..." Before the vanity mirror, Zhenxian stated resolutely.
Baozhu, who shared Uncle's opposition, finally relented. Gazing intently at the beautiful girl before her, she was no longer the mischievous child of yesteryear, no longer clinging coquettishly to others' embraces, no longer hiding fearfully behind others. Instead, she was a mature adult capable of bravely confronting everything. For Baozhu, who had watched the young lady grow, such a mistress was truly worthy of allegiance...
Personally placing the diamond-encrusted tiara upon the young lady's head, Baozhu sighed with a smile, "Very well. Your beauty now qualifies you to attend any ball..."
"Thank you..." Zhenxian smiled faintly.
The tightly shut door slowly swung open. Uncle finally ceased his pacing, standing rooted in astonishment, speechless. Madman too appeared exceptionally grave.
"Well? Is she beautiful?" Baozhu inquired proudly.
Merely glancing up inadvertently, 13 gazed upon Zhenxian at this moment, finding himself bereft of words to describe her. The white evening gown, akin to a wedding dress, enveloped Zhenxian's equally alabaster skin in a comfortable fashion. The strapless design revealed alluringly rounded shoulders; sheer gloves extending to the elbows perfectly accentuated the contours of her slender hands. Most perfect still was Zhenxian's visage. Light makeup rendered Zhenxian even more radiant and captivating...
"Share your impressions?" Zhenxian inquired playfully.
"Truly stunning! Miss!" Uncle exclaimed excitedly.
"Very beautiful. It can be said that today, Miss is the most beautiful," Madman stated honestly.
"I feel..." For reasons unknown, the moment 13 prepared to offer his opinion, everyone's attention focused intently upon him. "I still prefer the white dress."
"Sigh..." Everyone displayed an "I knew it" expression. Over the past few days, under 13's strong insistence, Zhenxian hadn't changed into any other attire. Wearing the same outfit for three days? Such a thing was unimaginable in Zhenxian's life.
"However, this ensemble is also quite lovely." With that, 13 lowered his head, resuming his work on the mask.
Although merely a supplementary comment, Zhenxian still felt inexplicably pleased.
"Shouldn't we be departing?" Madman glanced at the wall clock.
"Mm, let's go," Zhenxian looked resolutely towards the main door.
"Wait." 13 applied the final stroke to the mask, placing it satisfactorily upon his face. The simple white mask remained largely unchanged, save for a red four-pointed star added beneath the left eye, and a single blue teardrop beneath the right.
The star symbolized the joy brought to others; the teardrop represented his own sorrow, unknown to all...
Boarding Madman's black BMW. Uncle and Baozhu watched silently from the doorway. After all, this time, aside from 13, no one could accompany Zhenxian. Though unspoken, everyone had already placed immense trust in 13 regarding Zhenxian's safety. Because everyone understood how formidable 13 was, and how deeply he loved a girl resembling Zhenxian. Even if merely existing as a substitute, 13 would absolutely permit no harm to befall her. This was an oath pledged with 13's life...
Finally, the hotel building came into view. The car's interior remained exceptionally quiet throughout the journey. Madman focused on driving, while 13 persistently gazed outside.
"Do you truly intend to enter with me?" Zhenxian couldn't resist breaking the silence, seemingly addressing 13 specifically, thus employing Chinese, unintelligible to Madman.
"This matter was decided long ago..." 13 replied quietly in Chinese without turning his head.
"Actually, I do not wish for you to go..." Zhenxian lowered her head strangely.
"Why?" Still without turning back.
"That place... is perilous for you. If recognized, you might be killed. Am I correct?" Zhenxian analyzed calmly.
"You are quite correct. Without any equipment, discovered within the enemy's base—aside from death, I can conceive of no other outcome," 13 stated, still placidly.
"Therefore, you should wait outside with Madman. In any case, I am the President of the Fantasy Group. With so many prominent figures present, Hideaki wouldn't dare act rashly," Zhenxian provided ample justification.
"Could you please refrain from such naivety?" 13 finally turned his head. "If everything proceeded according to calculation, the world would not be in its current state."
"But you also stated it is perilous?" Zhenxian failed to comprehend.
"Existing in this world is itself a peril, for one never knows what destiny awaits. To change certain things, one must experience danger," 13 looked gravely at Zhenxian. The star on his mask brought Zhenxian no joy, yet the blue teardrop evoked a sense of sorrow within her.
"Is it for my sake?" Zhenxian inquired strangely.
"What?" 13 didn't understand.
"Is it to protect me that you face danger?" Zhenxian's head drooped lower; she didn't want 13 to see the tears welling in her eyes.
"Don't overthink it," 13 turned back, resuming his gaze out the window.
"Actually, that's not it, is it?" Zhenxian's shoulders trembled faintly. "It's merely because I resemble your beloved that you wish to protect me. To you, I am nothing more than a substitute. Protecting me satisfies your hypocritical self-esteem. You are merely a deceiver, deceiving yourself. In truth, she is already dead. You know she is dead, truly and unequivocally dead..."
"Perhaps it is just as you say..." 13 sighed, deeply.
"You are just like that, never caring about others' feelings." Zhenxian's voice held a smile. "Do you know? Since childhood, I have always been the sole existence, the noble princess of a wealthy family. Countless people have doted on me meticulously, simply because I am the one and only Song Zhenxian..."
"If my presence has inconvenienced your life, I apologize," 13 offered sincere apologies.
"Do you believe an apology suffices? Your error lies in fundamentally not perceiving me as an individual!" Zhenxian shouted excitedly, a true outburst.
Madman continued driving his car. The knot between Zhenxian and 13 could only be untied by themselves.
"You are you. Zhenxian is Zhenxian..." 13's hand rested gently on Zhenxian's shoulder, like that of a benevolent father. "You yourself stated that was merely my own perspective, that I am merely a deceiver deceiving myself. Therefore, you remain always yourself, always Song Zhenxian."
Gently lifting Zhenxian's head, retrieving a tissue from the rear of the car. 13 tenderly wiped the tears from the corners of Zhenxian's eyes. Due to the mask, Zhenxian remained unaware that 13 was currently smiling.
"If one cares excessively about others' perceptions, one ceases to be oneself. Just like you now; because you care too much about my view, you have forgotten yourself. Truly unsure what to say? Only sincere gratitude." Bewildered. Zhenxian became lost in 13's eyes. Never had she imagined the world-feared Sniper King could be such a gentle man...
A strange feeling arose within her heart. No, perhaps this feeling had existed since encountering 13. It was jealousy, profound jealousy. Jealousy towards the girl 13 loved most. Why could she possess this unique love? Even after her own death, the boy who loved her deeply remained unable to forget her. The seemingly complex girl was actually quite simple. Regarding happiness, it wasn't necessarily about obtaining a man who was exceptionally good, handsome, or wealthy. As long as such a person existed in the world, who would feel sorrow at her sadness, joy at her happiness, disregard everything else, knowing only eternal love for her—not desiring ten thousand years, just his everlasting love throughout his lifetime would suffice...
The car stopped smoothly before the hotel entrance. Numerous soldiers formed a tight cordon around the entire building. Even heavy weaponry like tanks were part of the defenses.
A valet opened the black car door. The moment Zhenxian disembarked, everyone present gasped in admiration. Surrounding reporters frantically pressed their shutters. No explanation needed; everyone already knew the role she portrayed was that of a princess. This wasn't merely the effect of attire. Zhenxian's inherent aura alone, coupled with her inhuman beauty, warranted the exclamation "Your Highness!"...
Before 13 disembarked, Madman stopped him.
"Take good care of the young lady. If she suffers even the slightest harm, I care not whether you are the Sniper King or anything else. I will definitely kill you!" Madman stated resolutely.
"Rest assured. She is equally important to me..." 13's voice was soft. Following the princess's steps, the clown also stepped onto the crimson carpet.
After just two steps, Zhenxian stopped strangely, standing beside 13, her expression suggesting a difficult decision had been made.
Before 13 could react, she linked her arm through his frail one.
"This is..." 13 inquired.
"Don't misunderstand. Aren't we pretending to be a couple? This appears more authentic..." Though spoken thus, Zhenxian's face flushed.
"So that's how it is." 13 smiled. "I understand."
13 tightened his arm slightly, appearing as natural as any ordinary couple...
The flashing lights from the sidelines grew even more frantic. Likely, tomorrow's headlines would carry the most explosive news...
Within Zhenxian's heart, the longed-for happiness was attained. Because at this moment, the man beside her held the arm of the true Song Zhenxian, not some substitute...
"Zhang Jie... I finally found a girl who resembles you so closely. Every time I see her, I am reminded of your appearance. Perhaps this constitutes a betrayal towards you, but I have still decided to protect her, protect her with my life. However, not because she resembles you, but because she is the unique Song Zhenxian..."
Thus spoke 13's heart...
Stepping into the grand hall, the atmosphere began to shift. This was the enemy headquarters. In other words, the most perilous location in all of Korea...
"Please present your invitation!" A female receptionist smilingly intercepted the pair.
Zhenxian gently handed it to her, never releasing 13's arm throughout.
After careful inspection, the receptionist looked awkwardly from the "princess" to the "clown" beside her, "Your invitation poses no issue, but this gentleman is..."
"Isn't it indicated on your invitation?" Zhenxian shyly tightened her linked arm, nearly leaning into 13's embrace. "It stated to bring a male companion. Were it not for Mr. Hideaki's ball, I wouldn't have specifically brought him. You understand, for celebrities like us, revealing relationships always causes trouble. Do you comprehend?"
Beside her, 13 genuinely marveled, "Women truly are natural actresses..."
"But..." The receptionist was speechless. The notation on the invitation wasn't a strict requirement, merely a polite inclusion. Typically, genuinely invited guests would have specific names listed. As a prominent figure frequently attending balls, she shouldn't be unaware of such etiquette...
"Allow them entry." Miyamoto suddenly appeared behind the receptionist, patting her shoulder to resolve the situation.
"Very well, your invitation poses no issue..." The receptionist finally breathed a sigh of relief. "However, for the security of the event, a search is required. Please forgive any offense caused..."
Zhenxian magnanimously extended her arms. The female receptionist conducted the search. The process was remarkably thorough yet civilized; evidently, she had received specialized training.
The search concluded swiftly. The receptionist stood before 13.
"Will you be searching me as well?" 13 pointed at himself quizzically.
"No, sir." A faint blush colored the female receptionist's face. "Male guests are searched by him..."
A man as burly as a black bear approached 13's side—remarkably, a black man. His muscles seemed poised to explode; the tailcoat he wore appeared quite pitiful in comparison. He stood a full head taller than 13.
"Apologies, please raise your hands," the black man spoke standard H-language.
13, uncharacteristically obedient for once, raised both hands high.
A meticulous search ensued, truly meticulous, almost like caressing...
"Are you a 'rabbit'? Must you pinch every spot after kneading it?" 13 stated very seriously, not jesting.
"Alright, sir." The black man stood behind Miyamoto.
13 linked arms with Zhenxian, striding into the banquet hall...
"Did you find anything?" Miyamoto inquired, gazing at 13's departing back.
"Nothing particularly noteworthy. Muscles are quite lax, similar to an average intellectual. A character like this, I could strangle him with one hand," the black man stated contemptuously.
"Do not be careless. He is not as simple as you perceive. From any angle, he doesn't resemble an ordinary person. Your task tonight is to keep him under close surveillance," Miyamoto harbored an ominous premonition...
"Understand this, I rank among the top ten bodyguards globally. You merely assign me to watch a clown?" The black man's expression soured.
"I compensate you; therefore, you obey my instructions. Do as I command," Miyamoto disliked the arrogant black man. With that, he turned and entered the main hall.
"Diminutive Japan person, perspective equally narrow..." The black man clenched his fists. Regarding this assignment, aside from the remuneration, nothing else brought satisfaction.
The spacious banquet hall resembled a royal palace—towering crystal chandeliers, ornate decorations, supporting Roman stone columns. Helical staircases flanked both sides, ascending to the second floor. Zhenxian was not unfamiliar with this place; three of her birthday celebrations had been held here, thus evoking no sense of awe. 13, however, continuously surveyed the surroundings, appearing somewhat implies losing composure. Was 13 searching for something else?
Suddenly, the hall lights dimmed entirely. Several spotlights converged upon the second-floor exit. Within both Zhenxian's and 13's hearts, the same thought silently echoed, "The main character takes the stage..."