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"Where are you going?" Jing Haoran hurriedly set down his glass, "Don’t just wander off. Although security here is good, there are still many bad people around."

"I’m not as timid as you are!" Gu Xiaoxi retorted rudely.

Jing Haoran was so irritated that he stomped his foot, and instead of going back to sleep, he ended up going to the gym to practice boxing.

Gu Xiaoxi stepped out dressed in a simple T-shirt and shorts.

The streets were indeed much less crowded.

At this time, inside the International Central Building, it was bustling with activity.

There was also a commotion over one particular matter.

Last night at three in the morning, which was seven in the morning in Yi State and Dong State.

Dong State launched an attack on the Qingyun Strait of Yi State.

And at the same time, Yi State initiated an assault on the border of Dong State’s Nile Forest.

It appeared as though both sides had been plotting this, ready to initiate warfare.

Both Yi State and Dong State had personnel stationed within the International Alliance.

The sudden outbreak of war caught even the officers stationed within the International Alliance by surprise.

So far, there were reports everywhere on the situation of the war, but nobody knew what had caused it.

The International Alliance had received the news, but was unable to make any decisions at the moment.

Therefore, a special investigative team was established concerning this issue, in the hopes of quickly resolving the current war situation.

Especially to find out why the two countries had gone to war.

The sudden decision baffled everyone.

Walking on the street, Gu Xiaoxi also saw the television screens on the International Building reporting on the situation between Dong State and Yi State.

She couldn’t help frowning, "Declaring war just like that, what are these kings thinking!"

Although she was puzzled, it was not something she could deal with at the moment.

After running around half of the city, Gu Xiaoxi returned by midday at eleven o’clock.

Jing Rui had surprisingly gone out to buy groceries.

Uncle Hu decisively entered the kitchen to prepare lunch for everyone.

Seeing Gu Xiaoxi’s energetic demeanor, Jing Rui asked with a smile, "Are you getting used to it here?"

"I’m used to it!" Gu Xiaoxi smiled, "I just took a turn around most of the city. It’s so big that even at my pace, I haven’t finished sightseeing within the perimeter by this morning."

"Don’t worry, you’ll get to know this place better the longer you’re here." Jing Rui said and then his face turned serious, "Tomorrow, I might have to go on a mission. You two will stay here for now. As for the selection process, it might be postponed."

"Why?" Gu Xiaoxi was puzzled.

"The war between Dong State and Yi State broke out so suddenly. We’ve received a secret commission from Dong State to investigate this matter and stop the two countries from continuing the war. So, I’ll be away for a while," Jing Rui explained.

"Why would there be a commissioner from Dong State if Dong State is at war with Yi State?" Gu Xiaoxi found this baffling.

"If I’m not mistaken, that commissioner should be the retired old king of Dong State," Jing Rui said earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiaoxi understood.

The old king retired, the son ascended the throne, and, full of youthful vigor, wanted to achieve something significant. So he recklessly initiated this conflict.

"Moreover, the personnel from Dong State and Yi State here don’t wish for sudden warfare either. This matter has been categorized as a priority, and we must prevent them from acting rashly," Jing Rui said.

After thinking for a moment, Gu Xiaoxi spoke with a clear tone, "Is it because all the important people have been sent away? That’s why the International Alliance’s recruitment needs to be postponed."

"Of course, anyone with a bit of capability has been called to action," Jing Rui explained. Although he could not divulge the full details to Gu Xiaoxi, she understood with this much information.

"Haoran and I will join you! We’ll join your team!" Gu Xiaoxi looked at him with sincerity in her eyes.

Jing Rui was taken aback for a moment and then shook his head, "You’re not one of us from the International Alliance, so you can’t join us on missions. Besides, even if you went, you wouldn’t be paid for completing the task."

"It doesn’t matter! We can get some practice, and at the same time, get to see how efficient the International Alliance is," Gu Xiaoxi insisted on going, thinking it was a rare opportunity.

Furthermore, it would allow me to assess my own strength and whether I could enter the International Alliance.

Jing Rui crossed her arms and pondered for a moment before saying, "Let me think about it!"

It wasn’t that she couldn’t bring them along, but she feared Gu Xiaoxi and Jing Haoran might encounter accidents.

Neither of them had been officially selected yet, and although Gu Xiaoxi was very capable, their work was meant for communication and investigation, not combat.

Moreover, the place where she was to communicate with the other party was on the battlefield.

"I’ll bring it up at the meeting this afternoon, and if everyone agrees, I’ll take you along. If not, you two had better stay home," Jing Rui said with a grave expression.

After lunch, Jing Rui left again.

Gu Xiaoxi and Jing Haoran waited at home for news.

Inside the International Alliance’s Central Building,

Jing Rui, along with her team members, sat around a table discussing the upcoming mission.

"We shall depart tonight! The sooner we handle this the better! Our Task Force 23 must complete the mission," said the male team member with the designation 0231.

"Hey 0231, have you lost your mind? I heard the airport was blown up at noon. Are you that eager to rush to your death?" 0232 said with an opposing look.

"Then when do you propose we leave? If someone else completes this before us, we’d watch the ten billion in reward money fly away." 0231 clearly cared a great deal about the compensation.

"Okay, knock it off! Our job is work. Don’t just think about the payment.

War will bring disaster to mankind, especially since Yi State and Dong State are powerful, and if they truly go to war, the impact on surrounding areas will be significant," Jing Rui said sternly.

"Therefore, we need to find out as soon as possible why they suddenly started fighting and try to stop this war. "

"..." At this point, everyone fell silent for a while.

Jing Rui continued, "Does anyone have any good ideas or strategies? Before we set off, I think the first thing we need to do is to come up with a complete plan for this affair. After all, if you’re only thinking about the reward money, what’s the use if you don’t make it back alive!"

Thoughtfully, 0238 spoke with a serious expression, "I think we should operate in groups.

We need to find a way to get close to the military leaders of Dong State and Yi State and understand the ins and outs of this affair.

Once we have confirmed information, we can then think of ways to mediate the conflict in this war. "

"I like that idea! I agree!" 0236 said with approval.

Jing Rui looked around nodding, "Then let’s discuss the specific details."

...

As the meeting was about to end, Jing Rui turned to her team and asked, "I intend to bring two assistants, any objections?"

"Assistant? Old Hu, right? That’s fine!" 0237 said with a beaming smile, his eyes showing comprehension when he looked at Jing Rui.

Jing Rui glared at him and said, "It’s the two newcomers I brought from Liuli Country. I want to take them for some field experience."

"Newcomers! That doesn’t sound like a good idea! What if they weigh us down?"

"Yeah! We have our own work to do, plus we’ll have to take care of them!"

"No, absolutely not!"

Jing Rui crossed her arms and looked coldly at everyone, "Are you sure it’s not doable?"

"Captain Jin, though they are your people, we wouldn’t normally object.

But you have to consider their safety; they are two new recruits.

If something happens to them in the war, Liuli Country would lose two talents.

Moreover, they won’t even be recorded in the International Alliance’s roster as war martyrs," 0234 said gravely.

Jing Rui felt that everyone did make some sense.

From the perspective of Gu Xiaoxi and Jing Haoran’s relatives, she indeed didn’t want them to go.

After all, war isn’t child’s play, nor is it a game for a few people; once it starts, it results in mass casualties.

...

When Jing Rui returned home, she instructed Gu Xiaoxi and Jing Haoran, "You two, just stay home obediently and wait for my return."

"Auntie, you’re the captain. As long as you agree, that’s enough. Why do you need to ask for the team’s opinion?" Jing Haoran said, unhappy. This was a rare opportunity.

But Jing Rui stared at him seriously, "Stop it! Although I’m the captain, I still have to consider the feelings of the team. I can’t act alone; we need teamwork for this mission. I have the authority to make decisions, but I can’t decide blindly. Understand?"

"Fine!" Jing Haoran helplessly pouted and turned to Gu Xiaoxi.

Gu Xiaoxi sat on the couch, obviously having no intention of refuting Jing Rui.

The next morning, Jing Rui left early on.

Once she was gone, Gu Xiaoxi immediately grabbed Jing Haoran by the collar and exclaimed, "Let’s go! We’re going to take a look too." After all, the selection competition was still a long way off.