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The cold mountain air of the Zhejiang Province sharpens your focus as everyone considers the options. The conversation around Bhutran is promising, but a nagging suspicion pulls at the back of your mind. An international criminal like Shadowdragon might see capturing the metas as part of his "national interest,” exploiting them for personal or geopolitical gain. Escaping via the South China Sea, though risky, might offer a safer and more neutral route out of immediate danger.

"We can't trust Shadowdragon,” you say, voicing your concern. “Despite his claims of working for Bhutran’s benefit, he is still a thief and a mercenary. The metas might be too tempting a resource for him to pass up.”

Kong, growing impatient, demands to know, “Then where are we going to go, pinkie?”

"The sea route might be our best bet. It has its perils, but we can avoid the heavily monitored land routes and borders.”

Zhang Wei steps forward, his demeanor calm and measured as he speaks of China's claims and policies. "We must tread carefully. The South China Sea is a hotspot of territorial disputes and geopolitical tensions. It is an area of significant importance to China. The Nine-Dash Line has historical precedence, and China’s right to these waters is well established, yet the United Nations and many seafaring neigbors dispute this."

Everyone listens intently as Zhang continues his impromptu lecture. "China has fortified several islands within the Spratly and Paracel archipelagos, constructing ports, military outposts, and airstrips. This militarization is to protect our resources and maintain national security.

Zhang pauses, assessing the faces around him before continuing. “Despite international disputes, China’s maritime claims are rooted in history and necessity. The region’s waters are believed to hold around 11 billion barrels of untapped oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The territorial integrity of these waters is essential for our nation’s prosperity and stability. Yet, despite the challenges, we might benefit from the activities of Western and Southeast Asian navies conducting so-called 'freedom of navigation operations'. They could serve as deterrents or even sources of aid if we present ourselves as defectors seeking asylum.”

Mrs. Zhang hesitates, her voice tinged with concern as she looks between you and Zhang Wei. “I know you feel must do this, Wei, but can we really trust Japan, or America? They could detain us if we go to them... And the government will not want you to share our country's secrets, either."

The tension in the air is palpable as Mrs. Zhang voices her concerns. The group is on edge, balancing between fear and hope. Kong Kenan steps forward, his demeanor shifting from the cocky arrogance of Super-Man to something more profound, more genuine. He looks at Zhang Wei, his wife, and their daughter, then glances at you before speaking:

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Loving A Superhero: Part Two