Chapter 53
940 Words
Jonathan gave her a smile and said, "Sure. Do you like it?"
Olivia had mixed feelings. She had never been in a tank before. She could never have imagined that one day these war machines would become a mode of transportation.
Jonathan actually asked if she liked it. Olivia's cheeks twitched. After a moment, she asked, "Jonathan, can you tell me where you got these from? How could you get four tanks with just one call?" She hurriedly grabbed Jonathan, who was about to get in, her face full of disbelief.
Jonathan chuckled and said, "These tanks are actually headed to the special banquet tonight. I told you I have some old comrades in Yonderville. They're on their way and offered to give us a ride. Hurry up. After dropping us off, they need to report to Colonel Wellington."
Olivia quickly nodded and, with Jonathan's help, climbed into a tank.
Once inside, Olivia realized this tank was nothing like what she had imagined. They stood on the tank, and their upper bodies were exposed, which made them the center of attention. Passersby started snapping pictures. Olivia felt both surprised and embarrassed. It was too eye-catching.
However, Ruby was delighted. Her eyes were full of curiosity.
***
There was a constant stream of people at the entrance of the Yonderville Government Building.
Around the building were armed soldiers, and security was tight.
At the entrance, Yonderville's top-tier individuals, each with a unique status, were holding invitations and waiting in the waiting area to be vetted for entry.
Due to the security checks, the queue moved slowly. People made small talk before turning to business matters.
"I heard that Colonel Wellington and a special guest would show up later."
"Really? Who's the special guest?"
"You don't know? It's the youngest five-star general in Novaria's history!"
Instantly, the waiting area buzzed with excited discussions. Everyone was talking about and anticipating the arrival of this revered five-star general.
Just then, the Harrison family arrived at the venue. As they got out, they were stunned by the sight.
The venue was grandly decorated and surrounded by heavily armed, uniformed soldiers of the Yonderville garrison. The attendees were all Yonderville's top-tier individuals. The Harrison family was the only second-tier family present, which made them even more excited.
"Wow, Grandpa, we came to the right place today. It's all Yonderville's elite," Sophia shouted excitedly.
"Yes, Grandpa. If we can network with a few top-tier big shots, our family's future will be smooth sailing," Chad added, scanning the scene.
Samuel was also deeply impressed, but as the head of the Harrison family, he couldn't be as expressive. He cleared his throat to hide his excitement and quietly reminded his family, "Don't gawk. You know these are Yonderville's bigwigs. Don't make a fool of yourselves."
"Yes," the Harrison family members responded and followed Samuel to the waiting area.
At that moment, someone in the crowd shouted, "Holy crap! Do you see that? Four tanks! Who's arriving in tanks? Could it be the five-star general?"
The eyes of Yonderville's elite turned eagerly toward the four tanks slowly approaching from the end of the road.
It was an epic display. They had never seen or even thought of this kind of entrance. They stared, hoping to catch a glimpse of those stepping out of the tanks.
The Harrison family was equally thrilled and ecstatic.
"Tanks! It must be the five-star general!"
"Yes, this is the Yonderville Government Building. Besides the five-star general, who else could enter like this?"
"So exciting! We're about to see this young legend. It feels like a dream."
Everyone began strategizing how to connect with whoever was inside the tanks. Being noticed by them could propel their families to the top in Yonderville and even Novaria.
With the rumble growing louder, the tanks opened, and Jonathan was the first to jump out. Carefully, he helped Olivia and Ruby out. Olivia, feeling self-conscious, had preferred not to stand on the tank earlier.
This scene shook Yonderville's elite to their core.
"Did anyone see clearly? Is that the five-star general? Why is there a woman and a little girl?"
"What's going on? Where's the five-star general?"
"Wait, isn't that Jonathan and Olivia who made a scene at Samuel Harrison's birthday banquet?"
As Jonathan, carrying Ruby and holding Olivia's hand, walked closer, everyone recognized them.
The waiting area fell silent. Faces went from excitement to suspicion, then to cold disdain and anger.
"What the hell? It's just the loser from the Parker family and the b***h and little bastard from the Harrison family."
"Seriously? They came in tanks?"
Jonathan was unfazed by the cold stares. He led Olivia to the side and waited quietly. Olivia, who was here for the first time, was visibly nervous.
The Harrison family was infuriated.
"Damn it! I thought it was the five-star general. This is so frustrating!"
"What a joke! These losers shouldn't even be here."
Sally sneered, "Exactly! We thought Jonathan was a friend of Colonel Wellington. Turns out he's just a discharged soldier begging his old superior for special treatment. Colonel Wellington doesn't even know him well. These tanks must be favors he begged for. Disgusting show-offs!"
Sophia clenched her fists and grinned. "In that case..."
She smirked and stepped aside to make a call. Not long after, Mark, who wasn't originally with the Harrison family, jogged over with a grin. He greeted Samuel and the others before turning to Sophia.
They exchanged glances. Then Mark strolled over to Jonathan and Olivia and shouted with his hands in pockets, "Jonathan and Olivia! I suspect you have fake invitations and have snuck in."
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