186 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

As midday approached, the area surrounding the entrance to the First District buzzed with activity. The district gates stood wide open, flanked by soldiers as if waiting to welcome an important visitor. Ordinary residents were herded back to their homes, left to watch the unfolding scene through their windows. Before long, Shang Nuan was summoned by Wang You Long's men to join the welcoming committee for Commander Yang's arrival. Standing beside Wang You Long, her posture was straight and showed no signs of coercion. With a rumble of engines, military vehicles rolled into the First District. Commander Yang, accompanied by the remaining three hundred members of his personal guard, had arrived. Wang You Long eagerly stepped forward to open the car door for Commander Yang, who emerged with his new adjutant, Feng Zhi Yun. Saluting smartly, Wang You Long announced, "All soldiers in the First District are assembled, awaiting your orders." Commander Yang nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the base. "Originally, Commander Cao was in charge here, but it's no secret she went to Wukou Town and hasn't returned. I hadn't intended to come here myself, but circumstances demand it. I'll be taking over the First District's command temporarily. There's no need to panic or fear; we'll maintain the current system, and I'll ensure the district runs even more smoothly." As Commander Yang finished speaking, Wang You Long clapped vigorously, exclaiming, "Sir, your words are reassuring. With you here, I feel much more secure." Commander Yang chuckled softly and replied, "You've done well. Is there a particular position you'd like, something I can arrange for you?" Glancing at Shang Nuan, Wang You Long chuckled and said, "With Commander Cao gone, I’d like to keep Adjutant Shang by my side. She’s been handling First District affairs, and her help would be invaluable." Commander Yang nodded in agreement. "Certainly, it's good for you young ones to collaborate. Adjutant Shang, you’ll be working closely with Major General Wang." "Thank you, Commander," Wang You Long replied happily, saluting Commander Yang. As the two conversed, a distant rumble of vehicles approached, growing louder as it neared. Commander Yang frowned and asked, "Is someone else expected? What's going on outside?" "Don't worry, sir. I'll send someone to check. Shitou, take some men and investigate," Wang You Long ordered. "Yes, sir!" Shitou saluted and led a group of soldiers forward, yelling at them to intercept the approaching vehicles: "Don’t you know Commander Yang is here? Stop those unauthorized vehicles immediately!" But just as Shitou was about to get angry, he noticed the convoy approaching and realized the vehicles seemed familiar. They showed no sign of stopping despite his blocking their path. Shitou shouted, "Stop the vehicles! Don’t disturb Commander Yang!" As he spoke, someone appeared from a vehicle, waving an arm. Shitou felt a momentary flash before his clothing and hair caught fire. The convoy continued moving as Shitou fell, trying to extinguish the flames with the help of his fellow soldiers. Those near him dragged him to the roadside; by the time the fire was out, much of Shitou's hair had burned away, and his clothes were scorched. Spitting in frustration, he cursed loudly, "Damn it, they dare burn me? What are you all standing around for? Get over there and protect Commander Yang!" As Shitou spoke, a window of an armored vehicle rolled down, and he instinctively ducked. It was then that he saw Wei Si Yu and Chen Wan, freezing in shock. He had subconsciously assumed they were dead. Now, with them standing before him, Shitou was dumbfounded. Wiping soot from his face, he led a group of soldiers towards Commander Yang. Meanwhile, Cao Wei’s convoy had already reached Commander Yang. His previously jovial expression turned cold, his gaze fixed on the now stationary armored vehicle. Cao Wei leapt out of the vehicle, flanked by Chai Guan Feng. Chen Wan and others followed her lead. Cao Wei glanced at Shang Nuan with a smile, then turned her attention to Commander Yang, speaking with icy calm, "I’m away for just one day, and the First District becomes a circus. Commander Yang, what brings you here? Didn't anyone offer you tea, Shang Nuan?" Commander Yang’s gaze was steely as he addressed Cao Wei with a sardonic laugh, "It seems, Commander Cao, that you're now the visitor here. Ask your soldiers whom they acknowledge?" Cao Wei chuckled as if enjoying a jest at his expense, returning his stare with a cold gaze, "Obviously, my soldiers listen to me. As I recall, back in Fu Nan City, your own soldiers were left behind by you. After a quick scan, including Wang You Long's men, your count doesn't exceed a thousand, whereas our First District still has at least five thousand soldiers, not to mention our many ability users. I doubt your chances." Commander Yang paled, cold sweat trickling down as he braved a forced calmness, replying with a scoff, "My soldiers are already under my command. Wang You Long, why aren't you escorting Commander Cao inside?" Wang You Long barked orders to the soldiers around him to move towards Cao Wei, but Shang Nuan’s men swiftly surrounded the area, forming layers of defenses, numbering in the thousands. Cao Wei smiled, addressing everyone, "In this dystopian world, we're all just trying to survive. Anyone willing to lay down their arms can remain in the First District as reserve forces. But if you’re still armed when I finish counting to three, don’t blame me for being harsh." Commander Yang felt the chokehold tighten around him, his voice betraying his fear as he pleaded, "Commander Cao, what is this? We're both from the military. How can you turn on your own?" Cao Wei laughed at his audacity, her eyes locking onto his as she countered, "You're the one attempting a coup amidst the chaos. While other regions of Planet R2 spiral into disorder, the First District must stand firm. Anyone following you for survival has a chance to choose again, but your trusted aides, yourself included, aren’t staying." "Remember, by the time I reach three... 3, 2..." As Cao Wei counted down, soldiers surrounding Commander Yang began surrendering their weapons. Many of them had joined midway, seeking stability, or had been merged from other units, not particularly loyal. Even those who had followed him from Fu Nan City relinquished their arms, disillusioned with their unworthy commander. With weapons clattering to the ground, soldiers crouched down, leaving only Cao Wei's standing forces and the stubborn Commander Yang, Adjutant Feng, Wang You Long, and Shitou still standing. Ke Qing, who initially intended to approach and talk to Commander Yang beside Shitou, found herself witnessing the return of Cao Wei’s convoy. Initially unworried, given Shitou's claims of Yang's control over the district, she now realized Yang was the one trapped. Crouched behind, Ke Qing noticed Shitou still standing amidst the tension and shook her head at his naivety. Realizing that Commander Yang’s power had waned, yet Shitou remained unaware, she reluctantly called out, her heart overruling her mind, "Shitou, why are you standing there?" Shitou, overwhelmed by the acrid scent on him and the stares from former comrades, was jolted by Ke Qing's shout. Watching his fellow soldiers disarm and squat, reflecting on his actions over the days, Shitou felt exposed, his darkest thoughts laid bare. Though tempted to end it all, seeing Ke Qing's urgency, he surrendered his weapon, crouching down. Thus, only Commander Yang and two others remained standing. Wang You Long gritted his teeth, moistening his lips before speaking, "Commander Cao, I merely played an instigating role. Since you left yesterday, I honestly haven't harmed a single person. Could you grant me another chance, or at least let me leave the First District?" Cao Wei responded with a cold laugh, "Let you leave? So you can create havoc at another base? None of you should expect to leave today." While exchanges were still heated, Jiang Yanxin quietly took out her sketchbook. Those opponents were devious and malicious, capable of desperate measures when cornered. Preemptively, Jiang Yanxin materialized Athena, who moved to stand by Cao Wei’s side. Cao Wei was initially startled by the sudden appearance of a foreign woman beside her but quickly realized what was happening and turned her gaze to Jiang Yanxin. Jiang Yanxin nodded to Cao Wei in acknowledgment. Observing Athena, Shitou understood that Commander Yang's side had been utterly defeated. He had witnessed firsthand the formidable power of Jiang Yanxin's abilities. If Chen Wan and Jiang Yanxin harbored ambitions, controlling several bases would be a breeze with such powers.