Chapter 748 - 655: We’re All Good People

Chapter 748: Chapter 655: We’re All Good People

Hou Wendong’s glance towards Feng Mu inadvertently carried a trace of barely detectable pity.

But he didn’t voice it, instead subtly shifted the topic:

"So... do you still harbor resentment towards your father in your heart?"

Feng Mu habitually raised his hand and pushed the frame on his nose with his knuckle, making him appear even more refined and invitingly approachable.

He sincerely said:

"Resentment... I used to have it. But over time, it faded away.

For small, insignificant people like us, just struggling to live has already exhausted all our strength. How could we have any energy left to resent anyone for long?"

He paused, his tone devoid of any waves, possessing a kind of serenity that comes from seeing through the world.

"Besides, lately, I have gradually started to understand him. Understand how much reality has worn away at him, understand his eyes only measure ’value’.

Though we are still not close, thinking carefully, he did give me something after all.

So, from the bottom of my heart, I have forgiven him."

Listening to Feng Mu’s calm, almost detached sentiments, Hou Wendong naturally misunderstood—he thought the "things" Feng Mu mentioned were simply the gift of life, the chance to walk this world.

But he would never fathom that what Feng Mu truly referred to, was the "gift" his father Feng Ju gave him... those ordinary-looking eyes now hidden behind his glasses.

Hou Wendong gazed into Feng Mu’s eyes; as the saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul.

Through the spotless glasses, he saw a pair of astonishingly bright and clear eyes, and deeper still, he glimpsed a soul that was dark on the outside but bright within.

Hou Wendong remained silent for a long time, the air seemed to have congealed somewhat.

Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, his voice carrying indescribable complexity, raspy as he spoke:

"Feng Mu, at your core, you really are a good person."

He paused, seemingly making a certain resolution, advising,

"I know you’re probably not going to take in what I’m about to say, but I still have to warn you—be cautious from now on, and trust no one.

Including Li Hanyu and Qian Huan, that mother and son pair, their game of ’house’ with the Member of Parliament is truly too dangerous.

This game is full of lies and deceit, not suited for you; you might end up being utterly deceived."

Hou Wendong wasn’t sure if Feng Mu would heed his words, but considered it his last chance to repay a "half life-saving grace".

If a Member of Parliament would order him to do something afterward, he could say he had already laid the groundwork, and Feng Mu wouldn’t be able to blame him.

At the very least, Hou Wendong’s conscience would be clear.

Yes, as an official of the Executive Government, Hou Wendong was corrupt too, yet he surprisingly retained a bit of conscience, though not much, some still remained.

He continued, staring at Feng Mu:

"Loyalty is certainly a commendable quality, but sometimes it becomes the strongest shackle, locking you on a path with no turning back.

If it truly comes to a point of no return, remember, the most important thing... is to find a way to survive first."

Feng Mu’s eyes squinted slightly behind his glasses, forming two narrow and deep slits.

He gave Hou Wendong a long look, as if wanting to imprint his expression at this moment.

Then, he let out a sigh of complex significance, his tone unusually solemn:

"Secretary Hou, thank you... you’re actually a good person too."

Two people being called good, both receiving a "good" future.

Hou Wendong didn’t continue the heavy topic, lightly patted Feng Mu’s shoulder:

"Alright, let’s not talk about this, come, take me to your place for a look.

See if Feng Ju is home? The Member of Parliament might need him to do something."

What else could Feng Mu say? He simply nodded compliantly:

"Alright, Secretary Hou."

This would undoubtedly be a fruitless and wrongful journey, pity that Feng Mu couldn’t persuade Hou Wendong, so he could only accompany him for a while.

....Run.

Keep running.

His lungs felt like an old bellows, every breath carried the rusty taste of blood and burning pain, his legs had long lost sensation, propelled only by remaining instinct and will, mechanically, feverishly alternating forward.

The night was like solidified ink, tightly wrapping around him Xiaojiu, he could no longer discern directions, nor did he know how far or how long he had been running.

He only felt that he finally couldn’t run anymore, was likely to have escaped alive, or equally likely... to die.

Originally thought that this night walk in Lower City was a simple errand; the road should have been smooth and easy, who would have imagined, this night walk was thrilling every step, encountering "ghosts" everywhere, and eventually became a road of no return.

Came with two people, returning with... none.

Twice burning his soul, nearly depleted all his vigor and spirit.

At this moment, he was like a lamp completely exhausted of oil, the flame flickering weakly, without the time or strength to support him returning to Upper City.

Looking up at the darkened sky, the huge metallic backside, zero to fragmented dawning light had begun to brighten.

It wasn’t the sunrise, but the artificial sky switching from night to day mode’s morning star.

Glancing towards "home" above him, Xiaojiu’s cracked, bleeding lips moved slightly, emotions mingled with immense grief and faint consolation surged in his heart.

"Luckily, I got the sheepskin scroll for the young master, at least I didn’t fail the mission."