SniperKing

Chapter 11: A Strange Farewell

Chapter 11: A Strange Farewell

Departing the base unaccompanied, 13 arrived in Taipei. Despite the ongoing war outside, the inhabitants here carried on with their usual lives, seemingly convinced the flames of conflict would never reach them. Such is human self-deception—treating the unseen as if it never occurred at all. He genuinely admired their simplicity…

13 had been wandering the streets of Taipei for two days, yet remarkably, no one had identified him. Logically speaking, given that the mech pilots had seen his face that day, shouldn't they recognize him? It had reached the point where 13 considered instigating some explosions or assassinations merely to attract attention. However, the number of soldiers patrolling the streets had unexpectedly proliferated these past two days. Liu Tao seemed to have launched an extremely fierce offensive, entirely different from his usual approach. Apparently, significant events had transpired back at the base as well. But none of this mattered to 13; he simply wanted to see her.

Unconsciously, he found himself back in the small park. The midday sun was gentle, and 13 enjoyed reclining on a wooden bench, savoring the warmth. He wasn't sure why, but basking in the sun like this always caused a slight tremor within him. Perhaps sunlight felt somewhat superfluous in his existence? One often becomes particularly elated when obtaining something unmerited.

13 had lost track of the day of the week. It likely wasn't an auspicious day, otherwise, the park wouldn't be so serene—its tranquility rivaling that of an ambush in the desert night.

No rustling wind, no traffic noise, no human clamor. For the first time, 13 fell asleep unguardedly. Though fully aware of the inherent danger, his vigilance itself now required rest. In such an ideal setting, dying here wouldn't be so bad…

"What do you think you're doing?" A dispute arose nearby. 13 wasn't one to meddle, but the noise made further sleep impossible. He rose to leave.

"Aren't you looking for your big sister? Let us brothers take you to her!" k********g? From the corner of his eye, he saw approximately seven ruffians surrounding a young girl about twelve years old. What a peculiar group—Taipei was on the verge of becoming a battlefield, yet they still had the inclination for extortion. Occupational hazard, perhaps? Yet, the girl genuinely resembled a child from a wealthy family; not only was her appearance delicate, but her every gesture and word bespoke high cultivation.

"Big Sister said she'd be right back and told Baobao to wait here for her. Thank you for your kind intentions," the girl bowed politely.

"Little sister's attitude is rather aloof! We brothers kindly offer assistance, yet you treat us like villains? Where exactly do we resemble villains?" declared a hooligan whose entire appearance screamed 'bad news'. "You are insulting my friends and me! Therefore, you must compensate us brothers for the medical expenses incurred due to emotional distress, understand? Alright, now give us your parents' phone number!"

"Baobao cannot give you Mama's phone number; that's a secret. Big Sister will be back soon. You should leave quickly; she's been in a foul mood recently, someone might get hurt…" The little girl displayed not a shred of fear, which intrigued 13 somewhat.

"Given an inch, you take a mile! Let's go!" A burly ruffian, apparently the leader, grabbed the girl's shoulder. Instinctively, 13 halted his departure. Killing intent! Faint, yet causing an involuntary shudder. A manifestation of power. He scanned the surroundings meticulously, but the aura vanished instantaneously. The girl wrenched her arm free from the leader's grasp and, astonishingly, looked expectantly towards 13.

Asking for my help? Apologies, I have no penchant for rescuing damsels; the hero is never me, 13 mentally offered regrets, avoiding her gaze and resuming his steps toward the park exit.

"Damn it!" The ruffian leader whose hand had just been swatted away furiously raised his other hand.

"You dare strike Baobao, just try it!" The girl watched him coldly. For some reason, the leader's hand froze mid-action.

"He is Baobao's bodyguard, capable of handling six opponents! Wait, there seem to be seven of you… looks like he might be slightly outnumbered. No matter, he's also Baobao's 'walking wallet' when we go out. Though he carries no gun, he can strap US dollars together like bricks and bludgeon the remaining one to death!" Suddenly sensing numerous gazes fixed upon him, 13 felt a chill on his forehead.

Turning back, he saw the girl indeed pointing towards him with her slender left finger. The ruffians practically drooled as they charged over.

Damn brat, dragging me into this mess! 13 cursed inwardly.

"Hey buddy, hear you're quite formidable?" the leader drawled. "The brothers want to test your skills, but we don't want to damage rapport. Just hand over the cash on you, then call your master and tell her Miss is in our hands, and we'll all be 'friends'."

If only he had his COOL-FIRE at that moment, 13 would have undoubtedly blown the man's blockhead off! How can such idiotic ruffians exist? 13 wondered perplexedly. Who has ever seen a 1.7-meter bodyguard with the scholarly appearance of an intellectual? Even if I were a bodyguard, witnessing my charge in peril, wouldn't I burst forth immediately? Why would I stroll away so leisurely? Even if I were outnumbered and going for help, I wouldn't amble like this! Analyzed from every conceivable angle, I don't resemble a bodyguard!

"Talking to you! Didn't you hear?" The ruffians seemed to be losing patience.

"I… have no money." They wouldn't listen to reason; 13 recognized this from their eyes.

"How can you have no money? Hey, isn't he your 'wallet'?" the leader retorted, glancing back at the girl who hadn't seized the chance to flee.

She came bouncing over, replying, "Correct, he is Baobao's bodyguard, named Wang Cai. Wang Cai, weren't you just admiring a 14-and-a-half carat diamond ring at the jewelry store, saying you wanted to gift it to your girlfriend, the maid Chunxi? Oh!" She pointed at 13, feigning sudden realization. "Wang Cai, you naughty boy! You must have spent all Baobao's money on the diamond ring, then planned to abandon Baobao while Big Sister was away! Wang Cai, you are truly wicked! Baobao detests you! Brothers, help Baobao teach him a lesson! Mama will surely reward you handsomely."

13 finally grasped the true meaning of "darkness". What began as ruffians extorting a little girl, with himself as a bystander trying to disengage, had somehow transformed into him being the bodyguard "Wang Cai" absconding with funds, discovered by his young mistress who was now inciting a group of "righteous" hooligans to eliminate him.

Truly… speechless…

"So you're not such a good sort after all. Felt a connection the moment I saw you. We don't want to make things difficult now. If you hand over the diamond ring and let us tie you up to claim the reward, everything will be settled!" The leader seemed to have revised his plan.

"If I said I'm not some bodyguard 'Wang Cai', would you believe me?" 13 asked, looking at him somewhat helplessly, though already knowing the answer.

"Do you think anyone would believe you now?" The leader, apparently having attended school for two years, even knew how to employ rhetorical questions.

A simple straight punch. In textbook fashion, the leader flew backward five meters, colliding with a lamppost.

"Why? Had you simply said you didn't believe me, you needn't have been injured. Sometimes, stupidity is also a crime." Without pausing, 13 executed a side kick; the ruffian to his left suffered the same fate as their leader.

Only then did the others react, drawing weapons and attacking. Their movements held no significance in 13's eyes; even a well-trained Chinese soldier could eliminate them. Five more simple movements followed. The remaining ruffians scattered radially, likely forming quite a stylish pattern if viewed from above.

"Big Brother, you're amazing! You defeated seven bad guys without even moving from your spot! Baobao really admires you!" the girl cheered, clapping her hands. Yet 13 felt no pride, only a deeper sense of futility.

Ignoring her, he turned and resumed his earlier departure.

"Aren't you angry? That Baobao lied and dragged Big Brother into this mess?" She seemed somewhat remorseful, yet her expression held only curiosity.

"Taipei is very complicated lately. Once your sister returns, go home quickly. Don't loiter outside unnecessarily…" Just a few simple words of counsel, yet for some reason, a glimmer of tears appeared in Baobao's eyes. 13 also found himself strange; normally, such considerate words wouldn't even cross his mind. Indeed, since encountering the "Angel", he had changed. He needed to find her quickly and understand!

"Big Brother was so excessively framed by Baobao, yet Big Brother still cares about Baobao. Baobao is so delighted! Thank you, Big Brother," she said, rubbing her eyes and smiling gently.

"It's nothing. Even without my intervention, you wouldn't have been in any danger. You should understand that…"

"You can sense the presence of the Sprite!" she suddenly exclaimed, appearing quite agitated. Actually, it wasn't difficult. 13 acknowledged her protector was highly skilled, yet revealing killing intent over a minor potential threat to the target indicated either immaturity or that the target held immense importance to the protector.

At that moment, 13 stopped dead, observing the person entering through the park gate. The feeling she evoked was "long time no see".

Shoulder-length hair of pale gold, sky-blue eyes, fair skin, a slender, somewhat bony frame.

She held no place in 13's memory.

Seeing 13, she too stopped…

"It's you?"

"Do you know me?" 13 was muddled by her words.

"Oh? No, you strongly resemble a friend of mine, but upon closer inspection, it's not him. Excuse me," the girl offered no further explanation, brushing past him and rushing to the little girl's side.

"I told you not to wander off! I've been searching everywhere for you. If something had happened, Mama would have my hide…"

"Big Sister, I'm sorry. Baobao won't wander off again. Just now, many bad men tried to hurt Baobao, but Big Brother defeated them all."

"Was that you, sir?" She seemed to be addressing him, so 13 turned back.

"Thank you. My younger sister is prone to causing trouble; I hope she didn't cause you any difficulty," the girl said very politely.

"It was nothing." Glancing at the seven figures strewn about, "I believe I could handle it. Miss, I also find you very familiar. Might I ask your name?"

"Your method of pursuing girls is truly clichéd! Big Sister, don't tell him!" Baobao interjected, sticking out her little tongue playfully. Her expression remained unchanged; clearly a girl accustomed to significant events, unfazed by such minor stimuli.

"Don't speak nonsense. The gentleman likely asked because he genuinely has such a friend," her smile was sweet, so sweet it became etched into 13's memory for a lifetime. "My name is Zhang Jie."

"Miss Zhang, you should take your sister home quickly. Lately, many individuals are looking to exploit the wartime chaos for criminal activities." It wasn't her? 13 turned away, intending to leave.

"Sir, could you perhaps tell me your name?"

13 halted once more. He longed to answer her question; perhaps what 13 had always yearned for was simply the ability to answer such a question. Yet, he could not. 13 had no name, merely the designation 13, a sniper. His only belonging was the battlefield, for there, no one asked for names; to them, his name was "Enemy".

"Sir, could you tell me? I merely wish to make a friend…" she pressed further.

Breaking into a run, 13 headed for the park exit without looking back. He was evading…

"Big Sister, who would have thought China's strongest individual soldier would be a boy who flees shyly at the sight of a beautiful woman?"

"Enough glib talk. Hurry back and report this matter to 'Mama'. I imagine 'Mama' will be very pleased upon hearing this," the girl remarked, gazing at 13's retreating back.

"Mm, Baobao also admits he's not as simple as he appears. He could actually sense the 'Sprite's' presence," Baobao's face turned sullen.

"He's an unpredictable individual. Just when you believe your strength far surpasses his, he can still eliminate you effortlessly…" A hint of reflection tinged the Angel's tone.

"Baobao, can you promise Big Sister one thing?" the Angel asked, turning to look at the excitedly beaming Baobao.

"What is it, Big Sister?" Baobao inquired, puzzled.

"If, in the end, he must die, I hope you will permit me to be the one to do it."

"Did he commit some unforgivable act that makes Big Sister want to kill him?" Baobao asked.

"Mm…" The Angel gazed again towards the now empty distance. "He insulted my pride as a warrior. He absolutely must die by my hand!"

"Oh, understood, Big Sister," Baobao nodded.

At this moment, the still-running 13 had absolutely no idea that the girl named Zhang Jie was, in fact, the Angel. Nor that Baobao was the culprit who had assassinated Zheng Yu.

A plan had just formed in his mind. He knew how to find the person he sought. He simply needed to ask someone with inside knowledge.

Therefore, 13 resolved to pay a visit to Taiwan's President, Chen Bian.

Now, he only needed to await the arrival of darkness…

This night in Taipei was destined to be steeped in turmoil…