All the explanations were made clear, at least the kind one could give to parents. All unhappiness would sweep far away with the arrival of New Year's Eve, and all hope would be nurtured in the coming year. Everyone was in high spirits on this Lunar New Year's Eve, the result being that everyone drank too much, including Zhao Fen, Zhao Fang, Yi Xiaorou, and myself. Fortunately, Yi Xiaorou had entrusted the task to Little Raindrop. As everyone was drunkenly searching for a place to sleep, Little Raindrop dragged me into the washroom to splash some water on my face.

"Brother, you should sober up quickly and head over to Sister Xiaoya's place. She might be unhappy if you're late," Little Raindrop urged.

This matter was indeed important; after all, it was the first time I was accompanying Zhang Xiaoya out shopping. After washing my face, I took the car keys Little Raindrop handed me and ran downstairs.

"You didn't get too drunk, did you?" Zhang Xiaoya asked with a smile as she opened the door.

"They all passed out. I'm fine."

Zhang Xiaoya had changed into casual clothes: a short blue jacket that cinched at her waist, perfectly showcasing her slender, beautiful legs and curvaceous hips. She slung her small bag over her shoulder, took my hand, and pulled me downstairs.

The three girls' cars were all parked downstairs. Zhang Xiaoya was startled when she saw me heading toward a Hongqi sedan bearing a military license plate. She grabbed my arm. "Even if you're stealing a car, you need to pick the right target. That’s a military vehicle!"

I opened the car door for Zhang Xiaoya with gentlemanly grace and invited her inside.

"It belongs to a friend; I'm borrowing it. I certainly don't want you feeling like you did this morning."

Zhang Xiaoya settled into the passenger seat and laughed. "It’s fine, I’m used to it. They always keep the air conditioning too high on planes. All of us sisters are dressed like this. When did you learn to drive?"

I started the car. "I drove in the army, but haven't had a chance to touch a car since being discharged."

"Then let me ask, do you have a driver's license?"

I answered honestly. "No, but don't worry, old classmate. It's New Year's Eve, and I guarantee there won't be any traffic police."

Zhang Xiaoya deliberately made a pained face. "I’m not afraid of traffic police; I'm worried about my own safety."

...*?!#…￥%…."

Luckily, I didn't disappoint the beautiful lady's expectations, and we arrived safely at a relatively luxurious community supermarket in the capital city. Women's desire to shop is universal, irrespective of looks or wealth, much like men's desire for women. Although Zhang Xiaoya wasn't a spendthrift, she earned over ten thousand a month, so her consumption level was generally not low.

I had to admit that I was a rather handsome little guy now. Having served in the military, I certainly wasn't short, and thanks to the care of Boss Snake, I was built like a tank. Walking through the supermarket, I could still attract the glances of many girls.

But compared to the male attention Zhang Xiaoya drew, I was far behind. Today, Zhang Xiaoya's gentle, classical beauty carried a hint of sexiness and allure, all thanks to that little jacket that accentuated her narrow waist, emphasized her pert bottom, and lifted her ample chest. Hers were genuine assets, not relying on padded bras for effect—I had personally experienced that in the rented apartment.

Walking beside Zhang Xiaoya, basking in the jealous stares of those men, was truly a pleasure for me—a pleasure of immense psychological satisfaction.

I had assumed that everyone spent New Year's Eve staying indoors, just like I did when I was in high school five years ago. Now I realized this was how the New Year was celebrated. The supermarket was packed, a sea of people, as if all the best deals were being cleared out today, and if you didn't come, you were wasting your status as a Beijing resident.

I bought a lot of food at the non-staple food counter. I tried to use my card to pay for Zhang Xiaoya, but she stopped me.

"Let me handle it, okay? I still don't know how to thank you for the housing issue. I will pay you back that money in installments."

"Forget it, Xiaoya. I still haven't returned the eraser I borrowed from you back then. Consider this a small compensation."

Zhang Xiaoya declared, "That won't do! Besides, I only want the eraser, not the money!"

I didn't insist further. Zhang Xiaoya paid for everything along the way. As the two of us passed the jewelry counter, we both took a look. Zhang Xiaoya took a liking to a very unique brooch—it was platinum, marked at 99,000. If that brooch were paired with her flight attendant uniform, I believed it would add an air of nobility to Zhang Xiaoya's irresistible beauty.

And I noticed a string of pearl necklaces. I remembered promising Zhao Fen to string two necklaces for her and Zhao Fang using the snake pearls. But now, knowing the value of the snake pearls, that plan was impossible. Buying two strings of necklaces to compensate them back home wouldn't be a bad alternative.

The necklaces weren't expensive, priced at just over four thousand yuan. I also spotted a pair of bracelets, two exquisitely delicate bangles. If worn on Yi Xiaorou's and Little Raindrop's wrists, they would surely feel amazing during intimacy. Before I could voice it, Zhang Xiaoya pulled me away. For now, I didn't want her to know about the four or five other girls trailing behind me, so I said nothing.

As we approached the women's intimate apparel boutique, Zhang Xiaoya looked apologetic. "Zhao Qian, I know this isn't suitable for gentlemen like you. Why don't you wait for me at the café downstairs?"

"Sure." Carrying the bags, I temporarily said goodbye to Zhang Xiaoya. Although I really wanted to sneak in and look at the various types of women's lingerie, considering the possibility of murderous glares, I decided to steer clear for now.

I didn't go directly to the café but returned to the jewelry counter instead. The brooch, two strings of necklaces, a pair of bracelets, plus a pair of large, ostentatious gold earrings—all packaged and paid for. Of course, I didn't forget to ask the saleslady for a discount, making the young women behind the counter blink in envy.

As I left, one of the younger ladies even said to me, "Sir, your girlfriend is very fortunate."

Of course, if I didn't bring fortune to them, was I still a man? However, the price of fortune was steep—nearly 200,000 wiped out in one swipe. I must figure out a way to earn it back tomorrow.

To be honest, this was my first time in a high-end place like a café. Furthermore, my clothing was too ordinary, and I was carrying bags like a ragpicker, so the male attendant immediately ushered me toward a remote corner.

Damn it, picking on me! Annoyed, I immediately ordered two cups of the most expensive coffee—one to drink, one to watch! The way the attendant looked when delivering the coffee clearly conveyed: 'Don't inflate your ego beyond your means.'

The café wasn't crowded. On New Year’s Day, people would rather stay home than waste time here. But not far in front of me were two old acquaintances: Inabe Ichimoku and the Great Eunuch Tan Tian.

Inabe Ichimoku was from the Bird Country and probably didn't celebrate the Spring Festival, but why was Tan Tian hanging out with him instead of practicing the Sunflower Manual at home? Because the café was sparsely populated, their conversation was quite clear.

Tan Tian said, "Esteemed Mr. Inabe, you certainly have a heart. You must have traveled extensively across the heavens for this beautiful woman."

Inabe Ichimoku replied, "Mr. Tan, you don't understand. We people from the Bird Country are most fond of women with this kind of classical Oriental beauty. With a little training, they could make excellent sex slaves."

If I hadn't wanted to eavesdrop on their schemes, I might have gone up and pulled out Inabe's wooden root right then and there.

Tan Tian suddenly pulled out several photos and showed them to Inabe Ichimoku. "Mr. Ichimoku, what do you think of this chick?"

Inabe Ichimoku's eyes widened, and drool nearly escaped the corners of his mouth. He nodded repeatedly. "Good merchandise, good merchandise. Seeing her in a military uniform and a wedding dress is a refreshing contrast. What’s rare is her great figure. Those breasts must be E-cup or more."

"They were F-cup at their largest," Tan Tian said, though he wasn't sure if the data was accurate. Since he was bluffing anyway, he might as well exaggerate.

Inabe Ichimoku became like a cat smelling fish. "Does that mean you've touched her, Mr. Tan?"

Tan Tian's face darkened but he stubbornly insisted, "I'm her husband, what do you think?"

Inabe Ichimoku felt a chill. "Since she’s your wife, Mr. Tan, what exactly are you implying?"

Only then did Tan Tian pull himself out of his momentary dejection, his joy returning. "Mr. Ichimoku, aren't you people from the Bird Country fond of playing with married women and mature ladies? As long as you help me get that top flight attendant from China Air, I'll let you have my wife for a couple of days."

Inabe Ichimoku was ecstatic but feigned composure. "Mr. Tan's courage truly earns my admiration. However, I cannot guarantee this matter, but if there is even the slightest opportunity, I will certainly fulfill your wish."

Tan Tian sneered. "Let me tell you the truth. If it weren't for my old man cracking down on me lately, I wouldn't need to make this exchange with you. My wife is absolutely the number one beauty in the military—her bottom is round and firm, and she's passionate in bed. I wouldn't part with her myself, but since we hit it off, I'm giving you this chance. Whether you seize it is up to you."

Inabe Ichimoku looked at the photos a few more times, slapped the table, and declared, "Done. Let me think of a way."

Due to the Spring Festival, the café staff were disheartened, all wanting to get off work early to reunite with their families. Thus, they didn't notice when an old woman and a young girl, beggars, entered.

"Kind sirs, please have mercy on this mother and daughter! If we don't earn money for food and lodging today, the girl will freeze and starve to death!"

Inabe Ichimoku and Tan Tian were in an excellent spot, both dressed lavishly and looking impressive. The beggars naturally approached them first.

"Get out of here, you Dragon Country pigs!" Inabe Ichimoku was pondering how to ride both beauties when he was suddenly interrupted. Since he had been conversing with Tan Tian in Mandarin, he instinctively swore in Chinese and kicked out at the beggar standing near him. Perhaps the stench of filth on them repulsed him.

The beggar mother was knocked down by Inabe Ichimoku's kick. She was too weak, or perhaps hadn't eaten for days. As she fell, a small jar rolled out from her embrace with a gulu gulu sound. The little daughter cried and threw herself onto her mother.

"Mom!"

The mother struggled to grab the small jar. "Girl, look after your father first; Mother is fine."

Slap! Two sharp slaps on the table sounded, and both men stood up simultaneously. It was only because I was sitting in a secluded spot that the other person got the first move.

"Pah! Damn foreign devil, you don't get to commit violence on Great Dragon Country soil! Say that again if you dare!" A young man, looking about 20, stood angrily beside Inabe Ichimoku's table.

Inabe Ichimoku hadn't expected anyone to dare confront him. As the future successor of Imperial Oil, he considered this young man to be slapping his whiskers.

"Baka yarou! Damn Dragon Country swine! Your mayor bows and scrapes when he sees me. Who do you think you are!"

"I'm your ancestor! I'm your great-grandfather!" The young man cursed furiously while raising his hand and slapping Inabe Ichimoku across the face. Since he dared to strike a citizen of the Great Dragon Country, what was wrong with returning the slap?

Inabe Ichimoku had never been hit before. He clutched his face and went berserk. "Baka yarou! Baka yarou! You’re dead! Sato, kill him for me!"

A figure sitting nearby, who had been pretending to drink coffee with his head down, moved swiftly and lunged toward the young man. The young man wasn't as skilled as this bodyguard; seeing Sato about to strike a heavy blow, the young man’s vision flickered, and then Sato flew out like a broken kite string, crashing through a table with a bang.

Inabe Ichimoku was so terrified he forgot to rub his face. "Impossible! Impossible! Sato is a master of Judo from the Great Bird Country. You couldn't possibly have defeated him."

"Pah! What rotten Bird Country master? Even the bird is rotten, what high skill is there! I've been influenced by Zhu Da; I learned many insults from him."

The young man gave me a grateful look. Granted, there weren't many customers in the café, perhaps a dozen or so, and all of them were Dragon Country people, but only he and I dared to step forward.

I addressed Inabe Ichimoku without restraint. "Apologize to these two Dragon Country men, and then say that people from the Bird Country are worse than pigs and dogs."

"Sir, this is a café. Please do not cause trouble here, or we will call the police. Also, this friend from the Bird Country is a regular customer here. If you continue to harass him, we will have to kick you out," said the male attendant who had previously looked down on people.

What was even more infuriating was that two staff members actually started driving the beggar mother and daughter away. The mother tightly clutched the small jar, while the little girl cried, clinging to her mother's clothes in fright. "Mom, I'm not hungry. We won't beg for money again."

I pointed sharply at the attendant. "You, if you are still a descendant of the Dragon, move aside! Otherwise, I’ll beat you up too! And you two, stay away from the mother and daughter, or I’ll smack your mouths until they’re split open!"

The café staff dared not move. They had never been so afraid of one person. It seemed this man could take their lives with a single gesture.

The young man gathered his courage and glared at Inabe Ichimoku. "Apologize now!"

Slap! Before Inabe Ichimoku could respond, Tan Tian slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Zhao Qian! Stop playing the hero here! In this capital city, in the Great Dragon Country, this is the Tan family's domain, not your petty little tofu company's domain!"

"The world does not belong to any single person!" the young man answered for me. "No single person can conquer the world by themselves! Not in the past, not in the future, and certainly not the so-called Tan family you speak of!"

"Hmph, arrogant and ignorant. Have him arrested and sent to the police station first." Tan Tian gave an order to the guards who had emerged from hiding.

With the Tan family's influence, providing Tan Tian with a few special forces soldiers as bodyguards was not difficult. These men had been secretly protecting Tan Tian, and now, authorized by him, they moved toward the young man.

I stepped forward to shield the young man. The two special forces soldiers tried to restrain my arms to force my compliance, but unexpectedly, despite exerting all their strength, they couldn't move me an inch. Instead, with one shake, I threw them into a wrist squatting position.

It wasn't that they were incompetent; it was simply that my current strength was immense. Ever since the early stages of evolution, Red Guard No. 10 and No. 11 were no match for me, let alone these special forces soldiers.

Tan Tian looked somewhat less confident. "Zhao Qian, why must you oppose me at every turn! I was very restrained concerning Yi Xiaorou, and this morning in front of Zhang Xiaoya, I gave you face. Don't think I'm truly easy to bully."

I retorted to Tan Tian, "Are you still a Dragon Countryman? Doesn't that son of a bitch who insulted our Dragon Country people as pigs deserve death? As for our private matters, I'm ready to settle them with you anytime you wish."

In the past, when dealing with opponents, Tan Tian always relied on flaunting his family background; more than half the people would apologize to save the Tan family's face. If someone didn't know the Tan family, he would deploy his bodyguards to easily resolve the issue. If he encountered a difficult, powerful adversary, he would use his father's position as Minister of Public Security to deploy police forces to raid their home.

The only person who had ever made him suffer since childhood was standing right in front of him. This man wasn't afraid of the Tan family's status and could effortlessly defeat his bodyguards. As for the police, he didn't care about them at all. Even the elites from the National Security Bureau's paranormal division couldn't handle him when deployed, and the old man even mobilized the Beijing Garrison Armored Battalion, yet he still ended up confined. Continuing to provoke him would only result in his own loss.

Tan Tian snorted resentfully. He had to let this matter go for now; escalating things for Inabe Ichimoku to the point of involving his old man wasn't worth it. A gentleman's revenge is never too late, and besides, he still had a vendetta involving his life-force to settle. He would let him have his moment of triumph for now.

Tan Tian stormed out of the café without looking back. The Judo master Sato was already leaning on a table, staggering toward them. "Young Master, I failed in my duty. Please punish me!"

Inabe Ichimoku's voice held a hint of fear. "We'll discuss it back on the island. Let's go!"

"Trying to leave?" With my backing, the young man knew what he had to do. "Apologize to these two and to all the Dragon Country people seated here!"

Inabe Ichimoku's anger surged. "Baka! The Zhina are an inferior race! Our great Yamato will never yield to inferior people!"

The young man couldn't hold back any longer and delivered another resounding slap to Inabe Ichimoku's face. "Damn your eighteenth generation of Japanese bastards! We are inferior? All your culture was learned from our great Tang Dynasty! No matter how inferior we are, we never massacred over 300,000 civilians in a single city! No matter how inferior we are, we never ceded territory and signed treaties! No matter how inferior we are, we never twisted facts and ignored history!"

The young man grew more agitated the more he spoke. He turned to the surrounding Chinese citizens. "Friends! Years ago, the Eight-Nation Alliance burned half our land, and this son of a dog who claims greatness was among them! The Treaty of Shimonoseki after the First Sino-Japanese War brought our nation immense shame! Friends! We should not remain silent any longer. If a nation chooses silence in the face of humiliation, that nation will perish! If a people choose silence in the face of humiliation, that people will be wiped out! Imperialism has never given up its desire to destroy our China! In the past, we always treated every neighboring country kindly. When Vietnam was in trouble, our people gave them rice, weapons, and technology without eating or drinking for them, but what did this white-eyed wolf give us in return? In World War II, the Bird Country was a defeated nation. For this rotten bird that plundered vast wealth from our country in every war, we didn't ask for a single cent of war reparations, but what did we receive in return? They ignore history, revise textbooks, disregard the feelings of East Asian peoples by repeatedly visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, disregard the Peace Constitution by frantically expanding the military! Now they want to come to our seas to fight us for oil! My friends, when the nation is at a critical juncture, will you still ignore all this? Do you still think this has nothing to do with you? Those capable should join the army to defend the country; those with money should support the naval construction; if you can't do either, at the very least, everyone should mobilize to boycott Bird Country goods! Great unity of the Huaxia nation, strike down the Japanese devils!"

In recent years, the mindset of Chinese people had somewhat weakened. Certain individuals took pride in driving Japanese cars, wearing Japanese watches, and knowing Japanese people. They believed their own nation was inferior, were merciless to their compatriots, and flattered foreigners. While these people couldn't be labeled as traitors, had they forgotten that the ancestors of these beasts had killed and violated their ancestors? Now, not only do they refuse to acknowledge this history, but they also slander, attack, and discriminate against us. Could they still tolerate this anger?

Fortunately, there were no such Japan-worshipping elements in the café. Their emotions were stirred by the young man, and every face was filled with resentment. A very stout boss stepped forward and kicked Inabe Ichimoku, cursing fiercely. "Japanese dog, get out of our territory, or we'll beat you every time you show up!" As he spoke, he angrily threw off the watch on his wrist. "I, Old Ma, swear never to use a single Bird Country product again!"

There was also a young man, physically thin, who clenched his fist and glared angrily at Inabe Ichimoku. A low, powerful song emerged from his lips:

"Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves! With our flesh and blood, let us build our new Great Wall! The Chinese nation is at its most perilous moment..."

The singing grew louder, and more people joined in. In a short time, everyone seemed to have relived the history of the War of Resistance, and anger blazed in every eye.

Who says young radicals are unlovable? Without the young radicals, where would the May Fourth Movement have been?

This scene terrified Inabe Ichimoku, but his tone remained rigid. "I have diplomatic immunity. None of you have the right to lay a hand on me, and none of you here today will escape. Our embassy will file a protest with your country demanding punishment for the criminals. We will meet in the International Court of Justice!"

Trying to leave? I blocked Inabe Ichimoku. "Apologize! Or I'll snap your neck directly!"

In front of me, Inabe Ichimoku was like a chick. I grabbed his head and applied slight pressure, and he began screaming like a slaughtered pig.

"I'll do it, I'll do it! I'm sorry."

The sound of a siren wailed outside. Tan Tian wouldn't call the police; it had to be the café staff. Those idiots—did they really think the police could do anything to me? I set down the Jingbian Yimu and pulled out the eight hundred yuan cash from my pocket, handing it to the begging mother and daughter. "Take it and go quickly. Don't spend the New Year squatting in a holding cell."

I've been doing a lot of charitable deeds lately; I suppose I need to start carrying more cash on me from now on. The mother and daughter thanked me profusely, but the delay cost them time, and before they could even leave the shop, the police burst in.

"Who's causing trouble?" the lead officer demanded, irritated that he had to answer a call on New Year's Eve.

In his panic, Jingbian Yimu started babbling in his own language. The lead officer frowned deeply and said to him, "What gibberish are you spouting? Next time you come to the Dragon Country, bring a translator."

Only then did the young Jingbian Yimu realize they didn't understand his language. He quickly switched to Mandarin: "Officer, I am Jingbian Yimu from the Bird Country Imperial Petroleum Company. I have been injured by these two people. Please arrest and severely punish them, or I will notify the Bird Country embassy in Kyoto to file a lawsuit against your nation."

The lead officer ignored Jingbian Yimu's threats and instead asked me and the young man, "What happened?"

The young man replied, "The son of a bitch wouldn't even give money to that mother and daughter, and then he started kicking and cursing people. We couldn't stand by and just said a couple of things."

The officer glanced toward the mother and daughter at the door; they nodded in confirmation. At this point, the other bystanders also spoke up, verifying the truth of the matter, while the staff who made the call quietly stood aside.

The officer had a clear picture. He turned to Jingbian Yimu and asked, "Did you apologize to them?"

Jingbian Yimu froze. He was a foreign guest; how could a Dragon Country police officer ask such a thing? Did this officer not want his job anymore? Still, he had indeed been forced to apologize earlier, so he nodded.

The officer said, "Alright, it’s nothing to get worked up over. Everyone disperse and go home for the New Year. Settle these kinds of domestic disputes yourselves from now on. As for you, our distinguished foreign friend, please compensate the café for any damages when you leave."

Because of Tan Tian, I held no favorable opinion of the Beijing Public Security system; the Beast Army had even clashed with them multiple times. I fully expected the police to hassle us, but I never imagined the outcome would be this.

Jingbian Yimu, naturally, was not convinced.

"Officer, don't forget you are just a minor official. My bodyguard was injured, and I was struck. This is extreme disrespect to the Yamato nation. I will lodge a protest with your country over this handling."

"My name is Hu Qing, badge number 0718. You are welcome to file a complaint. If you are dissatisfied with my ruling, okay, please come back to the station with me, and we can discuss and reason this out slowly. There’s always a way to reach a satisfying conclusion; don't worry, you’ll be out in 48 hours at most."

Jingbian Yimu’s face turned extremely sour. He had traveled all over the Dragon Country, and every high-ranking official and police officer he met fawned over him. In Dragon Country terms, today was truly a day where he should have checked the almanac—why was he running into nothing but unfriendly people?

However, Jingbian Yimu wasn't foolish enough to invite further beating. So, he glared fiercely at everyone, pulled out a wad of Renminbi from his pocket, slapped it onto the counter for the café attendant, and then left angrily with Satou.

"Zhao Qian," I said, shaking the young man's hand. I liked people like him and was willing to be friends with them.

"Zhao Qian? Did you lose money?" the young man asked curiously.

"The Zhao from Zhao Qian Sun Li, the Qian from Zhao Qian Sun Li. That's my name," I explained.

"Heh heh," the young man laughed.

"Tang Han."

"Tang Suan? That's a strange name," I asked him mischievously.

"Get lost," the young man playfully punched me. After all, we had just stood up to a Bird Country national together; in a short time, we felt like old friends.

"It's Tang from the Tang Dynasty, Han from the Han Dynasty."

The officer nearby watched with amusement and came over to shake our hands as well.

"Hu Qing. Hu from Hu Jiao Man Chan (to confuse people), Qing from entanglement."

"Hahahaha..." The laughter of the three was unrestrained. Hu Qing waved his hand to the officers behind him. "Brothers, let's wrap up."

I said to Hu Qing, "Brother Hu, you really didn't have to handle it this way. I'm afraid this might cause you trouble."

Hu Qing took off his police cap, looked at the solemn national emblem on it, and asked us, "Are you two afraid of trouble? You aren't, so I’m not either. At worst, I’ll quit being a cop and go home to sell roasted sweet potatoes. Damn it, I just can’t stand the arrogance of those Bird Country people."

The begging mother and daughter, having been stopped by several officers, dared not move. Hu Qing solemnly placed his cap back on, pulled three large red bills from his wallet, and handed them to the pair.

"Take this. After the New Year, either go back to your hometown or find stable work. Don't wander anymore; the child is too young; she needs to go to school."

Tang Han patted all his pockets and found one hundred and twenty yuan. "Sorry, I’m a student and rarely carry much cash. Officer Hu is right; it’s New Year's Eve. You should find somewhere to stay and prepare for the holiday."

With someone taking the lead, the dozen or so other customers in the shop also opened their wallets. The mother and daughter were moved to tears.

"Benefactors! Han Fen and her daughter wish you ten thousand years of long life!"

"Get up, get up quickly. If you keep this up, we won't help you anymore," I said, reaching out to help Han Fen up. Inadvertently, I bumped the small jar she was holding.

"This, is this your husband's?"

Han Fen carefully brought the small jar out, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, benefactor. We came to the capital to treat our daughter's father's illness, but who knew... who knew he would abandon us, the orphans and widow, and just leave? We have no money to return home, so we only had the means to cremate him here."

At that moment, a thick stack of Renminbi was presented to Han Fen—it was Zhang Xiaoya. Her voice choked with emotion. "Take this. Go home and give him a proper burial."

Finally, after seeing the mother and daughter off, Tang Han, Hu Qing, Zhang Xiaoya, and I squatted near the entrance of the supermarket café for a long time without speaking. Everyone was silently contemplating the mother and daughter's plight. Finally, Tang Han broke the silence.

"Brother Zhao, your wife is truly beautiful. You are blessed."

Even though Zhang Xiaoya had allowed me to kiss and touch her, she refused to acknowledge our relationship in public. So I told Tang Han, "What nonsense are you talking about? This is my classmate, Zhang Xiaoya."

But who knew Zhang Xiaoya was feeling mischievous today? Fearing misunderstanding, she hooked my arm and acted spoiled, saying, "Zhao Qian, I’m tired. Let’s go home."

Judging by the looks in Tang Han's and Hu Qing's eyes, it was clearly, You're still pretending, aren't you?

The four of us headed to the parking lot together. Hu Qing was driving the precinct's 110 police car, and Tang Han was driving a regular family sedan. When they saw my car—a magnificent Hongqi sporting a military license plate—they both started accusing me.

"Damn, Zhao Qian, if I had known earlier, I wouldn't have gotten involved in this mess. I might even get scolded by the precinct chief after the New Year break."

Tang Han’s expression was even more exaggerated. "If we knew you had military connections, we would have beaten that bastard up again!"

I glanced at Zhang Xiaoya beside me and said to the two of them, "Alright, my friends, let's exchange numbers and get together after the New Year. This car isn't mine; it belongs to a good friend. Bye-bye..."

We arrived home without speaking. I helped Zhang Xiaoya carry her things to her door. Zhang Xiaoya said, "I won't keep you. Don't make your aunt worry. Remember to come wish me a happy New Year early tomorrow."

Zhang Xiaoya stood there without moving after speaking. Her eyes held clear expectation and encouragement. Even if I were denser, I would know what she was waiting for. After a light farewell kiss, I pressed the box containing the brooch into Zhang Xiaoya's hand, then ran upstairs before she could say anything.

***The night had already fallen. Due to the recent poor weather, snowflakes began to drift down, adding a rich atmosphere of the New Year to the Eve.

Jingbian Yimu sat in his luxurious presidential suite. He sent a secret email via an encrypted channel to the Bird Country. Minutes later, he received a reply from his family.

"The Chinese people will never comprehend the ambition of the Yamato nation. The entire East Sea, the entire Senkaku Islands (Dragon Country’s Jiang Taigong Island), have been incorporated into our magnificent maritime domain. The happiest moments for the Chinese are the moments when we display our power. The Top Ninja of the Eastern Ocean will arrive in Kyoto City in three days; you must provide him with every possible assistance..."

Jingbian Yimu smiled. With the Top Ninja of the Eastern Ocean, perhaps his dream of riding two women at once could be realized: one, an Eastern beauty full of classical elegance and the endless desire of an airline stewardess uniform; the other, a supreme specimen among busty women, a temptress among mature wives. These were exactly the types of women that Bird Country men were most interested in; he would not rest until he obtained both.

Jingbian Yimu thought wickedly: Tomorrow, the Dragon Country people will pay for their foolishness...