Chapter Seventy-Two: Refusal and Pursuit

“You really are clever.”

When Zhou Suyan returned the jewelry box to Gertini, he smiled and grasped her hand.

He wants me. Seeing the look in his eyes, Zhou Suyan lowered her head, not pulling her hand away.

Noticing this, Gertini smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist.

Is he truly interested in me? Or does he want something else? Although she didn’t dislike his appearance...

She recalled Wang Luo’s sometimes cold eyes.

Just as he was about to make a further move, she pushed him away.

“This is an unforgivable act.” She wasn’t sure if Wang Luo had ever said this, but it was the kind of thing he would say.

So she used it here. “Remember how Wang Luo treated Charles? You should have seen it then. I don’t want to take that risk.”

“You’re refusing?” Gertini narrowed his eyes, a dangerous gleam flashing within.

Threatening me? She chuckled. “When you win, do as you please. But for now...”

“Don’t get any ideas. If you dare force me, I’ll tell Wang Luo when he returns. Do you think he’ll listen to your excuses or just throw you out? And don’t expect our captain to support you in something like this—I know what kind of person she is.”

Gertini’s face stiffened for a moment before he smiled again. “No, you’re mistaken. I would never mean that.”

“Then I wish you the best of luck.” She smiled, leaning close to his ear. “Looking forward to the day you win~”

“I’ll need your help,” Gertini said with a smile. “That will be your victory as well—our shared victory.”

Maintaining his politeness, he withdrew from the tent. Zhou Suyan immediately heard a “Pfft!” and the word “bitch!” outside the door.

He’s way too impatient... She felt a few dark lines spring up above her head.

----

Courage is important, discipline is important, formation is important, as is equipment. In this battle, the revolutionary army and the Han army were similarly equipped; formation and discipline were well maintained due to being on the defensive; and in terms of courage, thanks to recent victories and propaganda, the revolutionary army held a slight advantage.

----

When these factors couldn’t decide the outcome, another element began to play a role: stamina.

In the era of cold weapons, the intensity and duration of a battle depended on the soldiers' endurance—this was also why cavalry were so powerful.

When most soldiers ran out of stamina, unable to swing their weapons or run, yet neither side’s lines wavered, the battle was essentially over.

Of course, if one side held reserves and struck as the enemy retreated, they could potentially crush their opponent—provided the other side had no reserves.

Therefore, despite the battle’s intensity and heavy casualties in many areas, Wang Luo maintained a reserve force of over a thousand soldiers until the afternoon—because from the high ground, it was clear that one enemy unit had yet to engage.

The Han army showed no sign of retreat, so the fight continued—persist, endure, strive... For this armed force with some combat experience and training, chaos would only lead to collapse, disintegration, and defeat.

Indeed, there were no clever strategies or tricks to employ. Even if victory was unattainable, maintaining parity would allow the soldiers to grow further, and logistics were under no pressure...

The battle dragged on. Finally, as the sun set and both armies were exhausted without deploying reserves, the Han side sounded the retreat.

The revolutionary army was too weary to pursue.

----

“So, no win?”

The Han army camp was not far from the battlefield. Lin Feirui, who had not joined the troops, sat in Ling’er’s room inside a mobile team space, surrounded by phones, jewelry boxes, and listening devices.

“We didn’t lose either,” Hong Dian and others answered together as Ling’er led them in. “The enemy’s lines held strong. But in terms of casualties, the Han side suffered over one hundred, while the other side had four to five hundred.”

“What’s Lu Zhi’s plan? Will there be reinforcements?”

“Fight again tomorrow. Reinforcements... probably not in the short term.”

Their captain nodded. “Tomorrow’s situation likely won’t change. Those willing to fight alongside the Han should go. Those unwilling can stay in camp; there will be opportunities in a few days.”

“What kind of opportunities?” Dart asked.

“Nothing certain yet.” She picked up a radio headset and put it on. “Results should come in about three days. You should head back first.”

After her subordinates left, Lin Feirui began further communications.

----

“I’ll say it again. If you want her, handle it yourself. I’ve already paid you the general points; our cooperation doesn’t include this.”

“You say you want to end it? Fine by me! Without you, the Han army is still the superior side. Who do you think I am? After one defeat, I’d accept blackmail? What do you think Wang Luo will do if I tell him you betrayed him?”

“Good, then cooperate well. I know you have your methods.”

“You mean... mental infusion? Can it act directly on him?”

“Understood. But he doesn’t care about women, right? Can something like that really affect him?”

“Suyan... it would have an effect. You need her to use one activation on Rank? No problem.”

“Got it. I won’t tell Charles.”

After the call ended, she took off the headset, feeling utterly exhausted.

Gertini was greedy and excessive; she needed him now, but some demands couldn’t be met—because they might be tests. He wouldn’t stop there and would ask for even more.

For now, the situation wasn’t too bleak. Charles, Gertini, Zhou Suyan, Rank, and Gru—their positions, abilities, and tasks were gradually coming together in her mind.

There should be a chance. Although she didn’t know why Wang Luo tolerated these people, or whether he had some greater scheme... or what his true intentions were, action was still necessary.

Watching Wang Luo’s files and behavior in the scene, she sometimes felt as if she were observing a bottomless abyss.

Why such a feeling? Is he truly invincible? No, such a person can’t exist. He’s just a newcomer. She quickly shifted her gaze to the data of two others nearby:

Yang Wentian and Zhou Yingxiong.

According to intelligence Charles sent back, Yang Wentian had more experience in the space, but now only commanded a scout unit of over five hundred; while Zhou Yingxiong, also a newcomer like Wang Luo, was managing supplies, rear operations, soldier training, and garrison defense simultaneously?

Heh, those sidelined must be discontent. This might just be a good opportunity.