HLLY Chapter 58

After the representative assembly, there were expanded meetings, and after the expanded meetings, there were subcommittees. The meetings went on continuously for three days. Even the President showed an expression as if he wanted to vomit, let alone other ordinary humans.

It was said that on the first day of the meetings during the free discussion period, everyone engaged in heated debates, and there were even instances of quarrels escalating to physical fights, with people throwing shoes at each other. However, by the third day, everyone was completely worn out. There was no one left willing to speak, and many were rolling their eyes in exhaustion.

On the day when all the meetings finally came to an end, Jiang Huan returned to the hotel very early. Just after lunchtime, he and Xu Ye went back together. Shen Shanwu saw the weary expression on Jiang Huan’s face, which he couldn’t hide, his lips slightly dry and chapped. It caused a twinge of pain in his heart.

Jiang Huan also noticed him and made an effort to perk up as he walked over. His first greeting was unexpectedly, “Do you still have enough money?”

“Are you trying to make it seem like you’re keeping me?” Shen Shanwu retorted.

“Isn’t that the case?” Jiang Huan chuckled, “You’ve spent so much of my money these days. Shouldn’t you at least keep me company in return?”

Shen Shanwu also smiled, “Listening to the boss.”

Unbeknownst to them, Xu Ye was silently trying to convince himself that this was normal father-son interaction… normal father-son banter…

Jiang Huan slept through until the sunset without waking up, while Shen Shanwu found it hard to sleep. After having a symbolic dinner, he sneaked out to have some fun.

On the evening the conference ended, a grand bonfire party was held in Anping City. The dimly lit night was the most convenient time for mutants to move around. While everyone was singing and dancing, no one knew that a group of non-human entities was just a stone’s throw away, enjoying the same view.

When Shen Shanwu found the group, he was surprised to see that this gathering was quite comprehensive. In addition to the people from before, the Executioner, the Prophet, and the Tibetan were also present. The only one missing was Hugo, who perhaps couldn’t overcome his humanophobia for quite a long time.

“Tibetan, why haven’t you gone back yet?” Shen Shanwu sat down beside Wolf Dog, taking a string of grilled chicken that was handed to him. However, when he put it in his mouth, he realized it was actually roasted garlic.

“Departing tomorrow,” Tibetan replied slowly, enunciating each word. “This place is bustling and lively, while other areas are dilapidated and desolate. The contrast is stark.”

As he spoke, Shen Shanwu couldn’t help but think of the people at the rest stops outside the base. Not to mention a grand bonfire party, they couldn’t even have a simple barbecue.

With this realization, Shen Shanwu began to see that mutants weren’t necessarily more powerful in every aspect. Apart from their well-developed limbs, there wasn’t much else to highlight. Just like humans, mutants were equally perplexed by the plight of those less fortunate. Mutants didn’t dare to take a stance or offer help rashly. As a non-human species with formidable strength, once they took sides, the other bases would undoubtedly unite against the base that allied with them.

“There are many aspects that need change and exploration. Just like ordinary humans, we mutants are the same,” the Prophet sighed. “The mutant population is already small to begin with, and the growth rate is decreasing year by year. We can’t reproduce either. Mutants, as a unique group, are destined to disappear. However, before that happens, we still have a long way to go. How to handle the relationship with humans is a question that requires careful consideration and a gradual solution.”

“It’s alright, the Middle Schooler will take over, won’t he?” Milk Tea took a sip of pearl milk tea that had been diluted to the point of almost losing its flavor. “A few days ago, he was so fervent, swearing to contribute to world peace. He’s like the protagonist of a teenage comic.”

The Middle Schooler was busy munching on the meteor fruit that the Prophet had given him. He had suffered from hunger and hardship before his death, and after his resurrection, like all mutants, he had a strong appetite due to being immune to radiation.

“Leave those philosophical questions for later,” the Wolf Dog patted the Prophet on the shoulder. “Let’s enjoy this beautiful night and have some lighthearted chat! And you, Executioner, over there, how about taking a break from your game and joining our conversation?”

The Executioner quietly put away his handheld game console and remembered something. He took out a cellphone from his pocket and handed it to Shen Shanwu, saying, “The CEO said that putting a new suit in the pocket might damage the phone, so he asked me to keep it safe and give it to you when I see you.”

“Huh? Is he that particular?” Shen Shanwu received the phone with curiosity and turned to ask the CEO, “What is it?”

The CEO tilted his head back and took a sip of his drink, smiling as he said, “You’ll know when you see it.”

Shen Shanwu swiped his finger to unlock the screen, and apart from system apps, it was empty. He opened the photos and was greeted by a series of ten shots of Jiang Huan in quick succession. Instantly, Shen Shanwu understood and began to open each one to view.

Arranged chronologically, they depicted Jiang Huan rising from his seat, walking slowly to the conference podium, and the final image froze with him standing firm, his sharp gaze fixed upward.

Following that was a short video of less than thirty seconds. Upon playing it, one could hear Jiang Huan’s voice booming through the microphone, saying, “I am Jiang Huan, the representative of the Coastal Base’s Combat Team, the captain of the Shanhai Unit.”

He paused for a moment, and thunderous applause erupted from below.

“Why is it so short, just one sentence?” Shen Shanwu asked the President, still wanting more. The CEO glanced at him askance, “Having that much is good enough, still complaining?”

“Thanks, can I have the phone now?”

The CEO waved his hand, indicating to take it away. Shen Shanwu stuffed his phone into his pocket, stood up, and patted his clothes. “I’m heading back now. Jiang Huan is probably about to wake up.”

The Wolf Dog and the Manager chimed in unison with disdain, “Hurry up and leave, don’t linger here and get in the way.”

With this farewell, the next time the mutants gather again, who knows when it will be, but even if they’re scattered all over the country, Shen Shanwu believes that everyone will live well. When the next new companion awakens, they will surely gather once again without missing a beat under the Prophet’s call.

At nine o’clock in the evening, Jiang Huan slowly opened his eyes. The other side of the bed had long lost its warmth, but the food that had been placed in a thermos on the bedside table was still there for him. Despite the food being a bit cold due to his late awakening and the insulation measures, Jiang Huan, who was extremely hungry, didn’t care much. He uncovered the dishes and enjoyed them heartily, leaving not a single drop.

Shen Shanwu timed it perfectly. Just as Jiang Huan put down his chopsticks, Shen Shanwu entered the room, taking the food container on his way in. However, by the time he returned, Xiao Jiang Tong had suddenly elongated, transforming into the over six-foot-tall Shen Shanwu.

Jiang Huan looked at him with a puzzled expression, using his gaze to inquire why he had transformed back to his original form. Shen Shanwu smiled and sat on the edge of the bed. “Didn’t you say during the day that you wanted me to accompany you for sleep? It’s not much fun if the little one falls asleep, right?”

“The little one is only meant for sleeping, but if it’s the big one, I have to accompany in a different way.” Jiang Huan’s cheeks turned crimson, yet he still managed to lean in closer to Shen Shanwu and speak somewhat shamelessly. Even though Shen Shanwu’s face also turned a bit red, he suppressed his embarrassment, looking down at Jiang Huan who was half leaning against the head of the bed.

One in their twenties and the other in their thirties, somehow managed to create a scene reminiscent of high schoolers in love. Both of them blushed, and while blushing, they steered the conversation towards the bed.

“Whatever the boss says goes.” Shen Shanwu sighed deliberately in a plaintive tone. “It’s my own fault for being lazy and greedy, falling victim to the whims of those in power.”

“If I could really support you, that would be great,” Jiang Huan said. “Then I’ll support you for a starting fifty years. If you serve me well, we’ll extend the contract.”

“What if I don’t serve well?”

“If you don’t serve well, then I’ll make you continue to serve me for the remaining years free of charge, until you make up for the deficit of my first fifty years.”

Shen Shanwu raised an eyebrow and smiled, “I’m the top card among the mutants, a courtesan. It’s quite expensive. Captain, can you afford me?”

“I’ll do my best, strive for promotions, and get a raise three times a year. If all else fails, I’ll go out and steal filter cores to support you,” Jiang Huan laughed. He held Shen Shanwu’s hand, “Five years ago, I already had this thought that one day, I’d have absolute influence at the coastal base and throughout the country, creating a haven for mutants. I still have that dream, but I also understand that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. The more you try to balance, the more likely you end up with nothing. So, if I have to choose, I’d rather be a bit selfish, give up the bigger picture, and stay by your side.”

“After all, you did say that I have a romantic brain.”

“…” Shen Shanwu was momentarily unsure how to respond. He heard Jiang Huan continue, “I’m telling you all this so that in the future, you won’t impulsively do something for my sake and then disappear without a trace. I can’t bear you vanishing on me again.”

“It won’t happen.” Shen Shanwu caressed Jiang Huan’s face. “If I have to go, I’ll take you with me.”

“Under what pretext would you take me?” Jiang Huan suddenly smiled mischievously. “Don’t touch me randomly. My face is only for my mother and my lover. Which one are you?”

“…” Shen Shanwu pinched him firmly. “I’m your male mother.”

*

The next morning, Yao Wuque received news that the Shanhai Unit, along with other coastal representatives, were returning in batches. He asked in confusion, “Why? Isn’t it safer for us to leave together?”

“Who knows,” Zhong Yin shrugged. She took a sip of millet porridge but then heard a cough from the neighboring seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lieutenant Xu Ye approaching with breakfast in hand.

Upon seeing Jiang Huan, Yao Wuque naturally raised his head to look for Jiang Tong’s figure, but this time, the person sitting across from Jiang Huan was not Jiang Tong. Instead, it was a man wearing sunglasses and gloves.

Zhong Yin choked on her mouthful of porridge, coughing violently. Xu Ye saw the man before she did, and after mentally preparing himself, he managed to handle it better. However, when his gaze fell on the red marks on Jiang Huan’s neck, visible even with his collar raised to the highest point, Xu Ye also coughed violently, tearing at his lungs.

“What’s wrong with you two? Choking like that over breakfast,” Yao Wuque was utterly baffled. He looked at Jiang Huan with curiosity and asked, “Captain, who is this?”

“He…” Jiang Huan cleared his throat a bit hoarsely. After all, what was agreed upon not happening did indeed happen for real. No matter what he tried, he just couldn’t prevent it. Not even crying and begging could help. He shifted in his seat, trying to find a comfortable angle for himself. “A mysterious person.”

“A mysterious person?” Yao Wuque chuckled, “Indeed, quite mysterious, eating with sunglasses on in this dim lighting.”

The man also smiled at him, revealing a mouthful of sharp shark-like teeth. “I think it’s fine.”

Yao Wuque: “…”

Yao Wuque: “What the heck?!!”

His piercing scream drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant. The Shanhai Unit couldn’t afford such attention. Zhong Yin quickly pressed him back down.

Yao Wuque’s jaw hung open for a while before he finally stared at Zhong Yin in a daze. She nodded quickly, “Yes, that’s right, it’s the one you’re thinking of. You can go up and ask for an autograph now.”

“How could I dare…” Yao Wuque whispered in fear, but as he lifted his head, he saw the man with sunglasses smiling at him. “I can hear you, you know.”

“…”

“Moreover, we don’t like to eat human flesh, let alone internal organs. We aren’t afraid of bright light either; we wear sunglasses because we’re worried about scaring you, and we definitely aren’t afraid of garlic.”

“!!!”

 

 

 

---

The author has something to say:

35: You dared to mock us mutants back then? (Keeping score)

---

Support me on ko-fi ʚ(´꒳`)ɞ