The moment they returned to the apartment, a multitude of R-Army soldiers had already surrounded the entire complex, rendering it watertight. Heavy armored combat vehicles coordinated with armed helicopters crisscrossing the sky. Such a deployment would be more than sufficient even for participating in a major war. It seemed that since the R-Army landing in Korea, no military action of such magnitude had occurred.
"Report! Defensive perimeter fully established! Three thousand conventional infantry deployed, equipped with 50 armored tanks, 30 armed helicopters. Over two thousand reserve mobile troops are also standing by, ready for reinforcement at any moment. Requesting further instructions from the commander." The soldier concluded his standard report.
"Excellent!" Hideaki, seated before his desk, kneaded his fists. "Tomorrow morning, commence 'closing the net.' Capture Song Zhenxian alive. If others resist, eliminate without warning! Also, one crucial point..." Hideaki handed a photograph to the soldier. "This individual, regardless of resistance, I want him dead! Upon sighting, kill without hesitation!"
The photograph was a close-up of 13's face during the Shanghai interview. Throughout China, these were prohibited items; the Shang'hai' television station's live broadcast segment had already been destroyed. Few individuals abroad truly recognized 13...
Obtaining this photograph indicated R-nation's spies had invested considerable capital.
"Depart," Hideaki waved dismissively. The soldier, after rendering a standard military salute, turned and left, closing the door behind him.
"Your Excellency, didn't you promise three days for consideration?" Miyamoto, seated beside him silently throughout, inquired.
"That was under the assumption 13 wasn't by her side. Although after the pursuit team's unexpected demise, I knew 13 must have some connection with her, I never anticipated their relationship was so intimate." Recalling 13 as Zhenxian's lover ignited an inextinguishable fury within Hideaki.
"The reason for waiting until dawn is to deploy certain assets—assets capable of killing the 'Sniper King'." An evil smile appeared on Hideaki's face.
Miyamoto felt his blood run cold from the smile...
"Right, Your Excellency. If she genuinely surrenders 'Snake,' must we truly withdraw our forces?" Miyamoto asked doubtfully.
"Naturally," Hideaki replied matter-of-factly, without a trace of hesitation.
Miyamoto was too astonished to speak. His intellect utterly failed to comprehend relinquishing an already secured nation for a mere system.
"Sigh." Hideaki smiled faintly. "Surprised, are you?"
Miyamoto nodded instinctively.
"Do you know what 'Snake' is?" Hideaki inquired, piqued with interest.
Again, instinctive, but this time, shaking his head.
"'Snake' represents the current apex of network technology chips, the ultimate crystallization of computer evolution. In Korea, its academic designation is 'Network Limit Breaking System.' Within the network, it is absolute divinity!" Hideaki's excitement mirrored Napoleon discovering a new continent.
"Even so, what utility does it hold for us?" Miyamoto still failed to understand.
Hideaki could only sigh silently. "With it, any nation's defense computer systems become like our backyard garden—enter at will, retrieve any military intelligence desired. Their troop deployments, specific missile silo locations, national secrets—all easily obtainable..."
The more he spoke, the more excited Miyamoto became.
"Most importantly, we will acquire their specific research findings regarding 'Noah's Ark.' M-nation's mechs, China's Special Operations units—replicable within the shortest timeframe. Also, various nations' ultimate hidden weapons. Possessing it ensures our R-nation truly becomes invincible; the throne of kingship will inevitably be ours."
Reaching the zenith of excitement, Miyamoto detected an inconsistency.
"If that's the case, why didn't Korea utilize it?" Miyamoto posed the crucial question.
"It seems due to some technological bottleneck; upon completion, no one could operate it. However, with R-nation's multitude of outstanding scientists, these issues pose no problem." Hideaki calculated mentally. "Now, we merely need her willing surrender of 'Snake.' That accursed 13 absolutely cannot impede our R-nation's stride towards strength. When R-nation ascends the throne of kingship, I, Aota Hideaki, shall stand beside as a great figure, decidedly not merely Aota Ryuichi..."
Everything awaited the sunrise...
"Miss, how are you?" The anxious Uncle gestured for Zhenxian to sit on the living room sofa. Observing Zhenxian's swollen eyes, Uncle's heart nearly shattered. He asked anxiously, yet Zhenxian merely gazed silently at the ceiling, unable to utter a single word. Resembling a corpse devoid of its soul.
"Damn it, Madman, what exactly happened? Didn't that bastard 13 claim to protect Miss? How could he let Miss end up like this? Where is that kid? I'll break his neck!" Uncle was truly agitated.
"Could you please be quiet?" Madman retorted with an uncharacteristically stern face. Uncle was startled by Madman's grave expression. In over ten years of working together, he had only witnessed this expression upon the master's death.
"13... won't be returning," Zhenxian answered Uncle's question softly.
"Everyone," Baozhu, hitherto unseen, entered the hall. "It's quite lively outside. We've been surrounded by the R-Army. Judging by the numbers and equipment, nothing short of an armored division could extract us. Can anyone explain the current situation?"
"I am weary, returning to my room. Do not disturb me," Zhenxian stood up dazedly. "If R-Army soldiers enter tomorrow, offer no resistance. We will go with them..."
Locking her room door from within, Zhenxian collapsed exhaustedly onto her bed. This night felt even more tiring than the one she first encountered 13. A love affair spanning merely three days, confirmed today, also concluded today. As if soaring instantly to the apex of the clouds, then plummeting instantly to the deepest seabed. Yet, it no longer mattered.
At least 13 was out of danger; he wouldn't perish because of her...
This was already the best possible outcome...
Lying upon the soft bed, a single, frigid tear traced a path from the corner of her tightly closed eye. Truly cold, as cold as the bullet clutched in her hand.
Ignoring the waiting group outside, Zhenxian succumbed to exhausted sleep...
Downstairs, Uncle and Baozhu silently observed the grave Madman, merely awaiting an answer.
"'Snake's' existence is known to Hideaki," Madman stated with a sigh. Both hearts jolted involuntarily.
"He ordered Miss to provide an answer within three days. To avoid implicating 13, Miss utilized the wish 13 granted her, forcing him to leave her side, lest he become involved. Unsure what charm that kid possesses, actually being the first man Miss ever loved. Seems she uttered many words hurtful to both him and herself. That's why Miss is in her current state." Madman explained everything.
"Then what is Miss's decision? To surrender 'Snake'?" Baozhu inquired sternly. Because the secret order given to the three by the master was: if one day Miss handed 'Snake' to someone filled with ambition, they must execute her.
"Don't you understand Miss's temperament? Even facing death, she would never surrender it. Hence, those detestable 'watchdogs' currently outside," Madman stated sarcastically.
"Ultimately, it still comes to this." Uncle sighed with a smile. "Ultimately, we still must forfeit our lives because of that 'Snake'..."
"Nothing to fret about." Madman suddenly brightened, clapping Uncle's shoulder. "After all, even in death, we can remain together with Miss!"
"Indeed, Madman is right. Nothing more to fret about," Uncle came to terms, smiling contentedly.
"Perhaps it won't be thus..." Baozhu stated strangely. "13 will not permit such an outcome."
Baozhu, the only one who had crossed hands with 13, detected something peculiar in his eyes...
"He possesses the capability to alter outcomes. We merely need to observe quietly," Baozhu stated confidently.
"Let's hope," Madman and Uncle sighed simultaneously, yet a sliver of inexplicable hope also arose within their hearts.
Outside the apartment, atop a tall building, 13 witnessed everything unfold, also comprehending certain other matters. It seemed Zhenxian possessed something Hideaki desired. 13 deeply understood Zhenxian's painstaking efforts. Agonizing emotions nearly paralyzed 13's soul. Again, the same tenderness as Angel—willingly sacrificing her life to ensure his survival. He felt so incredibly fragile, unable even to protect a single woman. The more meticulous the care, the more intense 13's guilt became.
"Ah!!!!" 13's roar echoed through the silent night sky.
"I will not allow anyone to harm you!" Gazing towards the distant apartment, 13 silently vowed.
The anticipated sunrise finally appeared. The sun slowly ascended into the cloudless expanse, indicating another exceptionally fine day.
Still, the sunlight proved dazzling. Zhenxian arose.
Still having slept without changing clothes...
Still pausing at the balcony...
Still emerging from the restroom clad only in undergarments...
Yet, upon the sofa, he who always smiled was absent...
Opening the wardrobe, which 13 considered a room, gazing at the profusion of clothes evoked no sensation. Suddenly, a strange notion entered her mind...
The R-Army soldiers outside, punctual as postmen, entered the apartment in large numbers, weapons in hand. Yet, strangely, no one paid them any heed. Baozhu continued preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Uncle performed push-ups. Madman perused luxury car magazines on the living room sofa.
Just as the entering soldiers felt bewildered, Zhenxian's room door opened. She wore the ensemble 13 favored most—the white dress.
"Alright, we may depart now," Zhenxian stated with a smile.
Baozhu turned off the stove. Uncle ceased his exercise. Madman closed his magazine.
Thus, the capture operation concluded. Outcome: all personnel within the apartment successfully apprehended, none escaped; zero casualties on their side. Another perfect stroke added to the history of R-Army's invasion of Korea. But the crucial point is whether this operation would even make it into history...