Chapter 68 Strange, Sparrow Feather, Yesterday's Reappearance, Fu Ze said with a hint of pride...
After hanging up the video call, Fu Ze put one hand to his forehead.
He almost used all his remaining personal qualities to suppress the urge to complain in front of Hara Mihoshi.
Sir, have you realized that what you just said is no different from that cannon fodder in the movies who pulls out a pocket watch before a big battle, shows the photos inside to their comrades, and vows, "I'll go back to my hometown and get married after this battle is over"?
But in the end, he said nothing, as if if he were to utter those words, they would become a self-fulfilling prophecy, just like before.
Although real life is certainly different from the dramatic scenes in movies, Fu Ze, who is now extremely afraid of death, doesn't even want to gamble on this tiny possibility.
He stood up from the fountain, ran a hand through his hair, letting the stray strands obscure his excessively handsome face and those signature grey-purple eyes.
Without these features, Fu Ze, wearing a jacket a size too big for his original Xingxing jacket, would appear to passersby at first glance to be nothing more than a college student who likes to act profound.
It's not surprising that a boy of that age would do anything strange.
Recalling the contents of the document sent by Yuan Jianxing, Fu Ze strode into the building behind him and quickly found the guy named Franka in the information among the crowd waiting for the elevator, silently following behind him.
Fu Ze was also involved in the incident where Yuan Jianxing demolished the century-old illegal building belonging to the Franka family overnight.
Although he, as an outsider, did not directly meet Franka, it did not prevent him from having a vague impression of the person.
After all, the image of a person who has just woken up from a dream, then ran wildly and ended up standing disheveled among the ruins is indeed very visually striking.
In contrast, Yuan Jianxing stood in the cab of the leading massive construction machine, looking down at Yuan Jianxing who was busy cleaning up debris and laying asphalt on the construction site.
The differences in success and failure between people are vividly displayed in the same scene, even more nakedly than the rankings posted after an exam.
Although some members of the adjudication bureau were very dissatisfied with Yuan Jianxing's unilateral decision, the traffic on L City's main thoroughfare, which was always congested during peak hours, was significantly relieved the very next day.
The residents of L City applauded, expressing their relief that the adjudication bureau had finally done something worthwhile.
Given the public sentiment, and the fact that the L City Adjudication Bureau had long wanted to deal with the Franka family's illegal construction, but had been constrained by various restrictions and had not had the opportunity to implement it.
Finally, the punishment for Yuan Jianxing was raised high but then gently brought down.
The Franka family's century-old illegal construction thus became a victim that no one cared about.
Franka and his family naturally expressed strong protests against this sudden attack, pointing the finger at the leader, Hara Misaki.
However, due to external pressure, many members of the Franka family chose to keep quiet and remain silent.
After all, if we pursue this further, not only will we not be able to get back what we've lost, but we might also lose what we still have.
In the end, only Franka remained, still insisting on seeking justice.
Regardless of whether it's in the right or not, it unexpectedly evokes a tragic sense of heroic epic.
Tragic as it may be, in terms of strength, he was no match for Yuan Jianxing and the group of executives behind him. It was impossible for him to cause any trouble on his own.
Although Fu Ze has always been willing to assume the most foolish things about others, such foolishness is still somewhat unheard of.
There is a reasonable suspicion that there is something else going on.
Franca stepped out of the elevator, blending into the crowd. She first looked around, then glanced down at her phone, then looked up again, and finally started walking in a certain direction.
His rather strange behavior caught Fu Ze's attention, and he began to speculate:
This is Franka... could this be her first time here?
Fu Ze had visited this building before on a mission and had a very deep impression of it.
The building was designed by a postmodern master, and as if to show off his skills, the exterior is ancient but the interior structure is very complex.
For example, even though the building is less than ten stories high, you need to switch elevators three times to reach the top floor.
Put yourself in their shoes: if you were to arrange a meeting with your enemy in a certain place, would you choose a familiar environment or a place you'd never been to before?
Any normal person would choose the former.
So either Franka's thought process is abnormal, or the whole thing is abnormal.
Fu Ze undoubtedly prefers the latter.
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Having been alerted beforehand, Franka kept a close eye on whether any suspicious figures were following behind her.
Extremes beget their opposites; his counter-surveillance behavior was a bit too conspicuous, making him seem somewhat furtive.
Seeing this, Fu Ze made an assessment of Franka's abilities and decided to change his approach accordingly.
Just as Franka turned around for the third time, Fu Ze strode over to her side and asked innocently, "Sir, are you unfamiliar with the way? Where are you going? Perhaps I can give you directions."
Feeling this warm, sun-like care, the scheming Franka felt like she was about to melt in the sun and quickly said, "No need."
Fu Ze didn't press the matter further, simply nodded, and stepped ahead towards the elevator.
When the excessively handsome man who had been sitting by the fountain passed her, Franka breathed a sigh of relief and followed him into the elevator.
Fu Ze, who entered the elevator first, pressed the button for the top floor in front of Franka, then took two steps back and leaned against the inside of the elevator, leaving the space in front of the elevator control panel for Franka to operate.
Seeing that the lights were also on on the top floor, Franka withdrew her outstretched hand, and her concerns largely dissipated.
Perhaps the other person was just going the same way.
Although Fu Ze did not know Franka's destination, he did not press the button on the top floor randomly.
Because as long as Franka's target floor is below the tenth floor, he can press the button for a floor only one level higher as soon as the other person steps out of the elevator.
As the elevator doors opened, a chaotic cacophony of noise rushed in.
The crimson sunset shone directly into Fu Ze's pupils through the space occasionally cleared by the densely overlapping figures, making him squint involuntarily.
What's going on here? Why are there so many people?
Franka, on the other hand, was mentally prepared for this and turned around to blend into the crowd.
Chasing after them directly would be a very unwise choice and would also expose your position.
Fortunately, the rooftop was not large and there was no way to leave except by elevator or side staircase, so Fu Ze was not worried about losing Franka.
Stepping out of the elevator, he turned in another direction, took two steps back, and then sprinted up the wall to reach the highest point of the building.
From here, everything on the rooftop is clearly visible.
Taking this opportunity, Fu Ze not only found Franka again, but also saw the scene in the center of the crowd as he passed through the sea of people blocking the elevator door.
Surrounded by sixteen spotlights, a man dressed in fine clothes is posing in various ways as requested by the photographer.
Fu Ze had seen the man's face before.
Rather, it's more accurate to say that with the recent deluge of various forms of advertising on the streets and alleys, this face has been deeply etched into the minds of L City residents.
If Fu Ze wasn't mistaken about the gaudy signature that was plastered everywhere, this person should be called—
Sparrow feathers.
Fu Ze, who had already developed a conditioned reflex to this name format, subconsciously assumed that Que Ling also came from the Kangming Group.
However, after his colleagues at the adjudication bureau explained the situation to him, he learned that the celebrity's real name was Que Ling. He was a child star whose background had been thoroughly investigated and was completely clean with no scandals. His company was also unusually unrelated to the Kangming Group.
As soon as the photographer said, "This set of photos is good, let's move on to the next scene," the people who had been gathered outside rushed forward, moving equipment and lights.
Que Ling, who was originally surrounded, immediately lost her strength. After struggling to squeeze out of the crowd, she slumped into a chair as if she had no bones.
"How much longer do we have to film?" he asked, glancing at the capable-looking woman who was acting as his agent. "Can I go down and rest for a bit? The wind on the rooftop is giving me a headache."
"The next scene is the last one. We won't be able to film it after the sun goes down." The woman looked around and pointed to where Fu Ze was hiding. "That's sheltered from the wind. Let me move your chair over there for you."
"No need, I can do it myself." Que Ling immediately got to work, pulling the beach chair over here.
As the other party drew closer, Fu Ze's crisis radar began to sound.
I wasn't even a staff member here, and being hidden in such a remote and secluded place makes it even harder to explain.
After considering this, Fu Ze returned to the ground from Que Ling's perspective and took out a prop from his pocket that was very suitable for the current scene.
So, when Que Ling arrived at the sheltered spot, she saw Fu Ze holding a lighter, seemingly about to light a cigarette.
Upon seeing Que Ling, Fu Ze immediately put away his lighter, saying, "Teacher, please sit down. I'll go somewhere else right away." He was determined to give up this perfect spot for slacking off to Que Ling.
Sure enough, after this explanation, Que Ling had no more doubts and smoothly occupied the best sheltered spot that Fu Ze had given up.
Satisfied, Que Ling slumped back onto the beach chair and said condescendingly, "Don't move. This is definitely the best place to smoke."
"Thank you, teacher, but I smoke a 'Three Happiness' cigarette, and I don't want you to choke on it," Fu Ze explained as he walked out.
"Smoking such strong local cigarettes at your age, that's impressive." Que Ling remarked with slight surprise. "By the way, your lighter is quite nice."
"Oh, this." Fu Ze took the lighter out again.
This lighter was a package that Fu Ze picked up for Yuan Jianxing.
Although he didn't know why Mu Wangzhuo would buy a lighter separately when Yuan Jianxing himself didn't smoke, Fu Ze felt there was something amusing about it when he saw Yuan Jianxing's subtle "you just wait and see" expression.
At that time, Fu Ze had already accepted the fact that if Yuan Jianxing didn't want to talk about something, he would never be able to pry the truth out of her.
So, in retaliation, he took the lighter, secretly planning to bypass Yuan Jianxing and ask Mu Wangzhuo about it when he met him.
However, since Yuan Jianxing isn't here, the right to interpret this belongs to him.
Fu Ze struck a pose, looking slightly smug, and said, "It was a gift from my boyfriend."
Que Ling nodded in understanding, then closed her eyes and began to rest.
After seeing Que Ling in the crowd, Fu Ze had a general idea of Franka's plan of action.
After all, whether he wanted to negotiate with the adjudication board or retaliate against Genshin Hoshi, Franka, who was all alone, needed some leverage.
In terms of both resistance capability and the value of the hostage, Que Ling is the best choice.
Thinking of this, Fu Ze sent a message to Yuan Jianxing.
Fu Ze: I think I know what Franka is up to.
To avoid Yuan Jianxing missing his message, Fu Ze put on his headphones and made a call.
The next second, Yuan Jianxing's voice came through the earpiece: "Hello."
Fu Ze continued typing.
Fu Ze: You can speak, but it's not convenient for me to.
On the other end of the phone, Yuan Jianxing seemed to realize the unusual situation Fu Ze was in, so he subconsciously lowered his voice: "Yes, go ahead."
Yuan Jianxing's deep voice echoed repeatedly in Fu Ze's ears through the earphones, making Fu Ze's ears feel numb and itchy.
Fu Ze: Franka is very likely trying to kidnap Que Ling, who is currently filming on the top floor of the building.
Yuan Jianxing: "Que Ling? That celebrity?"
Fu Ze: Yes.
Fu Ze: So in order to minimize the impact, I suggest that the executive officer secretly evacuate the masses and take their place.
Fu Ze: But we must avoid those fans who support Que Ling. Their presence is too obvious, and if they disappear in large numbers, it may arouse Franka's suspicion.
Fu Ze: Moreover, this group is very well-informed. If they know that someone on the scene might have a negative impact on Que Ling, they are very likely to cause trouble.
Hara Mihoshi: "I understand. So, what are the characteristics of his fans?"
Fu Ze: Those with decorations resembling green peacock feathers on their hair ornaments and handbags.
Yuan Jianxing: "I understand. Be careful. Keep in touch."
Fu Ze: Is there anything I need to be careful about? It's obvious that Franka is here to get revenge on you, so you should be careful.
Just when Fu Ze thought Yuan Jianxing was about to hang up again, the other party suddenly said:
"Rooftops again, hostages again. Yesterday is repeating itself."
Rooftop...hostages...
Fu Ze's breathing suddenly tightened.
What Hara Mihoshi was talking about could not be...
Yuan Jianxing didn't hide anything and said directly, "The rooftop negotiation between V City and Wan Chuanqiu last time left a deep impression on me."
In the past, Fu Ze would have arrogantly thought: Yuan Jianxing's shadow, his own glory.
But now, more than the joy of victory, he feels guilty and heartbroken.
If I had been willing to temporarily set aside my conflict with Hara Mihoshi, or expressed my needs back then, could the outcome have been different?
But time cannot be reversed, and Fu Ze cannot imagine where another choice would lead, or whether he could still have the same relationship with Yuan Jianxing.
So he typed a reply, avoiding the main point:
No one steps into the same river twice, so the Chief will not fall into the same pit twice.
"Thank you for your kind words." Yuan Jianxing chuckled lightly, seemingly relieved. "Then we'll see you later."
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Author's Note: Fu Xiaozhe is preemptively criticizing the readers, leaving them with nothing to complain about [winking emoji].
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