Genshin Impact: I am a high-ranking official from various countries

Chapter 183: Dust City 7 in power? Not interested. Besides, don’t you still have it?

“Just pursue it. Even if it’s only for a moment, at least we have the present moment. Freezing, stagnating, closing, and not moving forward will not achieve the so-called eternity, but will instead allow decay to grow.”

Ying's heart was touched again by Chen Yue's words. She opened her eyes, her eyes full of confusion.

"You are right, but your idea is too idealistic." Ying took a deep breath and said slowly, "This body, I promise to be a dream for my subjects, is eternal and unchanging for thousands of generations!"

"Indeed, I have never doubted eternity. The reason I want to stop you is because your so-called eternity is wrong."

Chen Yue's tone was firm and powerful, as if he was supported by an unshakable belief.

“You try to achieve so-called eternity by eliminating individual differences and freedom. However, such eternity is only false and superficial. It deprives people of their dreams and hopes, and makes them lose the motivation to move forward.”

“True eternity should be based on respect for individual differences and freedom. Everyone should have the right to pursue their own dreams, rather than being bound by a fixed framework.”

Ying listened to Chen Yue's words, and the confusion in her heart gradually dissipated, replaced by a complex emotion. She admitted that Chen Yue had a point, but she also firmly believed that her actions were for the future of Inazuma.

"I understand your thoughts, but I also have my own persistence." Ying said slowly, "The eternity I pursue is to protect Inazuma from the suffering of war. Only by eliminating individual differences and freedom can we ensure social stability and peace."

"But your so-called stability and peace are only based on sacrificing personal dreams and freedom," Chen Yue retorted, "Such a society has no future."

"Then tell me, what is the future?" Ying asked back, with a hint of challenge in her voice.

Chen Yue was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

“In the future, everyone can freely pursue their dreams and enjoy an equal and fair society. The future is inclusive and progressive, full of constant innovation and exploration. The future should not be bound by a fixed framework, but should be created by everyone.”

Ying listened to Chen Yue's description and could not help but feel a yearning in her heart. She longed for Inazuma to be like what Chen Yue described, but could she really achieve such a future?

Chen Yue was keenly aware of Ying's inner worry. He sighed softly and a helpless smile appeared on his face.

"Ying, you don't have to worry, and you don't have to make any effort for this. Let me take all the responsibility and pressure! After all, I am the one who initiated this change, and I should be responsible for its consequences."

Having said that, Chen Yue paused for a moment, stared at Ying, and continued solemnly.

"Well, Ying, this time, please give me a satisfactory answer, okay?"

Ying stared quietly at Chen Yue's determined eyes, and the confusion and worry in her heart seemed to find some comfort at this moment.

Zhen had already proved Chen Yue's reliability to Ying with his actual actions. Not only did he have extraordinary wisdom and strength, but more importantly, Chen Yue was very suitable to be a loyal minister.

"I agree." Ying's voice was as gentle as the breeze blowing across the strings of a guitar, but it was full of determination.

"The previous bet is still valid. From now on, you are Inazuma's Thunder God." After saying that, she lowered her head slightly to show her respect for Chen Yue.

When Chen Yue heard Ying's answer, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. This was the best proof of Ying's trust and support for him.

"The Seven Governors of Chen City are not interested. Besides, don't we have you? You are the general now, and I am just a shadow warrior."

After hearing this, Chen Yue did not become proud and complacent, but instead appeared to be extremely humble.

"That's not necessary. To be precise, it's better for you to be the acting Thor." Chen Yue slowly stretched out his right hand with a gentle smile on his face.

"I have many other countries to visit, and I can't stay in Inazuma for a long time. It would be unreasonable to replace you directly. So, I hope you can understand my choice."

"It's up to you. I'm not a general anymore." He held Chen Yue's outstretched right hand. At this moment, even Ying's old-fashioned state of mind could not help but suddenly waver.

It feels a lot more relaxing after having unloaded a heavy responsibility.

"Don't underestimate yourself, Ying. You are still the general, and I am still the King of War. From now on, we will talk about our own affairs. Don't make any mistakes."

Chen Yue shook his head slightly. After all, this name had been used for such a long time, and it was really hard to adapt to the sudden change.

"Oh, yes, there is one more thing. Ying..." Chen Yue hesitated, his eyes revealing a trace of guilt and pain. He suddenly used force with his right hand to hug Ying tightly.

Ying was startled by this sudden action, but soon she felt Chen Yue's burning heart. She quietly nestled in his arms, without saying a word, just silently feeling the warmth.

Chen Yue's voice was trembling slightly as he whispered, "I am really sorry for what happened to you in the past. I know that you have been in great pain over the years because of Zhen's departure, but I can't give you a reasonable explanation. Whenever I see the sadness in your eyes, I feel like my heart is being cut by a knife."

Chen Yue took a deep breath, "But I have actually concealed some things from you. These things have been hidden in my heart for a long time, and I have never had the courage to tell you. But now, I feel that I can no longer let you remain in such an unclear state."

Ying slowly raised her head and stared into Chen Yue's eyes, her eyes filled with endless confusion and eager anticipation. She longed to hear Chen Yue tell the truth in person to solve the mystery that had been lingering in her heart for a long time.

Chen Yue sighed heavily, as if he was carrying a heavy weight in his heart. After a brief silence, he finally mustered up the courage and spoke again.

"In fact, Zhen did not leave. After the thrilling disaster that year, although she was seriously injured and in critical condition, she was fortunately rescued in the end."

Chen Yue continued speaking with a hint of helplessness and bitterness in his voice.

"In fact, I have wanted to tell you all this for a long time, but there is always a lack of the right time. Even if I really tell you, I am afraid you may not believe it, and it may cause more trouble. So, I think it is better to wait until everything is resolved before telling you the truth."

"Her body has been nourished by the powerful vitality of the sacred cherry tree. After five hundred years, she must have recovered to her original state. As for her soul, I have found a safe container to preserve it properly."