Chapter 2543: Chapter 1702: Confusion (The Weather Still Isn’t Great)_2

"Doesn’t that sentence mean, ’If humans have no love and hope, then isn’t there no point in saving them?’"

For ordinary people, this might be a natural feeling, but not for a Judge.

Simply put, it’s a matter of professional ethics.

For example, just like a criminal who trafficks children, if discovered, everyone would beat them to death. But if they don’t die, they’d be taken to a hospital for first aid. Would a doctor give up on treating them because of the heinous acts they’ve done, and just watch them die?

That’s impossible.

A Judge is the same; saving humans is their job, not their mission. The latter requires emotion to sustain, while the former is simply a task to be done.

No matter if humans are good or bad, treacherous or stupid, kind or evil, as long as they are humans, they must be protected.

Of course, if anyone hinders a Judge’s work, their only end is death.

The two are not contradictory because a Judge doesn’t save a specific person but rather the concept of the human race as a whole.

"That’s how it is, I’ve said everything I needed to say."

Duanmu Huai felt she had conveyed everything necessary, so she turned around to leave, and at that moment, Fukawa Shoko hesitated but decided to speak.

"Please, please hold on, Miss Duanmu."

"Hmm?"

"I... I have something I’d like to ask you about. I’m not sure if you could spare some time?"

As expected of the young lady, her wording is still as reserved as ever...

"Alright, during lunch break, I’ll wait for you at the café next door."

Duanmu Huai doesn’t particularly like coffee, or rather she’s not too particular about food in general. She can discern delicious food, but she’s not someone who would indulge in gastronomy for its sake... As for choosing a café, the reason is simple.

It’s close by.

Otherwise, a fast-food restaurant would do as well.

During lunch break, Duanmu Huai found a seat at the café and soon saw Fukawa Shoko rushing in. She looked around, seemingly searching for someone, so Duanmu Huai had to raise her hand and wave.

"Over here."

"Ah."

It wasn’t until Duanmu Huai spoke that Fukawa Shoko noticed her, hurriedly walked over, and bowed respectfully.

"I’m very sorry, I’m late."

"It’s alright, please, sit."

Duanmu Huai gestured for her to sit down, and soon a waiter came over. Fukawa Shoko ordered a cup of black tea and remained silent. Duanmu Huai didn’t speak either, just silently browsed her phone—it seemed the person across needed to mentally prepare herself.

After a while, when the waiter brought the black tea, Fukawa Shoko finally spoke.

"Sorry, Miss Duanmu, this matter might not be something I should trouble you with, but I’m really out of options..."

"Hmm."

"It’s actually about my father..."

The issues Fukawa Shoko mentioned were related to her father, which didn’t surprise Duanmu Huai. Simply put, her father had completely given up, spending his days heavily drunk at home. As a daughter, Fukawa Shoko wanted to motivate him, but didn’t know how.

It’s not something Fukawa Shoko felt she could discuss with her friends, so Duanmu Huai happened to be caught in the crossfire.

"Father wasn’t like this before. Even when he was cast out from the Fukawa Family, he still wanted to work hard, but gradually he just couldn’t manage it anymore..."

"Hmm..."

Seeing Fukawa Shoko with her head down, Duanmu Huai stroked her chin.

"How to put it... your father’s situation is actually quite normal. While I’m not fully aware of his circumstances, I can assure you he’s definitely having trouble finding work."

"Oh? Is-Is that so?"

"Of course, maybe you didn’t know, but the circles have long been buzzing about the 16.8 billion loss at the Fengchuan Group, and the guy who was fired for it. Even I’ve heard whispers. In such a situation, even if your father wanted to find a job, he’d be rejected by many places."

"Why?"

"It’s simple."

Duanmu Huai shrugged.

"That’s 16.8 billion, not 1.68 million. Although we don’t know the specifics, it’s safe to say his capabilities are lacking. Creating a loss of such astronomical figures has already marked him as unusable in the eyes of many executives... Though my words may be harsh, finding another managerial position is impossible for him now; he’ll be lucky to work at a convenience store or as a driver."

"How can that be? My father... he’s a very straightforward person! He’s not a bad person!"

"We’re talking about capability, not character."

Duanmu Huai shook her head.

"The adult world is very realistic; it’s not just about being gentle, honest, and straightforward to be employed. Those qualities count too, but they’re not everything. Ultimately, it comes down to ability... But your father, indeed, lacks in that area."

"I..."

Facing Duanmu Huai’s candidness, Fukawa Shoko clenched her fists for a moment, wanting to retort, but eventually loosened her grip, powerless.

"Even before, Grandfather has scolded Father..."

"Ability, unlike moral character, depends on one’s own efforts. But considering your father’s situation now..."

Duanmu Huai pondered for a moment.

"If you ask me, maybe you’re trying too hard."

"Huh?"

It must be said, Duanmu Huai’s response genuinely caught Fukawa Shoko off guard. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"I’m... trying too hard?"

"That’s right. All the work you’re doing now is to maintain the household, isn’t it? For your father, since his daughter has become independent and self-sufficient, having no need to rely on him to survive, then his effort becomes meaningless."

"How could that be...!"

"According to what you’ve said, with your mother gone, it’s just you two, right? If you needed his care, maybe he’d pull himself together, striving for your sake. But now, you’re capable of doing everything, what’s left for him to strive for?"

"That’s not true!"

Fukawa Shoko shouted loudly.

"I hope he can... can pull himself together! To come back to me, not like this... For my father, I’m willing to do anything!"

"Oh?"

Upon hearing Fukawa Shoko’s answer, a spark gleamed in Duanmu Huai’s eyes.

"I do have a solution, but before that..."

"Before that?"

Gazing at Fukawa Shoko, Duanmu Huai revealed a smug smile.

"You just said you’re willing to do anything, right."