They looked at each other, sensing the sincerity and confidence radiating from Shen Lin—an aura that was almost unimaginable in a place like Kazdel.
Finally, as their gazes met, their eyes grew resolute, and they exchanged knowing smiles.
Betrayal and conflict were constants among the Sarkaz people. If no one was willing to open their hearts, then no one ever would, because everyone feared the pain of being hurt.
But if you wanted to gain something, you had to stop being afraid of losing.
This was Shen Lin's usual code of conduct.
Ursula crossed her arms, her golden eyes flickering slightly as she watched the scene unfold. She couldn't help but chuckle softly, teasing Shen Lin:
"What makes you so confident we'll succeed?"
Shen Lin grinned and joked back.
"That's because even if we hit a wall, I believe our unstoppable and super-powerful Ursula will smash through it with her invincible strength."
The previously tense and oppressive atmosphere disappeared in an instant, replaced by a burst of light-hearted laughter.
"The Sarkaz and the Imperials have harbored resentment toward each other for a long time," Shen Lin said, his tone serious. "Now, we're reaching a breaking point. This is our chance."
Ursula's golden eyes fixed on his determined expression, and deep down, she nodded in agreement.
Most Sarkaz people disliked—no, despised—the Imperials. After all, it was largely because of the Imperials that Kazdel had fallen into its current miserable state. The suffering of their daily lives could all be traced back to Imperial exploitation and oppression.
As Shen Lin said, this truly was an opportunity.
But... while recognizing an opportunity was one thing, seizing it was an entirely different challenge.
Ursula couldn't help but wonder—what kind of plan would he come up with to make use of this opportunity?
"To face the Imperials, our strength alone would be like throwing an egg against a rock," Shen Lin explained. "We can't rely on brute force. We need to defeat them with wisdom."
He paused and then added, "I plan to hold a free concert. Through music, I'll expose the evils of the Imperials and the suffering they've inflicted on the Sarkaz workers. I want to use this to inspire the Sarkaz people, to awaken their strength."
"We need to align our actions with the tide of history. We must elevate the conflict between the workers and the entrepreneurs into a national conflict. For the Sarkaz people, this is no longer just about wages or working conditions—it's about our identity, our survival, and our pride as a people."
"My goal is to paint a clear picture of the oppression the Imperials have imposed on the Sarkaz. I want to use that picture to unite and mobilize the Sarkaz, to help them realize that now is the time to resist and stand together."
Hearing Shen Lin's plan, Ursula's golden eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn't expected him to think so far ahead.
"Ursula, your sharpness surprises me," Shen Lin said with a small smile. "Yes, that's one of my ideas."
However, one of the followers frowned and hesitated before voicing their concern:
"Isn't this a bit too radical? Public opinion alone won't cause the Imperials any real harm, but it could put you in a very dangerous position."
"If they retaliate..."
The follower trailed off, but their sentiment was shared by most of the group. All eyes turned to Shen Lin, waiting for his response.
"In our investigation, we found that most of the factory workers used to be scavengers before they were hired," the follower continued. "If conflict breaks out, their strength is negligible at best."
Ursula's brows furrowed slightly in disappointment. She felt that Shen Lin's plan had failed to fully account for the potential consequences.
"If conflict does occur," she said, "our current strength is barely enough to face a single mercenary group. If more than one group gets involved, we'll undoubtedly suffer heavy casualties."
"Those mercenaries are ruthless. Just because we're also Sarkaz doesn't mean they'll show us any mercy."
"I hope, Shen Lin... that you'll think this through carefully before making a final decision."
Shen Lin remained silent, quietly listening to everyone's opinions. Finally, he gestured for them to gather closer.
Curious, the group exchanged glances before stepping forward. Shen Lin lowered his voice and whispered his complete plan to them.
When they heard the full details of his strategy, they collectively gasped in shock. Even Ursula's golden eyes widened with disbelief.
For a moment, Ursula seemed overwhelmed. Tears welled up in her eyes as she sobbed softly.
She had initially thought Shen Lin was nothing more than a naive, idealistic fool who cared only about his grand visions while ignoring the harsh realities of the present.
But after hearing his complete plan, Ursula was utterly convinced.
Seeing the reactions of the group, Shen Lin's lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"In the past," Shen Lin began, "our fates were decided by those so-called 'important figures' sitting around negotiation tables. But this time, I want to take back the right to decide our own fate."
"History isn't written by the so-called rational and objective people who sit at round tables, exchanging polite words in orderly discussions."
"Blindly clinging to rationality, objectivity, and neutrality without taking action will only lead to chaos in the end."
"Struggle is our only option now. If we give up the struggle, we'll be no different from livestock, waiting passively for the butcher's knife to fall."
"But we will not wait quietly."
"We will fight."