Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty! Chapter 1717 704: Zhao Ji: Qiu Tu Is Sincere Toward Everyone (Monthly Ticket Requested)
Previously on Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!...
Dragon Burying City, once the scene of the "Divine King Incident" just days prior, now lies in a state of severe disrepair. What was already a disaster zone is now a landscape of rubble and destruction.
Exposed steel beams jut out from buildings, and structures are pockmarked with countless holes.
A formidable convoy carves its path through the desolate streets, heading towards the sole relatively intact mansion situated in the city's heart.
This mansion had originally belonged to a leader of an anti-government faction, but it was seized after Dragon Burying City was reclaimed.
As it happened, the "Divine King Incident" did not impact this particular structure, allowing it to serve as the location for Zhao Ji and Qing Lan's upcoming advancement.
The convoy, a lengthy procession of black vehicles, halts. Guards disembark first, fanning out to establish a perimeter and maintain vigilance.
Once the arrangements are complete, Shen Lingshuang finally emerges from a vehicle, proceeding to the rear to open the door.
With the car door ajar, a foot clad in a boot steps out, its descent accompanied by a grating crunch as it crushes glass fragments on the ground. Qiu Tu, attired in a stark black uniform, alights from the car.
Meanwhile, atop the mansion's third-story rooftop, Zhao Ji and Qing Lan observe the unfolding scene from a distance.
Qing Lan emits a couple of clicking sounds with her tongue, then remarks, "I have to admit, Qiu Tu truly possesses a striking appearance. He's not only handsome but also carries an exceptional aura. It's no wonder he captivates so many women."
As she speaks, Qing Lan seems to recall something. She turns her gaze towards Zhao Ji, who stands beside her, and advises, "Sister Zhaoji, you must exercise extreme caution."
"I have a feeling that Qiu Tu has been interested in you for quite some time. He might be harboring intentions against you."
"Be wary of allowing him to ensnare you with his words."
Perhaps due to Qing Lan's pleasing demeanor, Zhao Ji typically maintains a cordial attitude towards her.
Upon receiving Qing Lan's caution, Zhao Ji's face, as exquisite as a painted masterpiece, adopts a cool, clear expression. She casts a brief glance down at Qing Lan before finally responding, "Do not fret, I shall be vigilant."
Hearing Zhao Ji's assurance, Qing Lan nods, ready to feel at ease.
However, Zhao Ji adds coolly, "Nonetheless, while he might be a scoundrel, he hasn't truly deceived anyone emotionally."
"His affections towards everyone are genuine."
Qing Lan: ???
At that instant, Qing Lan nearly believes she has misheard. She swivels her head, her expression one of shock as she looks at Zhao Ji.
Already stunningly beautiful, Zhao Ji, having ascended to the level of a Heavenly God, is now even more breathtakingly gorgeous.
Merely standing there, her posture is one of serene elegance, akin to an isolated, majestic ice mountain, each line radiating a sense of cold nobility.
Every time Qing Lan encounters Zhao Ji, she finds herself wishing for such unparalleled beauty in her next existence.
But upon hearing Zhao Ji's declaration at this moment, Qing Lan's aspiration vanishes; she suspects Zhao Ji's beauty might be a result of some bizarre mental transference.
After all, Qiu Tu is such a notorious rogue, yet Zhao Ji still absolves him of wrongdoing?
While internally questioning, Qing Lan tentatively voices her thoughts, "How can it not be considered deception?"
"He was initially involved with Tang Feifei. Later, he encountered Larilo, Lin Xi, and even you..."
"If he genuinely cared for all of you, he could have ended things properly beforehand and then pursued each of you separately."
"But he did not. Instead, he opted for infidelity. If this isn't emotional deceit, then what is it?"
As Qing Lan finishes speaking, Zhao Ji's eyelashes flutter slightly, reminiscent of ice crystals gently swaying in the early morning light.
She bestows a frigid glance upon Qing Lan and states, "We cannot deny him the right to appreciate others simply because he values himself above all else."
"Furthermore... his admiration isn't restricted to us alone. He clearly favors everyone, which provides justification for his infidelity."
"If he were the type to cherish one and abandon another, why would he engage in cheating in the first place?"
"Therefore, this presents a logical paradox."
Listening to Zhao Ji's impeccably reasoned argument, Qing Lan finds herself utterly bewildered.
She is momentarily at a loss for words, uncertain how to respond.
What's more! She feels that such pronouncements should never have escaped Zhao Ji's lips. When did Zhao Ji lose her usual sense of judgment!
Indeed, as this thought crosses her mind, Zhao Ji's lips curve into a slight smile. She then abruptly adds, "These words were relayed to me by my elder sister."
Qing Lan is taken aback, nearly failing to react in time. She quickly lifts her gaze to meet Zhao Ji's.
And then she observes Zhao Ji's cold gaze fixed upon Qiu Tu, who is steadily approaching. Zhao Ji then softly continues, "At that time, I was just as astonished as you are now."
"Consequently, I have continuously reminded myself not to emulate my elder sister's ways."
"Hopefully, that past conversation also serves as a cautionary tale for you."
Having concluded her statement, Zhao Ji turns and descends the stairs, clearly preparing to greet Qiu Tu.
Soon after, Qing Lan finds herself alone on the rooftop.
Qing Lan's mouth slowly falls open, remaining agape for a considerable duration.
She truly hadn't anticipated Zhao Ji would offer such a turn of events to her. Yet, upon reflection, Zhao Ji wasn't the sort to be oblivious. In Qing Lan's mind, Zhao Ji had always been that formidable figure, a supreme master, standing unshakeable in the world; how could she be bothered by trivial matters? Like a scoundrel such as Qiu Tu, Zhao Ji must have seen right through him ages ago, completely unmoved! With this realization, Qing Lan suddenly felt as if she had found an ally in their shared struggle. She charmingly spun around, her exquisitely carved face beaming with pride, saying, 'Hmph! Surely, it is you and Sister Zhaoji who are the most discerning individuals in this entire world! Moreover, with Sister Zhaoji's backing, I absolutely won't be ensnared by that scoundrel Qiu Tu. I must emulate Sister Zhaoji, dedicating myself to becoming just like her!' Meanwhile, having concluded her counsel to Qing Lan, Zhao Ji was unhurriedly descending the staircase.