Free Web NovelChapter 192: Chapter 180: Not What She Wanted
Gu Ning and Barto simultaneously picked up the documents in front of them.
The title on the first line, "Entry and Exit," was particularly eye-catching. Gu Ning’s gaze lingered on it for a moment before she continued reading.
The wording on the document was simple, without many long sentences or advanced vocabulary. Even without a translation, Gu Ning could understand the gist of it.
’This is...’
Astonished, Gu Ning looked up at Cyril, who asked, "Is there something you don’t understand? I can read it to you."
With that, he picked up the remaining form.
Gu Ning shook her head, indicating she could understand, and turned her gaze to Andrew.
’Does this mean they can leave?’
’Honestly, seeing the heavy guard around their building, I thought for sure Andrew would question me about my identity.’
’All the way here, I was wondering how I would explain my origins.’
’Should I tell them I’m a transmigrator? Andrew would never believe me. He’d probably think I was mentally ill.’
’Maybe, since I’m a female, he’d send me off to some Beastman city and arrange a decent life for me.’
That was the best outcome Gu Ning could imagine.
’But that’s not what I want.’
’An outcome like that could easily lead to more problems. After all, I’m different from Beastman females. If they discovered those differences, I might be captured for research, or something even more terrifying could happen.’
’I have to find a way to take control of my own fate.’
’But could things really be easier than I imagined?’
"Fill out this form and sign it," Andrew said, looking at the little female who was staring at him in disbelief. "If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask."
Gu Ning gathered her thoughts and asked, "If we sign this, we can leave?"
A slight smile touched Andrew’s lips. "Not yet."
Gu Ning silently put down the form as anxiety began to creep back into her heart. ’So there are conditions, just as I thought.’
Cyril, standing beside her, explained, "After the form is filled out, it has to be reviewed by the Military Department. Zone 19 is different from the other zones. It’s locked down for the winter, so anyone entering or leaving needs to submit an application to the Military Department. This is the standard screening process."
Hearing this, Gu Ning’s heart sank a little. She turned to look at Barto.
Barto hadn’t said a word since picking up the form, his brow tightly furrowed.
"How long will the review take?" Barto asked, looking up from the form to address Andrew directly.
’This whole process is just a formality. If he doesn’t want us to leave, he can reject this application for any reason he wants.’
"The review process takes one week," Cyril answered on Andrew’s behalf. "If there are no issues with the application, you’ll be issued passes."
Barto knew the process and the timeline, but he held no hope for this so-called "standard" review. He knew perfectly well that ever since Andrew had captured Kuinan’s subordinates and learned that he had swallowed the King Seed Core, there was no way he would be allowed to leave.
’The only reason this is happening is because Alex made a deal with him.’
’The two sides had reached an agreement, but the relationship was strained.’
’Just now, when he and Gu Ning came out of the building, Cyril’s men nearly clashed with the wolf pack guarding the entrance.’
’Alex hadn’t shown up, but the wolf pack’s attitude spoke for his own.’
’The deal with Andrew must have touched on something fundamental. No matter how good-tempered Alex was, he was still an alpha wolf. He wouldn’t like being manipulated.’
That’s why he wasn’t going to beat around the bush with Andrew. He would ask him directly what he was planning.
’He would never reveal his true intentions, especially not in front of Gu Ning, but whatever move he made, I’d be able to figure out what he’s really after.’
’Take this, for example.’
’This standard application process implies a greater hidden cost than if he’d just thrown a pass at us.’
Barto could see that Andrew was trying to placate Gu Ning.
’He’s even figured out her personality, and he knows this is the only way to keep her from overthinking or worrying, so she’ll go quietly to... Zone 5.’
Barto bared his teeth slightly at Andrew, crumpling the form in his hand.
Andrew met his gaze calmly. "Little fox, do you have a problem with this form?"
Gu Ning placed a hand on his leg and said softly, "Barto."
’Ever since we entered the conference room, Barto has been openly hostile toward Andrew and his men. I wonder if it’s because the wolf pack almost got into a fight with Cyril’s people earlier.’
’I know Barto’s temper. He’s brilliant, but when he gets angry, there’s no stopping him. In that respect, he’s just like other Beastmen who tend to think in straight lines.’
Gu Ning didn’t know the full extent of Barto’s worries; she was just afraid that if he lost his temper, it would be bad if he started a fight with Andrew and his men.
’Although, this Admiral Andrew seems pretty good-natured, like a decent officer. He even prepared an application form for Cook.’
’Whatever happens, as long as we can leave Zone 19, that’s all that matters. We can deal with everything else later.’
Barto paused, reining in his aggression. He patted the back of her hand and said, "The form is fine. Let’s fill them out."
He quickly filled out all three forms and handed one to Gu Ning. "You just need to write your name."
Gu Ning took the form and glanced at the elegant, flowing script he had used. She shot a look at Andrew. ’Is this really okay?’
Andrew said teasingly, "It’s fine. Since you’re applying right in front of me, the form is just a formality."
"..." Gu Ning picked up a pen and wrote her name on the application form.
After she finished, she turned to look at Cook. Cook didn’t know how to write yet.
She was just about to ask if she could sign on Cook’s behalf when Cyril placed a red ink pad in front of her. "Your little pup can use a fingerprint."
’...They really came prepared.’
Gu Ning took Cook’s index finger, dipped it in the red ink, and pressed his fingerprint onto the application form.
Cyril collected the three applications and examined them. "If there are no issues with the applications, I will notify you in advance and issue your passes."
Gu Ning looked up and thanked him politely, "Thank you."
When Cyril glanced down, he saw the little female’s sparkling, dark eyes.
’She’s bundled up tightly and wearing a mask, with only her eyes visible. The scents on her are from the fox and the dog, but I can’t smell Alex at all. Has Alex really not visited her these past two days?’
"You’re welcome." Cyril quickly snapped back to his senses and gave her a slight nod. He glanced at Andrew, then took the documents and exited the room.
Just as he reached the door, he stopped short. "Wolf Team."
"Is Cook inside?" asked Vine, the leader of the Wolf Team standing before him.
Cyril stepped to the side and glanced behind him. "He is. the Admiral is still..."
Vine brushed past him and walked straight into the conference room. Several young wolves followed at his heels, and Cyril was powerless to stop them.
Seeing Vine’s imposing entrance, Cyril felt that something was wrong.
’Vine isn’t like that flamboyant dog. He’s usually the most disciplined of them all. He would never barge in like this and interrupt the Admiral.’
Gu Ning heard the commotion and turned toward the door. A large, intimidating group of Beastmen was entering the conference room, and the tall, burly Beastman in the lead looked very familiar.
