"It is truly an honor for the East Asian Alliance to receive such high praise from Mr. Durandal."
Since the other party spoke so graciously, Wang Hu naturally had to respond with equally pleasant words.
However, the exchange of compliments ended there. Otherwise, Wang Hu felt that given Durandal's eloquence,
they could likely sit here all day listening to nothing but empty talk.
Before Durandal could speak again, Wang Hu took out the photo frame from his pocket.
"Is this your wife and child? I must say, your wife is very beautiful, and your child is quite adorable."
"You have a family that is truly enviable."
Feigning ignorance of the actual situation, Wang Hu spoke blatant lies with his eyes wide open.
Frowning slightly, even with Durandal's composure, having Wang Hu poke at his sore spot so directly
stirred a trace of displeasure in his heart. Durandal found it hard to believe that Wang Hu had come to his home
without having first conducted some investigation into his background.
If that were truly the case, then the title "Qilin" would be far too undeserved.
But was Wang Hu's title of Qilin undeserved?
Anyone with a brain need only look at his track record. If you still thought Wang Hu was unworthy, then your brain must be faulty.
So...
Durandal's gaze fell on the photo frame that Wang Hu had deliberately brought from the study and placed on the reception room table.
Looking at the image of the person he loved, holding a child that wasn't his, yet smiling radiantly,
without Wang Hu's subtle jab, Durandal could still pretend to be magnanimous and tolerant.
For the sake of love, a minor flaw was not entirely unbearable.
But with Wang Hu's provocation, the instincts of a male creature began to stir.
Picking up the teacup from the table, Durandal took a tactical sip, letting the hot tea jolt his mind
and slightly suppress the ripples of emotion stirring within him.
"Might I ask what important matter brings Mr. Wang Hu here today without prior notice?"
Avoiding the question about the people in the photo frame and their relationship to him, Durandal chose to get straight to the point.
As for Wang Hu's question, if possible, he genuinely wished he could give an affirmative answer.
But he couldn't, nor did he want to utter a denial himself.
"Oh."
Tilting his head slightly, Durandal had no desire to dwell on this topic any further.
But Wang Hu had no intention of letting him off so easily. After all, once he fell into the other party's rhythm,
Wang Hu, being a straightforward person, would find it exhausting—extremely exhausting.
"PLANT has a regulation called the Compulsory Marriage Law. I wonder what Mr. Durandal's views are on this?"
So, the more the other party wished to avoid it, the more Wang Hu would seize upon it to make a big issue.
The displeasure in Durandal's eyes was unmistakable as he stared fixedly at Wang Hu.
His mind raced as he simulated how the other party would respond to his answers.
An average chess player can foresee four or five moves ahead, while an exceptional one can calculate from start to finish.
Undoubtedly, Durandal was such a person. After a brief moment of contemplation, he had already figured out the reason for Wang Hu's visit today.
The Destiny Plan? How formidable the East Asian Alliance is.
Was it possible that the other party could deduce his intentions just by seeing the preliminary preparations he had made in the laboratory for the Destiny Plan?
So when had he fallen under the surveillance of the East Asian Alliance?
Was it when he began to make a name for himself in PLANT's political arena, or when he started targeting Lacus?
Moreover—
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes as Durandal looked at Wang Hu before him, the corners of his lips curling slightly upward.
Though it was unpleasant to have his plans seen through, uncovering the other's intentions in return—
The sense of accomplishment rising within him was an indescribable exhilaration, something not easily conveyed to outsiders.
Yes, exactly—if all his opponents were mediocrities, what satisfaction could there be in victory?
"Miss Lacus Clyne is preparing to cooperate fully with your East Asian Alliance, isn't she?"
The words were phrased as a question, but the meaning was declarative. You ask yours, and I can ask mine.
How could he easily relinquish control of the conversation? Durandal threw out his own question.
Damn riddler, Wang Hu cursed inwardly as he looked at Durandal seated before him.
With this question posed, the other party had returned to his composed and unflustered demeanor.
Should he continue circling with him? Wang Hu quickly analyzed the pros and cons in his mind.
"Yes, for the sake of peace, Miss Lacus intends to cooperate with our East Asian Alliance."
"To end this war that we both deeply despise, I have come here seeking Mr. Durandal's support."
"The East Asian Alliance understands that Mr. Durandal is also a moderate who yearns for peace."
"Therefore, we very much hope to walk the path of peace alongside you. However, regarding the Destiny Plan, the East Asian Alliance has several points of contention."
In the end, Wang Hu chose to deliver a direct strike. If he could persuade Durandal here—someone he greatly admired—
Then after the first war concluded, the future second war would dissipate into nothingness.
This would save countless lives, an immeasurable virtuous deed.
"I see. So your East Asian Alliance has indeed taken notice of the Destiny Plan."
"Truly, what terrifying capability."
Durandal showed an expression of having expected this, but he was a man of firm resolve.
Since the other party had clearly come to win him over, why couldn't he turn the tables and attempt to sway them instead?
The capabilities of Kirin Wang Hu were undeniable. If he were willing to stand on his side—
His value far surpassed that of Athrun, Nicol, or their ilk.
No, he even far exceeded his closest friend, Captain Creuset!
Organizing his thoughts, Durandal immediately focused with utmost intensity.
"The Destiny Plan is my ultimate defensive strategy for humanity's survival, staking everything I have."
"By collecting and analyzing the genetic factors of all humanity, using genes as the sole reference—"
"We will assign everyone the work most suited to them, establishing a great harmonious society based entirely on allocation, disregarding background and lineage."
"Through this system, we humans will completely resolve dissatisfaction with the distribution of benefits—"
"The very source of war—thus achieving eternal peace."
"Think about it: many people don't know where their strengths lie. Through genetic analysis—"
"We can unearth their latent talents, allowing them to obtain work better suited to them."
Durandal's voice carried a magnetic quality, his measured tones painting a picture of his ideal society—one whose mere description could stir longing in the heart.
Observing Wang Hu listening intently to his words, Durandal revealed a satisfied smile as he delivered his final summation.
"In summary, I believe the Destiny Plan is essentially the ultimate ideal society your East Asian Alliance has been pursuing."
"A rather impressive plan."
After hearing Durandal's highly persuasive explanation, Wang Hu first offered approval before shifting the tone of the conversation.
"Then may I ask how you intend to implement this plan?"
"I have divided the Destiny Plan into three phases."
Seeing that Wang Hu seemed receptive, Durandal couldn't help but feel a surge of energy, proceeding to elaborate on the specific implementation methods of the Destiny Plan.
"In the first phase, the Destiny Plan will prioritize collecting genetic data from nations willing to participate, with consideration for non-participating countries reserved for later stages."
"The second phase involves genetic analysis—establishing large-scale central server systems to compare and screen the collected genetic data."
"This will allow us to assign the most suitable occupations for each individual based on their genetic profile."
"The third phase is placement. For instance, if you're currently an ordinary office worker but your genes indicate you're suited for corporate leadership,"
"your position would be reclassified accordingly. Conversely, if you're currently a corporate executive"
"but your genetic makeup shows you're better suited for routine work,"
"you would be reassigned to a role that truly matches your genetic blueprint."
"I believe such a society would be orderly, sustainable, and better aligned with the progression of both modern and future human civilization."
'Promoting the capable'—as someone of East Asian descent, I'm sure you can appreciate this principle."
"Indeed, 'promoting the capable' is certainly a core aspect of our East Asian culture."
"Personally, I've always disliked those who advance through connections rather than merit."
While maintaining verbal agreement, Wang Hu gradually prepared to reveal his true intentions.
Just as Durandal began to wonder if Wang Hu might actually become his new collaborator,
"The East Asian Alliance has several questions. For example, regarding what you mentioned earlier,"
"about prioritizing genetic collection from participating nations in the first phase—what if some countries adamantly refuse to participate?"
Wang Hu gently posed his first pointed question.
"Would you enforce compliance? Would resistant nations eventually find themselves left in the dust?"
Here it comes. Quickly dismissing the fleeting fantasy from his mind, Durandal smiled and explained,
"The Destiny Plan is designed for the future of all humanity. Using violent threats to compel participation would undermine its very purpose."
"Therefore, I fundamentally oppose such methods. I believe when initially reluctant nations"
"witness the plan's success—for their people and for humanity's future—"
"they will voluntarily reconsider and join the great family of human advancement."
"Is that so?"
His words sound more melodious than any song. During the Second War, you certainly entertained the idea of using military threats to force global participation in the Destiny Plan.
Wang Hu lifted his gaze to study Durandal before proceeding with another question.
"Alright, then I'd like to ask another question. For example, if an ordinary office worker's genetic profile indicates they're better suited to be a corporate executive."
"Following the implementation of the Destiny Plan, they would naturally take up the position happily."
"But conversely, would the person originally holding that executive position willingly step down and move to a relatively ordinary position?"
"Mr. Durandal, you cannot overestimate every individual's moral character."
"For instance, what if no amount of persuasion could convince this executive to give up their position?"
"What would you do then? Through what means would you make them relinquish their position?"
Truly worthy of being called the Qilin of East Asia, or rather, truly representative of the East Asian Alliance.
His gaze sharpened. Durandal understood perfectly what kind of answer the other party wanted to hear from him.
And he couldn't possibly brush off the question with excuses like "no one would resist social reform."
In reality, once the Destiny Plan was implemented, existing vested interests would inevitably be dissatisfied.
Where there's dissatisfaction, there would be resistance, and where there's resistance, there would be conflict!
Faced with such circumstances, when dealing with hardline elements clinging to the old era, there would naturally be only one path forward - enforced implementation through coercive measures!
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