Chapter Seventy-Five: Those Who Cross Me Shall Die

Originally, Fire Phoenix thought that after she finished speaking, Xiao Tianci would definitely retort. Yet, to her surprise, this time Xiao Tianci did not immediately argue back with her. Instead, he took a bottle of red wine from the cabinet and poured a glass for each of the four people present.

Inside the luxurious car, all the necessities were available. Xiao Tianci gently swirled his glass, took a small sip, and at that moment, the car had already arrived at the hospital entrance. He instructed someone to go in and keep an eye on the surgery, to report back immediately with any news.

“Now, I finally understand that in war, those who end up hurt are the people, the children, the most ordinary of ordinary folk. Sometimes, no matter how sound the reasoning is when we hear something, it’s hard to truly grasp it; perhaps only after experiencing it firsthand can one truly understand. Honestly, before, when I saw reports and images on TV, in newspapers, or online, some were much worse than this. Even that NBA stadium bombing a couple of years ago, where over a thousand people died, was just news to me—a fleeting impression at best.”

Xiao Tianci downed the wine in his glass and poured himself another. “But today, when I saw that little girl, her head covered in blood, her adorable pumpkin dress ruined beyond recognition, her face stained red, I was truly, truly furious. In that moment, I was so angry, frighteningly so. All I wanted then was to kill.”

Fire Phoenix, hearing this, said with a touch of pride, “Heh, that’s how it is for those who haven’t witnessed real bloodshed. With time, you’ll get used to it.”

Xiao Tianci smiled faintly. “Perhaps. Maybe I’ll adapt to the battlefield, but I will never forget today, nor that sweet little girl. I’ve never had much fondness for Country M. Back in school, I often debated with others about when the terrorists would launch their next big attack, almost as if their suffering would somehow vent my own frustrations.” He shook his head. “But today—no, just now—I realized that whatever Country M may be, the mere existence of terrorists is the greatest evil. Honestly, I still think if M continues to meddle in our nation’s affairs or tries to start a war, we should go to all-out war with them. But war and terrorism are not the same. In a war, maybe hundreds or thousands more die than in a terrorist attack.”

“But the nature of the two is different. The actions of terrorists do nothing to advance their supposed goals; they only harm innocent people, regardless of age.”

Fire Phoenix hadn’t thought about it much before, since it had nothing to do with her. Why should she care? Yet now, listening to Xiao Tianci, she felt that terrorists truly were despicable.

“Heh, I’m just voicing the changes in my own heart. You said earlier that there are many terrorists, some very powerful, and that Country M has long wanted to wipe them out but can’t. This can be looked at in several ways: whether it’s truly impossible, or simply not allowed, or maybe they don’t even want to. That’s the topic my friends and I debated most. Secondly, I have no interest in doing anything for Country M. Now, though I hate terrorists—truly, deeply hate them—as long as they don’t cross me, I won’t interfere. At least, not here in Country M.”

As he spoke, Xiao Tianci’s expression grew cold. “But if they provoke me, then that’s their own misfortune. Today, I liked that little girl. They fired at me as well, threatened me. So this organization must be wiped out, utterly destroyed. They were fools to cross my path.”

“Oh, alright,” Fire Phoenix quickly nodded, then realized she was being influenced by him yet again. Still, seeing his fierce expression just now, she had to admit he did look a bit like a seasoned veteran.

Fire Phoenix took a gentle sip of wine. “I’ll go back and talk to my brother about this. It won’t take long.”

Xiao Tianci nodded, “Yeah, when you go back, tell Azure Dragon to set up a special team to deal with terrorists, collect more intelligence—but don’t act rashly. Be prepared, so we won’t be caught off-guard if the need arises.”

“Don’t worry about that; our Azure Dragon’s intelligence system is top-notch.”

Xiao Tianci’s eyes flashed with inspiration. “You didn’t happen to set up the intelligence system, did you?”

Fire Phoenix bristled. “What if I did? Yes, it was me! You should know, our Azure Dragon’s intelligence is ranked in the top ten among mercenaries.”

“Tenth isn’t first. That means there are nine better than you, isn’t that so?”

“Tch… Always arguing! If you’re so capable, why not try it yourself?”

Xiao Tianci didn’t tease her further, though he was secretly pleased. He hadn’t expected her to have such talent. It seemed he should cultivate her more—she might turn out to be quite useful. But he’d have to find a way to temper her personality first; she was always so combative, which could be troublesome.

At this moment, someone inside reported that the operation was over. Xiao Tianci rushed in impatiently. The surgery was complete; apart from the nurse and lead surgeon, everyone else had been made to leave. They’d never seen such domineering behavior, but judging by Xiao Tianci’s bearing, no one dared protest.

He barraged the doctor with questions until he learned the girl had passed the critical phase for now. She’d been shot in the head, and it was a miracle she survived at all. There would likely be some aftereffects, but the doctors couldn’t say for certain. As long as she was cared for and not subjected to further trauma, she should be alright.

Xiao Tianci and Fire Phoenix went together to the best suite in the hospital and sat beside the pale little girl for a long time. Outside, some trouble had occurred, but Chief Steward Lin Jian had dealt with it. The police had come, even federal agents, but all were politely shown the door.

After all, Meihua could speak directly to their superiors—even the president. This time, they were doing a good deed; not being made into a media spectacle was already a blessing. Besides, even if they wanted publicity, it would depend on whether Xiao Tianci and his group allowed it.

Looking at the little girl lying in bed, Fire Phoenix recalled Xiao Tianci’s words. Yes, in the end, the casualties of war are always children, the elderly, and innocent civilians. She sighed—what had come over her today, letting this man’s words drag her into such useless thoughts?

As for Xiao Tianci, all he could think of was killing. He understood this truth long ago, but now it was clearer than ever. Extraordinary people cannot live ordinary lives; it was the same for him. If he were a regular citizen, he’d have no choice but to accept whatever fate dealt him. Without resistance, he’d be just another face in the crowd.

But now, even if he wanted to be ordinary, it was too late. Too many people would never let him go. The game had begun—there was no turning back or quitting halfway. He had to see it through to the end.

He glanced at Fire Phoenix, who was lost in thought beside the little girl. This man, she thought, wasn’t just a useless playboy after all—he had some substance to him. At least, when it mattered, he could step up. He was, after all, a man.

It wasn’t until a nurse came to change the bandages that the two snapped out of their reverie and left the room for a nearby lounge. After a brief rest, Xiao Tianci said in a low voice, “Fire Phoenix, go back and tell your brother. When the time comes, give me an account for the money—whatever you need, I’ll wire it to you. If anything changes, get in touch and we’ll discuss it.”

Fire Phoenix hadn’t known Xiao Tianci long, but quite a lot had happened between them. Both times they’d met, they’d clashed fiercely, so hearing him speak so formally now felt almost unsettling.

“Alright, I’ll be going then.” She pulled out a slip of paper she had prepared earlier. “This has my and my brother’s contact details, and ways to reach us at a few locations here in Country M.”

Chief Steward Lin Jian took the note. Xiao Tianci just nodded, which left Fire Phoenix rather disappointed. Seeing he had nothing more to say, she turned to leave. At the door she paused, “Oh, and if… if there’s any change with the little girl, remember to call me.”

Only then did Xiao Tianci open his eyes and nod, reassuring her. She finally departed.

Once she had gone, Xiao Tianci summoned Chief Steward Lin Jian and King Kong over, speaking with great seriousness, “I want to start training in martial arts, marksmanship, and combat. The road ahead is only going to get tougher, so I need to strengthen my self-defense.”

Lin Jian replied, “Your shooting is coming along well. With the progress you’ve made lately, you’ll soon be at a very high level.”

Fang Meng thought for a moment. “Martial arts are harder, since it’s best started from childhood. But you can still learn now. The key is to find a style and training method that suits you.”

“Martial arts training methods? How do I do that? Is it like before, where you have to find a master to teach you?”

“For the most part, yes. It is passed down from generation to generation. But in the last few decades, things have changed a lot.”

Xiao Tianci perked up. “Tell me more.”

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