Invasion of the United States

His gaze swept over everyone at the dining table, finally resting on Julia and her daughter, eyes filled with tenderness.

Dinner proceeded in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Monica suddenly interjected, "Victor, what have you been busy with lately? Any chance for me to get involved?"

There was a hint of provocation in her tone, her eyes fixed intently on Zhou Qingfeng. Everyone present keenly sensed something amiss between the two, their eyes darting back and forth, trying to gather some inside information.

Zhou Qingfeng suppressed his displeasure and responded with a calm smile, "Monica, your duty is to ensure everyone's safety. It's best not to bother with other matters."

Monica shrugged, smiling indifferently, "I owe you an apology; I didn't know much about you before, leading to some misunderstandings.

If there's anything you need help with, just let me know. I'm willing to make some effort to show my sincerity."

Zhou Qingfeng didn't take her words to heart internally, but he maintained a smile outwardly. He neither declined nor made any perfunctory remarks; instead, he proactively said:

"Thank you for your candor. I do have some troubles that need assistance, let's discuss after dinner."

It seemed this grudge was settled, or at least temporarily shelved by both parties.

-----------------

After dinner, Kongges walked to the balcony alone, gazing at the distant night scene and taking a deep breath.

Zhou Qingfeng followed, standing side by side with him, comforting, "Don't worry, you won't go to prison again. Everything will be fine."

Kongges looked at the younger man who was shorter than him, and said softly, "Thank you, Victor.

If it weren't for you, I couldn't have saved Julia and her daughter. If that were the case, I would suffer lifelong pain even if I lived."

Zhou Qingfeng smiled, "I'm your daughter's boyfriend and also cared for by Julia, so I have the responsibility to save them."

Kongges was silent for a moment, then glanced back and asked doubtfully, "Your three bodyguards... especially the woman..."

Zhou Qingfeng gently shook his head, whispering, "Those three aren't my people. They are not only bodyguards but also monitors.

For now, we are cooperating, but who knows about the future."

"Oh..." Kongges seemed half-understanding, but Zhou Qingfeng didn't continue, and he didn't ask further, only keeping a guard in his heart.

-----------------

As the night deepened, the wind on the balcony carried a hint of coolness, dissipating the dinner's clamor.

Zhou Qingfeng leaned against the railing, looking at the city's lights, lost in thought. Soft footsteps sounded behind him, it was Jeff Connally.

The man held a glass of whiskey, his face carrying a cryptic smile, clearly having something to say.

"Victor, can we talk?" Jeff approached, his voice lowered, his eyes meaningful.

Zhou Qingfeng nodded, motioning him to continue. Jeff glanced towards the living room, then stepped closer, whispering:

"How did you manage to get Governor Weston? Don't tell me you did nothing, I wouldn't believe it."

Zhou Qingfeng shook his head with a bitter smile, "I didn't get him, someone got me. That was unexpected for me too."

Jeff wasn't satisfied with this answer. He took a sip of whiskey and pressed on, "That Monica, what's her background?

She seemed quite assertive at the dinner table, not like an ordinary bodyguard. I feel she is much higher ranked than those other two silent bodyguards."

Zhou Qingfeng weighed how much to divulge. Finally, he replied softly, "She's from the Department of Homeland Security. As for specifics, I'm unclear."

Jeff couldn't help but click his tongue, his expression pained, "Department of Homeland Security? Victor, you've really stepped into muddy waters.

Congratulations, you've officially had contact with the United States' 'Deep State.'

These people are like Ancient Gods in the Cthulhu Mythos, unapproachable, unviewable, and unchallenged. Be careful, don't get yourself entangled."

Zhou Qingfeng didn't respond, his gaze deeply fixed on the distant night scene, seemingly in contemplation.

Jeff noticed and patted his shoulder, his tone carrying some mockery, "But hey, I think you're pretty insightful and lucky.

Being able to get out of the Governor's case easily without anyone bothering you means the people behind you are very powerful.

High society isn't without constraints; money and power intertwine. As long as you don't mess it up, you'll succeed sooner or later."

After speaking, he leaned closer, almost whispering in Zhou Qingfeng's ear, his voice even lower, "Take my advice, go along with Monica.

From my experience, her background is significant, her temper too. If you oppose her, you'll definitely lose."

Zhou Qingfeng kept a blank face.

Jeff saw this and shrugged, raising his glass, "Alright, I've said what I needed to. Good luck."

----------------- This chapter was made possible by the MV_LEMPYR community.

After Jeff's silhouette left the balcony, Monica appeared uninvited, holding a glass of red wine, silently showing up in front of Zhou Qingfeng, her eyes filled with mischief.

"Kid, you don't seem to have truly accepted my apology." She asked bluntly.

Zhou Qingfeng indeed lacked deep schemes, especially facing Monica, who often provoked, his expression management inevitably failed.

He coldly retorted, "Are you used to everyone groveling before you? Sorry, I'm not one of them."

Monica chuckled dismissively, shrugged indifferently, "Pretty much, yeah. Very few people can make me bow humbly."

She paused, still disdainfully staring at Zhou Qingfeng, "So, what help do you need? Don't tell me you just want me to apologize more."