MTLNOVEL Chapter 95: I Will Lead You Out of Here
Shu remained silent for a long time. Kiana, worried he might be having another episode, turned to see him lost in thought, fists clenched.
One furrowed brow, a moment of contemplation, and then—sudden realization!
It's happening! Is Shu about to unleash his hidden power?!
Kiana hadn't forgotten the strange glint she'd seen in Shu's eyes back in Nagazora City. It was a color she would never forget, the most beautiful she'd ever seen!
"Shu, you finally…" Kiana whispered, barely containing her excitement as she leaned closer.
He's just thinking; I shouldn't jump to conclusions… but I can't help it! What kind of hidden power does Shu have?
"Yes… I finally…" Shu was also filled with emotion. He'd witnessed so much helplessness, so many tragedies unfold, been chased and hunted time and again…
Finally, I've grasped the power to protect others, to protect myself. This is truly… wait, what the hell are you talking about, Kiana?!
Shu turned to Kiana, his eyes wide with shock, as if trying to figure out what she'd seen that made her think he'd changed.
Was I showing off? Or is the change really that obvious? Even Kiana could tell?
But the moment Shu turned, Kiana, who had been intently watching him, caught the fleeting flash of pink in his eyes.
It's real! What I saw that day wasn't my imagination!
Shu, you really do have a hidden power!
Kiana's eyes lit up, shining so brightly that Shu averted his gaze. Where does she get all this enthusiasm?!
Seeing Shu's shocked expression, followed by his averted gaze…
Hmph, busted! You can't hide from Kiana "Holmes" Kaslana!
Kiana placed her hands on her hips, a smug grin spreading across her face. "I get it, I get it. Hehe."
No, you get nothing! Shu was certain she had it all wrong.
But he didn't bother explaining, not out of aloofness, but because Bronya's earlier "this isn't a brothel" comment had left him scarred.
What if I'M the one who's wrong?
Shu clenched his fists, then patted his waist, suddenly feeling less confident about his newfound power.
"Mei," he said, turning to her and beckoning with a curled finger.
Mei: "?"
She stared blankly at Shu, his bent posture and beckoning finger reminding her of Kiana in their early days of acquaintance.
*[Flashback: Kiana leans against Mei, beckoning with a finger. "Heeey, Miss Mei, care to join me for dinner?"
Mei: "..." bonk (Kiana receives a swift chop to the head)
Kiana, already a master of playing it cool at the tender age of fifteen: "Sorry, I shouldn't have read that… *'100 Ways to Pick Up Chicks in the Far East'…"]
Could it be…
No, Shu must have some… deeper meaning.
Mei pondered for a moment. Bronya silently produced Shu's gun, offering it to him.
Shu's eyes lit up. He quickly took the gun, giving it a few affectionate strokes before discreetly tucking it into his waistband.
Bronya withdrew her hand, then stared at Mei with a blank, innocent expression.
Mei: "..."
This she couldn't tolerate. She reached out, pinching Bronya's cheeks as punishment for her silent mockery.
"Oof… Big Sister Mei, I'm sowwy…" Bronya didn't resist, just mumbled an apology.
Kiana: "..." Suddenly, I'm not sure who to be jealous of…
Shu: "?" He couldn't understand this little drama. Clearly a play for four, yet I'm left out…
"Whatever…" Shu sighed, then straightened up, scanning the crowd for their leader. He frowned. "Mei, where's Yun Feng? And the men who were with him…?"
Mei paused, then silently glanced towards the back.
Shu understood. A headache formed, but thankfully, he spotted Liu Zhuohua, Yun Mengxi, and Chen Shicheng at the front of the group.
"Let's go. We shouldn't stay here." Shu glanced at the people sheltered in the center, suddenly feeling the weight of responsibility like never before.
"Hey!" Kiana flexed her arms. "This young lady doesn't need protection!"
Mei and Bronya exchanged a look, a shared determination hardening their gazes.
They moved out of the center, drawing curious stares as Shu led them to the front.
"Hmm?" Chen Shicheng, his face grim, turned at the sound of their approach. Seeing Shu, his expression softened slightly.
"Is something the matter?"
Yun Feng had instructed him to defer to Shu if any questions arose. If unsure, follow Shu's lead. But Shu's earlier collapse had made Chen Shicheng skeptical of his capabilities.
What can this guy even do?
Despite his doubts, Chen Shicheng maintained a respectful demeanor, his words sincere. This was Yun Feng's order… and he'd never disobeyed him.
"Is there a problem? Or… do you have a plan for what we do next?" Chen Shicheng asked, a hint of hope in his voice.
He had no clear destination in mind. The only advantage was the clear path from the front entrance, allowing for an easier start.
But that's not good news. Chen Shicheng thought grimly, his hope dwindling.
Shu didn't answer immediately. He turned to look at the large group behind them.
Standing at the front, he could see a variety of faces.
Chen Shicheng's words had broken the earlier silence.
The middle-aged worker from before, pale-faced office workers, disheveled but resilient young people, exhausted mothers, and bewildered children…
Strong young men and women formed the outer ring, younger women and middle-aged men and women in the middle, children and mothers at the very center.
All eyes were on him and Chen Shicheng, waiting for a plan, a sense of security.
Shu took a deep breath, feeling a surge of power he'd never experienced before.
He looked at them, his voice solemn.
"Everyone, I intend to lead you out of Shanghai City. Are you willing to follow me?"