The Supreme Soldier in the City
Chapter 429 - 436: Past with Emily Berns

Chapter 429: Chapter 436: Past with Emily Berns

"No wonder Emily Berns despises you so much. But since she hates you that deeply, you must have faced quite a lot of trouble back then," Lucy Campbell mused, looking at James Brown with a puzzled expression.

James Brown shrugged and said, "I was terrified afterward. Having a quarrel with her was one thing—nobody would pay any attention to that—but sleeping with her was a grave mistake. I thought for sure I’d be kicked out of the squad, but nothing happened. No one brought it up, as if nobody even knew about it."

Lucy Campbell remarked, "Looks like Emily Berns didn’t tell anyone. As a girl, sharing something like that would naturally cause embarrassment."

"That must be the case. But whenever she saw me again, it was like encountering her nemesis; she wouldn’t stop until she had tortured me to the bitter end. I felt guilty and could only endure it passively. After the mission was completed and I returned to the squad, I never saw her again."

Lucy Campbell didn’t ask if Emily Berns had contacted James Brown afterward; she knew very well that the Hawk Squad was a secretive state organization. Only high-ranking officials were privy to its existence, and James Brown must have carried out his missions under an alias. There was no way Emily Berns could uncover his real identity.

"But it seems like Emily Berns hasn’t given up on getting back at you," Lucy Campbell teased James Brown with a smile.

James Brown smiled wryly and said, "Exactly. Ever since then, I’ve been avoiding her entirely. Though I’ve seen her a few times, she never recognized me again. Who would have thought that after returning to YODC City, I’d run into her again."

"Ha, if she were to find out your true identity, you might never find peace. From what I know about Emily Berns, she certainly isn’t the type to let things slide easily once she’s been wronged."

James Brown shuddered and said, "Luckily, I managed to bluff my way through this time. You won’t reveal my identity to her, will you?"

Lucy Campbell quipped playfully, "That’ll depend on how well you behave."

James Brown couldn’t help but chuckle at her mischievous demeanor. There was something charmingly alluring about her girlish manner—it was impossible not to smile. He laughed and said, "Alright, name your conditions. If I can do it, I promise to agree to it."

"Alright then, I’ll be straightforward. After some time, I’ll be heading back to the Capital of SSUP. When that happens, I’d like you to accompany me."

"Accompany you to the Capital of SSUP..." James Brown hesitated slightly.

Lucy Campbell pouted and said, "Look at you—talking so boldly just now, only to hesitate the moment the tables turn."

James Brown laughed awkwardly and said, "Fine, fine, I’ll go to the Capital of SSUP with you. Being your sidekick isn’t a big deal."

"I haven’t decided on your role yet; we’ll figure it out when the time comes."

"You’re kidding, right?" James Brown turned his head and widened his eyes at Lucy Campbell.

Lucy Campbell chuckled lightly and said, "I might just make you pretend to be my boyfriend like Gina did."

"That... who would believe that?"

"Why not?"

"Why? You’re SSUP Country’s top beauty. Even if you were to find a boyfriend, he’d have to be someone like the heir of a prominent family—a prodigy among men. A commoner like me pretending to be your boyfriend? Who would fall for that?"

"Why does my boyfriend have to be a prodigy? Can’t I just find someone I like?" Lucy Campbell fixed James Brown with a meaningfully inquisitive gaze.

James Brown rolled his eyes and said, "Don’t talk to me about ’true love.’ Considering your social status, finding ’true love’ is virtually impossible. Ordinary folks can’t even catch your eye, let alone manage the vast differences in lifestyle. How would it ever work?"

Lucy Campbell froze for a moment and asked, "You really believe that?"

"Of course I do. While people may scoff at the idea of ’matching social backgrounds,’ it does hold plenty of truth. Sure, some couples defy their backgrounds for the sake of great love, but once love morphs into marriage, you’re faced with the reality of everyday matters—food, finances, life. Love wears thin quickly, and the wealthier party gets frustrated by financial troubles. Even if they borrow money from their parents to make ends meet, the other party loses their dignity. Resentment grows, conflicts arise, and eventually, it all falls apart."

Lucy Campbell said skeptically, "That’s such a unilateral view!"

James Brown chuckled and said, "It might be one-sided, but if a man were to pursue you, the pressure he’d face would be enormous. I doubt an average guy would even dare."

Lucy Campbell glanced at James Brown and said half-jokingly, "I think you’ve got plenty of guts."

"Me? Ha, the reason I think so clearly is precisely so I won’t set myself up for such hardship. Actually, before coming back this time, given the emotional foundation between Melody Yoody and me, we could well have ended up together. But our lifestyles diverged—I’m someone who loves freedom and spontaneity; she hopes I’ll work hard to climb the ladder. This created a gulf between us, making it impossible to be together."

"But you still got Melody Yoody pregnant."

James Brown smiled awkwardly and said, "We’re all adults. Besides, though we aren’t quite suited for marriage, the feelings between us remain. Something like this happening seems natural."

Lucy Campbell laughed softly and said, "But now you’ve created a big mess for yourself." Yet inwardly, she was already pondering how to deal with this mess in the future. She wasn’t the kind of vindictive woman to begrudge Melody Yoody, especially since she could only conceive this one child. Naturally, she’d support Melody in having the baby. Still, contemplating having to raise another woman’s child if she herself were to be with James Brown did leave her feeling conflicted.

James Brown had no idea what Lucy Campbell was thinking. If he did, he probably wouldn’t believe it: not only did Lucy harbor feelings for him, she was even planning how to arrange his child with another woman. Her perspective was truly extraordinary—beyond the grasp of common folks.

One of the reasons Lucy Campbell garnered widespread admiration was her magnanimity. Her generosity inspired unwavering loyalty from her team. She liked James Brown and wished to be with him, but all she considered was what was best for him. She didn’t dwell on his past relationships and simply sought a happy future together. Moreover, she was determined to smooth over any unresolved issues from his past to ensure a harmonious future for them.

The two hadn’t even returned home when James Brown received a call from an unfamiliar number. Slowing the car, he answered.

"Mr. Brown, is that you?" A male voice came from the other end.

James Brown replied, "It’s me. Who’s speaking?"

"I’m John Smith, Mr. Brown. I’m wondering if you have time; I’d like to pay you a visit." John Smith’s tone quickly turned urgent, with an unmistakable air of respect.

James Brown had honestly forgotten about John Smith until now. As recognition dawned, a smile flickered at his mouth. "Why do you want to see me?"

"Mr. Brown, it’s entirely my fault. I want to apologize—please, I beg you to forgive me."

"You really think you’ve erred?" James Brown asked coolly.

"Yes, yes, I truly regret it. Mr. Brown, please, give me another chance."

Finally, James Brown said, "Whether you get another chance depends on Laura’s opinion."

"Mr. Brown, then I—"

"Alright, just pick a venue and call me. An hour from now, Laura and I will meet you."

"Thank you, Mr. Brown. Thank you!" John Smith effusively expressed gratitude as James Brown hung up.

Lucy Campbell immediately interjected, "Don’t leave me out of this—I want to come with you."

James Brown had initially meant to drop her off at home, but seeing her insistence, he could only smile and say, "Alright, you can tag along."

"If there’s something fun, you’re not leaving me behind. I’ve rarely had any time to relax. If I had to stay home all the time, I’d be bored stiff."

James Brown thought Lucy Campbell seemed like a playful, endearing girl at that moment, resembling Grace Lopez. He felt an increased sense of affection for her, no longer perceiving her solely as SSUP Country’s top beauty and maintaining a wary distance.

Less than five minutes later, John Smith called back. He picked the venue: L Hotel, the finest place in YODC City. Clearly, John Smith, now desperate to curry favor with James Brown, dared not opt for anywhere less remarkable.

James Brown then dialed Alice Brown, as he didn’t have Laura’s number. Forty minutes later, he met Alice Brown and Emily Johnson at the entrance of L Hotel.

"James—Brown!" Jennifer Hog and Alice Brown had arrived before him and were waiting at the entrance. Seeing him step out of the car, they immediately flanked him on either side, grabbing his arms. They were about to address him as "Mr. Smith," but quickly realized it might be inappropriate, and hastily switched to "James."

Lucy Campbell had also stepped out of the car at this point, leaning against the car door and smiling slyly. "Well, James, looks like you’re quite the charmer—you’ve got both of our company’s ambassadors swooning over you."

Jennifer Hog and Alice Brown, so preoccupied with James Brown moments ago, hadn’t noticed he’d brought someone along. Upon seeing Lucy Campbell now, they were both startled into releasing his arms.

James Brown chuckled and said, "Relax, there’s no need to be nervous. I called you out today to have some fun."