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The routine of a power holder is busy.

Undoubtedly, there is a distinction between them and the lower class.

Isn’t the life of the lower class arduous?

They rise before the sun, only to return after witnessing it set and the stars emerge? Living without even a proper meal to stave off hunger, suffering from aches all over, did they not lament?

They moan and groan from various pains like arthritis and muscle soreness, unable to even sleep well, didn’t they complain like that?

But each person has their own pain.

Since ancient times, there has been a clear distinction of roles, and the importance of people’s tasks is evident. The work of those who stand above is heavier and more painful than that of those below.

The poor envy those above who enjoy delicacies but do not care about how they relish them. The fine wine they drink is a reward for their toil, and the rare delicacies they enjoy are, no different than, a comfort for their suffering. Just like those below, they too lead lives filled with pain and hardship; they merely receive heavier rewards for facing heavier burdens.

It’s only natural that those who handle electricity and machines earn more than those who carry bricks. No matter how foolish or uneducated one might be, they can understand the principle that harder work leads to better rewards, so the power holder’s “just compensation” is undeniably just.

“My head hurts.”

Behold.

This pain that has been gnawing at me since I awoke.

Is it because of the Moutai liquor I drank yesterday? The throbbing pain feels like my head is about to burst. With an alcohol content of 53, even those who boast of being able to hold their liquor could be floored. Especially if it was consumed not by the glass but by the bottle.

“Was it wrong to drink it with fruit wine?”

What makes this hangover more torturous is the fruit wine I had along with the Moutai.

Though the alcohol content was only between 5 and 15 degrees, which isn’t too strong, the characteristic of fruit wine was that while it doesn’t get you tipsy easily, when it does, the hangover is unimaginable.

Didn’t a companion say that the worst hangover is the one after drinking wine? Indeed, it felt like my head was being hammered and constricted by a tightening band, delivering unimaginable pain.

Surely, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven had no choice but to heed the words of the monk.

If such pain occurs with every incantation, how could one endure it?

It’s a good thing he has a patience akin to that of the Great Sage; for a common person, they might have wailed like a child or rolled on the floor, shouting for medicine. If that happened, it would be obvious that even as a servant, they could not maintain their dignity, so how could this be called the example of a power holder?

Dignity.

Because they are a power holder, a unique existence that stands above those who know little and have less, merely managing to live each day.

Thus, they must always maintain their dignity and uphold their status.

Isn’t that the duty of one who leads and guides countless people?

“In that regard, that Xiao Huadan from Korea has quite decent qualities.”

The power holder, suffering from a hangover, still performed the tasks at hand.

No matter how painful the hangover, like the lower class working, he, despite the agony, had a duty to keep thinking. This was the value that distinguished himself from those below him, despite sharing the same red blood.

“That woman possesses a natural inclination for hard work. A temperament that allows her to effort effortlessly, distinctly different from the willpower of the people. Besides, with an exterior of softness but inner strength, she might appear to be a delicate flower, yet she can shine brightly for a thousand years without being broken or torn by a storm. In ancient times, while not a hero, she could be considered a notable talent.”

At first, I thought she was just someone lured by the riches of China, seeking popularity, like other celebrities.

It’s not an unusual occurrence.

Those who flocked seeking the abundant population and brilliant riches have always existed, covering up their naked greed with hollow words and a few simple greetings in rudimentary Chinese, then nonsensically chattering about how hard they’ve worked before returning home with their earnings.

There is no respect in that; only vulgarity.

Without even thinking of repaying the love of the people, they treat them like money-making machines, robbing them blind and then leaving like thieves. How can such shameless people be called “guests”?

When the host shows hospitality, it is only right to act gratefully.

But always, such folk swagger as if they are the masters and, if the host gets angry or shows even a hint of displeasure, they dare to claim their feelings are hurt and complain. They don’t even realize who should be angry and who the great one is that tolerated their rudeness.

That’s why the power holder doesn’t offer much respect when a famous person from abroad visits, even if they come to meet fans in China. Their vulgarity is unworthy of receiving his respect, and they are far too lacking to fully earn the love of the people.

But Chaine was different.

A person’s quality shines through in times of crisis.

When a terrorist appeared in her city, when the water became contaminated, and even when they were forced into confinement, she did not panic. She humbly followed the party’s measures, naturally maintaining the posture of a guest.

Not only that, she always expressed gratitude, clearly aware of her role as a guest and acted humbly, never once trying to leverage her fame.

Isn’t she truly wise?

Most would attempt to utilize their fame or try getting in touch with the foreign press, or contact the embassy in such situations. But she knew how to be patient, and her patience earned her favor from the host.

“She was quite humble… What a hero.”

Additionally, she lacked the arrogance and lack of confidence often seen in typical celebrities, which was quite refreshing.

Was it said that those who overcome difficulties see the light?

In a world filled with the overwhelming self-aggrandizement of fools, discovering someone who knows propriety amidst it all is indeed heartening and praiseworthy.

It’s only regrettable that she isn’t from China, but coming from Korea softens that a bit.

Korea has long been a loyal vassal of China.

Though it seems the relationship has soured a bit lately, that’s just the result of some meddling from America. Even if the waters of the Yangtze briefly dry up, they will rise again, just as problems may surface, Korea cannot help but mend ties with China, like the flow of lofty history.

In that sense, how can a hero from Korea be considered estranged from China?

“If this matter gets resolved… it wouldn’t be bad to form a deeper relationship.”

Yes… a deeper relationship.

In terms of guanxi, and even beyond…

The power holder thought so as he rose from the bed.

As always, it was time to spend a “busy day.”

To perform something slightly more important than the lower class…

“Mmm?”

…I had to get up.

I needed to rise as usual and stand outside the bed.

“…What is this?”

Strangely.

My legs.

My legs wouldn’t move.

What in the world…

The power holder had a rational suspicion for a moment that this was either a dream or perhaps due to some drug mixed with the alcohol, leaving him somewhat dazed. But soon, he sensed that this was reality through the feelings from his upper body, and even so, realizing the presence of his lower half that felt neither sensation nor movement, he exclaimed.

“Oh, no. Right now… right now…!”

He realized something was wrong with his body.

“Hey—! Is anyone there? Take me to the hospital—immediately!”

The power holder realized there was something wrong with his body and called for people to take him to the hospital for an inspection.

And then…

“What…? Spinal injury…? Erectile dysfunction…?!”

…He heard a sound like a thunderclap.

 

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