CHAPTER 16
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The night was silent — only the faint chirping of crickets could be heard.
Li Xuefang left her study to take a short walk around the Red Lotus Mansion. As she descended the staircase leading to the living room, she noticed Jiang Ren completely absorbed in painting — earphones on, classical music playing softly.
She paused halfway, quietly watching him until he turned to reach for another brush and noticed her.
Jiang Ren lowered the volume of his headphones with a soft snort.
Jiang Ren: Can't sleep either?
General Li: Seems so.
Jiang Ren: Hmm. I wonder what could be troubling my fiancée not to—
General Li: I'm not your fiancée.
Jiang Ren turned to look at her, but she simply walked to the fridge, unconcerned, grabbed a bottle of water, and drank deeply.
Jiang Ren: (Smiling) Tsh. Says the one who confirmed our relationship in front of the entire world.
General Li: (Wipes lower lip with backhand) Talking about that…
Jiang Ren: (Flutters internally) [The way she wipes her mouth is hot 🔥]
General Li: What's the update on the web, Xynra?
Xynra: ⚙️ Status update: your public image is trending at a 93% positivity rate. The internet has significantly amplified awareness of your alliance with Mr. Jiang Ren. Efficiency of reputation enhancement: optimal.
General Li: Very well.
Jiang Ren: So… all that was for the public?
General Li: It's the best way to silence mouths and – protect your weak self.
Jiang Ren: 💔 Weak? [What was I expecting?] Don't think you can trample upon me forever! 💢 Sooner or later, I'll show you my strength!
General Li: (Face lowered) Show me? (Smirking) Tsh.
She turned to him — each step she took felt heavy, powerful, deliberate. Jiang Ren instinctively backed away until he stumbled onto the couch. She leaned closer, her hand in her pocket, the faint smirk on her lips both mocking and mesmerizing.
General Li: (Exhales) I don't think that day will ever come.
Then the smirk vanished. She turned and left. Jiang Ren exhaled in relief, his heart pounding.
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Two days later…
At the Red Lotus Mansion — Living Room.
Designer Pierre: But Madame! You must be the most dazzling lady at the ball! 💃✨
General Li: (Eyes on her tablet) Don't let me repeat myself. I'm not going to wear a dress, and it's not a ball. (Calmly sips tea).
Designer Pierre: But—! 😩
Jiang Ren: I'm home 😊
Designer Pierre: Aye, Monsieur!
Pierre — the dramatic French designer — clutched Jiang Ren's arm desperately.
Designer Pierre: Please, talk to your naughty fiancée on my behalf! I might die of a headache any moment now 😭
Jiang Ren: Hm? [He has a wonderful French accent.]
Designer Pierre: She's been invited to a ball by the President!
Jiang Ren: A party?
Designer Pierre: But she still insists on not wearing a gown! 🤧
Jiang Ren glanced at Li Xuefang.
Jiang Ren: Then what does she want to wear?
Designer Pierre: A military uniform — a uniform! 😱
Jiang Ren: But that's not right!
General Li: (Exhales, placing down her cup) Run along now, Ren. You just returned from school—
Jiang Ren: (Unconsciously bold) Certainly not!
The napkin in a maid's hand fell in fear of his boldness towards the Lethal General.
General Li: (Glaring) What did you just say?
Jiang Ren: (Still bold) I said, certainly not!
Now even the Head Maid dropped her tray in dread.
Jiang Ren: I cannot allow you to dress like a slave of the country. And… I also want to repay the favor of helping me out at the Art Contest. So please 🙏😖
The Iron Lotus — the unshakable General — finally sighed and agreed, as long as she wasn't forced into a gown.
The two men smirked at each other like conspirators — and then both turned to the confused, majestic Li Xuefang, who could only stare in slight confusion.
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The Presidential Gala glimmered in gold and laughter. Crystal chandeliers, polished marble, foreign dignitaries—all eyes turned when General Li Xuefang entered the hall. Tonight, she was elegance and authority woven together; the crimson silk of her dress contrasted with the quiet steel in her posture.
She spoke briefly with foreign ambassadors, her tone composed, deliberate. A few socialites tried to corner her with false politeness and envy; she parried every jab with effortless wit as a lovely gentleman would 😁, leaving them smiling through clenched teeth.
At that instant, her lens flickered and a hologram appeared beside her, the one that only she could see.
Modulated Voice: Agent Leah of the secret service.
General Li paused, she hadn't heard from that service since the funeral of her grandfather. To her, that service never existed.
Modulated Voice: Mission from the Global Constellation Service. Do you accept?
But she doesn't respond.
Modulated Voice: Your life's in danger. Initiating one minute countdown for Mission Cancellation.
General Li: (Indifferent) Piss off.
Then—the lights flickered.
A soft pop echoed from somewhere near the balcony. In an instant, trained instinct took over. Gunfire cut through the orchestra's final note.
The gala dissolved into screams and chaos. Li Xuefang moved through the confusion like a blade through water—fast, exact, merciless. Several attackers fell; one tried to flee. She caught him by the neck, lifting him way off the floor. Such strength terrified those present–well expect her Aides who had seen her done worst.
General Li: (Terrifying) Who sent you?
He spat blood, refusing to speak. But the tattoo on his neck—a black serpent twisted into a circle with the sun in its mouth—made her heart freeze for the briefest second. She knew that symbol. Ghost Division.
The mysterious hologram flared up again.
Modulated Voice: Once again, request from the Global Constellation Service. Countdown to acceptance: ten seconds.
The assassin's eyes met hers, defiant.
Modulated Voice: ... 5... 4...
She sighed once, almost regretful, then twisted his neck in a clean, brutal motion.
Modulated Voice: ... 1...
General Li: Accept.
The device blinked red, then white. Flames reflected in her eyes as the gala collapsed into smoke and sirens.
And somewhere beyond the chaos, the world shifted again— as the wall of confinement began to crack.
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