The City Hunter (Complete) - 40

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Chapter 259 A Bold Confrontation Leaves No One Speechless.

The Abe administration's approval ratings have been steadily declining, plagued by
issues Fortunately, with Zhang Ziwen acting as a shield, Abe can finally breathe a sigh of relief, probably
dreaming of Mr. Zhang's good deeds.

Since this is a political contest between major powers, each European power has its own troubles—either economic
stagnation or scandals—and they all unanimously turned to Zhang Ziwen as a scapegoat. Firstly, it diverts
attention; secondly, as developed countries, it would be inappropriate not to make an appearance and express their opinions.
The heads of state of France, Britain, Germany, Italy, and other countries appeared one after another, offering varying opinions: some sympathetic, some regretful, some condemning,
some diplomatic, some ambiguous. In the end, they all routinely expressed concern. In short, everyone was joining in the fun, everyone
was jumping around. Being able to speak out on such a turbulent global issue is quite a matter of prestige.
Regarding Zhang Ziwen's situation…

As a Chinese citizen, Zhang Ziwen naturally felt compelled to speak out for his motherland. After
the leaders of a group of developed countries finished expressing their opinions, the television screen switched to the majestic Great Wall, followed by
a series of familiar scenes. Modern China is already under global scrutiny, and given that it's
Zhang Ziwen 's homeland, the scenes were naturally more prominent: the Forbidden City, the Monument to the People's Heroes, Tiananmen Square, Zhongnanhai,
and interspersed with shots of manned rocket launches and military parades. These images all hinted at China
's splendid culture and military and technological strength. These scenes played for a full ten minutes.

Watching the familiar scenes on screen, Zhang Ziwen knew without a doubt that the next segment would be China's
statement . At this moment, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation, hoping his country would speak up
for him. He didn't ask for his country to exonerate him; he only hoped it wouldn't be like those of other heads of state, making a brief appearance and
offering only a perfunctory response.

The television screen flashed iconic images of China, finally focusing on a five-starred red flag fluttering in the wind
. The camera then zoomed in on the press center, now filled with journalists from around the world. The camera
shifted, revealing a well-dressed female spokesperson standing on the podium. This was
the fourth female
spokesperson in the history of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nearly two years after the previous spokesperson, Ms. Zhang, stepped down. This was also her first appearance at such an important occasion. Ms. Jiang wore a white shirt and black pants
, frameless glasses, and maintained an elegant smile. Her debut gave a refreshing impression.

Being a newcomer, the journalists from various countries were naturally eager to answer questions .
A barrage of thorny issues—Taiwan, the Six-Party Talks, the Iranian nuclear issue, the Sino-Indian border dispute, and many others—were bombarded with questions from the seemingly effeminate new spokesperson.
Ms. Jiang answered each question with composure, skill, and tact. Coupled with
some ambiguous diplomatic language, every question was answered flawlessly, leaving the reporters greatly
disappointed . They had hoped to get some scoops from a newcomer, but this new spokesperson proved incredibly shrewd;
it seemed they couldn't elicit any information from her. Left with no other option, the reporters shifted their focus to Zhang Ziwen's trial. Since
Zhang Ziwen is a Chinese citizen, the reporters were filled
with anticipation, wondering what the country behind him would say. Everyone tacitly understood that this political contest was essentially a direct dialogue between China and the United States, and
China's stance would directly affect the outcome of Zhang Ziwen's trial—it was extremely important.

It seemed the press center was a branch venue for the live broadcast. While other heads of state's speeches
flashed by one after another, China's press center was very formal. Ample time was allocated, and everything followed protocol.
Then, a staff member appeared on the television screen with a microphone, directly handing it to the designated
reporter.

The journalist holding the microphone was a white man. He stood up and asked, "Hello, I'm an Associated Press reporter.
Ms. Jiang, the trial of Chinese citizen Zhang Ziwen in the United States has attracted global attention.
What is China's view on this?"

"It is regrettable that China expresses its regret regarding Mr. Zhang Ziwen's experience in the United States," Ms. Jiang said with a regretful
expression. "China is very concerned about the experiences of Chinese citizens in the United States and
questions the actions of the US Department of Justice."

"Questions? Could you please explain further?" The American journalist's expression became excited.
He had thought a simple regret would suffice, but unexpectedly, there was also questioning. The news was subtly hidden, which excited him.

"Does this even need explanation? This is clearly an ordinary case, yet the US judicial system has made a huge fuss,
making it known worldwide. China doesn't understand this approach. Is this
how the United States, which always prides itself on being a free nation, treats an ordinary Chinese citizen?" Ms. Jiang's words were sharp, using a rhetorical question to
express China's stance to the world.

The American journalist's eyes lit up; he sensed a spark. He thought, "This is going to work!" Excitedly, he raised
the microphone and fired off a barrage of questions. Unfortunately, there was no sound. He'd forgotten he could only ask one question,
and he'd already asked two. When a staff member approached him, he had to hand the microphone
back His disappointment was evident on his face—a deep, utter disappointment.

"Hello, I'm a reporter from Reuters. Ms. Jiang, regarding what you just said, I'd like to ask a question.
You said Mr. Zhang Ziwen is an ordinary Chinese citizen, but in fact, Mr. Zhang Ziwen has a very high level of global recognition.
Can't we describe Mr. Zhang Ziwen as just an ordinary Chinese citizen? Could you please explain this?"
Upon hearing this question, the American journalist's face lit up. That was exactly the question he had wanted to ask.

Ms. Jiang seemed to have anticipated this question from the reporter and replied calmly, "The question of whether Mr.
Zhang Ziwen is an ordinary citizen is easy to explain. This is also a difference between China and the United States. China
has always advocated equality for all, and there is no concept of hierarchy among people. Regardless of who Mr. Zhang Ziwen is,
as a Chinese citizen, he is an ordinary member of society. There is an old Chinese saying, 'Even princes are subject to the same laws as commoners.' Everyone is equal before
the law . Therefore, given how the US judicial system treats an ordinary Chinese citizen, China
cannot help but question the motives of the US and what its human rights standards are. Does a famous person
who commits a crime have to be publicly shamed and made known to the whole world? Besides, Mr. Zhang was only a..."
An ordinary suspect. Is it correct for the US judicial authorities to treat Mr. Zhang Ziwen this way?
Did Mr. Zhang Ziwen consent to this? If Mr. Zhang Ziwen himself did not consent to appearing in public, then his
right to privacy . Does a Chinese citizen have to suffer this unfair treatment in the United States? Just because he is Chinese?
The actions of the US judicial authorities have led the Chinese side to suspect racial discrimination and also to question the fairness of this trial. Ms. Jiang
, citing classical texts and employing a series of rhetorical questions, not only satirized the American judicial system
but also elevated the Zhang Ziwen case to the level of human rights and racial discrimination.

It seems this spokesperson had done her homework; unlike her usual diplomatic rhetoric, this time she
showed no mercy to the US. The US had recently brought up China's human rights record again, and today she used Zhang Ziwen
as a living example to refute it. Without instructions from the highest leader, Ms. Jiang would not have used such
strong language to directly target the issue.

China's departure from its past moderate stance caught the reporters off guard. An atmosphere
of confrontation had already filled the press hall. This was a true contest between major powers, and reporters immediately
raised their hands to ask questions. The atmosphere was enthusiastic and lively.

Reporters from AFP, TASS, Xinhua, The Guardian, The Independent, and Lianhe Zaobao, among others, eagerly
bombarded Ms. Jiang with sharp questions. However, the reporters responded with evasive tactics. China's
stance had already indicated that there was no need to waste words and provoke conflict. Ms. Jiang, seeing an opportunity,
routinely used universally accepted diplomatic language to answer the reporters' barrage of questions.

After briefly addressing all the reporters' questions, Ms. Jiang, on behalf of the Chinese government, issued a statement
expressing regret over the "Zhang Ziwen phenomenon," protesting the US government's overreaction, expressing indignation at the actions of the US judicial
system the People's Bank of China's human rights record, and expressing sympathy for Mr. Zhang Ziwen's unfortunate experience in the United States
. The Chinese side called for... We hope Mr. Zhang Ziwen will receive fair treatment in today's court hearing. We hope the US court will not
exploit Mr. Zhang's so-called celebrity status, and we do not want such racial discrimination to occur in a
free and democratic country like the United States. China stated that it will pay close attention to the proceedings of today's case. China warned that
if Mr. Zhang does not receive fair and reasonable treatment, China reserves the right
to seek justice for the Chinese people.

As soon as Ms. Jiang's statement regarding China was released, the press center erupted in uproar. Protest, warning,
indignation , and serious concern—these fiery words came from the authoritative spokesperson, demonstrating the Chinese government's determination to
uphold the dignity of the Chinese people. The final phrase, "reserving the right to seek justice," is particularly significant. What does it mean?
Appropriate rights? Sanctions? War? Good heavens! As reporters rose to their feet, eager to confirm the final
, threatening remark, Ms. Jiang had already left the press podium, completing her first
appearance as a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs…

This time, the television broadcast didn't include that damned
commercial break. China's stance was earth-shattering; no one dared to air commercials at this crucial moment. The camera switched to
the studio where several current affairs experts were seated. These experts had prepared in advance to comment on China's position. When the camera focused
on their faces, their expressions of surprise hadn't yet faded. No one had expected China to
respond this way. Judging from their expressions, it seemed their pre-planned comments needed revision and careful consideration. This is no
joke ; these are all nuclear superpowers, we can't afford to play this game.

The atmosphere in the commentary studio seemed a bit heavy. The commentators
exchanged glances; this was a hot potato, and no one dared to speak first. The camera zoomed in on each commentator's face,
revealing a number of heavyweight figures: former US Secretary of State Henry
Kissinger ; former Russian President Boris Yeltsin; former Yugoslav President Kim Dae-jung; former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl; and even
former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who had been living in seclusion for a long time and was over 80, appeared before the world. These former
influential dared not speak carelessly, because accidentally triggering a major crisis would be disastrous. But
this was a global live broadcast, and not commenting was clearly unacceptable. It didn't make sense , so in the end, it was the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, who showed some
courage her words were extremely cautious and carefully chosen. She didn't directly comment
on China's statement, but instead analyzed and speculated based on her understanding of China. She reviewed the Sino-British negotiations
regarding the return of Hong Kong, and finally, she carefully summarized that, based on her experience dealing with China,
China would not compromise on certain principles, and regarding this incident involving Chinese citizens, she believed that China's words were not
casual .

Thatcher would recall, and Yeltsin would provide examples. The former Russian president used China's most principled
issues as examples, demonstrating China's principled stance on the Taiwan issue. The Chinese government's
determination regarding Taiwan has never been swayed by foreign pressure. Yeltsin stated that if Taiwan declares independence, China
will resolve
the issue by force, without a doubt. This demonstrates that China cannot be stopped by one or two countries simply by sending aircraft carriers to the Taiwan Strait. The Zhang Ziwen incident, he said, reflects China's
extreme concern for its compatriots. He believes the Chinese government is taking this matter very seriously.

After the two politicians finished speaking, it seemed inappropriate for Dr. Kissinger, an American with
extensive experience dealing with China and having interacted with several generations of Chinese leaders, to remain silent. His understanding of China is
far deeper than that of the average American politician. Kissinger did not recount past events or provide examples; he simply appealed to the current US
president to take China's statement seriously and urged the US judicial system to investigate Zhang Ziwen. "Mr. Wen's trial must be
handled with utmost care ," Dr. Kissinger earnestly stated, emphasizing the need to avoid
unnecessary conflict between the two nuclear superpowers over an ordinary case…

Chapter 260: Emergency Consultation, Unhappy and Speechless.

Dr. Kissinger expressed confidence in the impartiality of American law while also subtly criticizing the American judicial system.
He concluded simply with the statement that even celebrities have the right to privacy, and the judicial system's actions this time were indeed
ill-considered.

Several former political figures spoke in turn, reminiscing, and their opinions seemed largely consistent, subtly
reminding the US government to exercise restraint. These seasoned politicians understood that the US had made such a
big deal out of a small case for various reasons. The first and most important point, and also the simplest, was the US's initial intention…
The initial intention was simply to promote the democratic and legal standards of their own country. The idea was simple, but no one anticipated
such a sensational reaction. Seeing the seemingly enthusiastic global response, the hype escalated, with a strong emphasis on the
fairness and transparency of their laws. Coupled with the Iraq issue pushing the US government to the brink of collapse, they quickly used celebrity attention
to divert the temporary political crisis. The effect was cascading. Strangely, heads of state from various countries seemed very concerned,
even royalty joined in the fray. Now, the situation is difficult to manage.

These politically astute politicians were able to analyze the initial intentions of the US and
roughly guess the extent of China's intense reaction. Recalling the bombing of the US embassy in the former Yugoslavia and the mid-air collision between Chinese and American planes, none were
as intense as this. Previously, China focused on economic development and was unwilling to create major disputes that could affect domestic
stability and unity. However, this seems to be a case of "once bitten, twice shy," meaning China always seeks reciprocity and uses this
opportunity prestige. The Chinese government's actions are understandable, given China's rapid economic development and
significantly improved overall national strength. With foreign exchange reserves exceeding one trillion, ranking first in the world, China now has ample resources to sustain its efforts.
The political turmoil triggered by Zhang Ziwen's actions is a deeper political contest. Previously, it was all about the US testing
China's patience; now it's time for a change. A tougher stance is needed to see how the US government handles the situation. In short, a confrontation
is inevitable… The television screen

flashed continuously, with various countries' news broadcasts rolling, and commentary reaching
a fever pitch as everyone speculated on how the US government would react to China's strong statements. At this moment,
a line of English letters appeared on the screen. As Zhang Ziwen struggled to decipher their meaning, An Yun beside him softly read aloud
: "...Urgent news: The trial of Zhang Ziwen's assault case in the New York Supreme Court has
been rescheduled to 3 PM. The original time has been cancelled."

"The time has been changed? Heh, it seems the US has reacted to our country's statement." Zhang Ziwen smiled
, feeling grateful and gratified. The statement from his great motherland far exceeded his expectations.

Tang Ying stood up and smiled at Zhang Ziwen, saying, "Xiaowen, you and Xiaoyun stay here.
The court will prepare lunch for you. Order whatever you want. The situation has changed, so I'll go out for a bit."

Zhang Ziwen nodded. His matter was no longer something that could be resolved simply through a court hearing. China had already made
its move, and the turn of events was unexpected. The US has yet to react to China's statement. Tang Ying's
decision to go out at this time suggests she's about to use some connections. Zhang Ziwen didn't ask; he had
no doubt about Tang Ying's abilities. The appearance of those royal figures had already given Zhang Ziwen some idea of Tang Ying's identity.
She definitely had a deep connection with the mysterious and noble Tang royal family. Zhang Ziwen understood that now was not
the time to discuss her identity. Tang Ying's identity could no longer be hidden. After this matter was over, he would confront her directly
and find out everything...

In the White House, the number of people in the Oval Office was constantly increasing. President Bush and
several aides were urgently studying countermeasures and plans, while powerful intelligence agencies were urgently analyzing
the changes in the situation. US intelligence agencies were urgently observing the reactions of various governments. Time was running out, and everything was urgent. Based on
previously collected information, they made analyses and judgments. Some of the shady dealings had already been identified. Some of the government leaders
, like the US president, had some political problems to deal with, and their actions were a convenient way to divert attention.
Such political motives could be disregarded.

Following China's recent statement, senior international affairs experts from various governments began to
express . News from around the world continued to pour in, with a consistent message that
governments seemed to be adopting an ambiguous wait-and-see approach. At this moment, what troubled intelligence agencies most were the royal families.
Before China's statement, the involvement of royal families worldwide had made US intelligence feel uneasy. Initial
intelligence suggested that some high-ranking royals would speak discreetly, joining the fray like heads of state. However,
today's events far exceeded US intelligence expectations. Royal families worldwide exhibited unusual activity,
their words seemingly leaning towards sympathy for Zhang Ziwen and subtly criticizing the actions of the US judicial system. The intelligence
had been significantly flawed; why was Zhang Ziwen's case attracting such great attention from royal families?

The US intelligence apparatus, deployed around the world, was operating at high speed. While intelligence agencies were urgently gathering
information, the CIA director received a mysterious phone call. From the call,
he received crucial information: the intelligence agencies had identified the key figure behind the events, Tang Ying.
The US underestimated the relationship between Tang Ying and Zhang Ziwen; no one had expected the usually low-profile Tang Ying to use the powerful
royal family to support Zhang Ziwen. This vital information was quickly relayed to the White House via a dedicated phone line.

Inside the Oval Office, President Bush, Secretary of State Rice, newly appointed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates,
Treasury Secretary Paulson, Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez, and other high-ranking officials, along with key military figures such as Air Force Chief of Staff
Moseli , Navy Commander-in-Chief Gary, and Army Commander-in-Chief White, were gathered in this
center of power.

A group of top American figures held an emergency meeting to discuss, study, and analyze the situation. Based on various intelligence sources, it was clear that,
apart from
the Air Force Chief of Staff, a hawkish figure advocating a hardline stance against China, the Army and Navy held cautious opinions. Two five-star generals inwardly scorned the Air Force Chief of Staff; this guy was all talk and no action.
If war broke out with China, the Air Force would be airborne, bombing and running away, leaving the Army and
Navy to truly take the lead. Going against the Chinese military? Good heavens, hadn't they learned their lesson from the Korean and Vietnam Wars? Foolish.

The Treasury and Commerce Departments were even less of a concern. These two had just returned from a visit to Beijing, where they had reached several cooperation agreements with
China . This trip to China was very fruitful and would have a decisive
impact on American economic development. To turn against them now? Wasn't that just asking for trouble? Both of these individuals strongly opposed a hardline policy, while the new
Secretary of Defense offered more constructive suggestions. He only mentioned a few international issues where China is currently in dire need:
the Six-Party Talks on the North Korean nuclear issue require China's leadership, the Iranian nuclear issue requires China's mediation, and the global counter-terrorism strategy needs
China's support. Not to mention the problems the US is currently facing in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East—
a mess this Secretary of Defense is already struggling with. To take a hardline approach against China now would be suicidal
.

The various attitudes of high-ranking officials indicate that adopting a hardline policy towards China is unwise. The advice of certain
hawks should absolutely not be heeded; those guys are all talk and no action, only interested in gaining political capital.
Who among them truly considers the national interest? Don't those hawks even consider the consequences of a hardline confrontation with China? Do they think
China doesn't have nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles? If they can't handle it militarily, what good are economic sanctions? China
now trades with many countries; sanctioning China is tantamount to sanctioning the whole world. The EU
would be the first to object. China today is not what it used to be; it's no longer a country that anyone can threaten. The Zhang Ziwen
case was originally a very minor matter. The initial overreaction led to an uncontrollable situation;
perhaps it's not too late to tone it down now.

Three hours of emergency consultations yielded preliminary results. During this time, the US president received a constant stream of
information from outside the meeting. Key officials from the EU, ASEAN, and the African Union called, hoping the US would
remain calm on the matter. The newly appointed UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called, stating that the incident originated with the US and hoping the US could
rationally dispel misunderstandings and remain calm. This newly appointed Secretary-General, having only been in office for a few days, encountered such a
crisis between major powers and must have been lamenting his bad luck.

The US president also received a phone call with considerable influence. The call came from the mysterious and
low-profile . The Tang Dynasty's foreign minister declared that Mr. Zhang Ziwen had deep ties with the Tang Dynasty royal family and hoped
the US would consider the Tang Dynasty's reputation. He stated that the US's exposure of Mr. Zhang Ziwen's case to the world had already brought shame upon
the royal family , and the Tang Dynasty royal family strongly protested. If the US judiciary treated Mr. Zhang Ziwen's case unfairly,
the Tang Dynasty royal family would unite with royal families worldwide to condemn the US.

The Tang royal family's statement was by no means a threat. Royal families around the world are one family,
and conflicts between countries will not affect the friendship between royal families. As one of the most mysterious and noble royal families in Europe, the Tang royal family
's relationship with the British royal family alone is enough for the United States to consider. Blair's face can be ignored, but the British royal family's
face cannot be ignored. In the end, the US president received advice from the Tang royal family. This advice made the US president
realize that the way out had been paved for the US. If he didn't take the bait, there would be no way out. The US
president sighed inwardly that he had really chosen the wrong person to use Zhang Ziwen to cause trouble. How could this guy have such
a strong force behind him? The pressure from China and the royal family is something that the United States cannot withstand at present. Bush sighed again that being
a superpower is not so easy. The era

of going one's own way is over... There were only a few hours left before the court hearing. Zhang Ziwen, who had finished lunch, leaned back on the soft sofa,
smoking a cigarette and drinking fragrant tea. He looked very relaxed and didn't care much about the trial a few hours later.

"Hey...it's complete chaos outside, aren't you worried at all?" An Yun simply couldn't understand
why this guy acted like nothing was wrong.

"Let fate decide, what's the use of worrying?" Zhang Ziwen glanced at her lazily. He
didn't understand American law, nor did he want to. In his mind, reason prevailed everywhere. No matter how strange American law was, it could
n't overcome reason. He firmly believed in his innocence and had no intention of pleading guilty. Even if the American judicial system
insisted on its own way really threw him in jail, he didn't plan to stay there obediently. If he couldn't handle the lawsuit,
he could always escape. Zhang Ziwen really had nothing to worry about.

An Yun looked at him with her beautiful eyes and said, "You...did you already know what was going on?" The little girl knew
Zhang Ziwen somewhat; this guy definitely had his own plans.

Zhang Ziwen chuckled and said, "What do I know? I have the energy but nowhere to use it;
I can't even find ."

"Tch, I don't believe you. You think you have no way?" An Yun leaned closer, exhaling her fragrant breath. "Let me ask you, if
Madam doesn't help you, what are you going to do this time?"

"What can I do? I'll just accept whatever the court rules." Zhang Ziwen's heart skipped a beat. This girl was too
close; the rosy lips made him want to kiss her.

"Hehe...would you be that honest? I don't believe it. Tell me, so I won't worry so much." An Yun
giggled, her soft body nuzzling against him. She acted coquettishly, her curiosity temporarily setting aside her
grudge .

"You...are you really worried about me?" Zhang Ziwen sniffed; the close physical contact with the girl made him
feel very comfortable.

"Of course I'm worried about you, but..." An Yun bit her lip and said, "...Worrying about you is one thing,
hating you is another."

"Don't hate me, okay? I admit I wasn't fair to you that day, give me some time, okay?" Zhang Ziwen sat up
from his reclining position, looking at An Yun, hoping to use this opportunity to resolve An Yun's resentment towards him.

An Yun's heart skipped a beat. Was he implying something to her? She really wanted to hear more, but
stubbornly said, "...I don't want to hear you say this, it's annoying." An Yun was tough on the outside, but in her heart she kept
pleading, "Say it, keep going, you rascal, say something nice and I'll forgive you..."

Chapter 261 Shifting the Gaze, Unhappy and Speechless.

Sigh, this little girl's anger hasn't subsided yet, Zhang Ziwen sighed inwardly. Looking at An Yun's beautiful, watery eyes,
just as he was about to properly express his apology, there were two knocks on the lounge door. Then the door opened, and the noble
and beautiful Tang Ying walked in, a smile on her lips. She probably went out for a stroll and got some
good news.

Zhang Ziwen was overjoyed to see Tang Ying return, but An Yun felt a deep sense of regret. She had sensed that Zhang Ziwen would
confide in her later, but fate had other plans; Tang Ying had to return at this crucial moment.
A pang of regret shot through her. Hating this guy was exhausting, but until she heard his heartfelt confession,
she had to continue hating him, endure the exhaustion…

The television screen was still showing commentary on current events from various countries, with the focus now shifting to the United States'
stance . Zhang Ziwen's case was barely mentioned anymore, and no
spokesperson for the United States had yet appeared. The whole world was focused on the US, waiting…

“Madam, he… he won’t be in any trouble, will he?” An Yun asked worriedly after Tang Ying sat down,
but she couldn’t bring herself to say “brother.”

Tang Ying smiled and said, “Let’s change things completely. Your brother Wen will be fine; he might not even need to go to court
.”

"No need to go to court? Really?" An Yun's beautiful eyes shone with joy, while Zhang Ziwen, watching from the side, was
deeply moved.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it's true. It just depends on the attitude of the American judicial system." Tang Ying
nodded .

"Hey..." An Yun's expression was excited as she said sweetly to Zhang Ziwen, "That's great! Since Madam says
so , you'll definitely be fine."

Zhang Ziwen smiled. Tang Ying must have gotten some news during her trip. He didn't have much to say, so he
could only look at Tang Ying with gratitude. Just then, Tang Ying's beautiful eyes were also looking at him. Their eyes met,
and Tang Ying was the first to lose her composure. Her pink face flushed slightly, and her eyes looked away in slight panic.
A smile appeared in Zhang Ziwen's grateful eyes. The more she acted like this, the more it meant that she had feelings for him. It was truly all unspoken,
extremely subtle...

No one knew what the outcome would be, but the commentary on the television screen suddenly stopped, and
the news studio's live broadcast appeared. The hosts sat upright, and Zhang Ziwen and his two companions in the lounge
sensed an important news broadcast was about to begin. Their eyes were immediately drawn to the television screen.

Sure enough, the hosts first announced that they had
received . As for the US response, the hosts made several assumptions, and finally, with
one host expressing anticipation, the camera switched to the White House, the location of the US presidential residence.

The East Hall of the White House is the largest and most luxurious hall in the White House, approximately 24 meters long and 11 meters wide, capable of
accommodating 200 people. It features floor-to-ceiling curtains, gleaming oak floors, a giant crystal chandelier and candlesticks,
a mahogany piano with four golden eagles carved on its legs, and
a masterpiece by 18th-century painter Gilbert Stuart, a large full-length oil painting of Washington and his wife. This hall was once the venue
for . Today,
it is used for US presidential receptions, cultural performances, and press conferences. The fact that the speech was held in the opulent East Hall instead of the State Department, a departure from the usual
practice , suggests a less confrontational atmosphere. At this moment, the hall was filled with journalists from around the world,
all eager to know how the US would respond to its tough stance against China.

The US government, like China, has appointed a female spokesperson, Janet.
Boston , this spokesperson is speaking for the US government for the second time. His previous role is quite significant; he was
a renowned computer hacking investigator and even testified against the world's top military hacker, McKinnon.
His return to the US government as a former investigator is certainly intriguing.

Most of the reporters' questions concerned China's hardline stance and were extremely pointed. The
spokesperson listened with a smile, not rushing to answer any questions, until the reporters quieted down
. The spokesperson stated that the US government would respond appropriately to China's statement,
with the US President personally answering questions from the assembled journalists. Before that, the spokesperson
clarified several points regarding Zhang Ziwen's case. Regarding why Mr. Zhang's case has become so widely known, the spokesperson revealed a
major piece of news: the US judicial system was attacked by unidentified hackers, leading to
the leak and making the news of Mr. Zhang's trial in the US widely known. The true motives of the hackers
are under investigation. The US government stated that it is a country that respects human rights and would never infringe upon Mr. Zhang's privacy rights simply because he is a celebrity. The US government expressed regret and apology
for the global exposure of Mr. Zhang's case . The spokesperson's words immediately caused an uproar in the East Hall. A judicial system attacked by hackers? Isn't that a bit far-fetched? Isn't the cybersecurity of the judicial system too weak? If it can be so easily attacked by hackers, what security does the US have left? The spokesperson easily deflected the reporters' questions, stating that the US wasn't the only country targeted by hackers; major US institutions have been attacked by hackers worldwide multiple times, facing numerous malicious virus , making defense virtually impossible. This time, in addition to the judicial system, even the Pentagon was attacked. The US government had been keeping the news under wraps, but they hadn't anticipated that terrorists would exploit Mr. 's case. The spokesperson added that recently, the US Army's Washington Command computer network was completely paralyzed , and the mastermind behind it was the world's top military hacker, McKinnon. This serves as a cautionary tale; even the military's network was destroyed, let alone the judicial system being attacked by malicious actors. The US initially suspects this was the work of 9/11 masterminds , using it to sow discord between the US and China. The spokesperson urged countries, including China, to remain calm and not be misled by terrorist tactics. The spokesperson reiterated that, following this incident, the US will strengthen its network security measures to prevent exploitation by malicious actors. The spokesperson's composed remarks left the reporters with no choice but to believe him. It's a fact that the US government's networks have been repeatedly hacked, and the US government's suspicion that terrorist bases are responsible doesn't seem unfounded. Terrorists ' methods are ubiquitous, and not long ago, al-Qaeda boasted about carrying out a world-shaking attack. Could this be it? Using this incident to incite global leaders to join the fray? China's reaction has been extremely strong; even the slightest friction could trigger a nuclear war. Looking globally, besides Russia, only . Thankfully, this was a close call. The reporters all realized this possibility, and they probably all secretly understood. A flurry of whispers and minor commotion arose among the reporters as they began asking related questions, focusing on terrorism and cyber hacking, and speculating about the identity of the hackers who attacked the judicial system. The spokesperson, with a smile, evaded the questions, using diplomatic language such as "military secrets . The spokesperson wouldn't reveal more information, and their impatience was futile; they could only wait for the US president to provide further explanation. The television screen switched to the studio as the US government spokesperson left. The presenters exchanged glances, all conveying a sense of "I see," and their statements were largely consistent; no one mentioned it again.

The conversation, which had been about the US-China confrontation, unanimously shifted to the Granite Base in Afghanistan.
From snippets of conversation, they all revealed that the terrorist base's tactic was indeed despicable and malicious, even going so far as to use Mr. Zhang Ziwen
's case as a pretext. The hosts
recounted past terrorist attacks on the US, interspersed with commentary from counter-terrorism experts. The special on Mr. Zhang Ziwen's case seemed to have become
a counter-terrorism special. At the height of their discussions, the hosts' faces were filled with righteous indignation, involuntarily reminding
the global audience of the horrific atrocities of terrorism.

Was this indirect, guided conversation orchestrated by the US government?
The global audience watching the television program was unaware, as was Mr. Zhang Ziwen, who had been closely following the proceedings in the lounge.

"Madam, do you think it really was some kind of terrorist attack this time?" An Yun asked, voicing
the question Mr. Zhang had been wanting to ask.

Tang Ying smiled slightly and said, "Who knows? But the US government has already apologized for Xiao Wen's privacy being
violated . Maybe it was the work of hackers sent by terrorists."

"Then... will the hacking into the judicial system... have any impact on his case?"
An Yun wasn't too concerned about terrorists, but she was worried about Zhang Ziwen.

"It might have some impact." Tang Ying's lips curled into a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying.

"It will have an impact? Isn't that bad?" An Yun's beautiful eyes showed extreme worry.

"Don't overthink it. Maybe it's a good thing." Tang Ying smiled and comforted her, "You
care your Wen-ge. He's so lucky to have such a good sister like you." After saying that, Tang Ying gave
Zhang Ziwen a meaningful look.

Zhang Ziwen felt uneasy at that glance. Could she have figured out something between An Yun and him? He was considering
accepting An Yun. Zhang Ziwen felt a surge of anxiety. Tang Ying was too clever; he wasn't sure he could hide anything from her
. What would Tang Ying think if she knew there was another woman in her life?

An Yun understood the deeper meaning in Tang Ying's words. Her face flushed slightly, and she pouted, saying, "Madam
, don't talk nonsense. I don't have such a bad older brother. I'm not his sister, and he's never treated me
like . Humph, I don't have that kind of luck."

"Is that so? If you're not his sister, then what are you? And what does he consider you?" Tang Ying noticed An Yun's
slightly embarrassed expression and subtly provoked her.

"Ask him! Whatever he considers me is who I am." An Yun wasn't fooled. Tang Ying was clever, and she
was no less so, cleverly passing the hot potato to Zhang Ziwen.

"Oh my god, both beauties' eyes were fixed on Zhang Ziwen. He inwardly groaned, forcing an
awkward smile as he said, '...Why are you all looking at me like that?'

'Who else should we look at? Xiaoyun doesn't seem too happy with you as her older brother.' Tang Ying's beautiful eyes never left
Zhang Ziwen . She could sense something was off with An Yun and him; the girl was both concerned and hostile, a
ridiculous contradiction.

'This...this...' Zhang Ziwen hesitated for a moment before saying, 'I...I didn't say anything well the other day and
offended the girl. It's understandable that she's unhappy with me...it's all...my fault...' Zhang Ziwen spoke with
difficulty, carefully choosing his words.

Tang Ying watched him and asked softly, 'Did you offend Xiaoyun? Xiaoyun doesn't even acknowledge you as her older brother anymore
. What made her so angry?' After Tang Ying finished speaking, she glanced at An Yun out of the corner of her eye, noticing that An
Yun's attention was also on Zhang Ziwen, as if pondering his words."

"Is it a small matter?" Tang Ying's beautiful eyes were full of disbelief. She turned to An Yun and said, "Xiao Yun, tell me,
what did Xiao Wen do to you? Did he bully you? I'll stand up for you. If he really bullied you, I'll be on your
side ."

Hearing Tang Ying suddenly ask her, An Yun, who had been observing Zhang Ziwen's expression, was slightly taken aback and quickly looked away,
saying, "You... ask him. I can't bring myself to say he bullied me."

Something was wrong with the little girl. Tang Ying noticed a hint of panic in An Yun's eyes. This little girl's eyes were very expressive,
and this look couldn't escape the clever Tang Ying's notice. The more she acted like this, the more questions arose in Tang Ying's mind. She couldn't help but
think of Zhang Ziwen's past youthful and restless behavior. Could this little guy have done... done something...
inappropriate ? Thinking of this, Tang Ying's heart skipped a beat, and a feeling of unease washed over her.

Seeing Tang Ying's strange expression, Zhang Ziwen inwardly cursed and quickly said, "...You...you mustn't
...don't get the wrong idea." He stammered in his anxiety.

Chapter 262 Going with the Flow

"How...how did I get the wrong idea?" Tang Ying pressed, her face slightly flushed. Thinking of that transgression
, she still felt a little ashamed, but Zhang Ziwen's nervous words made her even more uncomfortable.

An Yun seemed to sense something and quickly said in a coquettish voice, "Oh...Madam, what...what are you thinking
? He...he didn't...do anything to me, Madam, please...don't ask, it's so embarrassing..."
…An Yun's face flushed crimson, as if she were truly embarrassed. Her beautiful eyes, filled with shyness and a hint of water, made her appear both bashful and reproachful,
turning something seemingly innocuous

into something more. "No way," Zhang Ziwen thought inwardly. "How did things turn out like this?" Zhang Ziwen didn't understand, but An
Yun's meaning was crystal clear: wasn't this just making things worse? Was this little girl planning to use this tactic against him?
This was something he couldn't easily explain away. Heavens, this was difficult to explain. Seeing Tang Ying's thoughtful expression,
Zhang Ziwen felt things were getting worse. Then, seeing the fleeting glint of cunning in An Yun's beautiful eyes, he felt
bitter. The little girl dared to admit it; he couldn't clear his name even if he jumped into the Yellow River, and crying out to heaven wouldn't help. He was at
a explaining seemed futile. Even his sister wasn't spared. Tang Ying must have thought that Zhang Ziwen, the lecherous wolf, was finished,
his image completely ruined.

Zhang Ziwen inwardly groaned. Before he could finish his groaning, he received Tang Ying's answer. She glared at him fiercely
, a hint of anger flashing in her beautiful eyes. This look was quite severe; Zhang Ziwen seemed to read
the punishment , a punishment he felt he couldn't handle. He could sense that Tang Ying was truly angry.

The lounge was silent. Zhang Ziwen couldn't argue. Tang Ying turned her beautiful face to the side, her
brows furrowed, seemingly lost in thought. An Yun, however, stared at Zhang Ziwen, her beautiful eyes filled with provocation and a
hint of smug gloating. She thought she was very clever to have dealt this guy such a heavy blow with such a small trick, able to verbally...
Seizing the opportunity in that split second, he was sure this guy would be in deep trouble. "Madam's angry! Humph, let's see
if you can protect Xiao Shu now!" An Yun's smugness was indescribable

. Zhang Ziwen was extremely frustrated. He knew very well that once it involved matters between men and women, as long as one of them
insisted there was something going on, and An Yun actually disregarded her own innocence to cause trouble, the matter was basically settled. Arguing and explaining
would only complicate things further. He was speechless; Zhang Ziwen had no way to deal with the woman before him.

The quiet atmosphere made Zhang Ziwen feel oppressed and uncomfortable. Just then, the scene on the television screen changed.
Out of concern for Zhang Ziwen, the two beauties temporarily put aside their worries and turned their attention to the television screen
. Zhang Ziwen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The brief silence in the lounge earlier had made him feel a little suffocated. An Yun's provocative gaze
didn't bother him; it was Tang Ying's silent, cold face that gave him an invisible pressure. Now, Tang Ying's
attention was focused on the news on television, and he felt slightly better…

From the conversation among the hosts in the studio, he could sense that the most crucial figure of the day was about to appear. The US
President was about to address the world; could his speech resolve the crisis of great power confrontation? Would Zhang Ziwen's court
trial continue? Viewers around the world watching on television were undoubtedly waiting.

However, the live broadcast didn't show the US President as expected. Instead, the camera switched to US Attorney
General Ashcroft. The Attorney General was very composed; upon
appearing , he immediately offered a formal apology for the exposure of Zhang Ziwen's case.
After condemning the hacking and the use of the incident by terrorist forces, the Attorney General announced important news: according to the
latest information received by the US Department of Justice, Mr. Zhang Ziwen enjoys British diplomatic immunity. The US Prosecutor's Office will withdraw
all charges against Mr. Zhang Ziwen and will extradite him back to the UK in the coming days. The case files will also be transferred to the UK
for processing, and the UK will inform the US Department of Justice of the final conclusions of the case.

The Attorney General's words caused an uproar among the reporters present, and Zhang Ziwen was also shocked.
He enjoyed British diplomatic immunity? He was completely bewildered. Zhang Ziwen looked at Tang Ying; she had deep
ties . She had helped him obtain British citizenship when he cleared Long San's identity. He suspected that she was
behind this as well. But wasn't Tang Ying's workload a bit too much?

Tang Ying understood the question in Zhang Ziwen's eyes and smiled slightly, saying, "No need to guess. Yes,
I helped you obtain British diplomatic immunity. However, this diplomatic immunity can only be obtained by special individuals. Time
was of the essence, and I only received a definite answer a few hours ago."

"Special individual?" Zhang Ziwen asked curiously, "Then what status has Britain given me now?"

Hearing his question, Tang Ying's smiling face turned cold: "You don't need to know that. It wouldn't have been a problem to reveal
my status to you, but I've changed my mind. After the extradition handover procedures are completed, I
plan to revoke your special status, so you don't need to ask any more questions."

A woman's mood can change faster than flipping through a book, and the noble and beautiful Tang Ying was no exception. Just now, her smile was sweet and
charming , but now it suddenly turned as cold as ice. Zhang Ziwen was a little taken aback, but Tang Ying's tone left no room
for him to continue asking questions. Zhang Ziwen didn't understand why she had suddenly become like this; his mind was filled with questions and
confusion.

Sitting to the side, An Yun's beautiful eyes gleamed with schadenfreude. She seemed to
understand why Tang Ying had turned on her. She was secretly delighted; this guy was finally going to pay a heavy price for hurting her.
While she felt a surge of pleasure, a vague unease crept in. She feared things would spiral out of control. She could imagine Zhang Ziwen's
reaction when he paid the price. A hint of fear crept in, but she quickly retorted defiantly, "Hmph,
who told you to be so heartless to me? I'm just a petty woman, narrow-minded, you scoundrel! You brought this on yourself. Don't blame me
later !" An Yun, feeling uneasy, tried to reassure herself…

The appearance of the US Attorney General had essentially brought the Zhang Ziwen case to a close. Now, the focus was on
how the US would respond to China's tough stance. The camera returned to the studio, where the hosts
discussed Zhang Ziwen's case and made some irrelevant speculations about his British diplomatic immunity.
In Zhang Ziwen's identity was already mysterious, and this sudden turn of events only added to that mystery.
This was no longer the hosts' concern; the paparazzi would have their own.

The hosts then shifted the topic to the US President's speech. Americans have always
enjoyed . In a relaxed atmosphere, the hosts revealed a humorous detail:
betting companies around the world had opened odds predicting the US President's speech, with payouts ranging from
1 to 5 for a tough stance to 10 for war. However, judging from the odds, the betting companies were optimistic
, believing that the US would not react to China's tough stance and would instead assess the situation carefully.
The United States is already overwhelmed by various international issues. With the withdrawal from Iraq seemingly a distant prospect,
engaging in conflict with a powerful China now would be digging its own grave.

After the host's lighthearted banter, the television screen returned to the White House, and the much-anticipated speech by
the US president was about to begin. The camera didn't switch to the East Room, but rather to the Oval Office, indicating
the president didn't intend to be bombarded by reporters in the East Room. This was perhaps for the best; a televised address should be
more direct, as the screen flickered. The president was now seated behind his large desk, looking
relaxed , and it was impossible to tell what surprising remarks he would make.

Without further ado, following the groundwork laid by the US government spokesperson and the formal apology from
the Department of Justice , the president went straight to the point. He first
expressed regret over the exposure of the Zhang Ziwen case, then abruptly condemned terrorists for using the Zhang Ziwen
case to cause widespread destruction, expressing outrage at this despicable act.

The US President expressed regret over the Chinese government's tough stance. Bush said
he understood the Chinese government's tough stance and highly appreciated the Chinese government's responsible attitude towards its citizens. He was pleased
to see the Chinese government's response on human rights, which fully demonstrated China's progress in human rights. He was also
pleased to see the Chinese government's efforts to improve human rights issues and was willing to work with the Chinese government to eliminate global
inequality and poverty and backwardness in developing countries.

The US president's televised address was somewhat unexpected. The US, which has always considered itself the sole superpower
and sometimes even disregards the UN Security Council in its arrogance, now adopted a more subdued stance, offering
a slight respite to global viewers. It seems this top US leader wasn't so reckless after all.

The televised address continued, with the president urging all governments to remain calm and not be
exploited by the despicable tactics of terrorists. Bush then shifted the focus,
pointing terrorism and extremism. He stated that the existence of terrorist extremists is what makes the world
uneasy, and that eliminating terrorists hiding in every corner of the world is a long and arduous task. The US government is willing to work with other
governments to eliminate terrorism and hopes that other governments will strengthen their resolve to eradicate it.
The president's impassioned speech successfully shifted the focus of the Zhang Ziwen case to terrorism. With counter-terrorism as the current US national policy, who wouldn't seize this opportunity to fan the flames? The US government will not hesitate to act in any way
that serves its national interests . As expected, the US president has made it clear that he will not confront or provoke friction due to the Chinese government's tough stance. Instead, he will shift global attention to terrorist forces. It is believed that the president's emphasis will once again drive a global anti-terrorism wave. The US president did not deliver a lengthy speech; his remarks were concise and to the point, and he stopped short of expressing his views. Television screens became lively again as analysis and commentary on the president's speech were quickly broadcast. Without the danger of nuclear war, international affairs commentators from around the world no longer held back, offering their opinions with great enthusiasm, each vying for the best. This time, the US did not confront the US as before, adopting a surprisingly moderate attitude. Some national leaders reacted quickly , going along with the flow. As an ally, Japanese Prime Minister Abe was the first to speak out, welcoming the president's remarks and hoping that the Chinese government could clear up any misunderstandings. Russian President Putin cautiously welcomed the president's remarks, stating his willingness to assist the US's global counter-terrorism strategy. British Prime Minister Blair gave the president's speech a high evaluation, expressing great appreciation and stating that Britain was willing to work with the US to contribute to the fight against terrorism. Australian Prime Minister John Howard, another US ally, acted as a smooth operator. Besides praising the US president's remarks , he also highly commended the Chinese government's responsible attitude towards its citizens. He stated that he was not worried at all about China and the US clearing up misunderstandings. Taking this opportunity, the Prime Minister reiterated Australia's reasons for exporting uranium to China , stating that China is a reasonable superpower that has been committed to domestic economic development in recent decades, making significant contributions to the world economy, from which Australia has also benefited. He is not worried that China will use the imported uranium for nuclear weapons development. China is a peacefully rising country, following a path , which Australia firmly believes in. It is believed that the Australian Prime Minister's remarks will likely secure billions of dollars in orders from China. Making speech and gaining some benefits without offending anyone demonstrates the Prime Minister's extremely skillful handling of the situation. With Australia as a model, other heads of state also expressed their appreciation and welcome for the US president's remarks, while not forgetting to affirm China's path of harmonious development. "Peaceful rise" became a common phrase among these leaders, and the "China threat" seemed to vanish in an instant. In this rapidly changing international landscape, choosing sides is a skill; it's a constant back-and-forth, each a master of showmanship, all trying to curry favor with two major powers: a militarily powerful developed country and the largest developing country . Both are formidable nations, and neither can be afforded to be offended. It wouldn't be the style of these super-politicians not to seize this opportunity to express their stance… (263) In this highly publicized event, the Chinese government, of course, would not remain silent. As the main figure in this drama, the capable female spokesperson once again appeared on television. The Chinese spokesperson expressed regret over the hacking incident and welcomed the US president's remarks. Since the misunderstanding had been clarified, China would not pursue the matter further. The Chinese government stated that it is a peace-loving country, and its path of harmonious development will never change. At the same time, the Chinese government expressed strong indignation at the despicable acts of terrorist forces and its willingness to work with the United States to eliminate terrorism. It also called on peace-loving countries around the world to join forces in the fight against terrorism to the very end! Restraint can solve everything. Both sides expressed their positions tactfully, and the crisis was thus averted, bringing peace to the world. Zhang Ziwen, the protagonist of this turmoil, was naturally unharmed. According to Tang Ying's explanation, the extradition was just a formality. The case file was transferred to the British side, and that was it. Zhang Ziwen didn't need to go to Britain at all. Tang Ying also revealed information that made Zhang Ziwen secretly happy. After this incident, the domestic military would no longer require him to return to the army. His file for restoring his military status had been transferred to the Zhonghai Municipal Archives Bureau. He would no longer have to bear the bad reputation of being discharged from the military. According to regulations, the Zhonghai Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau would also have to arrange a job for him. Most importantly, after his honor was restored, Zhang Ziwen had no political stains and could participate in politics. In other words , from the moment he was restored to military status, he could fully restore his normal citizenship. No news was as tangible as this. Although Zhang Ziwen felt a slight sense of loss , the stain was wiped away, his honor returned, and he would no longer carry the heavy burden of his past. Zhang Ziwen was overjoyed. As for the local job arrangement, he didn't need it at all. He was already satisfied as long as he could become a normal Chinese citizen . At least he would have a chance in the upcoming elections for the Zhonghai Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference , and maybe even become a member. Of course, he had no interest in participating in politics, but at this moment, Zhang Ziwen truly felt a sense of triumph. In any case, he could participate in various political activities , and only he, a former undocumented person, could truly understand the significance of this. Zhang Ziwen glanced gratefully at the beautiful and noble Tang Ying. All of this was thanks to her. Her abilities were beyond Zhang Ziwen's estimation. He didn't know how Tang Ying manipulated everything, and Tang Ying wouldn't tell him. In fact, it was indeed this incredibly capable and beautiful woman who orchestrated everything. When she used her connections to learn...

While the US was making a big fuss over Zhang Ziwen's case, her power machine was already in full swing.
She used the US government's motives for using the Zhang Ziwen case for propaganda to fuel the flames, secretly instructing the media to amplify
the hype. Even the usual US legal debates were orchestrated by her, escalating the situation to a point where
the US government couldn't control it. Simultaneously, she used her influence to contact members of the royal family
to speak out. Government leaders from various countries also made public appearances amidst the chaos, adding
fuel .

Tang Ying's plans unfolded one after another. She informed Britain of Zhang Ziwen's relationship with the Tang royal family and secured
their support. Initially, the British royal family hesitated to grant Zhang Ziwen diplomatic immunity, but after China's
strong statements, seeing the situation escalate to a confrontation between two major powers, they quickly issued the immunity, acting as a
mediator and allowing both powers a way to back down at the last minute.

When China took a hard line and the US government was deeply troubled, it received information deliberately leaked by Tang Ying.
Tang Ying exposed her assistance to Zhang Ziwen to the US intelligence agency, and the US president
also received a phone call from Tang Ying herself at a critical moment. The formal intervention of the Tang royal family demonstrated Zhang Ziwen's identity and background,
and also revealed Zhang Ziwen's newly obtained British diplomatic immunity to the US president. The trial of Zhang Ziwen
was already in a dilemma, and a guilty or innocent verdict seemed inappropriate. Now, the dispute
could . With this premise, the US president's advisors quickly came up with a way to divert attention
and cleverly shifted the focus to terrorists, turning a big problem into a small one, and a small problem into nothing. The storm was quickly quelled.

As a Chinese citizen, Zhang Ziwen's case prompted Tang Ying to immediately strengthen ties with China,
secretly exchanging information and sharing intelligence. Tang Ying also informed China of the US government's motives. As Tang Ying's
intelligence suggested, Zhang Ziwen's case quickly gained global attention. Concerning the citizen and national honor of its own country, the Chinese
government would not stand idly by. Furthermore, given the US's previous accusations against China's human rights record, the Chinese
government naturally seized this opportunity to give the US a subtle warning. The outcome was clear: China
had gained significant prestige, its reputation for prioritizing its citizens was further enhanced, and, more importantly, the crisis provided a clearer
understanding of the US government's bottom line – a highly profitable outcome.

Since both sides had cooperated, some face-saving was necessary. At Tang Ying's suggestion, the Chinese military abandoned its plan to reinstate
Zhang Ziwen . He was already a globally renowned figure, and returning to the military would be inappropriate.
Why not do him a favor? This not only resolved Zhang Ziwen's case but also relieved him of a major burden.

Tang Ying's series of actions can be described as quite perfect. There were no losers in this political game. China exerted pressure on
the United States , revealing its strength as a major power and making its policies of protecting its citizens and valuing human rights known to the world. Although the United States
failed in its declaration of freedom and democracy, it successfully sparked a global anti-terrorism movement, which
was much easier than the US president visiting numerous countries to lobby. The domestic problems of various governments were also diverted by this turmoil
, allowing them to catch their breath. Britain, on the other hand, gained a lot, becoming
a key , and its influence in international affairs will definitely increase significantly. In short, the world is happy, and everyone
has gained something. After this ordeal, Zhang Ziwen was the happiest. He had regained his freedom and his
clean normal identity. He had every reason to be happy, and the two beauties
were genuinely happy to see his silly, blissful expression. Lately, he hadn't seemed relaxed, appearing preoccupied.
Seeing his sunny and cheerful side now, Tang Ying and An Yun even felt an urge to snuggle into his arms. They both
knew that he truly needed a gentle, warm embrace; he needed his loved ones
to share this immense joy with him. But all of this could only remain in their hearts. Restraint and their lingering worries kept the two beauties
smiling as they watched him, a small regret indeed…

Escorted by numerous bodyguards, Zhang Ziwen and the two beauties returned to the villa. The area around the villa had already been
cordoned off by local police and Tang Ying's men. Even the airspace above the villa was designated a no-fly zone by the US security services.
With these tight precautions, Zhang Ziwen didn't need to worry about being harassed by the media.

A woman sat on the sofa in the living room. Upon seeing Zhang Ziwen enter,
a sweet , and she flew towards him like a little bird. Zhang Ziwen could hardly believe his eyes.
Was he seeing things? How could she be in Tang Ying's villa? Song Lin, Song Lin who had confessed her love to the whole world! Zhang
Ziwen 's heart pounded with joy. His arms involuntarily opened to welcome the beauty who flew into his embrace
.

Her intoxicating fragrance filled the air, and her body was as soft as jade in his arms. In a warm embrace, the long-separated couple held each other
tightly; words were superfluous. This deep embrace was enough to prove their profound affection. Their hearts
beat in unison, and their love sublimated and exploded at this moment. He and she needed no
one ; no one could separate the tightly embracing couple. Tang Ying and An Yun, standing quietly to the side, their
beautiful eyes glistening with tears, could feel the deep love between them. They
saw wrong with their affection, and no one thought Zhang Ziwen was unfaithful. At this moment, they
wouldn't disturb this most beautiful love in the world…

Zhang Ziwen finally enjoyed a warm family dinner. Tang Ying, An Yun, and now Song
Lin—after so long in America, Zhang Ziwen finally felt the warmth and family
atmosphere in this villa. No one ignored him, no one argued with him. The oppression and torment he had felt in the villa in recent days vanished.
The three beauties chatted and laughed, sincerely wishing Zhang Ziwen a safe passage through imprisonment.

Dinner was sumptuous. To celebrate Zhang Ziwen's miraculous escape from danger, red wine was naturally indispensable. Tang Ying's treasured
red wine was something most people could never afford. The wine was sweet and mellow, but Zhang Ziwen couldn't discern anything special about it. However
, Song Lin, who had a deep understanding of red wine, recognized it as a royal treasure. She was slightly surprised because she could tell that the wine's vintage and brand
came from the first generation of the church's winemaking, and there were no more than 20 bottles in the world. As far as she knew, these 20 bottles were treasured in
several prestigious royal families in Europe, and even the world's top billionaires were not qualified to see them. Observing Tang Ying's words and actions,
Song Lin, with a woman's intuition, already sensed that Tang Ying's identity was different from ordinary people.

The atmosphere at dinner was warm and cozy. An Yun seemed to have forgotten her grudge against Zhang Ziwen, smiling
broadly as she kept him company. She even poured him red wine. It's hard to resist the kindness of a beautiful woman, and Zhang Ziwen, seeing her irresistibly
sweet smile, completely forgot about her framing and slander. He
truly wished An Yun could stay this adorable forever.

Even with three beautiful women by his side, Zhang Ziwen still felt something was missing. He quickly realized why:
his family in Zhonghai was absent. He had already called to let them know he was safe, and the women at home had been
watching the case closely on television. They were constantly worried about Zhang Ziwen in America, missing
him and hoping for his early return home.

Once he thought of his family in Zhonghai, Zhang Ziwen longed to fly back. He missed his dear
sister, the gentle Tang Shu, and the little lioness who tugged at his heartstrings. Overwhelmed with homesickness, he put down his wine glass and
looked at Tang Ying, softly saying, "I... I want to go back to Zhonghai tomorrow."

"Go back tomorrow? So soon?" Tang Ying was slightly taken aback.

"Yes, I really want to go back to my home in Zhonghai, and I really want to reunite with my sister and the others as soon as possible." Zhang Ziwen nodded.

An Yun, upon hearing this, also nodded and said, "Madam, I also want to go back to Zhonghai. I miss Sister Li and
the others so much."

Tang Ying hesitated slightly and said, "Can't... you stay a few more days?" Her words seemed to reveal a hint of
reluctance .

Zhang Ziwen could tell that he was still very reluctant to leave the beautiful Tang Ying, but at this moment, he really wanted to
reunite with his family thousands of miles away. If he had to choose now, he would choose to return to his family.
Because he knew that the women in his family missed him no less than he did.

He loved Tang Ying, and leaving her was not what he truly wanted, but family always came first. Zhang Ziwen's mind was
made up. He said softly, "Things in America are over. I can't stay any longer. My family has worried about me for so many days;
I don't want them to worry about me anymore." Zhang Ziwen looked at Tang Ying with a hopeful expression and said, "Why don't you...
come back to Zhonghai with me this time? I really want to see you too."

Tang Ying glanced at him and gently shook her head, saying, "I... can't leave. I still have some things to
take care of." Tang Ying sighed and continued, "You said earlier that you were worried about your family worrying about you. I'm really glad
you said that. It's good that you think of your family. I hope you will always remember them in the future... But... I
really want you to stay a little longer..." An inscrutable look flashed across Tang Ying's beautiful eyes; she seemed to
have something on her mind.

"...Stay a little longer?" Zhang Ziwen sensed that something was wrong with Tang Ying's tone and asked, "Isn't my
business finished yet? Didn't you say my case has been transferred to England?" Unable to go home, Zhang Ziwen
felt a sense of anxiety.

"Madam, is Wen-ge still in trouble?" Song Lin, who had been quiet all along, showed a hint of nervousness in her beautiful eyes. In her
heart, Zhang Ziwen was her biggest concern.

"He won't have any more trouble, will he? Shouldn't this matter be over?" An Yun, standing beside her, also became worried.

"I...that's not what I meant." Tang Ying smiled slightly at the two beautiful women and said, "Don't
worry, I didn't mean Ziwen is in trouble. I meant I...I hope he stays..."

(Chapter 264, Under a Thin Silk Blanket) "It's you, Madam?" Song Lin and An Yun exclaimed simultaneously, somewhat surprised and a little
awkward . Tang Ying was a great beauty; if she spoke, how could this lecherous man not
stay? But for Tang Ying, keeping Zhang Ziwen seemed a bit inappropriate.

An Yun and Song Lin felt an indescribable awkwardness, while Zhang Ziwen's heart pounded. Could it be? Given Tang Ying
's personality, even if she had feelings for him, she wouldn't say it in public. What did she mean by trying to keep him?
Zhang Ziwen didn't believe her, but he couldn't ask her directly at this moment. He waited expectantly for Tang Ying to continue,
hoping she would speak up boldly.

Tang Ying noticed the surprised looks on the three men's faces, each with their own thoughts. It was too direct; she could see what they were thinking.
A blush crept onto her beautiful face, making her incredibly radiant. However, she couldn't explain that the three men were mistaken; explaining
would only have the opposite effect, as if it made it seem like she had something to do with him.

Suppressing her slight embarrassment, Tang Ying forced herself to remain calm and said softly, "...It's...it's
something need Ziwen's help with. After he helps me, he can go back to Zhonghai, but...if Ziwen is in a hurry to go home
...I won't force him."

"Since Sister Ying has something to do, I'll stay. Just let me know if you need anything," Zhang Ziwen said readily. This
was no question; he would do anything for her, even go through fire and water.

It turned out she needed Zhang Ziwen's help. An Yun and Song Lin blushed slightly, both embarrassed by
their . Zhang Ziwen, however, felt a pang of disappointment. He hadn't heard
the words he so desperately wanted to hear. Disappointed as he was, Tang Ying had spoken, so there was nothing more to say.

"Don't rush to agree. Really, you want to go back to Zhonghai tomorrow. I'll have someone book your ticket right away.
Don't force yourself," Tang Ying said softly, her beautiful eyes not even glancing at him. She already knew Zhang Ziwen was
a fish in her grasp, but with An Yun and Song Lin present, she had to use the tactic of playing hard to get.

Tang Ying's affectation worked on Zhang Ziwen, who quickly reassured her, "You're being
too polite. You've helped me so much. How can I just go back like this? Just tell me
what you need my help with." Zhang Ziwen wanted nothing more than to give her his heart, not only because he deeply loved her,
but also because she had given him a second life. Now that she had this opportunity to repay him, she wasn't about to miss it.

"Then thank you in advance," Tang Ying said with a slight smile. "Actually,
it's not a big deal. I'm going to Australia tomorrow on some business. I want to go secretly, so it's inconvenient
to bring a bodyguard. But I'm worried about my safety going alone. Ziwen, you're quite capable, so I'd like to ask you to come with me."
Tang Ying blushed slightly after speaking. If she didn't have other purposes, she wouldn't want to go with Zhang Ziwen.
Bringing him along would be like bringing a hungry wolf.

"You mean to be your personal bodyguard?" Zhang Ziwen chuckled and said with a smile, "No problem. I'm
very experienced in this job, you can be

sure you've chosen me."

After Zhang Ziwen finished speaking, he glanced at Song Lin. Just then, Song Lin, as if by telepathy, turned her gaze to him. In that instant,
their eyes met, and a thousand memories flooded their minds. Their hearts warmed, filled with boundless tenderness.
Their tender gazes met, an unbreakable bond. Song Lin was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. Zhang Ziwen had nearly died when he acted
as her bodyguard. Before that, she had harbored feelings for him, but with Tang Shu
in the picture, she could only keep her love hidden. All she could do was give her precious virginity to
the man she admired, asking for nothing more. But during the film festival opening ceremony, on the red carpet, Zhang Ziwen's
focused expression as he ran alongside the car to protect her deeply moved her. This moment of emotion made Song Lin fall head over heels
in love with him. Deep in her heart, she firmly believed that Zhang Ziwen was the man she could entrust her life to.
She didn't care how many women were around him; loving him included loving the women around him. At that moment, her
thoughts were that simple. She was willing to put aside her status as a big star and move into his home, using her gentle side to win the favor of the women

around him . Her only goal was to be with the man she loved forever. Song Lin was filled with tenderness, and Zhang Ziwen felt the same way. Her beautiful eyes conveyed endless longing and love . Recalling the time when she was in danger at the bank and he had pinned her down, it felt like it had happened just yesterday. From the day he met her, he felt that there was an invisible, subtle emotional connection between them. She had discovered his secret, and later she had completely exposed her privacy to him during a phone call, sharing their shared secrets. Recalling that thrilling and captivating moment, Zhang Ziwen's heart pounded uncontrollably. She was so bold back then, completely abandoning her innocent image. But it was precisely because of her straightforwardness that he could never forget her. After that, when he learned that her life was in danger, he was more concerned than anyone else. He was willing to risk his own life to protect . It was at that moment that he realized his true feelings for her. He had her in his heart, and she was worth protecting with his life. He did it, and he gave up most of his life for her... When a man and a woman are immersed in memories and love, time seems to stand still. The eye contact between Zhang Ziwen and Song Lin seemed to have an invisible pull. This space seemed to consist only of him and her, and everything outside was blank, not to mention that there were two beautiful women sitting beside them. They forgot, completely forgot. Tang Ying and An Yun watched with envy. This guy's story with the big star was known , having moved countless television viewers. Now, the couple was so deeply in love, they seemed to have forgotten the two other beautiful women beside them. It was clear how powerful the magic of love was. However, the couple 's eye contact seemed to linger a little too long, which annoyed An Yun. She was heartbroken , and this couple, oblivious to time and space, was provoking her. The fact that the young girl hadn't immediately interrupted their deep gaze was already a great favor; she didn't want to be a third wheel any longer. An Yun pouted, a hint of sourness in her voice, and said, "Hey…do you two think my wife and I don't exist?" The young girl's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to snap the couple out of their reverie. Zhang Ziwen and Song Lin simultaneously realized their mistake—they'd lost their composure! A blush crept onto their faces, their expressions a mixture of embarrassment and awkwardness. Zhang Ziwen glanced at Tang Ying, but her beautiful eyes were looking elsewhere. His expression was calm, seemingly oblivious to what An Yun said, and it was impossible to discern her thoughts... The matter was settled. Zhang Ziwen would once again play the role of bodyguard, only this time protecting the noble Tang Ying instead of the famous actress Song Lin. Men have a natural instinct to protect women, and Zhang Ziwen was quite happy with this role. Song Lin would be staying in the United States for about a week, returning directly to China after filming her scenes there. The final scenes would be filmed in Zhonghai, where she could stay at her home. After Zhang Ziwen finished his business with Tang Ying, he would fly directly from Australia back to Zhonghai to reunite with his family. An Yun had wanted to join them in Australia, but Tang Ying had already stipulated that it would be a secret trip just for her and Zhang Ziwen. She had no choice but to politely decline Tang Ying's offer to stay at the villa and would fly back to Zhonghai tomorrow... Tonight was a difficult night. Back in his room, Zhang Ziwen couldn't fall asleep. Waiting, having not , he waited for the perfect moment to sneak into Song Lin's room. He believed that Song Lin would be waiting for his tenderness tonight. The look in Song Lin's eyes before she left for her room clearly told him that she would leave the door open for him. Her expression was direct and bold. Zhang Ziwen could not resist this sensual temptation. Time dragged on. Zhang Ziwen was like an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth in the room, glancing at the clock every now and then. Time was passing too slowly... It was late at night. Tang Ying and An Yun must be asleep by now. By this time, Zhang Ziwen could no longer resist. He began to act. He was very familiar with the villa. When he reached An Yun's room, Zhang Ziwen was secretly pleased. The little girl's door was tightly closed. She must be fast asleep right now. He didn't have to worry about the little girl causing trouble. Zhang Ziwen moved nimbly and nimbly, easily dodging the corridor surveillance cameras. His movements were fluid and graceful. He accurately reached Song Lin's door. As his hand lightly touched the doorknob, he sighed inexplicably. Sleeping with his own woman felt like being a thief, a womanizer at that. It was absurd. It seemed he really was suited to be a womanizer. Zhang Ziwen gave a self-deprecating smile. He made a move, gently turning the doorknob. Sure enough, it wasn't locked. The door opened a crack. A woman's room smelled wonderful. A warm, fragrant scent wafted through the crack, stimulating Zhang Ziwen's desire. Zhang Ziwen's figure flashed past the door, disappearing in a flash. He entered the room silently. Although it was late, he was cautious. With An Yun, that troublemaker, around, it wouldn't be good if she sleepwalked or something. He had to be careful; he didn't want to be disturbed during his passionate moment. With a soft click, Zhang Ziwen locked the door. Now he wasn't afraid of anyone interrupting his good time. Passing through the small living room, the bedroom was pitch black. Even with his eyes strained, Zhang Ziwen couldn't see the bed clearly. Song Lin always liked to sleep with a bedside lamp on, a habit Zhang Ziwen knew. The lamp wasn't on ; was she shy? Zhang Ziwen didn't care about her shyness. He quickly finished cleaning himself up and climbed onto the bed naked. The bed sank under his weight. Then, Zhang Ziwen felt a great sense of unease. Damn, it seemed there was more than one person in bed? He touched the gap between the two people. Before the ominous feeling could even register, Zhang...

Ziwen's eyes lit up as a soft light filled the room. At the same time, two soft cries rang out, leaving Zhang Ziwen
momentarily stunned...

The soft light was enough for him to clearly see the two people on the bed, and for them to see him as well .
Embarrassing, he was completely naked. He could see the panicked looks in the eyes of the two beauties. Song Lin's panic
flashed briefly, followed by a hint of helplessness. She knew Zhang Ziwen would sneak in tonight, but
looking at his naked body, she felt he was too reckless and too eager. His style seemed to have changed, no longer as gentlemanly
as before . Song Lin's heart pounded with excitement, a little embarrassed, because she had clearly seen his exposed private
parts.

The other one, however, was An Yun, who was giving Zhang Ziwen a real headache. The place her beautiful eyes were looking at was even more troubling—his
private parts. Her face was flushed, her eyes filled with panicked shyness. At that moment, Zhang Ziwen's
lust , and that indecent area was truly grotesque. She was terrified and even forgot to close her eyes,
her gaze unfocused.

His privacy had been completely seen by two fragrant beauties. Zhang Ziwen inwardly groaned, but dared not delay.
Amidst the suppressed moans of the two beauties, he had already shrunk his entire body into the fragrant blankets. To make matters worse
, he could feel the smooth skin of the two beauties on either side of his naked body; judging by his senses, they didn't seem to
be wearing much.

The sensation of skin rubbing against skin hadn't subsided, and the two beauties dared not move an inch. The thin quilt was already narrow,
and with Zhang Ziwen crawling in, the three of them were crammed into one thin blanket, which was clearly not enough to cover them. The two beauties could only
press their bodies tightly against him to avoid exposing themselves. The two beauties were only wearing transparent panties, their upper bodies
completely exposed, and neither of them wanted to reveal their private parts. It was better to be close to him than to be seen by him. As for
whether naked or not, the two beauties no longer had time to consider it...

Now, the three youthful and hot bodies were squeezed together, skin rubbing against skin, hearts beating faster, and a strange
electric sensation quickly flowed through their bodies. The bedroom was very quiet, and no one dared to make a sound or move. They
just remained in this stalemate, enduring the torment, persevering...

The most frustrated one was Zhang Ziwen. He was no longer surprised that An
Yun was probably deliberately causing trouble. Now he finally understood what she
meant by the mischievous smile she gave him before leaving her room. So this girl noticed the ambiguous glances he exchanged with Song Lin. Damn, this little brat really knows how to cause trouble.
Now look what happened, she's dragged me into this too! While Zhang Ziwen was annoyed, a mischievous schadenfreude crept into his heart
. He moved closer to An Yun's smooth body, their already pressed skin becoming even more intimate
…

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