Chapter 26: The Plan

“The female lead is up to me to decide… Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”
Huang Ze wasn’t so easily convinced; he vaguely sensed that he was being set up.

“What’s inappropriate about it?”
Ding Xuewen hurriedly explained, “The script for ‘The Dragon’s Naturalization in Our Country’ mainly revolves around you, Mr. Huang Ze, and the female protagonist. The dragon’s perception of her, whether the dragon and the heroine can develop a genuine chemistry… All of this is crucial to the authenticity of the plot!”

“So it’s perfectly normal for the female lead to be chosen according to your intuition and preferences, Mr. Huang Ze!”

“Is that really the case?”
The dragon looked doubtful. “Why do I feel as if you’re arranging a matchmaking session for me?”

“…”

Ding Xuewen was momentarily at a loss for words. After a brief contemplation, he decided there was no need to hide the matter, and so he spoke frankly, “If you want to think of it that way, Mr. Huang, that’s fine. We are indeed hoping to help you find a girlfriend.”

“First, it would enrich your emotional life and contribute to the stability of your human nature.”

“Second, we’re quite curious about your reproductive abilities. Although dragons are said to possess the most tolerant and open genetic lineage, and have produced numerous offspring with the indigenous humans of this world… we, after all, are from another realm. It’s hard to guarantee whether there’s a reproductive barrier between us and the humans, dragons, elves, and other intelligent primate species here. We’d like to conduct specific research with you…”

“Emmmm…”

Huang Ze fell into silent contemplation. It wasn’t that he found the matter embarrassing; it was just odd that he, a dignified dragon, needed the state to arrange a wife for him. The whole idea felt strange.

“I think… it’s best to take our time with this.”

The dragon gently refused, “After all, I haven’t even mastered the ability to return to human form yet… If I were to attempt romance while still bearing this ugly, hundred-ton visage, wouldn’t that be far too incongruous?”

“Haha… Mr. Huang, you needn’t worry about that. We’ve actually already discovered a way for you to regain human form.”

“Really?”

The dragon was overjoyed. He shot up from the ground, his dragon eyes wide with excitement.

His life as a dragon was nearly complete—he only lacked the means to return to human shape!

“Yes, Mr. Huang.”
Ding Xuewen smiled. “Do you recall the red dragon we mentioned before? The one intending to sell dragon blood to various domestic and foreign criminals.”

“According to our intelligence staff, this red dragon possesses the ability to transform into human form, and has repeatedly used it to negotiate with buyers.”

“Really! That’s wonderful!”
The dragon was ecstatic, waving his claws in excitement. “What are we waiting for? Let’s hurry and buy the method from him! Whatever the cost, I’ll pay it!”

…Money, for Huang Ze, was nothing but dragon blood—he could afford it easily!

“It’s like this, Mr. Huang.”
Ding Xuewen smiled, “Our plan isn’t to spend money or effort seeking out that red dragon to purchase the ability, but rather to use a more direct and forceful approach—capture him alive!”

“Capture… alive?”
Huang Ze was stunned, hesitating. Was it right to capture a dignified adult red dragon just to save money and acquire a minor transformation spell? Wasn’t that a bit unscrupulous?

“Mr. Huang, it’s not as you think.”
The black dragon’s thoughts weren’t hard to guess. Seeing Huang Ze’s expression, Ding Xuewen quickly explained,

“There’s much you may not know. This red dragon is malicious and has committed countless crimes. Its presence greatly threatens the national security and economic environment of our southwestern borders, causing severe economic and reputational losses.”

“Before its arrival, our southwestern border had several trade ports with neighboring human realms, dwarven kingdoms, and half-elf tribes, with considerable commerce.”

“But that changed with the red dragon’s appearance. Greedy by nature, it took control of the mountains, extorted huge protection fees from passing merchants, and greatly endangered their safety. More and more traders have been scared away from our country, even doubting our ability—unable to deal with a single red dragon.”

“Moreover, it colludes with domestic and foreign criminals, stealing national secrets and strategic resources…”

“This detestable red dragon has inflicted severe damage on our economy, national defense, reputation, and more. We’ve actually been wanting to take action against it for quite some time!”

“…Hearing you say so, that red dragon certainly deserves a lesson!”
Huang Ze nodded in agreement, recalling his own experiences in that human realm.

A scheming dragon could have an enormous impact on the lives of those nearby.

He remembered the time he lived on a small hillside; not a single person from the nearby human cities dared venture out. Such terrifying intimidation forced people to pay dearly to hire angels to drive the evil dragon away, ending the ordeal.

“Yes, we plan to punish the red dragon severely, inviting representatives of intelligent species in foreign lands to hold a public trial, enumerate its crimes, and enforce justice as a warning to others.”

Ding Xuewen spoke solemnly. “It will also demonstrate our nation’s strength and resolve, truly improve local security and commerce, and safeguard our country’s reputation and influence.”

“Excellent… That’s exactly how it should be. Foreign dragons don’t understand the rules—they deserve a proper reckoning.”

Huang Ze nodded repeatedly. With different positions came different perspectives. Far from considering a public trial for a dragon humiliating or feeling any kinship, he actually wanted to witness the scene himself, join the crowd, and toss a few eggs for good measure.

“However, to capture an adult red dragon alive abroad is still quite a challenge for us at present.”

Ding Xuewen’s expression grew serious. “So we hope to enlist your assistance, Mr. Huang.”

“Me?”

The dragon was surprised, then shook his head. “I can’t. I’m not good at fighting.”

“You’re too modest, Mr. Huang. Black dragons are recognized as the kings of close combat among dragonkind. Besides, you won’t be fighting alone—our military will prepare a comprehensive plan, deploying fighter jets and ground troops to work with you. With such a net, subduing a mere red dragon will be a breeze.”

“I’m not being modest. I truly can’t fight. Previously I…”

Huang Ze grew anxious, wanting to admit he’d been bested by a white dragon before… but ultimately held back.

White dragons were said to be at the very bottom of the dragon hierarchy, nearly expelled from the ranks of intelligent dragons. For a dignified black dragon to have lost to one—how humiliating would that be if word got out?