Chapter 552 Repayment with body
Chapter 552 Repayment with body
"Hehe..." The man could only giggle awkwardly, trying to change the subject.
Although Ling Qingyu had managed to catch the man and prevent him from plummeting to his death, the momentum from their descent still remained, and they were dropping at a fast rate. Of course, Ling Qingyu knew that with her enhanced physique, they would land safely. Even if the man was an ordinary human, he'd likely end up with just a few scratches.
"Look at the city below. The lights are as bright as day—modern and developed," the man said, trying to distract himself from the recent scare.@@@@
Ling Qingyu's eyes followed the man's gaze. She nodded inwardly, noting how the landscape below resembled the top-tier developed cities she had seen before. The city was nestled among mountain ranges and hills, a stunning contrast of nature and man-made wonder. Streetlights filled the center, casting an almost daylight glow, while the intensity gradually dimmed and thinned out toward the outskirts.
The scene was picturesque, almost too perfect against the dark, clouded sky. Ling Qingyu glanced upward and saw no stars; the scent of rain wafted into her nostrils, mingling with the moisture in the air. The sky was about to open up with rain. This humidity and wetness were unmistakable. Ling Qingyu frowned slightly, knowing this could complicate their mission.
Athena's predictions had indicated this, but it was always a hassle when the weather didn't cooperate, especially when they were on the verge of beginning a critical operation.
Hmm, although Athena had already cited her prediction, she couldn't say she forgot, right? Tang Ziyi should know these troubles.
She sighed, thinking about Tang Ziyi. She should have been prepared for this possibility, but even if the weather turned out to be a hindrance, they couldn't afford to delay. The undercover operatives they were here to rescue couldn't wait.
Ling Qingyu returned her attention to the city below. "Indeed, it's beautiful," she agreed, her tone more somber now. "But that beauty is built on blood, tears, and corpses."
The man beside her fell silent, unable to argue. Kirin, as Ling Qingyu was codenamed, was right. How many had suffered to create the illusion of prosperity below them? The city's wealth was a façade, built on the oppression and exploitation of the poor.
"It's tragic," she continued, her voice soft but resolute. "A city like this, situated right along the border, should be a beacon of hope, not a pit of despair."
The man said nothing, just nodded in agreement. The industry that sustained the city's wealth was nothing more than human exploitation, cannibalizing the lives of those who had nothing to offer but their bodies.
Cannibalize. Yes, Ling Qingyu didn't think her description was wrong.
In contrast to the man, Ling Qingyu had an extra hood and a small visor to protect her eyes. These small details might seem insignificant, but they added an extra layer of protection that could make all the difference in a firefight. Despite being lightly dressed compared to the conventional Spirit Fox's plate armor, her entire body was well-guarded.
Ling Qingyu then reached for the large bag that had fallen alongside her. As the team's logistics officer, she needed to ensure everything was in order, all while maintaining the secrecy of her hidden capabilities. The man didn't carry much weight during the jump—just a small bag with essential devices. His Kevlar vest also had a zipper compartment for storing a few additional items.
"Ma'am, let me carry the bag for you. Please don't refuse my kindness. You saved my life," the man offered, patting his chest as if to emphasize his sincerity of repaying gratitude with his body.
Yes, you're way too sincere! The aura of pleasing her flooded in her direction. No thanks, I'm a bit overwhelmed...Ling Qingyu complained.
Ling Qingyu's eyelids twitched slightly. She wanted to laugh at the man's earnestness, but she kept her expression neutral. "No need, it's my duty to ensure everyone lands safely."
"Please, don't make me feel bad. How can a man let a woman carry a heavy weight?" The man paused, realizing how his words might be interpreted. "Uh, I'm not discriminating based on gender, okay? It's just my morals."
Ling Qingyu rolled her eyes at his explanation and turned her head away, scanning the environment. The man smiled at her response and moved closer to the heavy bag, intent on lifting it for her. However, as soon as he tried to lift the straps, his expression changed. His eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to lift the bag even a few inches off the ground.
Ling Qingyu watched with amusement as the man's confidence faltered. He was clearly stuck, too embarrassed to admit defeat but unable to lift the bag. Clicking her tongue in mild annoyance, Ling Qingyu grabbed the straps and effortlessly slung the bag over her shoulder. "Let's go. The others are waiting for us."
The man's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. How was it possible that the weight he had struggled with was so easily handled by her? He couldn't help but blush in shame. Had he become too soft after all these years in the field?
If Ling Qingyu had known what was going through his mind, she would have been disgusted. Bruh... really? Although it was somewhat related, he was thinking way too crookedly.
The man stood still in disbelief until Ling Qingyu halted her steps. "Aren't you following?"
"Of course, excuse me." The man fixed his composure and stepped forward. He pretended to check the quads and magazine as if he took some time to prepare.
Ling Qingyu didn't speak but her lips curled up.
NABC