Sword Shatters Stars

Chapter 173 The Afternoon Nap That Couldn't Be Kept Sleeping

Lin Xiufeng said it was a nap, but it was actually a midday chat between the two of them.

Lin Xiufeng played with Lin Qiru's long, shiny black hair, casually twirling it around his fingertips, then letting go, or stroking it.

The two looked into each other's eyes and talked about many things, things they had kept in their hearts but hadn't said before, things that were inconvenient or embarrassing to say since they weren't in a committed relationship at the time.

Listening to what the other person was thinking back then, we all felt that they were a bit silly for being so thin-skinned.

Lin Qiru asked curiously, "Is hair that fun?"

"When I saw your hair before, I would fantasize about how, when we grew up and got married, we would spend our free time together, chatting and playing with your hair in our hands."

"Your hair is so black and shiny, the quality is amazing..."

Lin Xiufeng's fingers moved freely through her hair, then casually wrapped around her palms, before slowly releasing and pulling, watching strands of hair fall one by one.

This process is so captivating that it seems endlessly fascinating.

The current situation was actually within Lin Qiru's countless visions of the future.

The only difference was that she didn't know Lin Xiufeng liked her hair so much.

It should have been a beautiful moment, but a thought suddenly popped into Lin Qiru's head:
'Does Lin Xiufeng also play with Zhao Youyue's hair like this when they're together?'

The thought, once it surfaced, was like a thorn piercing Lin Qiru's heart, causing her continuous pain.

The urgency to get to the bottom of things tormented Lin Qiru for a time.

"What's wrong with you?" Lin Xiufeng noticed the change in Lin Qiru's expression and was puzzled.

Lin Qiru shook her head and said with a smile, "It's nothing, don't worry about it."

Lin Qiru suppressed the urge to ask further questions, remained silent, and slowly pulled out the thorn herself, then threw it away.

Even though she knew that thorn might suddenly reappear and prick her at any time.

Because this wasn't the first time, and she knew it wouldn't be the last.

But she has to adjust herself; if this thorn affects her condition, it will pierce Lin Xiufeng's heart.

Lin Qiru guessed that Lin Xiufeng had no idea how many thorns were already pricking his heart.

But Lin Xiufeng never unleashed her negative emotions on her, just as she dealt with the thorn in her heart on her own.

What they saw and learned from their parents' emotions from a young age was this kind of mutual understanding, tenderness, and tolerance.

Set aside, ignore, and downplay all differences as much as possible, and focus on areas of common ground.

As soon as Lin Xiufeng's daily afternoon nap time ended, someone outside would come to call her.

A little while later, Mei Xiaoxiao led a group of people to call out as well.

Lin Xiufeng realized what it felt like to be rushed to school in the morning; she guessed it was the same when she went to work.

He was worried that Lin Qiru would be bored, so he said, "Let's go for a walk together, you'll be bored by yourself."

"It's nothing." Lin Qiru knew Lin Xiufeng's feelings, so she simply said:
“If I show my face now, they will deliberately ask me first if they have something to ask, which will undermine my authority. And I will have to ask you the same question countless times, which is exhausting just thinking about it.”

"Fine, I'm going to work." Lin Xiufeng reluctantly got out of bed and went out.

A group of people waited, reporting on the progress of various tasks and the problems encountered as they walked.

Mei Xiaoxiao then brought up the important matter of Nitian taking the initiative to seek cooperation.

"Nitian believes that Fantian will definitely be able to seize control of the Tianwu Realm's exit. Cooperation is, of course, for the purpose of sharing benefits."

"If we receive divine assistance, the gap in numbers between us and the Heavenly Martial Group's Heavenly Martial Warriors can be rapidly narrowed."

"It is suggested that the leader show little interest, as there are voices within the organization seeking a merger. This could be used to amplify the influence of these voices."

Lin Xiufeng didn't know much about defying fate, but seeing everyone's keen interest and considering the timing was about right, he said:

"The exit from Tianwu Realm is already under our control, so there is no need for cooperation based on that."

Mei Xiaoxiao and the group were filled with surprise and joy, realizing that they were within the range of the Lone King Volcano!

A group of people eagerly pressed for details; inquired about when they could return to Tianlan Star to visit relatives; others, knowing that rules and regulations needed to be established, suggested how to set the conditions for use...

For a moment, the situation became somewhat chaotic.

Lin Xiufeng waited until they were in a commotion and their emotions had run high before speaking:
"The reason I'm only telling everyone now is because there's a problem that needs to be solved for the actual use of the Tianwu Realm's export route."

Everyone fell silent, wondering what difficulties they could possibly have.

Mei Xiaoxiao guessed the reason and continued:
"What the leader meant was: to negotiate with the Tianwu Group and use the Tianwu Realm's exit in an orderly manner, right?" "Yes." Lin Xiufeng was happy to have someone knowledgeable speak for him, saving him some trouble.

A group of anti-heavenly warriors asked in bewilderment:

"Why does the Heavenly Martial Arts Group need permission?"

Mei Xiaoxiao patiently explained:
"When you all return to Tianlan Star to visit your relatives, do you hope that Tianlan Star warriors will come after you to capture you?"

"A major battle demolished the house, the entire building, and even the whole neighborhood?"

"Even if you manage to protect your loved ones from harm, and then break through the encirclement amidst their cries, escaping into the Heavenly Martial Realm?"

Few of the Heavenly Warriors had considered these issues in the past, and they fell silent for a moment.

Obviously, they are going back to visit their relatives, not to harm them, so of course they don't want that.

Go back happily and reunite safely.

Knowing that your loved ones are safe and sound, and informing them that you are well, that is what visiting relatives truly means!

Lin Xiufeng then spoke:

"To put it bluntly, we have control of an exit to the Heavenly Martial Realm."

"But the Tianwu Group of Tianlan Star controls the right to our safe return home, so this matter must be negotiated and resolved."

All the Heavenly Warriors felt their hopes were slim...

How to negotiate?

Lin Xiufeng and Tianwei Lin Qiru just killed the head of the Tianwu Group's Dream Continent. Can they talk?
Lin Xiufeng added, "I plan to hand this matter over to the deputy leader, Mei Xiaoxiao, to be in charge of negotiating with the Tianwu Group."

"The Heavenly Martial Clan certainly has many bargaining chips, but we also have negotiating power."

"If the Tianwu Group blocks our way home, we have the ability to make things difficult for everyone."

"I think Minister Qin of the Tianwu Group is a sensible person and will make a rational judgment."

Mei Xiaoxiao was happy to take care of this!

The original intention of the Anti-Heaven Organization was to create a group of people who wanted to return to the blue planet.

It would be best if we could go back to our old life. If we can't go back, at least we can visit our relatives and share our sorrows. That would be fine too!

Everyone was overjoyed, and for a moment, everything else seemed to become less important.

Lin Xiufeng smiled and reminded him:
"Negotiations take time, so let's focus on finishing what we're doing first."

"In the future, we will fight while negotiating, using fighting to facilitate negotiations. We cannot let our guard down."

Everyone rallied and hurried back, sharing the good news with their close friends.

Mei Xiaoxiao waited until everyone else had left before reminding Lin Xiufeng:

"The leader's idea is correct. The Tianwu Group will compromise sooner or later, but I'm afraid they will deliberately delay the progress of negotiations."

Lin Xiufeng had already considered the Tianwu Group's response and said confidently:

"Of course they will deliberately delay; they won't be in a hurry unless they use some tricks."

“After the first round of contact, if they are not proactive enough, we will resort to other methods.”

"Find a suitable avenger, the kind who entered the Heavenly Martial Realm for revenge and is determined to return to Tianlan Star to seek revenge."

"First: Don't be from the No. 1 Middle School area, prefer people from the Japanese and Beautiful areas."

"Second: The target of revenge must be clear and specific, and must not involve innocent people."

"Third: The reason for revenge must be reasonable. It cannot be that the person has harmed someone, was then retaliated against and punished, and then wanted to take revenge on the victim."

"All three requirements are indispensable and must be thoroughly investigated; otherwise, the responsibility will fall entirely on you."

"Depending on the progress of the negotiations, send the appropriate Avengers back to Tianlan Star through the Tianwu Realm exit, so that the Tianwu Group knows that delays will come at a price."

"Understood!" Mei Xiaoxiao realized that Lin Xiufeng looked young, but his ideas were reliable, so her previous reminder seemed unnecessary.

But as for the methods...

The chosen avenger was clearly modeled after Lin Xiufeng himself.

Not long after Tianwu Group made contact with Mei Xiaoxiao, Zhao Youyue heard the news and decided to use her own methods to curb the arrogant arrogance of Fantian and never let Lin Qiru and Lin Xiufeng have their way!
(End of this chapter)