155 Once upon a time, there was an emperor (1/2)
Chapter 155: Once upon a time, there was an emperor
Translator: _Min_Editor: Yukira_
Another uproar.
Naturally, the crowd flared up again.
They thought that they would only be mining at an obscure place or engage in a hard labor, and the military facility was only there to supervise them, but what they did not expect was Jiang Chen wanted them to become mercenaries!
Was this a joke? They left their home for the very reason of avoiding the war. If they were to participate in the battlefield again, wouldn't that defeat the purpose of fleeing?
Someone asked this question out loud and denounced Jiang Chen that no one had the right to force civilians to wield weapons and set foot on the battlefield.
Hearing this, all Kane veterans guffawed.
”You're asking me what's the point? You'll understand that in the future. I'm too lazy to talk nonsensical things. You're asking what right do I have? Of course none, but like I've said, if you want to leave, go right ahead and leave. You have half an hour to decide, and if you still remain in the base after half an hour, then I would consider that you acquiesce by default.”
After delivering his speech, no matter how these people protested, Jiang Chen directly did an about-face and left the podium.
There obviously won't be an applause for him, and he certainly didn't need one.
Just like the Fishbone Base at the beginning, when they found themselves unable to resist and living, in fact, a comfortable life, they would gradually accept sooner or later.
Moreover, Ivan would naturally train them to be absolutely loyal to the organization and shaped them into becoming a soldier.
Jiang Chen went next to Ivan and patted him on the shoulder. ”I'll leave them in your care.”
”Yes, boss!” the East Slavic soldier bellowed as he saluted and maintained his military posture.
He nodded his head with satisfaction. He then waved at Ayesha, who was standing quietly in the shadow, and then walked together towards the headquarters.
While walking, Jiang Chen looked at Ayesha and suddenly asked, ”Say, Ayesha, your hometown is in Syria, right?”
”Mhmm.”
After a moment of hesitation, he continued, ”Umm, would my actions make you feel uncomfortable?After all, it's your hometown—”
”No, I will always stand by your side,” Ayesha shook her head, her cold face suddenly revealed a gentle smile, ”And you are a very gentle person.”
Jiang Chen almost choked on his own saliva.
[Are you kidding me? What do you mean by gentle?]
”Ahem, although the first one moved me, I beg to differ on the latter part.” He had never hesitated when killing except for the time when he made his first kill.
Just then, a small hand reached out to clasp his hand.
It seemed that after the night by the river, she fell in love with the feeling of holding hands, and she would always inadvertently reach out to his hand.
”Do you remember the time when you were in the truck?” Ayesha asked quietly.
Although it was not clear why she mentioned the past, he still smiled and squeezed her hand nonetheless.
”Of course I remember. How could I forget?”
It was quite interesting to think that back then, he didn't even notice that Ayesha was a girl.
”Even to a stranger like me, you still lent a helping hand when you saw my hungry eyes.”
Jiang Chen smiled, ”Do you mean those biscuits? Those were cheap.”
Ayesha shook her head and clenched Jiang Chen's hand. Her mouth was slightly curved in a smile.
”But you still chose to share rather than to sit on the sidelines and watch.” Being alone on her quest for freedom, she was already numb to apathy.
Jiang Chen slightly lowered his head and fell into deep thought.
[Shared? Have I really? Is this how people look at me?]
Ayesha took a peek at Jiang Chen and smiled tenderly.
”There was once an emperor who was generous, kind, and brave. His territory stretched from west of Thrace, east of Indian River Plain, north of Amu Darya to the south of Persian Gulf.
'”He acted as a conqueror in Damascus but gained the respect of the people he conquered. The Egyptians built a city in the desert to honor his meritorious deed,” she muttered to herself as though she's recounting a legend.
Hearing this, Jiang Chen suddenly burst out laughing.
”But the empire was only short-lived.” Was she referring to Alexander?
Towards to this remark, she merely smiled and did not disprove.
Obviously, he could have just used bullets to suppress them, used their loved ones to threaten them, used force to make them surrender, made them live in tents, and made them live by his rules.
But he didn't. The living condition here was much better compared to the refugee camp. He even provided them with a salary and hope.
Feeling the warmth from his hand, Ayesha closed her eyes, her lips curved into a smile.
...
[What kind of joke is this? Trek across the desert?]
The refugees were abuzz with protest.
However, their objection fell on deaf ears as Ivan and the other instructors ignored the faces filled with righteous indignation and stood there like statues. The public outcry escalated but was cordoned off violent encounters.
Force would always the best deterrence.
All the trainers wore a pitch back automatic rifle at their waist, the dark muzzle warned anyone who dared to incite violence.
Half an hour passed quickly.