Chapter 573 - 366: Silent Betrayal (Part 2)
"You’re just reclaiming what she owed you siblings over these years, from her!"
This sentence was like a monstrous wave, rushing over the crumbling sands in Troy’s heart, drowning everything instantly.
After a long silence, Troy, like a walking corpse, weakly picked up the knife and fork in front of him, forked the high-end raw meat onto the plate, and chewed it woodenly.
Zhao Yiming’s eyes were full of delight, hugging Troy like a brother, he proactively brought a chair and sat next to him to dine together.
Alexander also let out a hearty laugh: "A pleasant evening, we need a fine wine to welcome our new friend."
He snapped his fingers at the server: "Bring that special edition champagne I brought."
The server brought a beautifully packaged bottle of champagne, Alexander shook it vigorously, then removed the foil, pressing one hand on the cork and using the other to twist the lock.
With a crisp "pop" sound, the cork was blown away by internal pressure, champagne sprayed from the bottle mouth, showering down amidst the crowd’s laughter.
As Alexander poured the wine himself, Troy still huddled there, like a stray dog with a broken spine, chewing the meat blankly.
The blood from the raw meat overflowed from the corner of his mouth, dripping down his chin and staining the white napkin on his chest red.
...
...
...
After leaving Heaven-Reaching Tower, Troy returned to the settlement area with the bandages and medicines he exchanged for Hibell.
Passing by the checkpoint in the settlement area midway, he noticed an entirely new batch of people had replaced those on duty. Although they wore Sheriff uniforms, Troy could tell they were undoubtedly Zhao Yiming’s arrangements.
He underwent no checks nor attracted any attention, quietly returning to the abandoned building allocated to Wolf Assault.
Entering the lobby, as he prepared to go upstairs, he suddenly heard a voice from nearby: "Why did it take you so long?"
Fenrir came over biting a cigar, her dark purple eyes reflecting the smoldering tip, flickering intermittently.
Troy whispered: "Oh, nothing... recently there’s been a shortage of medicine, so I ran to a few more places."
Fenrir didn’t doubt this explanation; she patted Troy’s arm and continued walking out.
As they passed each other, an inexplicable agitation rose in Troy’s heart, and before he realized, he instinctively called out: "Boss..."
"Hmm?" Fenrir turned her head to look at him.
Troy lowered his eyes, silent for a moment, then handed over the bandages and antiseptic in his hand, his voice trembling without knowing why: "Help Hibell change her bandage."
"Don’t worry about upsetting her if she wakes up; she’s actually mentioned to me several times that it’d be nice if you could personally take care of her once... My sister is very simple, just this small wish, please fulfill it for her once."
Fenrir gazed at the medicine in Troy’s hands, instinctively reaching to take it.
But she glanced at her watch to check the time, hesitated, shook her head, and said: "I’ve scheduled a meeting tonight, maybe next time."
After speaking, she turned and left.
Troy watched Fenrir’s retreating back, the last remnants of struggle in his eyes fully dissipated, leaving only darkness and coldness.
...
The next afternoon, New Moon City media broadcasted a headline news.
"After a week, the City Council has finally responded to the peripheral issues in this beast crisis, as stated by the spokesperson, the City Council plans a public commendation for the Wolf Assault leader Fenrir, granting the Honorary Citizen status and a special medal."
"Following the bestowment to the Public Security Bureau Director Sikinkov last year, this is the first special medal in nearly a year, and it sets a unprecedented precedent by awarding it to an outsider, even a violent leader."
"Once published, the news sparked discussion citywide, so let’s head to the streets and see what the citizens think about this."
The camera cuts to street interview footage.
Are these genuine random citizens or arranged stooges? It’s unknown, but everyone has a bright smile.
"I’ve been in New Moon City for so many years, first time I heard they’re awarding special honors to someone outside the system, especially a violent leader; I can only say, wow, that’s shocking, but Fenrir deserves it! She’s a hero!"
"The online tension was non-stop these past few days, I participated in cursing the City Council; now I want to apologize to them, making such a bold decision shows they’re reflecting, and they deserve forgiveness!"
"I’m really looking forward to the celebration on the award day! I believe this will be an unprecedented opportunity for the border and Inner City conflicts to vanish, bringing New Moon City back together! Well done, Wolf Assault! Well done, Fenrir!"
Interview footage plays round after round, all praises for the awarding, every interviewee excited beyond measure.
Once back in the studio, the host smiles saying: "The arranged award ceremony is set for March 20, with no response yet from Wolf Assault."
"But we have reason to believe this will be a historic reconciliation, with the border represented by Wolf Assault and the Inner City by the authorities, working together after so long, bringing a brighter future to New Moon City!"
At this moment in front of the TV, Su Mo is watching the news with his companions, everyone’s expressions varied.
Dongdong questions in confusion: "Seriously, can the City Council bastards really stoop this low? Are we border folks truly rising?"
KK muttered: "Sounds plausible... and since it’s on the news, it shouldn’t be fake."
Chu Nanyi, as usual, starts stirring things up, chuckling mischievously: "Boss, why don’t you offer yourself and marry the Big Sister? If Wolf Assault’s power joins our alliance, toppling Scythe of Death is just a matter of minutes."
As soon as Chu Nanyi finishes, he feels a sharp gaze directed his way.
Qi Ling raises her eyebrows at him, holding Su Motong who firmly clenches her small fist and scolds in a cute voice: "Don’t put a hat on Mommy!"
Chu Nanyi bursts out laughing, "Whoa! Mo Tong even knows what putting a hat means? Who taught her hahaha!"
No matter how his companions squabble, Su Mo has all his attention on the news.
The authorities awarding Fenrir a special medal? What’s happening here?
The City Council is officially the highest administrative body in New Moon City, but in reality, they’re mere front puppets representing the will of three major corporate giants.
Thus, it’s impossible for the City Council to decide to award Fenrir on their own for such a significant matter.
If it’s happening, it’s because the corporate giants ordered them to.
But the question is, what do the giants gain from this?
From a broader perspective, the giants absolutely do not wish for someone like Fenrir to appear, as her influence has grown too large, enough to shake some foundational stability.
Not to mention, Fenrir’s father, the former Public Security Bureau Director Alan, a legendary figure who initiated the border’s golden era, was secretly erased by the corporate giants because he touched those foundations.
The giants suggesting the City Council host the award ceremony is definitely not as straightforward as it seems; there must be deeper motives within.
Moreover, knowing the giants, Su Mo can instinctively perceive that what’s hidden within isn’t benevolent.
"Qi Ling," Su Mo called out, "With our current technology, is there a way to hack into the giants’ intranet without leaving any trace?"
Qi Ling replied: "Yesterday I completed an iterative compilation of the Black Extinction Virus, hacking in is no problem, but to leave no trace will take additional time."
Su Mo immediately said: "Then hack in, find clues regarding this awarding thing; all documents, orders, entry-exit records, surveillance videos, everything, I want to see what they’re plotting."