C3 Urendir

Jiang Feng had made up his mind; he would dedicate his life to protecting the girl before him. Moreover, he had another mission: to lead humanity onto the right path and restore its former glory and prosperity.

Gently wiping away the tears on the young girl's face, Jiang Feng asked softly, "Loli, what's your name? I didn't catch it earlier."

"Jiang Wei," she replied with a smile, and once again, she hurled herself into Jiang Feng's embrace, comforted by his scent, which reminded her of her future father.

Just then, his phone rang abruptly. Jiang Feng glanced at the caller ID—it was his boss. He wasn't fond of his boss, a man lacking in manners and with a penchant for the distasteful, often dressing up as an anime character in a half-hearted manner.

"Boss, something's come up. I won't be in for work today," Jiang Feng stated as he answered the call.

"What's that? Are you spouting nonsense? You didn't even finish yesterday's work. Out of the kindness of my heart, I'm letting you make it up today, and you pull this?" the boss barked, clearly irate.

"Boss, I'm done arguing. By the way, the apocalypse might be upon us. You might want to prepare for that."

"Have you lost your mind? What rubbish are you—"

Jiang Feng hung up before the boss could finish. Arguing was pointless; he doubted anyone would believe his warnings.

Turning his attention back to the little girl, Jiang Feng rummaged through his cabinet in haste, pulling out clothes from his childhood for Jiang Wei to wear.

Seeing Jiang Wei in the boyish attire brought a smile to Jiang Feng's face. She managed to look adorable even in the oversized clothes.

"Jiang Wei, I must have been such a fool in the future, waiting until thirty-five to marry and have kids. If I had known I'd have someone as adorable as you, I would've settled down much sooner."

"Exactly!" Jiang Wei agreed, bouncing around in her new outfit.

"Now, you must stay close to me. We've got to start preparing for the end times," Jiang Feng said, his eyes alight with a fervor he'd never felt before.

Reflecting on the future, Jiang Feng realized that although he would gain a paranormal power, he hadn't chosen the path of a warrior but had instead pursued scientific research. Jiang Wei had inherited her father's fiery abilities, but the future Jiang Feng had failed to cultivate them properly. As it stood, Jiang Wei's flames were relatively harmless, barely enough to light a small fire.

Jiang Feng had sketched out a rough plan; harnessing paranormal powers was still a distant dream for him. His immediate priorities were survival and gradually growing stronger. Without proper preparation, even the basic survival at the outset could pose a challenge.

Yet, Jiang Feng was currently without savings, making even the purchase of food problematic. Moreover, securing firearms and ammunition was also essential.

After much contemplation, Jiang Feng remembered someone who could help—his parents' former subordinate, now the chief of the police station.

At ten in the morning, Jiang Feng, accompanied by Jiang Wei, arrived at the Long Hua District Police Station to meet with Director-general Lee.

"Xiao Feng, is that you? What brings you here? Lost your job again?" Director-general Lee quipped upon seeing Jiang Feng.

Ignoring the jest, Jiang Feng cut to the chase. "Director-general Lee, I hadn't intended to ask, but circumstances have changed. When can I get the 300,000 yuan in compensation that I entrusted to you?"

Director-general Lee, seated in his chair, hesitated. Lighting a cigarette and taking a drag, he finally spoke, "Xiao Feng, how can you bring up this money? Ever since your parents passed, I've been the one providing your monthly allowance. I know you're someone with great aspirations. You've always said your parents were your heroes, your pride. Didn't you mention that accepting this money felt pointless?"

"I did say the money felt pointless, but I never clearly stated I didn't want it. The government issued that compensation to me; I merely left it in your care. Are you now reluctant to part with it? How does that honor the memory of my deceased parents?" Jiang Feng rebuked.

Director-general Lee grew tense, his nerves exacerbated by a coughing fit induced by his cigarette.

"Xiao Feng, I know you're a good kid, don't do this. It's been two years, and the money's almost all spent. How can I possibly come up with 300,000 yuan now? Why didn't you mention it before, and why the sudden urgency?" he asked.

"Well, it's just that I've unexpectedly taken in a daughter, and I'm in dire need of funds. This is her," Jiang Feng said, gesturing toward Jiang Wei.

Director-general Lee scrutinized the little girl sitting quietly in the chair and said with displeasure, "You've gone too far, using a little girl as a pretext for money."

"She really is my daughter."

"That's a sick excuse. Are you trying to play me?"

"Don't try to sidestep the issue. The little girl isn't the focus here," Jiang Feng said, raising his voice.

Director-general Lee frowned and then pulled out a stack of bills wrapped in cowhide paper from his drawer.

"Here's what I can do—I can't come up with 300,000 yuan all at once. Here's 20,000 yuan for now. I'll pay the rest over time. Does that work for you?"

Jiang Feng coolly accepted the money and then spoke up, "Director-general Lee, I don't have the luxury of time or the patience to wait. There's a way you can settle your debt with me in one fell swoop."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Provide me with a weapons crate, complete with pistols, rifles, grenades, and ammunition," Jiang Feng stated his true intent.

Director-general Lee blanched, exclaiming, "Little Feng, what are you thinking? I can't do that—it's illegal!"

Jiang Feng was well aware of the strict gun control laws in the country and knew even Director-general Lee would struggle with this request, so he decided to emphasize the gravity of his situation.

"Director-general Lee, I'm dead serious. I need these weapons for self-defense. I've been targeted by the same mob that went after my parents. You know who I am—I'm the son of a cop and a police academy graduate. I'm well-trained with firearms; there won't be any mishaps."

"Are you certain? This is no small matter."

"Why would I gamble with my own life?"

Director-general Lee's brow furrowed deeply. He was skeptical of Jiang Feng's story, yet he couldn't afford to dismiss it. Before they died, Jiang Feng's parents had entrusted him to keep their son safe.

After a moment's deliberation, Director-general Lee resolved to err on the side of caution.

"Jiang Feng, even with guns, it's still too risky. I should assign someone to protect you."

"No, that won't be necessary. I just need the guns and plenty of ammo," Jiang Feng said with a dismissive smile.

But Director-general Lee wasn't swayed and picked up his phone to dial. "Urendir, get to my office, now."

Urendir? The name rang a bell for Jiang Feng.

He quickly took out his phone and checked the apocalyptic survival guide he had saved earlier.

In the directory of famed warriors of the future world, the name Urendir stands out. Known as the Bloody Rose and hailed as the Sniper God, Urendir hails from North Nether. Remarkably, she is the only individual in North Nether who holds the rank of colonel without commanding any troops.

The strategy guides insist that upon discovering such renowned figures of the future world, one must recruit them diligently to bolster their team. This is the key to gaining the power to contend for supremacy.

Jiang Feng had not anticipated encountering one so soon and was secretly thrilled. It seemed as though fortune had favored him without effort.

"Jiang Feng, Urendir is now 26, two years your senior. She's the most formidable person in our department. I've paired her with you not only for your protection but also as a potential match," Director-general Lee explained.

"Protection is fine, but let's skip the matchmaking. She's two years older than me," Jiang Feng replied, knowing that Urendir wasn't his destined partner and thus harboring no romantic interest in her.

"Nonsense. Look at yourself. Who would marry a police officer's son with a host of enemies? Urendir is exceptionally skilled. If you two could make it work, it would be a double victory," Director-general Lee remarked, taking a drag on his cigarette.

"But you can't just assign someone to me without my knowing what she even looks like."

"Urendir may always wear a cold expression, but she possesses a unique allure. Many of our male colleagues are smitten with her, yet none have succeeded in winning her over. Urendir is consumed by her missions, which is why she's still single at 26 and has never dated. If you approach her with sincerity and gradually win her affection, you could solve your lifelong companionship dilemma."

"Director-general Lee, I'm surprised at how much you care," Jiang Feng said, genuinely moved by Lee's concern.

"Well, I owe my current position to your father's support. I'm someone who believes in repaying kindness."

"Did my parents really ask you to sort out my marital prospects before they passed away?"

"Haha, no, that's not the case. But they did ask me to look after you well—I can't exactly let you stay single forever, can I?" Director-general Lee chuckled.

"Thank you so much for that."

"Don't get too excited just yet, though. Urendir isn't someone you can win over easily. You'll need to be patient and treat her with sincerity. Got it?"

"Got it."

"Here's something else for you," Director-general Lee said, pulling out a refined handgun. "This piece is far superior to the standard issue for regular cops. I normally keep it for my own protection, but I'll let you have it for now."

Jiang Feng accepted the handgun, his voice tinged with excitement, "You're really giving this to me?"

"Yes, it's all in the interest of your safety. I'll pull some strings in a few days to expedite your gun permit."

"Thank you, I really can't thank you enough." Jiang Feng was beaming with joy.

"And what about that 300,000 yuan?" Director-general Lee asked with a smile.

"Consider it gone, no question about it," Jiang Feng replied with a grin.

"Haha, that's the spirit!"

Just then, a knocking echoed at the door.

"Come in," Director-general Lee called out.

The door swung open, and a female officer in plain clothes stepped inside.

Jiang Feng scrutinized her appearance: glossy black hair, a black leather jacket, black jeans, black leather shoes, and even a black belt cinched around her slender waist. Had it not been for the police uniform peeking out from under her jacket, he might never have guessed she was a cop.

A wave of astonishment washed over Jiang Feng. Wow, a mature-looking female officer—she's got such a cool vibe.

Urendir didn't spare Jiang Feng a glance as she strode toward the director's desk. As she passed by, he couldn't help but notice her delicate features and her exceptionally fair skin. A distinct feminine scent lingered in her wake, sending a tingle through Jiang Feng's senses.

He mused to himself, "From certain angles, she exudes a feminine allure. It's odd—she's both cool and feminine."

Jiang Feng had always considered himself more of a fan of younger-looking girls rather than mature women, but in that moment, he found himself drawn to Urendir's unique aura.

"Director Lee, is there something you need?" Urendir stood at attention, her military discipline evident in her posture.

"You've seen that man over there, haven't you? That's Jiang Feng. He's been marked by the criminal underworld. Your assignment is to ensure his safety and prevent any harm from coming to him."

After listening to Director Lee, Urendir turned to give Jiang Feng a thorough once-over before facing the director again. "How long will I be on protection duty?"

"Well, let me think... I haven't nailed down a specific timeframe yet. For now, you won't need to check in at the station; just move into his place and secure his safety. Should any special circumstances arise, I'll notify you discreetly."

"This is an odd assignment. Is it possible for me to decline?" Urendir asked, her face betraying her reluctance.

"What's this? Are you considering defying an order? This is a very serious assignment."

Urendir paused briefly, then responded, "Okay, got it."

Director Lee couldn't help but feel a surge of relief and satisfaction at her acceptance.

"Good. Jiang Feng, I wish you all the best. And don't worry about ammunition—Urendir has plenty in stock."

"Understood." Jiang Feng, pleased with the arrangement, took Jiang Wei's hand, ready to depart, with Urendir following closely behind.