C11 Su Kouye's Life or Death(1)

Based on Su Kouye's recent performance, Jiang Feng found himself quite pleased.

The evening had drawn to a close with a hearty dinner, and by then it was 8 PM. Jiang Feng had set Su Kouye up in a room stocked with rice, green beans, and peanuts, and offered, "There's a bit of space left here. You can make do with a bed on the floor, right? I'll bring you some blankets in a bit."

"That works for me, I'm really content. Sleeping in a room surrounded by all this food is incredibly reassuring," Su Kouye responded with satisfaction.

Once Su Kouye was settled, Jiang Feng extinguished the candles in the living room and kitchen. Upon returning to his own room, he was surprised to discover Urendir there as well.

"Aren't you heading to bed, Urendir?"

"Dad, sister said she's going to sleep with me tonight, so you'll be on the floor again," Jiang Wei interjected.

"Oh? So, Urendir, you're staying here too?" Jiang Feng asked, taken aback.

"With a tiger in the house, how could I relax knowing you're sleeping alone? It's better if I stay in the same room to keep an eye on things," Urendir explained, then firmly shut the door and began rummaging through the computer desk's drawer.

"What are you looking for?" inquired Jiang Feng.

"I'm searching for a list of renowned warriors. Help me out, will you? There are dozens of papers here, and it's just too dim to see properly," Urendir sighed.

Jiang Feng took hold of Urendir's hand, "Let me find it. I organized them in a specific order, and I remember where it is."

Urendir, clearly uneasy from the sudden contact, removed Jiang Feng's hand and turned her head away, "Fine, you look for it."

Jiang Feng offered a small, somewhat sheepish smile. He hadn't anticipated his own impulse to overstep with Urendir, but her quick reaction to withdraw her hand brought him back to his senses.

Shortly thereafter, Jiang Feng produced several sheets detailing the Four Great Villains among the famous warriors. Included were numerous tales of Villains' Valley, as well as future narratives involving both Jiang Feng and Su Kouye.

Mouthwash, originally known as Su Kouye, seized control of South City in the 10th year of the apocalypse, establishing his stronghold in Villains' Valley. Alongside three other renowned warriors, they proclaimed themselves the Four Great Villains. They commanded their own forces within South City, defying recruitment by any nation.

At the dawn of the apocalypse's 11th year, the Southern Barbaric's top general launched an assault on South City with a million-strong army. Within a fortnight, they had claimed most of the city's territory, save for one indomitable stronghold: Villains' Valley.

Despite its modest size, Villains' Valley housed the 1,000 tons of Profound Ice Iron ore Su Kouye had amassed over a decade. The barrier forged from this ore was unbreakable.

Rumors swirled that Su Kouye's hoard of Profound Ice Iron could purchase a third of the Southern Barbaric lands.

In that same year, Major Jiang Feng of Onaolin led 300,000 soldiers at the behest of the Onaolin King to relieve the besieged Villains' Valley, aiming to secure 100 tons of Profound Ice Iron in return.

Throughout the six-month conflict, a significant friendship blossomed between Jiang Feng and Su Kouye.

Ultimately, the Southern Barbaric's forces could no longer sustain the attrition and abandoned their siege of Villains' Valley, retreating homeward.

Jiang Feng, honoring their pact, requested the agreed-upon 100 tons of Profound Ice Iron ore from Su Kouye. Unexpectedly, Su Kouye reneged on their deal. He not only withheld the ore from Onaolin but also attempted to turn Jiang Feng, inviting him to defect and remain in Villains' Valley.

Loyal to his nation, Jiang Feng refused Su Kouye's offer and returned with his troops. The Onaolin King was incensed, chastising Jiang Feng for not instigating a revolt within Villains' Valley when he had the chance. Having left Villains' Valley, they had squandered the prime opportunity to claim it. In a fit of rage, the Onaolin King relegated Jiang Feng to the western frontier.

Although Jiang Feng's demotion was largely due to Su Kouye, Su Kouye himself was known for valuing deep bonds and loyalty, and he possessed considerable strength. He fought on equal terms with the lieutenant general of the Southern Barbaric Kingdom and even saved Jiang Feng's life on the battlefield.

However, Su Kouye had one fatal flaw: he valued money above all else, driven solely by profit, never missing an opportunity to gain an advantage.

When dealing with Su Kouye, caution was imperative. He was not to be trusted with power nor to be relied upon heavily. Yet, if he were to be employed, he required substantial rewards, and with such incentives, he would dedicate himself fully to the cause.

Upon reviewing the strategy, a dilemma arose. Jiang Feng and Urendir disagreed on whether to retain Su Kouye.

Jiang Feng believed that acting out of self-interest was human nature and that Su Kouye was worth keeping.

Urendir, with her black-and-white view of the world, felt that a traitor who broke his word had no place among them.

The impasse over Su Kouye left them both deeply frustrated.

Finally, an exasperated Jiang Feng blurted out, "Urendir, you're formidable. Why not rule as queen? Then I'd follow your lead."

His words, veiled with implication, wounded Urendir slightly.

"Jiang Feng, is it necessary to test me like this? Everyone knows you aspire to be king. Why the pretense of offering me the throne? I have no desire for it," Urendir retorted, her voice rising with emotion.

"I'm not testing you. The truth is, when we're faced with critical decisions in the future, we're bound to disagree. Someone has to make the call. Right or wrong, progress only comes with decisions, hence the distinction between a sovereign and a subject."

"So, you see me as a mere follower, expected to heed your every command, is that it?"

"Urendir, you're misunderstanding me."

"I've always been seen as nothing more than a tool to accomplish tasks. So now you want me to be your tool, to smooth the way for your ascent to the throne, correct?" Urendir's frustration grew with each word.

In that instant, Jiang Feng wrapped his arms around Urendir, urging, "Calm down, don't get worked up."

"Don't touch me!" Urendir seized Jiang Feng's hand and with a swift judo move, flung him against the corner wall.

Ignoring the throbbing pain, Jiang Feng clenched his teeth and pleaded, "Okay, okay, it's all my fault, I admit it. Please, keep it down. Even though Heyday's walls are thick, if you keep this up, Su Kouye is bound to hear us."

Gradually, Urendir's temper cooled, and she recognized her overreaction. With Su Kouye next door, whose allegiance was uncertain, it was indeed unwise to lose control.

Brushing himself off, Jiang Feng struggled to his feet. "Urendir, you've thrown me for the second time. Don't you realize your own strength?"

Urendir glanced at Jiang Wei on the bed, who was anxiously toggling her gaze between Jiang Feng and Urendir, her young face etched with confusion and fear, too innocent to understand the situation.

Silently, Urendir hung her head.

Jiang Feng stepped closer to Urendir, his voice gentle, "Urendir, I'll heed your words. If I had to choose between you and Su Kouye, you know I'd choose you."

"Is it because I'm stronger than Su Kouye, more valuable to you?" Urendir asked, her tone icy.

"No, that's not it. I want you to understand that Jiang Wei and I aren't your responsibility, you're not obliged to protect us."

"What are you saying?"

"You're my partner, my invaluable partner. No matter what happens, I can't bear the thought of you leaving my side."

Partner? The word sent a wave of emotion through Urendir, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Do you really mean that?"