CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: SHARP OBSERVATION

"So you chose to commit treason?"

This question is undeniably sharp.

The weight of the word ’treason’ is immense, and in the era of absolute imperial power, it could cost one’s entire family.

Nowadays, in an era where the whole nation is on a spy-hunt, the consequences of being caught wouldn’t be much better.

Under such circumstances, anyone rational and sane would never admit to it.

However, Zhang Yin’s situation is different. Due to Yi Chichi’s subtle maneuvers and hints, her thoughts were unknowingly dragged into a swamp-like world.

Chaos, perhaps, as she has already lost her ability to think normally.

Therefore, upon hearing Yi Chichi’s question, a fleeting look of confusion passed in her eyes, followed by a robotic revelation of her inner thoughts.

"No, no, no, I’m not committing treason, I’m just fighting for my faith and ideals."

Faith and ideals?

Yi Chichi looked into her eyes, "What are your faith and ideals?"

"To rise above others."

"Where can you rise above others?"

"Anywhere."

She chuckled lightly, mocking herself, "We’re hungry and poorly dressed, while those opposite eat beef, drink wine, and wear luxurious clothes and jewelry. Don’t you long for such a life?"

"...I do long for it."

But honestly, it’s just like that. She had seen the most beautiful scenery of this country and enjoyed high-quality life before.

Because she had experienced it, even though she’s poor now, her spirit remains rich.

Because she knows, this country will become stronger step by step.

"Then join me!"

Zhang Yin grabbed her hand, eagerly trying to pull her into the fold.

Yi Chichi feigned hesitation, "It’s not impossible, but who exactly are you loyal to?"

"The Fox!"

A new character, not a name, but a code name.

It should be the one Zhang Yin and her group report to.

After pondering for two seconds, she softened her voice to ask, "Was it the one just now?"

"That was Waguan, we’re on the same level."

Oh, they’re all underlings.

Limited knowledge.

"Who is the Fox loyal to?"

This question troubled Zhang Yin; she furrowed her brows in thought, "It should be Baldy, but the Fox’s goal is to take us to the other side of the ocean to live like an overlord among the Bald Eagles."

When it comes to this topic, she was inexhaustible.

Every word and sentence exuded her yearning for the Bald Eagle.

The Bald Eagle she portrayed seemed even more beautiful than paradise.

It’s as if by following the Fox to the Bald Eagle, she could have her share of handsome men and wealth for an overlord-like lifestyle.

Yi Chichi understood immediately; this was none other than the renowned promise of the future.

She was certain that once Zhang Yin and her party encountered trouble, the Fox would abandon them at the quickest pace.

Zhang Yin and her group were sure cannon fodder.

She let out an "oh," showing a look of longing, "Earlier you mentioned about eight o’clock; care to elaborate?"

"What’s there that’s difficult to say."

Zhang Yin was somewhat impatient; Yi Chichi sensed the situation wasn’t right and calmly soothed her.

Until Zhang Yin’s mood completely calmed down, no longer being able to escape the thought trap crafted with rhythmic precision by Yi Chichi, she stopped soothing.

"We acquired a batch of goods, good seedlings, ready to transport to the Southern region. Some need to be sent to Beijing..."

When she spoke about this, a look of envy appeared in her eyes, "They’ve got the good fortune, the train leaves at nine tonight. Once the people here are sent off, we’ll create chaos in the forest and escape to Zhucheng, then divert from Zhucheng to the other side."

It’s all to prepare an escape route.

"Are the goods people?"

"Yes."

Well, human traffickers and spies, they can enjoy some peanuts.

Suddenly leaning forward, as if going to press against her, Yi Chichi stared intently into her eyes, her voice light and ethereal, seemingly coming from the clouds.

"It’s dark, the mission failed, you are disappointed and sad, decide to take a nap, wake up to a new beautiful day."

With a snap of her fingers, she issued the final command.

"Sleep!"

"Sleep... wake up to a beautiful day..."

As she murmured, Zhang Yin’s pupils gradually dispersed, then her head tilted, resting against Yi Chichi, falling into a deep sleep.

She shook her twice, seeing that she wouldn’t wake for a while, and then turned her head, scanning the surroundings.

Then, she hid Zhang Yin behind a clump of shrubs and gathered some fallen leaves to cover her up, concealing her thoroughly before getting up and quickly leaving.

Upon exiting the alley, two military-green figures appeared in her view.

They were the two soldier brothers she had met earlier at the state-run restaurant’s entrance.

Her heart surged with joy, and she jogged up to them, stopping them with a gesture that mimicked a secret agent meet-up, whispering, "I caught a bad person, can you comrades help me take her to the police?"

Wen Shi and He Yunsong, caught off guard, hadn’t had time to speak before hearing this news, leaving them momentarily stunned.

"A bad person?"

Wen Shi surveyed her; with this slender figure, what kind of bad person would she catch?

"Yes."

Yi Chichi nodded, "I caught a bad person."

He Yunsong eyed her with no expression, his voice icy cold like a block of ice.

"What kind of bad person?"

"A spy."

What on earth?

This girl caught a spy?

The two suddenly turned serious, their gazes like torches fixed on her.

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Absolutely." Yi Chichi with a solemn face, "Can you decide quickly? I’m afraid she’ll escape."

She doesn’t need a particular environment for hypnosis, as she can implement it anytime and anywhere, as long as she’s willing.

But she doesn’t guarantee the environment upon awakening.

If someone finds Zhang Yin now, waking her up would be quite easy.

Exchanging a glance with He Yunsong, Wen Shi spoke in a deep voice, "Lead the way."

"Let’s go!"

Yi Chichi didn’t waste words, leading them into the alley.

On the way, He Yunsong scrutinized her, seeing her calm expression, narrowing his eyes.

"Aren’t you afraid we’re the bad guys?"

Yi Chichi twitched at the corner of her mouth; how stupid would she have to be to find two bad guys to be her backup?

"You’re soldiers."

"There are plenty of people wearing green uniforms on the streets."

He was dissatisfied with her answer, finding it unconvincing.

Yi Chichi found it reasonable, so she patiently explained, "Indeed, there are many wearing military uniforms on the street, but they’re fake, while yours are real—the weapon belt, four pockets, plus your walking posture, gaze, etc..."

At this, she threw them a white-eye roll, "Do I need to continue?"

"No need."

She observed carefully; it indeed seemed they had asked a dumb question.

"How did you discover she was a spy?"

"I was going to the restroom and discovered it."

As she spoke, she concisely recounted the events.

Initially, Wen Shi and the others were skeptical about Yi Chichi’s claim that she caught a spy.

The reason they followed her was for the sake of rather killing errantly than letting one go.

But after listening to her, their perception of reality wavered.

What did they hear?

Was hypnosis actually real?

"Can you perform hypnosis?"

"Yes."

He Yunsong furrowed his brow, asking, "Where did you learn it from?"