It was already evening, the lights were just coming on, and the villa was brightly lit, everything was clear at a glance. The decor was simple, the furniture minimalistic, but it looked very clean, and items were well-organized. On the sofa, a middle-aged man was leaning sideways reading a newspaper, slightly plump, with a square face, exuding a certain elegant charisma, both warm and dignified. He was, indeed, the current National Chairman of Huaxia Country.
Everyone often saw him on TV and recognized him at once. Hong ihua led the group inside; everyone lined up, solemnly saluting as Hong ihua earnestly reported, "Sir, Hong ihua from the Fourth Squadron of the National Security Strategy Bureau reporting with the team. Please instruct us."
"Here now? We're old acquaintances, no need to be so serious. Hmm, you all look quite spirited. Young people indeed, not like , getting old, stuck in my ways. Co, have a seat, don't just stand there." The Chairman said with a laugh, carrying a paternal tone, inviting closeness.
No one moved; discipline squads have their own rules, waiting for Hong ihua to speak. Hong ihua seriously said, "In front of the Chairman, we dare not sit; please instruct us, Chairman."
"What's there to fear? You are the heroes of the nation. Sit, consider it my order to you all. Feel free, don't be constrained. Speak freely whatever's on your mind. I've wanted to et you all for a while; it's just that affairs have tangled up, dragging things until now." The Chairman chuckled, though his words were an order, it felt more like an invitation.
"With the Chairman's graciousness, everyone, have a seat." Hong ihua was not one for fussing over formalities; etiquette sufficed, she said.
"Thank you, Chairman." The group said in unison, the pressure suddenly dissipated. Looking at the Chairman, they felt more at ease and started finding places to sit, ears perked up.
The Chairman looked at everyone with satisfaction, his gaze sweeping across them, and remarked with a smile, "To act daringly is a virtue. You are soldiers and the nation's sharp blades; you should be focused on action over details. On the battlefield, you strike fear into enemies, how can you now be afraid of an old seasoned man like ?"
Everyone smiled in good humor but didn't respond. The Chairman glanced at Hong ihua, then his gaze landed on Luo Zheng, continuing, "You're codenad Ghost, right?"
"Yes, awaiting the Chairman's instructions." Luo Zheng stood up promptly and said seriously.
"I ntioned to be less restrained; be as you are normally; there's no one else here." The Chairman laughed.
"Thank you, Chairman." Luo Zheng also wasn't fond of excessive formality, gladly took the suggestion, and sat down, leaning back, saying to the rest solemnly seated, "The Chairman wants us relaxed; would you dare defy orders?"
Everyone chuckled, relaxing more; the Chairman was amused, pointed at Luo Zheng, and said with a laugh, "Seems my words aren't as effective as yours. Hong ihua is ticulous and careful; you are spontaneous and bold; it's a good complent, no wonder your squad has accomplished so much since its establishnt. Now I understand. Ghost, I hear you handle tactical command in the squad. Care to share what brings you all here?"
"To escort the Chairman on the international visit." Luo Zheng's expression turned serious as he answered.
"Ah, truly sharp. Tell the reason." The Chairman said, watching Luo Zheng with interest, showing satisfaction on his face.
"The Yin Country military plans to assassinate individuals on the visit list, clearly attempting to place those they control on the list. Though we've thwarted them, we cannot ensure others aren't under their control. Our squad has had encounters with them and understands the situation, making us the most suitable choice for accompanint." Luo Zheng replied earnestly.
"Not bad. How do you intend to proceed?" The Chairman asked with a smile.
"This..." Luo Zheng looked to Hong ihua, who wasn't upset by Luo Zheng stealing the lilight; instead, she cast a supportive glance, and Luo Zheng suddenly had a flash of inspiration, continued, "Report, Chairman, before departure, secretly investigate the companies on the list. Although I estimate there won't be substantial leads found, if possible, we might consider monitoring all their communications."
"The investigation has already started and results will be known within two days. Monitoring implicates human rights and privacy issues, thus can't be fully enforced, only keyword monitoring can be done, sothing you're more familiar with. But, I'm sure you have a more sophisticated plan, right?" The Chairman chuckled as he pursued.
"Too little intelligence, we'll have to adapt on the fly. The Yin Country military won't easily back down, they will certainly attempt again. No one is more suitable than their so-called State Preceptor, hence we need to guard against the State Preceptor. Since it's the Yin Country military in action, they have ans to smuggle people anywhere. They're hard to track, only defense will work." Luo Zheng said with a bit of frustration, feeling quite uneasy in front of the Chairman.
"What you've stated is realistic. From now on, you'll accompany as security on my visit. A new identity needs setting up, which I'll have arranged for you. Anything else you need to do?" The Chairman remarked with satisfaction; Luo Zheng's practical approach reassured the Chairman greatly.
"Identity arrangent, with more than two mbers for close protection, that's all." Luo Zheng said decisively; after all, the opponent is just one State Preceptor, not an army, not needing too many followers, with our group being sufficient.
After so casual chat with the Chairman, the group left, arranged to stay in an adjacent villa. Shortly after, guards brought over new work IDs. Luo Zheng checked his role, coming across as Deputy Leader of the inspection team, feeling a bit puzzled, what kind of role is this? Hong ihua saw it and teased, "Basically responsible for all liaison matters during this inspection, akin to an office manager. You could see it as a grand internal steward, managing everything under the Chairman as the leader, so you're the second in command."
"That indeed facilitates work; the accompanying security personnel report to ?" Luo Zheng asked in surprise.
"Certainly, all affairs of the inspection team fall under your purview. Of course, each sector has its dedicated personnel, enabling you to inspect, inquire about any matter, and make requests, though direct action isn't required from you." Hong ihua explained, "I am the accompanying translator, responsible for the Chairman's close protection. Lan Xue is an assistant secretary, always ready to support , and Lan Xing is the scribe responsible for docuntation, also staying close to the Chairman for protection."
"With you three valiant won by the Chairman's side, the job is made easier." Luo Zheng breathed a sigh of relief. With Hong ihua's ingenuity, Lan Xue's capability, coupled with Lan Xing maintaining constant contact, transferring intelligence, and executing tasks externally, the allocation seems rather reasonable. He said, "This mission is quite special and extrely dangerous. We cannot afford complacency. Failure is not an option."
Failure would an harm to the Chairman, an enormous responsibility. Everyone turned serious and replied, "Yes!"
User Comments
0 comments from readers