Chapter 25: Another Encounter

Lin Ran originally thought that reincarnation theoretically didn't exist at all, until she saw the information belonging to Zhang Jie on the banquet list.

The name matched, and the appearance matched as well.

Lin Ran didn't believe there could be such a coincidence in this world.

Could it be a conspiracy by hostile forces?

Lin Ran furrowed her brows tightly; the petite secretary beside her glanced at Lin Ran, then at the person on the list in Lin Ran's hand, her mind racing.

She had an impression of this person's name; he was the liaison dispatched by Cold Mountain Group.

The reason she remembered him was also his name, which coincidentally matched that of the hero who ignited the sun in the history of the Alliance's predecessor.

Over two thousand plus years, the deeds of this person had long become a celebrated tale; perhaps many in this universe have heard his story, but very few still remember Zhang Jie's appearance.

Not to mention those who originally knew Zhang Jie's appearance have long turned to dust; even if the Alliance retains his image data, others won't pay much attention to the Alliance's ancient history, caring more about the process of its founding.

Moreover, although this little secretary knows his story, she could never remember his appearance.

"Do you know him?"

Seeing the secretary's contemplative look, Lin Ran suddenly asked.

"Ah! Yes, he is the liaison sent by the company that sells supplies."

Seeing Lin Ran fall into thought again, the secretary's mind began to stir uneasily; she had put in who-knows-how-much effort to land the chief secretary position, which included mastering the history of the Alliance's predecessor.

A melodramatic drama unfolded in her extremely rich imagination; she actually knew what relationship Lin Ran had with that historical figure.

Just as she was concocting that melodramatic drama in her mind, Lin Ran spoke.

"When will the negotiation take place?"

"Ah, just a moment."

Lin Ran set down the list in her hand, her eyes brewing complex and intense emotions.

"This negotiation, I will handle it."

On the other side, Zhang Jie was pulled by his father to meet business partners; after learning Zhang Jie was the first heir of Cold Mountain Group, these big bosses showed extraordinary enthusiasm.

Cold Mountain Group's main business is selling various high-quality energies; energy is a necessity for the development of any civilization, especially high-quality energy.

Therefore, for a colossus like the Alliance that fights daily, its energy demand is something ordinary companies cannot bear, so Zhang Jie's father thought he must secure this deal with the Alliance.

However, due to price or cooperation period issues, the Alliance side faintly showed reluctance, which is why Zhang Jie came.

After going through a lot, Zhang Jie finally relied on his seasoned work experience to see off those bosses; just as he was about to rest a while, a representative of the Alliance arrived to notify the two that the negotiation with the Alliance was about to begin.

Just as Zhang Jie and his father were about to go, that representative put forward a puzzling request.

The Alliance side hoped to let Zhang Jie go alone to discuss the supply cooperation matter.

Hearing this request, Zhang Jie's father gave him a strange look, as if saying, 'What bad thing did you kid do?'

Zhang Jie also shrugged, indicating he didn't know.

"Please don't worry, Mr. Zhang Jie hasn't offended the Alliance in any way; it's the Leader who wants to ask Mr. Zhang Jie a few things, and incidentally discuss matters, hoping for your understanding."

"Alliance Leader?"

Zhang Jie felt a bit dazed; the Alliance Leader is looking for me? What's the matter?

At this moment, Zhang Jie still hadn't realized that the Alliance is related to Yingguo; in his impression, the Alliance has existed for a long time, an immense entity impossible to ignore in the Star Sea, and he never thought of that.

Most importantly, Zhang Jie's understanding still stuck to his pre-simulation impression of the Alliance; unbeknownst to him, due to the simulator, some things have been quietly rewritten where he cannot see.

"Well then, since you've said all that."

"Let's go then."

Zhang Jie also felt helpless; the reason his father brought him here was exactly this; over the years, the orders Zhang Jie handled were either extremely troublesome or large-scale.

Zhang Jie originally thought it was his foolish superior pulling strings, but never expected it to be his own old man, who grandly called it a test for him.

Thinking about how his old man has deceived him all these years makes Zhang Jie annoyed.

"Alright, please follow me."

Zhang Jie followed that representative out of the banquet hall, heading toward a meeting room on the second floor.

Inside the meeting room, Lin Ran was dressed in a black uniform, sitting upright at one side of the conference table.

She had considered many possibilities: hostile forces' conspiracy, coincidence, or even reincarnation.

But no matter which result, before confirming it, she must maintain her image.

She just kept gazing at the meeting room door; finally, the door opening sound rang out, and the Alliance representative she had sent to invite Zhang Jie pushed the door open, making an inviting gesture toward those behind.

"Mr. Zhang Jie, please come in."

"Thank you."

A formally dressed, handsome young man thanked him, then strode into the meeting room.

"Hello, Alliance Leader, I am..."

Zhang Jie introduced himself with a smile to the person opposite, but upon seeing Lin Ran's icy countenance, his smile instantly froze on his face.

Memories gradually surfaced; that girl who only stood before him dazed and silly, loving to crunch ice candy in big mouthfuls, appeared before him alive and well.

The figure from his memories completely overlapped with the person before him at this moment, yet she seemed somewhat different from the girlish image in his memory.

She lacked some vitality and enthusiasm, but had more coldness and sharpness.

Zhang Jie just stood there frozen, locking eyes with Lin Ran's obscure, unfathomable gaze, and they maintained that strange stare.

"You..."

Just as Zhang Jie opened his mouth, Lin Ran before him suddenly vanished, a red gun barrel instantly pressing against his neck.

"Who are you? Why do you possess the same appearance as him!"

(After the simulation ended, the few personal impressions feel not great; new author, please bear with us, below is the prelude to the second simulation)

(In the second simulation, in a world where prosthetics reign supreme, a prosthetic doctor unable to load prosthetics and an underground boxing girl who fights black-market bouts, burdened with massive debt and covered in wounds, what kind of sparks will they ignite?)

(I miss you, Old Wei)