Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1682 537: Chimes_4

Xinlad roared in fury.

"Sir, you're right."

Naz hurriedly agreed.

"Those bastards know full well I'm superior to Mo Xiu, but they won't grant me the General's position! Simply because Mo Xiu is the grandson of Farren City Lord while I'm nothing but a commoner? They've utterly ignored the blood and tears I've spilled, the countless times I've battled on the brink of death, the endless hardships I've borne!"

Xinlad bellowed, consumed by raging emotions.

Naz and the rest gulped nervously, too scared to make a sound.

Right then, Long Ying stepped through the main entrance, his gaze sweeping over Xinlad's blood-red eyes and the wreckage strewn across the floor, a faint scowl creasing his face.

"Lord Long Ying!"

Naz and his companions spotted Long Ying and bowed deeply in greeting.

"All of you, get out."

Long Ying commanded flatly.

"Yes."

Naz and the others swiftly withdrew, sealing the hall doors as they went.

Before long, only Long Ying and Xinlad remained in the vast hall.

Long Ying settled into the seat beside Xinlad, his face dark as he spoke.

"I get that you're seething over this loss!"

"Lord Long Ying, how could I not be furious? Those scoundrels handed the General's role to Mo Xiu instead of me—what am I now? The entire city's joke!"

Xinlad snapped back in rage.

"No matter your resentment, you have to hold it in."

"I can't take it anymore!"

"Tolerate it regardless; my niece isn't someone to trifle with. Plus, with the situation locked in now, making a move would let her crush you effortlessly!"

Long Ying cautioned icily.

Xinlad's fists tightened at these words, his knuckles popping loudly as he growled through clenched teeth.

"Am I supposed to just choke down this grudge?"

"Impatience can ruin grand schemes, and your defeat this time wasn't unfair. Didn't you see? When Mo Xiu got promoted to General, the Federation granted him only authority and rank—no rewards at all. It was a pure backroom bargain."

Long Ying laid it out for Xinlad.

Xinlad's face shifted through various expressions as he listened.

"Sir, what's my next step?"

"Don't rush—the true showdown is only starting; nothing's decided until the end. Once I succeed big, you'll get anything you desire!"

Long Ying assured Xinlad.

"Got it, sir!"

Xinlad quelled his inner fury after Long Ying's assurance, replying steadily.

"Good, no need for more words then."

Long Ying rose from his chair.

"Sir, allow me to escort you."

Xinlad offered politely.

"No thanks, rest up and steady yourself. Oh, and clean up those unnecessary folks from the hall earlier."

Long Ying instructed Xinlad.

"Yes."

Xinlad nodded obediently.

Long Ying spun around and exited the hall.

Naz slipped back in moments later, asking tentatively.

"Sir, should I call someone to clean this mess?"

"No, go deal with those people instead."

Xinlad ordered coldly.

"Understood."

Naz grasped the implication right away and acknowledged.

...

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Nightfall descended.

Starlight City's vibrant nightlife illuminated every corner, with endless virtual billboards looping previews of Hilis' upcoming concert.

Street vending bans were lifted temporarily, letting folks set up shops curbside.

Innumerable residents paraded their kids along the lively avenues.

Su Ming donned relaxed attire, topped with a baseball cap and dark shades, making his way to Golden Light Street.

Golden Light Street brimmed with youthful crowds reveling in the fun.

Su Ming wandered the crowded paths ahead until he reached the heart of the round commercial plaza.

There he paused, peering beyond the throng of walkers to the fountain at the center.

Irelia waited there in a champagne-colored qipao accented by a purple hairpin, her delicate features painted like art, radiating an otherworldly charm as she stared at the nearby fountain.

A wide grin lit Su Ming's face as he strode straight to Irelia's side, greeting her warmly.

"You're here early today, huh?"

"I'm not like a certain someone pretending to handle official business while actually charming ladies."

Irelia pivoted to Su Ming with a playful grin.

"That's not fair, it was all a mix-up. Look, I'm here with you now."

Su Ming cleared his throat awkwardly at Irelia's tease.

"Oh really? Then why'd I hear about someone braving Mist Star Sea for romance?"

Irelia grinned while eyeing Su Ming curiously.

Su Ming froze, his cheerful expression vanishing into silence.

Sensing the shift, Irelia probed gently.

"What's up? Something happen?"

"Nothing at all."

Su Ming shook his head lightly.

"Fine, no more ribbing. Let's stroll."

Irelia reached out softly, clasping Su Ming's hand.

"Sure!"

Su Ming beamed in reply.

Hand in hand, the pair meandered down the street, drawing envious glances and murmurs from nearby couples.

"Wow, that dude's gorgeous! Too bad you don't measure up."

"With the hat and shades, how do you even know?"

"You can sense it!"

"Check out his girlfriend—she's stunning. If you were half that pretty, I'd be thrilled!"

"Say what?"

"Sorry, darling, my bad!"

...

Su Ming and Irelia exchanged knowing chuckles watching the bickering lovers.

Just then, they walked past a luxury menswear boutique.