Chapter Sixteen: Longing

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In the cinema, a captivating film played on the screen, and Qin Yun felt as if she were in a different world altogether. Perhaps the last time she engaged in such entertainment was a distant memory only Shakia could recall. Today’s outing with Long Sheng was truly worthwhile. Although she had just arrived in this era, the director had at least fabricated a complete set of common knowledge within her implanted memories. Maybe it was because Shakia had also watched movies before; in any case, Qin Yun was able to enjoy the entertainment naturally alongside others, for which she was immensely grateful.

During dinner, Long Sheng inquired about Ziyuan. After a moment’s thought, Qin Yun told him that Ziyuan was an assistant at her father’s workplace, responsible for taking care of her daily needs when her father was busy. After all, that was indeed the truth. “My father is a soldier, so he’s rarely home,” she explained. Faced with the candidness of his goddess, Long Sheng was naturally delighted. “I see... that woman did have a kind of soldierly aura about her...” Well, Long Sheng, you really shouldn’t pry any further. Even if you pressed me, I wouldn’t tell you, Qin Yun thought as she sipped her tea. Fortunately, Long Sheng tactfully changed the subject or perhaps didn’t find her answer inappropriate, which was a relief for Qin Yun.

While Qin Yun was free to enjoy leisure, Ziyuan had no such holiday. At Svarg Headquarters, Ziyuan was in the conference room organizing the battle analysis report from the last fight for the director and his team. This time, there were a few additional people seated around the square conference table. This meeting was somewhat special compared to previous ones. These new arrivals were a team dispatched by the United Nations.

Since last time, when they fought alongside the international fleet to kill the soft-bodied monster, Svarg had finally gained the support of the major powers—a very positive development. However, in turn, the great nations realized that this shadowy organization held many secrets, so it was understandable that they sent a supervisory team out of various concerns. For the director, who had long sought the backing of these powers, this was a promising start.

“Director Qin, we have understood the basics,” said a bald middle-aged man with round glasses, a UN investigator, nodding to the director. Few internal operatives addressed the director by surname; within Svarg, agents, including Qin Yun, simply called him “Director.” Of course, with UN personnel present, formal titles were used.

“Although I don’t fully understand Svarg yet, it’s clear you’ve made tremendous efforts to maintain global peace. The international community should provide you with more support moving forward,” he continued. “Information on these monsters will be distributed to other UN research institutions worldwide so we can join forces against the crisis,” added another investigator, a Black female officer with an elegant hairstyle.

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“That would be excellent,” the director replied with a smile. “Any more questions? If not, we’ll conclude the meeting here.”

“Sorry, there is one more small question,” a military officer raised his hand. Judging by his attire, he was likely a representative of the armed forces. “I’m a colleague of the fleet commander who coordinated with your bureau last time, also a military officer, so I’m quite interested in combat matters. I heard Director Qin has a lot of foresight during operations.”

The officer looked curious. “I want to know what tricks Director Qin has. As a military representative, we’d also like to gain more intelligence on these monsters. It would benefit us in protecting ourselves.”

Ziyuan was somewhat surprised—this was a question she herself had wanted to ask the director but had hesitated to. Sometimes, it seemed the director had prior knowledge of the monsters. Where did he get such intelligence? Let’s see how the director answers.

All eyes turned to the director seated at one end of the table. “Colonel, you flatter me. It’s not that I have any special tricks. Svarg has always strived to be thoroughly prepared, simulating responses for various scenarios. We only knew in advance that these monsters would appear, nothing more.”

Though this was the official explanation, Ziyuan herself found it hard to believe. “Then, Director Qin, please share intelligence more often with the UN forces in the future,” the colonel said, seeming to catch on to something and refraining from further questions.

Based on her understanding of the director, Ziyuan knew he would reveal everything at the appropriate time. The meeting was dismissed. However, the director privately called Ziyuan back as she was about to leave.

“Ziyuan, rest assured, I’m not hiding anything from you,” he said, sensing her doubts.

“Director... was what you said to that officer true?”

“Certainly, it was all true, but not all the information.”

This was interesting.

“Do you find it strange why I seem so familiar with those monsters?”

Ziyuan did not deny it. Since she had known the director and joined the organization he founded, countless events beyond ordinary understanding had unfolded around her. Her curiosity about his tactical foresight was surpassed only by her curiosity about the man himself.

“It’s okay. If it’s inconvenient for you, Director...” Ziyuan felt she wasn’t in a position to ask him directly. Yet the director beckoned her to come closer.

“Ziyuan, it’s all right. Since those monsters have appeared, there are some things you should know.”

“Eh?”

The director remained as inscrutable as ever.

Meanwhile, on Qin Yun’s side, the movie had ended. Long Sheng was truly a fan of this series and seemed to have enjoyed it immensely.

“Wow, this finale was so cool. The ending really didn’t disappoint!” Seeing Long Sheng so delighted, Qin Yun thought perhaps she should start following some shows or movies herself.

“So, Qin Yun, did you like the movie today?” Long Sheng asked.

Having not followed the previous plots, Qin Yun only half understood the storyline, although Long Sheng had briefly summarized it for her before.

“My feelings about the plot aren’t as deep as yours, but in terms of production, it’s truly the finale fans have long awaited.”

Such an answer wouldn’t embarrass Long Sheng and honestly conveyed her impression—a perfect reflection of Qin Yun’s character.

“Ah... haha, sorry... I got a bit too excited. Thanks for humoring me,” Long Sheng admitted, scratching his head. “It’s my bad habit, don’t mind me...”

“No worries, I didn’t mind at all.”

Qin Yun found his straightforwardness refreshing. Moreover, their difference in mental maturity made her feel like a big sister looking after a younger brother when interacting with Long Sheng. Previously, no matter how dignified and perfect Qin Yun’s persona was, she actually had only one friend—Li Jiayi. Now Long Sheng was the second person to draw close to her.

Was this a blessing or a curse?

If the director was right and she had come to this world for a mission—to fight alongside Traum against these monsters—would growing closer to others make it harder to fight, shackled by worries?

Though Qin Yun laughed and chatted with Long Sheng as they walked down the street, this doubt tugged at her heart. Yet this feeling was not unpleasant; she decided to set aside thoughts of Shakia and battle for the time being. After all, if the director had intended her solely as a fighting tool, he wouldn’t have created an identity for Qin Yun in this world.