Final Civilization

Chapter 35: Threats

He paused for a moment before asking,

"So, both you and Chen Yufeng were members of the Sacred Realm of Science. Besides that, Chen Yufeng also had the identity of a founder of a Science Fiction Literary Society. Could his death be related to this?"

Tao Jie lowered her gaze slightly. "I've been thinking about this question these past two days as well. Before this, I never imagined joining the Sacred Realm of Science could bring such danger. But what Chen Yufeng and I did was simply use the literary society to gather more ideas and suggestions, and to find more like-minded people to join. However, such Salvationist faction organizations definitely aren't the only ones in the world. The seven Wallfacers, the forces and influence behind them extend into every corner of the world order. For Wallbreakers to carry out indiscriminate assassinations against such civilian organizations would be highly irrational, especially in a place like Jinghai."

"Then Chen Yufeng must have had something you didn't know about, something very threatening to the Wallbreakers."

Han Ming analyzed, "That's why they didn't hesitate to use such force to eliminate him."

A complex emotion flashed in Tao Jie's eyes. After a long while, she looked at Han Ming.

"Han Ming, do you trust me this much? We haven't seen each other for so many years. Now, hearing me talk about topics like human immortality and the end of the world, yet you don't seem surprised at all?"

Han Ming was, of course, surprised. If not for the time rewind, his surprise would have been even more pronounced.

In fact, this was his reaction after already mentally preparing himself.

He finally understood now the true weight of those three warnings.If even a member of a civilian organization could face such terrifying assassination risks, then what kind of hellish scene must he, a genuine Wallfacer, be facing!

"Logical viewpoints are easier to accept. Actually, what I'm curious about, or rather, more suspicious of, are the two things you mentioned about the Wallfacers' immortality and infinite wealth."

Han Ming said seriously, "Those should actually fall beyond the scope of human understanding. They sound even more bizarre than science fiction."

Tao Jie took a deep breath. "Yes, regarding those two points, many Salvationist faction organizations are currently pondering and researching them. For now, we can only broadly categorize them as a choice made by some kind of supernatural power."

"A choice?"

"Right. Don't you think this is like a survival test imposed by nature on the biological world? Precisely because of this, in recent decades, countries around the world have significantly increased their efforts in natural biology and interstellar exploration."

Han Ming frowned with a bitter smile. "Are you saying our moon exploration, Mars exploration, and solar exploration are all related to the Wallfacers? That seems like a bit of a stretch."

"Human exploration is about acquiring knowledge from the unknown."

Tao Jie responded, "Who can know what kind of knowledge the forces driving this from behind truly want to obtain?"

"Even if not, all scientific branches and fundamental physics research are constantly creating new possibilities. And promoting the development of science, isn't that precisely a way of seeking answers?"

Hearing this, Han Ming was momentarily speechless. He nodded and said,

"There's some logic to that."

Tao Jie pondered slightly for a moment, then looked at Han Ming.

"Now do you understand what kind of risks investigating that car accident entails? If you truly believe what I've said."

Han Ming countered, "What about you?"

"I will investigate further." Tao Jie's gaze fell onto her own legs, her eyes profound.

"Just as you said, finding a meaning to strive for. This is both about finding clues about the Wallbreakers for the Wallfacers, and also my own redemption."

"Han Ming, you are a good person. If this matter hadn't arisen, I would definitely have invited you to join this cause. But now, I don't want you to get involved in these dangerous matters. You have your own career and life. Everything I said today, you can treat as some boring science fiction conspiracy theories. I hope it hasn't caused you any distress..."

After saying this, she glanced at Han Ming, then began pushing her wheelchair herself, moving away into the morning breeze.

In Tao Jie's view, Han Ming was a friend she could confide in. She also knew Han Ming's feelings for her. Precisely because of this, regardless of whether Han Ming believed her or not, she had not lied to him.

Not everyone could understand or believe the fact that Wallfacers exist in the world. Strictly speaking, generally, only after rigorous screening and background checks would the Sacred Realm of Science reveal these secrets to newcomers.

Even then, only a very small minority could accept and acknowledge it, because the Wallfacers, Wallbreakers, and even governments of various countries all conceal this matter, neither admitting nor commenting on it publicly.

Apart from some fervent civilian science fiction enthusiasts or conspiracy theorists, all Wallfacer organizations operate in secrecy.

So, regardless of whether Han Ming believed her or not, Tao Jie had also expressed her own stance.

But before she had gone very far, the phone in her hand suddenly rang. Tao Jie thought it was Zheng Jiaqing calling. Picking it up, she saw it was actually Han Ming. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. Turning back, she saw Han Ming holding up his phone in the distance. Puzzled, she answered the call.

"There's one thing you said that was right." Han Ming's clear, bright voice sounded through the phone.

"We are young. Being able to join the grand cause of saving the world and continuing human civilization within our limited lifespan is indeed a very romantic thing."

"I've always been very interested in romantic things. So, could you please help recommend me and see if I can join the Sacred Realm of Science? It would be another part-time job born out of love for the world."

Hearing the sincere tone in Han Ming's voice over the phone, Tao Jie looked somewhat surprised. She stared blankly at the distant figure and quickly said,

"Hey, Han Ming..."

"I'll contact you again if I find any relevant clues. If you encounter danger, please tell me as well. Although your wheels might be faster than my running, when it comes to kicking bad guys, I'm more skilled. See you another day."

The call ended directly. Tao Jie saw Han Ming turn and leave. She wanted to call out to stop him but couldn't. Feeling both angry and anxious, she just stared blankly as his figure disappeared from sight.

After a long while, for some reason, she suddenly laughed.

When she laughed, the depths of her eyes seemed to hold the cool, blue flame-heart of a snowflake. In the summer heat that was about to arrive, it felt like a clear spring suddenly flowed down her spine, making one sober yet immersed.

...

With complex emotions, Han Ming walked back to the parking lot, ready to drive. He suddenly stopped, looked up, and saw a person standing at the entrance of the passageway, waiting for him.

"Han Ming."

Zheng Jiaqing forced a smile as he looked at him. "You... finished talking?"

Han Ming's gaze sharpened slightly. He nodded and said seriously, "You don't need to misunderstand. Tao Jie and I were communicating about some issues related to her personal career. We are both lawyers. Moreover, she asked you to bring her to see me. That alone is enough proof of her trust in you. So, you don't need to be hostile towards me."

Hearing this, the smile on Zheng Jiaqing's face vanished. His gaze darkened as he said,

"Oh, I understand."

"Do you have something else to tell me?" Han Ming asked.

Zheng Jiaqing pondered for a moment, then said to Han Ming seriously,

"Tao Jie... rarely meets friends. Ever since she got in touch with you, I've noticed her mood has been quite bad recently. So, I want to say, if you don't have any other intentions, could you... not see her anymore in the future?"

Han Ming almost felt like laughing.

"From what you're saying, if I *did* have other intentions, then I *could* see her?"

Zheng Jiaqing's expression turned serious. "Han Ming, we're all alumni. Please don't make such jokes. It's very unbecoming."

Han Ming looked at him with an appraising gaze.

"If you had any sense of propriety, you shouldn't be here right now. You should be on your way to pick her up immediately."

After saying this, he indifferently stepped forward to leave.

Zheng Jiaqing turned and called out to stop him, "Han Ming!"

His voice echoed in the underground parking lot.

Zheng Jiaqing adjusted his glasses. His gaze turned sharp, shedding his usual gentle image as he said coldly,

"If you're trying to use the car accident that happened to Tao Jie as a way to get close to her, to get close to the Tao Family, in order to gain the benefits you want, I advise you to give up on that idea. Tao Jie and I will be getting married by the end of the year. Her parents also approve of me, and approve of my career. So, if you want to save some face, don't contact her anymore after today. I've made inquiries. It wasn't easy for you to be rated as a senior lawyer, was it? Why not cherish your life and career properly?"

Han Ming stopped walking. His gaze swept over the dim lights of the parking lot ahead. A trace of a helpless smile flashed in his eyes.

Then, he took a deep breath, turned around, walked a few steps to stand right in front of Zheng Jiaqing, and said with an indifferent expression,

"You... are you threatening me?"