Chapter 1288 - 36: The Collapse of Heaven

Cork Street 121A, Winchester Law Firm.

After staying at Perpetual Motion Pump for quite a while, this is likely Lorenzo’s first return to the law firm, even if just temporarily resting, it feels wonderful to be home.

"So this is your home?"

Shao Liangxi strolls around the law firm; it resembles a big warehouse packed with a lot of messy stuff, miscellaneous items everywhere. Fortunately, there are places to sit.

Red Falcon walks to a corner and plops down. Folks like Red Falcon and Eve, due to their frequent visits here, eventually develop a designated spot for themselves.

The group sits scattered, enjoying the brief tranquility.

Shao Liangxi looks around without any awkward feeling of being a guest, contrasting Rod, who stands behind Shao Liangxi, somewhat at a loss.

"What are all these?"

Shao Liangye glances at the papers on the desk, barely able to decipher the words on them.

"Some... story developments? Whenever I’m idle, I’ll write random stuff; it helps with divergent thinking."

Lorenzo gives a cursory glance and responds casually.

He writes a lot of random things, mostly based on different perspectives and factions about the same event, leading to different trajectories.

Thanks to learning acting from Oscar in his early years, Lorenzo often role-plays others according to his understanding, speculating on the choices they might make.

Previously handing intelligence over to Lawrence and Ed was also based on these scenarios, very risky, but as a gambler like Lorenzo, he thought it worth a try.

Relying on these insights, he reconsiders how to counter Roger, seeking a way out in this desperate situation.

"You only wrote half?"

Shao Liangye’s reading was interrupted; he noticed most narratives ended halfway through their development, for unknown reasons.

"Yeah, because I can’t continue."

Lorenzo explains, casually picking a piece of paper off the floor, with short, scribbled phrases.

"You can’t continue?"

"I’m not omniscient. While writing, I get stuck, unable to imagine how things will progress, let alone how to break the stalemate."

Lorenzo crumples the paper and tosses it far, hitting Red Falcon on the head accurately.

Red Falcon is used to Lorenzo’s antics by now; previously, he might have cursed a bit, but now he can’t be bothered with him. He leans against the wall, eyes slightly closed.

This is rare leisure Red Falcon wants to enjoy.

They just finished today’s task, placing Anti-Meme weapons at nearby outposts. Being close to Winchester Law Firm, Lorenzo stops by to take a look and rest for a bit.

Eve lies on a desk nearby, head down writing a report; she’s meticulous and dedicated to her work.

Red Falcon had mentioned to Lorenzo several times; he thought Maruri’s terrible experiences might scare this girl away, but she was serious, not joining on a whim.

"Can you show me?"

Shao Liangye sees something and asks Lorenzo.

Lorenzo raises his hand, revealing a gun under his coat, rarely used in front of Shao Liangye and the others.

"Here."

Lorenzo says little, handing the Winchester over.

Shao Liangye receives it with both hands, placing it on his knees, observing carefully.

Lorenzo’s battle-tested; given his combat intensity, weapons are swapped after each fight. Yet this carried shotgun looks new, seemingly unscathed from battles.

That doesn’t make sense; a guy like Lorenzo wouldn’t carry useless items.

Decoration?

Shao Liangye glances at Lorenzo’s messy hair; Lorenzo hardly cares about personal image.

"Does it have another meaning?"

Shao Liangye asks, it’s carried for a reason.

"Perhaps, it’s left by a friend. Sadly, the original got destroyed; this one is crafted by artisans to resemble the original."

Lorenzo lazily replies, looking genuinely free from shadows, his tone relaxed.

Shao Liangye caresses the gun handle, feeling faint textures; upon careful observation, there’s a line of text.

"A short poem."

Lorenzo seems to know Shao Liangye’s actions, smiling.

"What poem?"

Shao Liangye reads the engraved words; he understands Western languages, the meaning of words, yet struggles with translating the implication.

"A poem... about death, resisting death."

Lorenzo murmurs, tilting his head up, gazing at the dim ceiling, hearing Red Falcon’s rising breaths and the scratch of pen on paper.

Shao Liangxi idly sits; nothing in the law firm catches her attention, while Rod stands behind, feeling like a babysitter to the excessively energetic Shao Liangxi.

It’s a peaceful and soothing moment; wind whistles outside, raindrops visible on the glass.

Lorenzo likes the atmosphere, whispering emotionally.

"Do not go gentle into that good night.

Old age should burn and rave at close of day."