Yu Mengzhi locked herself in the room.
A profound sense of fatigue enveloped her; she just wanted to be alone in peace.
Never before had she loathed her background so much. The family background others envied felt utterly disgusting to her.
It was no wonder Yu Lingxiao often told her as a child that one shouldn't be too kind.
It turned out everything had been foreshadowed long ago.
Regarding this, Yu Mengzhi harbored another layer of doubt: how could she still maintain a kind heart under Yu Lingxiao's constant influence?
She shook her head. Why think about these things now?
Yu Mengzhi knew she was about to become Qin Fengwu's wife, bidding Chen Jinzhao a complete farewell. She took out her phone, spent half an hour typing and deleting, before finally sending Chen Jinzhao a text message—
"I can't betray my family. I'm just an ordinary person."
"Chen Jinzhao, I'm sorry."
Making this decision meant becoming an enemy of Chen Jinzhao.
When Chen Jinzhao received the text, his expression was calm, as if he had anticipated this outcome.
So be it.
It was a destined karmic entanglement; letting go of each other was the best result.
However, the thought of becoming enemies with Yu Mengzhi felt strangely peculiar.
Time flew by.
Chen Jinzhao temporarily set aside matters concerning the Yu family, planning to make a move after Zheng Xiuxiu recovered. Meanwhile, Xu Hanchen had already scouted new members for the Zhulong Special Operations Team and asked Chen Jinzhao to review them at the Jiangnan Military Region.
One morning.
Chen Jinzhao woke up early, washed up, and then performed his routine exercises, awaiting someone from the Jiangnan Military Region to pick him up.
After his run in the neighborhood, he went outside to buy breakfast.
Coincidentally, he ran into an acquaintance—Wu Gang. Wu Gang was pacing near the entrance of the residential area and, upon seeing Chen Jinzhao, his face lit up with joy, and he immediately went to greet him.
"Brother Chen, you live here too?" Wu Gang scratched his head.
Chen Jinzhao nodded, "Yes, why are you here? If I recall correctly, today is supposed to be the assembly day, right?"
Wu Gang's eyes sparkled, and he chuckled, "I knew Brother Chen wouldn't refuse the invitation. It's really a coincidence; I received orders from the Jiangnan Military Region to wait for someone here, and then escort a general to the Jiangnan Military Region. Brother Chen, how long have you lived here? Have you seen that general? I heard he's very formidable, the former captain of the Zhulong Special Operations Team, known as the Eyes of Zhulong!"
Chen Jinzhao's expression became peculiar. So Wu Gang was here waiting for him?
He smiled and said, "I have seen him, but I have to maintain confidentiality. You'll know later."
Wu Gang wasn't in a hurry. He cheerfully told Chen Jinzhao to go back and change, and they could head to the Jiangnan Military Region together. Chen Jinzhao nodded, heading home while biting into a fried dough stick.
Ten minutes later.
An SUV with military plates stopped at the entrance of the residential area.
Wu Gang immediately straightened up, like a javelin planted in the ground, and then saluted the woman in uniform who alighted from the SUV.
This woman was someone Xu Hanchen had scouted from the prominent families in Yanjing, destined to become Chen Jinzhao's right-hand woman.
"Officer!"
The young woman nodded, telling Wu Gang to relax and not be so tense.
Wu Gang had already learned of the woman's identity from his family—Shangguan Yu'an, from the Shangguan family in Yanjing. The Shangguan family held a significant position in Yanjing, being one of the nine great families.
Shangguan Yu'an's recognition by Xu Hanchen meant she had a boundless future.
Regardless, one must not offend Shangguan Yu'an.
Shangguan Yu'an glanced at Wu Gang and nodded, "You don't need to be so polite in front of me. Just be well-behaved when you meet that person later. Remember, don't say anything later, just act like a wooden doll."
"Yes, Officer!" Wu Gang nodded emphatically.
He deliberately tried to get closer to Shangguan Yu'an, asking about the mysterious general.
Shangguan Yu'an took a deep breath and told him, "That person is a living legend, an undefeated myth. He ranks in the top ten on the current world individual combatant rankings, though I estimate he should be firmly in the top two!"
"That strong?" Wu Gang gasped.
A trace of fervor appeared in Shangguan Yu'an's eyes. She said with yearning, "Honestly, when I first heard of his deeds, I thought it was bragging. It wasn't until I participated in an operation in the Northern Territory that I realized I had underestimated him! That year, he single-handedly infiltrated the enemy camp and killed over a hundred and thirty enemy soldiers, achieving a great victory."
From that moment on, Chen Jinzhao became the god in Shangguan Yu'an's heart!
Unrivaled!
Wu Gang felt Shangguan Yu'an's fervor for Chen Jinzhao and couldn't help but wonder what that general looked like.
"By the way, Officer."
"I met another reserve member at the entrance of the residential area just now. Can he accompany us to the Jiangnan Military Region later?" Wu Gang, fearing Shangguan Yu'an might refuse, quickly added, "He and I are very familiar!"
Shangguan Yu'an replied without hesitation, "No problem."
Wu Gang was momentarily taken aback and asked in surprise, "Officer, don't we need to get permission from the instructor first? What if the instructor doesn't agree..."
Shangguan Yu'an stopped and turned to look at Wu Gang. A single glance from her chilled eyes stunned Wu Gang. Then, Shangguan Yu'an's icy voice reached his ears.
"That person has a broad mind, not something we can compare to. He wouldn't care about such a trivial matter."
Cold sweat broke out on Wu Gang's back.
Shangguan Yu'an was truly formidable; a mere glance had made him flustered!
He immediately dismissed any improper thoughts and dutifully followed Shangguan Yu'an, like a little follower, towards the residential building where Chen Jinzhao lived. When Wu Gang arrived in front of the old residential building, he couldn't help but show surprise.
The instructor's living place was too old!
It was completely unfitting for his status!
Shangguan Yu'an also felt a wave of emotion. In her army days, she respected no one except Chen Jinzhao.
Years have passed, and Chen Jinzhao hasn't changed a bit!
In Chen Jinzhao's home.
He had already washed up and put on the summer military uniform that Xu Hanchen had personally delivered. On his shoulder was a single epaulet with one star, embroidered in gold thread!
The youngest general in Hua Country, returning to the ranks!
Looking at his impeccable reflection in the mirror, Chen Jinzhao was filled with mixed emotions, murmuring, "The past three years have been a period of tempering and refinement for me. It's time to look forward."
"I am Chen Jinzhao, and I have returned!"
A knock sounded at the door.
A smile crept onto Chen Jinzhao's lips. It was likely someone from the Jiangnan Military Region. He wondered who Xu Hanchen had assigned as his deputy.
He opened the door.
Shangguan Yu'an and Wu Gang stood ramrod straight at the doorway, motionless.
Wu Gang stared straight ahead, his eyes widening like saucers when he saw Chen Jinzhao's face!
How could it be him?