Chapter 34: “Grandpa!”

Translator: Larbre Studio

Editor: Larbre Studio

Secretly on the lookout for civilian Awakeners? 

Upon hearing that, Hong Xiaofu instantly became nervous, he asked, “Are they still looking for civilian Awakeners?”

“What I meant was that those with a tainted history are being closely monitored. On the other hand, those with a clean history are being hired with a generous salary. I just said catching people out of habit,” Liu Huajun laughed out loud, and scratched his head, “After all, our country does not lack money. The government would not be stingy when it comes to such matters. Think about it, with the government’s willingness to invest millions of dollars, isn’t it easy to gather all civilian Awakeners? Hence, before anyone had the chance to react, the country had managed to gather more than 80% of the Awakeners. The third step would be to set up the Awakeners Ability Centre to monitor and control them all. At the same time, there is another department that is responsible for researching the growth of the Awakeners.” 

“Oh, that’s right,” Hong Xiaofu nodded his head vigorously, “My Training Manual is developed and written by that department.”

“Basically, it is.” Liu Huajun sighed softly and gave Hong Xiaofu a meaningful look. He continued, “Xiaofu, do you know why there is a disparity in the number of resources given to civilian Awakeners and soldier Awakeners?” 

“Yes, I know,” Hong Xiaofu replied, “The military forms the foundation for national stability. Hence, the military’s power needs to be strong enough to suppress the civilian population to ensure the harmonious development of society. I understand this.”

Listening to Hong Xiaofu’s words, Liu Huajun was surprised. As an old man, he had met countless young people in his lifetime, but only a few were able to understand things like Hong Xiaofu could. The majority of young people would comment that it was unfair for soldiers to be allocated most of the resources while civilians had little to none. They hated injustice and differential treatment. 

But they never considered the consequences—what would happen if the military couldn’t control and suppress its citizens? Notably, in such an era of aura resurgence, how would ordinary people survive? Who could guarantee that the powerful civilian Awakeners remained lawful? What if there was an evil group of Awakeners? How disastrous would it be if Awakeners turned against humanity?

“If you can think this way, it means that I have made the correct judgement,” Liu Huajun said as he reached out to lightly pat Hong Xiaofu’s shoulders. He smiled, “I’ve told you these today because I mainly wanted you to understand that peace and harmony are hard to come by. Who knew that a little rascal like you would be more open-minded than I am.” 

Hong Xiaofu smiled from eye to eye, “Mister Liu, as you said…who would be willing to fight in times of peace?”

“That is true. Who would be willing to fight in times of peace…” Liu Huajun leaned against the back of the chair as he looked at the fluffy clouds in the sky. He smiled, “The world is changing. Since you are in the mood to listen to me speak, I will say a few more words. Have you noticed that foreign news is rarely shown on TV, as well as on the internet?”

Hong Xiaofu had actually not noticed this. However, now that Mister Liu had mentioned it, Hong Xiaofu was shocked. It was indeed true. Recently, broadcasts made on the internet and on TV were mainly on domestic matters such as the recruitment of Awakeners by large corporations, or the invention of new technology.

Reports on international issues, on the other hand, had reduced significantly. In fact, it was difficult to even search for reports on world news. 

Hong Xiaofu asked cautiously, “Mister Liu, that… does this mean that the world….” 

“The world has changed, the changes are huge too!” Liu Huajun said lightly, “Ever since the aura resurgence, many countries in the world have experienced widespread chaos. Stronger terrorist groups have sprung up in the Middle East, Africa, the European Union and many more countries. The Awakeners have superior powers over ordinary humans, and due to the countries’ institutional structures, some of these terrorist groups have already overpowered the army on a local scale. One can only imagine the severity of damage that is caused when that happens. In turbulent areas, including the European Union, refugees are panicking due to the uncertain future.”

Hong Xiaofu remained silent. Indeed, their country had enjoyed peace for a long time. Many people had assumed that it had always been this way. Only people like Mister Liu, who had access to more information, would understand that it was extremely difficult to maintain the current domestic situation. 

“Do you know what our country’s soldiers have been doing recently?” Liu Huajun asked, “They are now training extremely hard, every day. Currently, they practice for more than sixteen hours each day, with the hopes to produce more Awakeners to face the uncertainties in the future. At present, the country is also working hard to invent and develop new drugs that can accelerate or trigger Awakening. Our country of China, the lion, was once fighting a lonely battle—but now, we will finally be on top of the world!”

After these words, Liu Huajun turned his head to look at Hong Xiaofu. His expression was earnest and solemn as he said, “Xiaofu, people my age would not live for long. Whether our country can maintain peace and emerge as the top depends on youngsters like you.” 

Hong Xiaofu, who was usually optimistic, felt pressured. Although he was only an LV1 rookie, he knew that Mister Liu’s words were right. The burden of maintaining social peace and harmony was in the hands of young people. To the Chinese, the most important thing would be to ensure the inheritance of society.

“Ha! Look at me spurting a bunch of nonsense,” Liu Huajun suddenly laughed. He stood up again, saying, “Come on little rascal, let’s run another two rounds together!”

“Okay, Mister Liu. Please slow down!” 

Looking at the kid running beside him, Mister Liu smiled widely, and his eyes were filled with love and admiration. If his eldest grandson had not passed away, he would be as old as Hong Xiaofu. He sighed. If only Hong Xiaofu was his grandchild, how great would that be.

Liu Huajun suddenly felt lonely and depressed. Hong Xiaofu seemed to notice his change of mood, and asked softly, “Mister Liu, what’s wrong? I noticed that you are feeling down?” 

“Oh, nothing,” Liu Huajun smiled and replied, “I just remembered my grandson, who has passed. The older I get, the more sentimental I become…”

Hearing that, Hong Xiaofu was stunned. He stopped in his steps and suddenly asked, “Mister Liu…I call you Grandpa in the future, if you don’t mind?”

Liu Huajun was shocked. He turned to look at Hong Xiaofu before rushing forward to embrace him and laughed, “Ha! That’s good. What a good boy! Hurry, call me Grandpa!”

Hong Xiaofu laughed, “Grandpa!” 

Liu Huajun was elated.

Hong Xiaofu added, “I have a younger sister, as you know…” 

How great, it’s like buy one get one! Liu Huajun thought.

He was brimming with joy as he replied, “I get it, I totally get it! Come, let’s go home! Come to my house with Xiaoling today, we will make dumplings together!”