Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Mu Chengxi found it difficult to understand the system of the Independent State. He had interactions with people from the Independent State and did not like them much. Later, their interactions were merely straightforward collaborations without deeper understanding or getting to know each other.
“The control of the Independent State is chosen by destiny. Do you know what that means?” Wen Xin blinked at Mu Chengxi, her lips curving into a mysterious smile.
“Chosen by destiny? What does that mean? Does heaven select the heir for you all in the Independent State?”
Confused by Wen Xin’s question, Mu Chengxi found the affairs of the
Independent State even more perplexing. He had heard of the title ‘Heaven’s Chosen One’ but never really understood its significance.
“It’s pretty much about heaven choosing the heir.” Wen Xin stretched lazily on the sofa, then nestled comfortably, her gaze distant and cool.
“After a family has children, they can report these children’s names and birthdays to the Elders Council. The council sets a time for the selection during a season known for frequent thunderstorms.”
Hearing this, Mu Chengxi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You mean to say that being struck by lightning proves one is the chosen one? That… that would mean each generation suffers heavy casualties!”
“That’s how it is.” Wen Xin’s eyes were cold, highlighting her incomprehension of such practices.
“The Independent State believes it’s ahead of the world in every aspect, even looking down on the development elsewhere. Yet, they continue to choose heirs in the most ancient and cruel ways.”
“My father was ten years old when he participated in the Heavenly Selection.
He was a genius, not just in our family but in the entire Independent State. Even though the family didn’t want him to participate, the Elders Council forced him.’
“My father witnessed people around him, one after another, being struck to death by lightning. He didn’t see it as a selection by destiny but as a ceremony by the Elders Council to kill off the talented individuals of the Independent
State.”
As Wen Xin spoke, the corners of her eyes reddened slightly, indicating her disturbed emotions.
Mu Chengxi, unable to bear Wen Xin recalling such past events, embraced her, soothing her gently.
“It’s okay. If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t think about it. You don’t want to return to the Independent State, and here with me, no one can force you.”
Wen Xin leaned against Mu Chengxi’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, and smiled lightly, “These things are just part of the past; there’s nothing I don’t want to talk about.”
Lying in Mu Chengxi’s arms, resting against his chest, Wen Xin’s tone was noticeably more relaxed than before.
“My father, having experienced such pain, didn’t want his child to go through it again. So, after my mother became pregnant, my father secretly took her away. But later, our whereabouts were discovered, and at three, I was forcibly taken back to the Independent State, becoming the Chosen One. Naturally, after my father’s death, I became the heir in name only.”
Hearing Wen Xin’s story, Mu Chengxi’s hold tightened, his hands trembling involuntarily. He couldn’t imagine a three-year-old child, utterly clueless, having to endure such horror, likely leaving a lifelong scar.
“On my eighteenth birthday, I returned to the Independent State and took over its affairs, only to find it was an empty position. All decision-making powers were controlled by the Elders Council and the Council of Governors. Despite being the ruler of the Independent State, I was just a puppet, merely a figurehead.”
“The most laughable part is, I don’t even know when it started, but I somehow got engaged to Alfredo. The council and the elders told me that marrying
Alfredo would return absolute control of the Independent State to my hands.”
“I thought they were joking. Do they think they can control me, Wen Xin, at will? If I wanted the Independent State, I’d take them down one by one, ensuring the next generation wouldn’t suffer their treatment.”
Mu Chengxi’s grip around Wen Xin tightened as he heard about the engagement with Alfredo. His mood worsened, unable to tolerate the idea of another man wanting his woman. It seemed necessary to give the Independent State some trouble to ease his displeasure.
Feeling Mu Chengxi’s strength, Wen Xin’s cold hand cupped his cheek, gently pecking it, “You always complain I’m too young. Aren’t you afraid the duck at your lips might fly away before you can eat it?”
By the end, Wen Xin couldn’t help but laugh, seeing the displeased expression on Mu Chengxi’s face, realizing she had genuinely scared him.
“I won’t give you the chance to fly away. You’ve already accepted my betrothal gift. Even if you go back to the Independent State, you’ll take me with you. I’ll help you stabilize the realm, ensuring you can sit comfortably in your rightful place!”
Mu Chengxi looked at Wen Xin with determination. With him by her side, she wouldn’t have to deal with those troubles. All Wen Xin needed to do was enjoy her life.
“Alright, let’s not talk about the Independent State anymore. When is the takeout arriving? I’m hungry.” Wen Xin lay in Mu Chengxi’s arms, enjoying the warmth of his body, thinking this winter might not be as hard as before.
Ding-dong… Ding-dong…
Mu Chengxi looked at Wen Xin, pinching her cheek gently, then kissed her lightly.
“Go wash your hands. I’ll go downstairs to get the takeout.”
Zhi Lan had excellent privacy, and delivery personnel were not allowed to go upstairs directly, a task usually handled by Mu Bei.
Wen Xin sat on the sofa, watching Mu Chengxi put on his coat, smiling lightly. She found him incredibly handsome, perfectly matching her taste.
After Mu Chengxi collected the meal downstairs, he encountered a female neighbor coming out of the elevator. The female neighbor looked at Mu Chengxi and could not help but feel sorry for him. She thought that this man was so handsome, but it was a pity that he was actually a food delivery man.
Mu Chengxi, mistaken for a delivery man, didn’t even glance at the woman but instead hurried upstairs with the meal. It was getting late, and Wen Xin needed to eat and rest soon.
In the hospital…
Wei Shisheng had been in surgery for three and a half hours. Alfredo, having treated his wounds, sat on a bench in the corridor, his expression dark and grim.
“What did you say? What’s happening with the Independent State?” Alfredo asked coldly, looking at the data on his tablet and addressing the man standing beside him.
“News from the Independent State. For some reason, Continent F has stopped exporting diamonds and ores to the Independent State, and Continent M has also suspended cooperation on rare earths and electronic data. The reason is unclear..”