Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Collapse of the God-Making Plan

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“Daoran, what are your thoughts after everything that’s happened?” Chen Ming asked.

Li Daoran pondered for a moment before replying, “You all knew I would do that, didn’t you?”

“Yes and no,” Charles replied.

“Apart from Chen Ming, none of us thought you’d actually go through with it. But once you’d left, we realized Chen Ming had played us for fools. We were worrying about him, and all the while, you two were just putting on an act together,” David said, casting a sidelong glance at Chen Ming.

“Chen Ming kept a few crucial details from us. We assumed he was intentionally keeping you in the dark to prevent you from taking action, but you managed to deduce all those key points on your own. What’s worse is that, although he was clearly encouraging you to act, we failed to notice at the time,” Natasha added, her legs propped up on the coffee table. Recalling how Chen Ming had feigned righteousness and lectured her after Li Daoran left, she felt a surge of irritation.

“There were risks, but they were controllable. With Bear Mountain there, your life was never truly in danger. If there had really been a risk of death, Bear Mountain would never have let you meet Wayne. This was later proven. So, ultimately, Chen Ming, you and your lot were a cut above the rest,” Charles said, a note of admiration in his voice.

Chen Ming, however, looked around the room, deliberately avoiding their comments.

At last, even Li Daoran and Tam turned their gazes toward him. Chen Ming finally spoke. “Not true, not at all. Daoran acted on his own—what’s it got to do with me? You’re all trying to pin the blame on me, that’s going too far.”

Li Daoran couldn’t help but laugh, conceding, “Yes, yes, it was all me.”

“You acted on your own, and you find it funny? This emergency PR crisis is going to cost people a lot of hair, and you just had to add fuel to the fire. What, you made a mistake and you’d do it again next time?” Chen Ming rolled his eyes at him.

Li Daoran fell silent; he could hear the resentment in Chen Ming’s tone.

“All right, let’s not dwell on this anymore. Daoran, you should know how unique your situation is. We’ve been asked to have an honest conversation with you, so let’s take this chance to speak openly,” Charles said, trying to ease the tension.

Chen Ming nodded in agreement. “That’s right, it’s time we talked, Daoran. Your growth has surpassed all our expectations. It’s only natural you’d have your own ideas.

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Even if it hadn’t happened now, it would eventually. At least things haven’t reached the point of no return, so we can still have this conversation.”

“At first, I admit we were a little too focused on quick results, treating you more like a tool. But later, we realized our mistake and had many internal discussions. That’s how our relationship evolved into what it is today. I believe you can sense the changes and sincerity in our actions,” Chen Ming said.

Li Daoran nodded in acknowledgment. It was true—Chen Ming’s attitude had changed significantly since their fight with David; he was far more considerate of his feelings now.

“I understand. Thank you.”

“In the end, Daoran, you are unique to all of humanity. We cannot effectively restrain you—what, tie you up? Forbid you from entering Daoran’s World? None of that is practical. Right now, you hold the fate of all humanity in your hands. The balance of power is unequal. It may appear that we still have the advantage, but as your own needs grow, one day you will become humanity’s guiding force. That’s destiny,” Charles said, fixing his gaze on Li Daoran.

“I’ve never wanted to be humanity’s leader, truly,” Li Daoran said in a deep voice.

“That is God’s choice. You need not be afraid. You are destined to guide mankind’s path. Everything that has happened to you is proof—a miracle. You will become a god, the savior of humanity,” David said devoutly.

“I am not!” Li Daoran shouted, leaping to his feet.

Chen Ming and Natasha looked on coldly from the side. Because of Li Daoran’s rash decision, the Rabbit Nation had relinquished its leadership, and the Western nations, led by David, now held the reins.

Their plan was a Godmaking Project: to shape Li Daoran into a deity, above all others. This would allow them to more easily mobilize their resources and maintain internal stability.

In fact, after the incident, their national public relations had begun to promote this narrative, shaping public opinion accordingly. What they needed now was Li Daoran’s acknowledgment, after which they would proceed in their own way.

Just as David had deferred when Chen Ming was in charge, now Chen Ming could only keep silent, no matter how much he disagreed.

David shrugged. “What’s so bad about becoming a god? Why do you resist so much? When you’re a god, everything you do is divine will, everything is right. No one will criticize you, and your will shall be law on Bluewater Star. Why are you so against it?”

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“Do you believe in God?” Li Daoran asked. He was a staunch atheist; though he didn’t sense any malice in David’s tone, something about it felt off.

“Why are you so resistant to this?” David asked, exasperated. He simply couldn’t understand it. If their positions were reversed, he would have jumped at the chance to become a god.

Charles said, “Daoran, your existence is a miracle in itself, and there’s nothing stopping you from becoming a deity—if only you agree.”

“What’s in it for me?” Li Daoran glanced at Chen Ming, but Chen Ming offered no response, so he had to ask directly.

“Is the reward of godhood not enough?” David retorted.

“Don’t take me for a fool, you slippery fish. I know you lot too well. What’s so good about being a god? Just an empty title—do I look like I need one? Do as you please, but don’t crown me with grand titles. If you want a savior, pick whoever you like—I’m not interested,” Li Daoran said, adopting a shameless stance, refusing to budge on anything that didn’t benefit him.

David could only smile wryly. “Chen Ming, are all you Rabbit Nation people like this? How can you live without faith?”

Chen Ming rolled his eyes. David was clearly trying to get him to persuade Li Daoran, but their plan had stalled at the very first step. They never imagined Li Daoran would be such a resolute atheist. But Chen Ming agreed with him and had no intention of helping their cause.

Unless the Dove Nation put something tangible on the table, they couldn’t expect to bind Li Daoran with an empty title like “savior.” Chen Ming nearly wanted to applaud Li Daoran’s response—there was no way he would help them.

Seeing Chen Ming remain silent, Li Daoran grew even more resolute. “Enough, David. I know perfectly well whether you see me as a god. With great power comes great responsibility. I can’t be the savior, much less a god—I don’t have that kind of power. So don’t try to put that on me; I’m not buying it.”