The First Order

An Yuqian no longer seemed to be talking to Ren Xiaosu. He was saying to himself, “There were creatures that lived on these lands for a 165 million years, but the Homo genus has only been in existence for about 3 million years. We don’t have to consider whatever natural disasters or mutations that might occur, nor will we even get to witness an apocalypse brought on by a natural disaster within our lifetimes…. The only thing that can destroy humanity is humanity itself!”

Ren Xiaosu suddenly felt a little lost. He did not know why An Yuqian would say this to him and wondered what had gotten into him. He asked An Yuqian, “Then how do you think humanity will destroy itself?”

“Science.”

This word crashed through the backdrop of the night. It was like a fate that awaited humans at the end of a long road.

“You’re crazy.” Ren Xiaosu waved it off and headed home.

…

When Ren Xiaosu returned home, he found everyone waiting for him out in the yard. He looked at everyone’s expression. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”

Yan Liuyuan walked over and handed him an invitation that came with gold embossed letters and decorative patterns at the corners. There was also an ornamental tassel extending down the middle of the invitation.

The invitation was sealed with wax that had an exquisite design of a bronze ram on it. This was the Yang Consortium’s symbol.

Yan Liuyuan said, “Someone delivered it here this evening. They told us that the Yang Consortium has invited the two of us to their manor and even reminded us to wear something formal since a lot of distinguished guests will be present that night.”

Ren Xiaosu opened the invitation. Although it was written very politely, everyone knew the reason an organization like the Yang Consortium would suddenly invite two refugee kids was definitely not as simple as wanting to get to know them.

“Should we go or not?” Yan Liuyuan asked in a whisper, “I feel that the Yang Consortium has a more sinister motive.”

“A Feast at Hongmen?”[2] Ren Xiaosu chuckled and said, “Surely there won’t be 300 assassins rushing out of the shadows when a cup gets smashed, right?”

“I don’t think that will happen.” When Yan Liuyuan saw Ren Xiaosu taking it easy, he also started laughing. “But this matter is definitely not so simple.”

“Alright, let’s not think too much about it.” Ren Xiaosu patted Yan Liuyuan’s head. “I’ll bring you out to shop for some clothes tomorrow morning. We should also go and have a look for ourselves at what the feast held by the organization is all about.”

“OK,” Yan Liuyuan replied obediently.

Ren Xiaosu suddenly asked, “Did you face any problems at school?”

“No, it’s been pretty good,” Yan Liuyuan said with a smile.

“When you tell a lie, you always smile like this.” Ren Xiaosu said, “Are you and Dalong getting ostracized by your classmates?”

“No, no, you should quickly go and get some rest. You still haven’t fully recovered from your injuries,” Yan Liuyuan said as he pushed Ren Xiaosu into the house.

Wang Fugui came up and said, “I went out to trade some of the gold for money today. I didn’t trade too much to avoid attracting attention….”

“Why are you talking about money at this time of night? Xiaosu is tired, so let him get some rest first.” Xiaoyu rattled off at the back, “Xiaosu, have you eaten yet? I’ll heat up some dishes and make some scrambled eggs with stir-fried tomatoes for you. There’s chicken soup in the pot as well…”

Ren Xiaosu smiled. This was what home felt like.