Chapter 160 - Chapter 160: The Difficulty of Mercenaries
Chapter 160: The Difficulty of Mercenaries
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The change in the topic felt forced and awkward. If those people were still present, the two of them might not have made it back safely. Song Fan thought Gu Zhuo was talking nonsense.
Gu Zhuo also realized he had asked a naive question and quickly fell silent. Gu
Chen answered patiently, “They’re all dead.”
When Gu Zhuo heard that these mercenaries were from E Country, he recalled some information he had picked up while studying abroad. He commented, “There are many mercenary groups in that area. During my time abroad, I heard that people there often choose to become mercenaries because they can earn a substantial income.”
Gu Zhuo didn’t have much knowledge about mercenaries beyond what he’d heard from his foreign classmates. After all, during his time abroad, he had focused more on enjoying himself and hadn’t paid much attention to these matters.
Song Fan smiled and added, “It’s true that the mercenaries there are highly skilled. However, the money they earn often comes at a high cost. In Country E, mercenary groups typically don’t survive for more than two years due to heavy casualties. They either get wiped out or absorbed by other groups.”
Gu Chen recalled the appearance of the pursuing mercenary and asked, “So he was desperate for money because he thought he’d be absorbed by another group?”
Song Fan nodded in agreement, “Exactly. Even though he left the group, he still needed money to survive.”
Gu Zhuo couldn’t quite grasp this way of thinking. In his view, life was the most valuable asset, and people should do whatever it takes to stay alive.
“If it were me, I would run away and find some other line of work. I’d never become a mercenary again,” Gu Zhuo shared his perspective.
Gu Chen and Song Fan exchanged a knowing look, realizing that Gu Zhuo was a sheltered individual who had never truly faced the harsh realities of the world.
“Gu Zhuo, for someone who’s been a mercenary, it’s not that simple to leave,” Song Fan explained.
Once one joined the ranks of mercenaries and started killing for money, he accumulated a long list of enemies. If he left the protection of the mercenary group, he became a target for relentless pursuit. Unless he could change his appearance, there’s hardly any chance of a safe exit.
Gu Zhuo hadn’t realized the dangers of this profession and shivered at the thought. He responded, “I think I’d rather be a carefree playboy who lives without a care. These things aren’t for me.”
Gu Chen affectionately ruffled his hair and reassured him, “Don’t worry, you won’t have to worry about anything in this lifetime.”
This statement was almost like a promise from Gu Chen. Despite his strained relationship with Gu Hai, Gu Zhuo was innocent and hadn’t been involved in these matters.
Gu Chen wouldn’t take his frustrations out on Gu Zhuo. As long as Gu Zhuo was willing, he would always be his beloved younger brother.
Gu Zhuo wasn’t too concerned about his own prospects. He thought back to what Gu Hai had said at home and practically bounced on the bed. “Sister, you have to save me. My father is insisting that I pursue Song Yin. Judging by how anxious he looks, he might propose marriage tomorrow!”
Song Fan playfully responded, “Marrying Song Yin wouldn’t be a bad idea. She’s the second daughter of the Song Family.”
Her remark was meant to tease Gu Zhuo, but he interpreted it as Song Fan abandoning him. In his eyes, they were comrades facing the same dilemma. Gu Zhuo looked at Song Fan with teary eyes, hoping to elicit sympathy from
his beloved sister. However, his efforts were in vain.
Gu Chen, observing their interaction for the first time, questioned, “If I recall correctly, Gu Zhuo, you’re older than Song Fan. Why are you calling her ‘sister’?”
Gu Zhuo swiftly grasped Song Fan’s arm and replied, “This is just how we play around.”
Gu Chen found Gu Zhuo’s actions and the way he held Song Fan’s hand irritating. He suddenly felt that Gu Zhuo was a bother, particularly the familiarity in their behavior.
Gu Chen commented, “If my Second Uncle chooses the Song Family’s second daughter as his daughter-in-law, it wouldn’t be a bad choice. It could be considered well-matched.”
Gu Zhuo strongly disagreed, shaking his head vehemently. He insisted, “No, absolutely not! Song Yin is not a good person at all. I could tell at school. I’d rather die than marry her!”
Gu Chen didn’t have a strong impression of Song Yin. He vaguely remembered seeing her at a banquet but didn’t expect Gu Zhuo to react so strongly.
Upon seeing Gu Chen’s sudden silence, he continued, “Song Yin’s habit of lying will never change. Besides, she has particularly ill intentions toward Sister. I will not be with her.”
Unbeknownst to Song Yin, Gu Zhuo had seen through her deceitful nature. She was still contemplating whether to choose Gu Zhuo or Gu Chen, believing that either one would be preferable to Fu Nian. It would be good for her to be with either one of them..