Women.
They are a peculiar species.
As a certain prominent political figure once stated.
Women are natural politicians, spies, and deceivers.
And Luna embodied this description most fittingly.
Before meeting Meng Hao.
She had managed to acquire a valuable seaside villa during her studies, thanks to her collaboration with U.S. intelligence agencies.
Her initial contact with Meng Hao was merely to fulfill the U.S. side's final mission.
In fact.
Even half a month ago.
When she decided to accompany Meng Hao during his house arrest, her motive was still one of "holding onto a valuable asset, waiting for the right price."
This type of woman.
Often, the affection displayed in their eyes is merely an act.
And now.
After more than half a month of cohabitation.
Luna's feelings for Meng Hao seemed to have undergone a fundamental change.
This is the other facet of the peculiar species known as women... When their hearts truly belong to a man.
Then, that man is their god.
A woman who would lay down her life for him would certainly not hesitate to forgo mere wealth and status.
Of course.
It is exceedingly rare for men to reach such a level that a woman would attain this devotion.
However, Meng Hao's charisma was precisely the kind that could inspire such unwavering loyalty in a woman.
Facing Luna's embrace, her arms crossed behind him.
Although Meng Hao felt a flicker of emotion, he ultimately couldn't ascertain the sincerity of her feelings.
After all, the more beautiful a woman is, the more she is prone to deception... And Luna, whether in Great Xia or abroad, was an exceptionally beautiful woman.
"Actually, I must say, America's move is truly brilliant!"
"After placing me under house arrest, they're orchestrating a global campaign of excessive praise, generating immense admiration for me on Great Xia's internet... A person's reputation is like climbing a mountain; the higher you climb, the harder you fall... Once my reputation reaches an unprecedented peak, they'll use America's national credibility as backing, claiming I've betrayed my country and joined the U.S.!"
"This tactic of shifting flowers and grafting trees, deliberately hyping me up, is brilliantly executed."
Despite Meng Hao's outwardly calm demeanor.
His tone, laced with a chilling killing intent, was easily discernible by Luna.
Luna understood.
At this moment, Meng Hao was likely so enraged that he wished he could bite his lip until it bled.
After a long pause.
Meng Hao slowly uttered his assessment of the situation.
"In terms of cunning stratagems, this gambit is truly masterful..."
"However, for a major power, for a nation that still stands as the world's leader in technological and military strength, such an action by the U.S. is truly despicable..."
Although.
Resorting to any means necessary to achieve an objective.
This is a golden rule that countless politicians adhere to.
But.
This kind of "scorched earth" strategy.
Once exposed, it becomes a double-edged sword, perhaps not inflicting 800 casualties, but certainly causing tons of damage to oneself.
However.
This also indirectly proved.
Unless Meng Hao genuinely chose to join the U.S., he would never be freed from his house arrest for the rest of his life.
Bang.
Meng Hao suddenly slammed his fists on the solid wood dining table before him.
Startling Luna behind him.
However.
Sensing Meng Hao's surge of energy and his accelerated heartbeat, she still bravely and resolutely embraced him.
"Then."
"Now that you have obtained freedom of information."
"You can absolutely go online and declare your stance."
Luna, mustering her courage, offered Meng Hao a suggestion.
She had witnessed Meng Hao's strength... He had told her to beat him up to vent his anger, but if Meng Hao were to actually lay a hand on her, she doubted she could withstand his attack... After all, she had only ever seen Meng Hao's gentle demeanor, and had no idea under what circumstances he might suddenly erupt.
And being misunderstood by his own country, with his family hospitalized, truly pushed the boundaries for most people.
Regarding Luna's suggestion.
Meng Hao let out a bitter smile.
"Putting aside whether or not the Chinese people, who have been swayed by the narrative, would believe me even if I were to come forward and clarify things now..."
"Moreover, what is the reason why Charles and Lieutenant General Tommy have allowed me access to external information?"
"Is it truly out of the kindness of their hearts, preparing to end our house arrest? Impossible..."
It was evident.
That Lieutenant General Tommy allowing Meng Hao access to external information at this juncture was primarily to let him witness the current attitudes of the Chinese public and officials towards him, completely crushing his hopes and leaving him disheartened.
If Meng Hao were to attempt a public live broadcast to clarify the truth, the signal would likely be immediately blocked again.
At this very moment.
His phone was undoubtedly being monitored.
Let alone a live broadcast to clarify the situation.
Even attempting to contact Great Xia would undoubtedly result in the signal being jammed.
The atmosphere instantly became heavy and stifling.
Veins bulged on Meng Hao's forehead.
His parents, likely still in the hospital right now... wondering if they would be implicated and discriminated against because of him.
His hard-built commercial empire, Hua Rong Technology, was probably already facing boycotts.
Uncle Cheng Hua, no doubt, would be guarding the company, refusing to leave, his heart filled with despair.
And Qin Muyan, this girl had completely tied her own future and destiny to Meng Hao and Hua Rong Technology.
Facing such a major incident, she likely had no recourse but to weep.
And that girl, Zhang Xijin.
She had sacrificed so much for her department.
Yet, he, Meng Hao, had become a traitor seeking glory by betraying his country.
Zhang Xijin's future and life were probably ruined as well.
The entire Great Xia, including the government, surely believed he had abandoned and defected.
For a moment.
Meng Hao felt utter despair.
Yet, he was utterly powerless.
In fact.
He harbored a trace of resentment and hopelessness towards his own country.
Who was he?
What contributions had he made to Great Xia?
He would rather die than be involved with the military or any foreign powers.
Were all his past deeds, in everyone's eyes, so worthless, so insufficient to earn even a shred of trust?
A sigh escaped his lips.
This time.
This was likely the greatest crisis Meng Hao had ever faced.
With no apparent solution.
Just as old Tommy had predicted.
There is no sorrow greater than a dead heart.
Once Meng Hao felt resentment, believing that his entire country had abandoned him, a sense of powerlessness would naturally arise.
As the sky gradually darkened.
Meng Hao sat there like a statue, unmoving.
Luna, in turn, stood guard beside Meng Hao like a gazing-at-the-husband stone.
The night.
Deepened.
It was already two in the morning.
"My dearest Meng, I think there's something I can tell you now."
"At this hour, those agents must be tired and their vigilance lowered."
"After all, staring at the monitors, watching someone sit there all day, anyone would get bored."
Suddenly.
Luna's extremely soft voice whispered into Meng Hao's ear.
Hmm?
Her voice was so quiet.
And she waited until midnight to cautiously lean in and whisper.
Could it be.
That Luna, this girl, was going to give him a surprise?