Under the moonlight

“We were all wrong before. We overestimated their government’s capabilities and underestimated their destructive power. Jiang Ying called me this afternoon. The mercenaries have returned. This time, they have completely sealed off the city. Most of their people are stationed at the port and airport. Only a small number of mercenaries have entered the city. They want to completely destroy the city and their government, and then take control of the country.”

"In other words, the previous riots were just an appetizer, and our analysis was completely wrong. They want more than just control over economic and trade rights."

After hearing Xu Ao's words, Huang Meng seemed less surprised. It seemed that Zhao Meng's analysis was correct; what they really wanted was this country.

"But the city has already been infected by the plague, so what are they going to do if they go in?"

"Their entry is to ensure that everyone inside gets infected. They don't have the time or the desire to drag it out indefinitely, as the longer it drags on, the more likely things are to change."

"Do you have any ideas?" Xu Ao knew that the ideas she was referring to were not limited to those targeting the embassy.

"Sigh, right now all we can do is try our best to evacuate the embassy staff. As for the rest, we..."

"Powerless? Or did you never even want to care?" Huang Meng knew that saying such things was too impulsive, but she just felt very suffocated and had to get it off her chest.

"I know you're upset, and so am I. After all, I spent a few years there, and I was deeply moved by the people, customs, and simple folkways. And Jiang Ying, just like you, initially refused to leave when she heard the news. It was the first time I'd ever heard her cry. She was sobbing uncontrollably on the phone this afternoon. She said that before the epidemic, when Chen Che and I went into the city on business, the residents were very welcoming. Despite their own lack of supplies, they would give us their best things, simply because our embassy had provided them with some small assistance when they were most desperate for resources. Jiang Ying said they were the kindest and most genuine people she had ever met, and everyone's eyes were as pure and clean as their sky."

As Huang Meng listened to Xu Ao speak, her already sore eyes finally couldn't hold back the tears, which rolled down and dripped onto the pillow in her arms.

How could she not sympathize with Jiang Ying? She had experienced it firsthand during the riots; otherwise, she wouldn't have survived until now. Countless times, when she was about to be hit by rubble, when she was knocked off her feet by the fleeing crowds, and when she was knocked unconscious by the force of explosions, the people around her never hesitated to use their hands to pull her away from the clutches of death and towards the hope of life.

That's why she repeatedly reminded those fleeing with her during the riots not to stop, not to gather and rest, and not to become lambs to the slaughter; she wanted them all to be safe.

That's why she wanted to save young Duowa when she saw her sitting alone by the roadside; that's why she wanted to help Lin Hanshuang and Yuri after their story, and it wasn't just because of their love.

Humans are inherently kind-hearted. This is perfectly exemplified in their actions. Yet, their fates do not match their kindness.

"Huang Meng, what's wrong?" Xu Ao asked cautiously, hearing faint sobs coming from the other end of the phone.

"Xu Ao, how can we help them? What should we do?" Huang Meng sobbed as she spoke. She knew they were insignificant and powerless, but she was still unwilling to give up.

“Don’t overthink it. We often say that everyone has their own destiny, and the same goes for countries. All we can do is try our best; the rest is beyond our control.” Xu Ao finished speaking and sighed heavily. During his years in S country, he had made some acquaintances among the locals, some for work, some as like-minded friends. Since the riots began, he had lost contact with them. He had kept these things buried in his heart, but how could he not worry and be anxious? After all, those were all vibrant and colorful lives.

"Okay, then you go ahead and do your thing," Huang Meng said and hung up the phone without saying anything more.

Xu Ao stared at the black screen of his phone, his already furrowed brows furrowing even deeper. He glanced at the official document in his hand; he hadn't told Huang Meng about this matter after all.