Resurrection Empire

Chapter 823 314: Life’s Stain, De Facto Marriage (Part 2)

Ma Xiaoling glared at Ma Dafu in dissatisfaction, "I'm not a child anymore. I have my own judgment."

Ma Dafu rolled his eyes secretly, "Tell me, what is your judgment?"

Ma Xiaoling shrugged, "Anyway, Ren Zhong is nice and smart. The idea he came up with must be fine. Besides, judging by my understanding of Ren Zhong, this guy is actually not lecherous at all; on the contrary, he's rather awkward. I bet that if he came up with this idea, it must be because he's utterly at his wit's end. No one dislikes doing this more than he does, but he doesn't have a choice, right?"

Ma Xiaoling blinked her big eyes and looked at Ren Zhong.

Ren Zhong was momentarily stunned, then slowly lowered his head, "Yes."

"So, stop dithering and let's do this. Dad, stop pondering. If you try to outthink him, it's purely a waste of time and energy. He likes to think, let him do his thing. For us, following his lead is the simplest and most reliable way."

While Ma Dafu was still considering the feasibility of the matter, Ma Xiaoling had already agreed to it outright.

She felt it was no big deal, as long as Ren Zhong thought it was useful and could change the current situation, then let's do it.

Ma Dafu: "This…"

Time passed, and Old Ma nodded with difficulty, "Alright, then."

...

And so, it happened.

As Ma Xiaoling had predicted, Ren Zhong's heart was not at ease.

Even though he had informed Ju Qingmeng about the situation here five minutes ago, and Ju Qingmeng, far from minding, even cheerfully told him it should be done, it still couldn't relieve the twisted feeling in his heart.

A few minutes later, Ma Xiaoling walked out casually wrapped in a loose towel.

Ren Zhong was about to say something, perhaps a "thank you" or so.

But Ma Xiaoling suddenly pulled off the towel, "Let's get this done quickly. Once it's over, we can go to sleep early. Since we're leaving tomorrow afternoon, I can still make time in the morning to take people out to set up a minefield and build some automated defense structures."

Ren Zhong: "..."

That's her, always so decisive, straightforward in whatever she does.

...

Watching Ma Xiaoling asleep beside him, Ren Zhong got out of bed, stood by the window, and gazed at the two moons in the sky.

He had been seen through by Ma Xiaoling.

Indeed, his heart felt quite empty at this moment.

The Ma Family's father-daughter duo was impeccable to him, sharing life-and-death camaraderie.

He didn't want to take advantage and still complain, but understanding the rationale didn't mean he could control his feelings.

He needed some time to ponder and ease himself.

If he rewinds time to many days ago, he couldn't have imagined reaching this point.

Even though he knew time could reset and Ma Xiaoling would inevitably remain oblivious to it, he couldn't help but have indelible marks left in his heart.

Once, he wanted to pursue pure love and be guiltless before everyone.

He wanted to become a "perfect person."

But reality told him that a "perfect person" can't make it.

In the era of Source Star, a "perfect person" can only be a useless person.

Previously, to survive, he chose to accept Ju Qingmeng's feelings before he was mentally prepared.

Now, he saw hope in dismantling the "net," completely changing this era, and saving everyone.

If he wants his career to progress further, he must sprinkle salt on his already guilt-ridden heart.

The last time was to "live," this time is to "advance."

Though the reasons seem different, essentially, they are the same; both achieved "sex" with impure intentions.

Ren Zhong already knew that once such things happen for the first time, there will be a second, perhaps many more times.

But when it's really about to happen, it leaves his heart deeply trapped and in agonizing pain.

I understand now.

For people like me, in this era, it's impossible to find true love.

Because one's views on life, the world, and values are creations growing from the soil of the era's background.

I haven't yet created a world that can nurture an opposite sex whose perspectives align with mine.

I haven't changed this era, so how can I obtain its creation?

The more I pursue perfection, the more I end up with nothing.

They are actually very close to me, but the underlying differences are indelible, forever existent.

I truly can't demand more.

Ren Zhong's sight fell again, drifting over Starfire Town's panorama, gazing afar.

Though it was already eleven thirty at night, Starfire Town remained brightly lit, even brighter than during the day.

These lights are not for pedestrian illumination, but part of the optical monitoring defense system, keeping Ruined Beasts and nighttime intruders from hiding.