boyutpedia Chapter 471 A Gamble of Life and Death
Chapter 471 A Gamble of Life and Death
"I know what you're thinking." Zheng Yaoxian's voice sounded again, with a hint of calmness. "You are now beginning to doubt yourself, doubt everything, and doubt every decision you make. But you must know, Su Ming, no matter how you struggle or how you resist, you cannot change your fate."
"Destiny?" Su Ming's voice was low and hoarse. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
Zheng Yaoxian was silent for a moment, as if pondering his response. "I've never forced you to do anything," he said, a hint of sneer in his tone. "You've made every step very clear, but you just don't want to face it. You can choose to refuse, but you'll understand the price of refusal."
A chill ran through Su Ming's heart. He knew Zheng Yaoxian wasn't threatening him, but speaking the truth. Every time he tried to escape, to shirk these missions, a greater crisis would always await him. And these crises never truly disappeared. No matter his choice, the ultimate outcome seemed predetermined.
"You're right." Su Ming suddenly smiled, a smile that was somewhat bitter. "I've never truly made a choice. Everything was arranged by you." He paused, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. "But now, I've decided to face it."
Zheng Yaoxian nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised. "You finally understand," he said, a hint of relief in his tone. "You've never been a passive pawn, it's just that you haven't awakened yet. Now, you've seen your true power."
Su Ming took a deep breath, his gaze determined. He knew there was no turning back. No matter how he had struggled in the past, no matter how he had tried to escape, he could no longer feign ignorance. He had to face this world, face Zheng Yaoxian, and face the truth hidden behind it.
"You said I could turn the situation around." Su Ming's tone became calmer. "Well, I have to start making a choice now."
Zheng Yaoxian remained silent, merely watching him silently, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. Su Ming knew that at this moment, he was no longer the young man groping in the darkness, but a true warrior, an awakened being.
Su Ming's heartbeat gradually calmed, yet a complex web of emotions still surged through his mind. Zheng Yaoxian's words were like a sharp knife, slicing through the fog within him and revealing the truth hidden deep within. Everything seemed to be controlled by some invisible hand, a web from which even he himself could not escape. However, the more he thought about it, the more he realized that there was no escape.
He took a deep breath, his gaze gradually firming. Although his heart was still churning, he knew he could no longer hesitate or stand still. Now that he had realized the truth of all this, his next choice would determine his future.
"Are you really going to negotiate with them?" Zheng Yaoxian's voice came again, with a barely perceptible hint of coldness.
Su Ming didn't answer immediately, instead looking down at his hands. With every mission, every action, he could feel that invisible pressure. Whenever he tried to change, someone would remind him, telling him that the situation was beyond his control. Yet, deep down, that voice kept urging him forward.
"Yes." He finally raised his head and looked directly at Zheng Yaoxian, his tone calm and firm, "I'm going to negotiate with them."
Zheng Yaoxian's eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "Do you know what you're doing? Negotiating? Do you think they'll accept your proposal?"
Su Ming's lips curled up slightly, a bitter smile on his face. "I know they don't want to, but if we don't try, we'll never be able to change the status quo."
Zheng Yaoxian was silent for a moment, as if considering Su Ming's words. His gaze lingered on Su Ming's face for a moment, as if trying to discern his inner thoughts. Finally, he shook his head gently. "You know, this decision won't be that simple. You're not a diplomat; you've never received this kind of training. Besides, you know their bottom line; you know their attitude has always been clear."
Su Ming's heart sank. Zheng Yaoxian was right. He had received no formal negotiation training and knew almost nothing about it. Yet, precisely because of this, he was even more determined to try. He had been exploited by this organization for too long, their trap left him with no escape. He no longer wanted to be a pawn being led around by the nose. He wanted to change everything, even if it was just a glimmer of hope.
"I understand." Su Ming's tone remained unchanged. "But if I don't try, I'll never know the outcome. I no longer have any choice."
Zheng Yaoxian's gaze grew deep, as if he were pondering something. "You know how risky this negotiation is. If it fails, not only you but also everyone around you will be implicated."
Su Ming's heart skipped a beat. He knew Zheng Yaoxian was right. Every action, every decision, was fraught with risk. But he had no way out. Past missions had gradually robbed him of control of his fate. Now, he wanted to fight for another chance.
"I know." Su Ming's voice became low, with a hint of determination, "But if I don't go, I will never be able to change anything. Even if I fail, I'd rather have tried."
Zheng Yaoxian was silent for a moment, as if considering whether to stop him. But in the end, he sighed softly. "Well, if you insist, then go ahead. But you must understand that this is not just a negotiation. It's a gamble, a gamble that concerns your life and death."
Su Ming's eyes became more determined. "I understand."
He turned and prepared to leave. Every step felt like treading on a knife's edge, without a trace of hesitation. Zheng Yaoxian's warning still echoed in his ears, but he knew that nothing could be changed. No matter what the outcome, he had to go on.
The moment he walked out the door, Su Ming took a deep breath. The air outside was cool, and the night breeze blew across his face, bringing a hint of coolness. Everything around him seemed unusually quiet, as if the entire world was waiting for him to make a decision.
He didn't look back. He knew that no matter what, this step was irreversible. Whether he succeeded or failed, this negotiation would change his life.