Illuminating Shadows

They hitched a ride with the soldiers to the city, sitting in the back of the car while the soldiers occupied the front seats, separated by a thick layer of bulletproof glass with good sound insulation.

As they sat in the car, Vermilion's mood gradually returned to calm. She looked around and glanced at the rear-view mirror, realizing that they were the only military vehicle on the road. It dawned on her that they were the only passengers from the train who were offered a ride.

"Why did the soldiers only offer us a ride?" Vermilion asked Dr. Apgar, puzzled.

"You can thank the first-class train tickets we bought," Dr. Apgar responded.

"Just because we have first-class tickets, they're willing to give us a free ride?"

"A 'free' ride? Who said that? Do you think they're saints? Well, 'eleven' out of ten of these soldiers are snobs. They expect us to tip them for the ride. Besides, did you notice that we were the only passengers who bought first-class tickets?"

"Oh, I see. So that's why the other compartments beside us were empty."

"Exactly. Who do you think can afford first-class tickets in a rural village? Only the wealthy and influential can. I suppose these soldiers thought I was one of those rich individuals."

"But I genuinely thought you were rich too," Vermilion laughed and replied.

"How could you be so oblivious? What about me makes you think I'm rich? Let me tell you a secret—I have only a few cents with me right now."

"Fe… fe… few cents? Really?! There definitely not enough to tip them! What would happen if they found out?"

"Ha ha, no need to worry. Somehow, you're still right that we're getting a 'free' ride."

"If they're really snobby like you said, how is it possible that they're still giving us a 'free' ride?"

"Yes, as you said, they definitely wouldn't give us a free ride. But don't worry, I know how to trick them into giving us a free ride," Dr. Apgar said confidently.

"A trick? What are you going to do... Wait a second, have we been using a fake first-class train ticket this whole time?!" Vermilion suddenly realized.

"Shhh! Keep your voice down! Of course, the tickets are fake. There's no way I could afford such expensive things."

"No wonder you looked so confident that we wouldn't get into any trouble, you have fooled both the train inspector and the ticket inspector."

"Not bad, kids. You managed to figure it out this time. You're quite smart," Dr. Apgar teased Vermilion.

"So how do you plan to tip them? Are you planning to sell me to them?" Vermilion asked with a serious face.

"Seriously?! Why are you so capricious? I just praised you for being smart, but then you ask me a stupid question. Sometimes you talk too much, and other times you don't speak at all."

"I thought all of this was carefully planned by you. Well, then, what's your plan?"

"It's simple. It depends on how you take advantage of someone's greed."

"How?"

"I don't think I should be teaching a 'little girl' like you such things. It would only increase my guilt. Just stand by and watch what I do."

Vermilion nodded with a smile. As the car they were riding in entered a tunnel, the surroundings grew dark, with only the headlights barely illuminating the road ahead.

"Here we are. Once we exit the tunnel, we'll reach the outskirts of the city," Dr. Apgar said.

After they exited the tunnel, the scenery in front of them remained dark, and they could only vaguely make out some tall and peculiar buildings.

"What are those tall buildings over there? There are so many of them," Vermilion asked.

Dr. Apgar glanced at his watch and said, "You'll find out in just one minute."

When the clock struck 7:00 p.m., the entire city lit up, revealing the true appearance of the tall structures.

"They're not buildings... They're cannons being built on top of them... And they're enormous," Vermilion exclaimed, surprised and filled with admiration.

"Yes, those cannons are meant for the city's defense. If I recall correctly, each barrel is about 30 meters long," Dr. Apgar explained.

"They're not just decorations, right?"

"Of course not. They're real cannons. However, none of them have been fired. I'm sure people hope that day never comes."

At that moment, the soldier sitting in the passenger seat grabbed the walkie-talkie and said, "We're almost at the train station. Get ready."

Finally, they arrived at the station, and the soldiers helped them retrieve their luggage from the trunk.

"Here you go, ladies. Hope we can meet again!" said the soldier who had accompanied them.

"I assume you've prepared something for us, right? We drove you two all the way here," another soldier remarked.

"Of course, our heroes. We have indeed prepared something for you. Take this," Dr. Apgar said, handing them a business card.

"Hmm? A business card? Seriously?" one of the soldiers questioned.

"You guys better take a look at it," Dr. Apgar replied.

Curiosity piqued, the soldiers examined the card and read aloud, "Occupation: Senior Officer of Weapon Development..."

"I know some senior officers at the commanding headquarters. I'll be sure to share your generosity with them," Dr Apgar said.

"In that case, we can't thank you enough! Goodbye and have a good night, ladies."

The two soldiers got into their vehicle and drove away.

"See that? I fooled them easily," Dr. Apgar remarked.

"I didn't expect your technique to be so simple and effective," Vermilion commented.

"I only asked you to watch, not learn from it. So, this is your first time in a city, right?"

"Yes."

"How do you feel about it?"

"It's beautiful. There are so many people on the streets, and it feels so lively..."

"Well, I'm glad you like this city."

"Where are we going next?"

"We're heading to a unit where I have acquaintances. From now on, it'll be your new home."

"My new home...?" Vermilion echoed.

"Yes. Don't worry, there are people around your age there. You'll be able to make new friends."

"I see. Thank you so much, Dr. Apgar."

"Alright, let's go."

They gathered their luggage and set off towards their destination, Vermilion gazing up at the captivating cannons that had caught her attention since their arrival in the city.