Wu Gang looked at Chen Jinzhao in surprise.
In his memory, Chen Jinzhao was an omnipotent being, so how could he have such a painful past?
Meeting Wu Gang's disbelieving gaze, Chen Jinzhao said bitterly, "I worked as a security guard in Ninghai for three years, trying to numb the pain in my heart with the hustle and bustle of the world. Only at the end did I realize that escape is shameful and solves no problems. What I need to do is to become strong and avenge my fallen brothers."
"Of course."
"Everyone's thoughts are different, and my personal experience cannot apply to you. But I hope you can pull yourself together. I believe that after being tempered by blood and tears, you will become one of the strongest warriors of the Republic!"
Wu Gang was deeply moved.
He had indeed never known about Chen Jinzhao's past, nor did he know that Chen Jinzhao had also experienced the same grief as him. He hesitated before lowering his head and said hoarsely, "But I still can't get past it. You know, I'm just a coward at heart."
Chen Jinzhao patted Wu Gang on the shoulder and said with a smile, "If you were a coward, how could you have remained silent under the enemy's severe torture? If you hadn't protected this evidence, the Han and Su families would not have fallen! It can be said that you and the four sacrificed brothers are all heroic warriors of our Candle Dragon Special Forces! As soldiers defending the country, you have done more than enough, and even I might not have done better than you."
"Instructor..." Wu Gang mumbled.
Chen Jinzhao said again, "You must live well. From now on, you are not fighting alone. You bear the mission of four brothers."
Wu Gang was stunned.
After a moment, he seemed to understand something, and his gaze became increasingly firm, his iron will re-emerging!
He nodded heavily and said, "Instructor, I understand. You are right, I am not fighting alone, I am fighting for my brothers!"
Seeing Wu Gang regain his spirits, Chen Jinzhao felt relieved.
However, Wu Gang still had a second problem: he was severely injured and would likely be bedridden for three to six months.
He was already eager to rejoin his unit for missions.
Chen Jinzhao told him not to rush, as the year-end was approaching, and not much would happen in the next six months. What Wu Gang needed to do was to focus on recovering his health, as only a healthy Wu Gang could exert his maximum potential.
Wu Gang's mood finally improved somewhat.
As he was leaving, Chen Jinzhao patted Wu Gang's shoulder again, "If you regret joining the Candle Dragon Special Forces, you can tell me anytime, and I will approve your transfer to another unit."
Wu Gang quickly replied, "Instructor, how could I regret it? If I could sacrifice my life as a member of the Candle Dragon Special Forces, it would be my greatest honor, Wu Gang."
"That's good. You take good care of yourself, and I'll be waiting for your triumphant return," Chen Jinzhao said with a smile.
Wu Gang endured the pain and saluted.
Chen Jinzhao nodded and then left the ward.
Outside the ward, he encountered Wu Weihua, who looked worried. Upon seeing Chen Jinzhao emerge, the old man rushed forward, his heart filled with concern for his grandson. He couldn't help but ask, "General Chen, how is my Wu Gang doing? He's been in such a state these past few days."
"Old Wu, you can rest assured. He has changed his mind now and will live well." Chen Jinzhao's words brought immense joy to Wu Weihua, who knew that all this was thanks to Chen Jinzhao. Thus, Wu Weihua quickly expressed his gratitude and promised to wholeheartedly assist Chen Jinzhao in the future.
He was throwing the entire Wu family's support behind Chen Jinzhao.
Chen Jinzhao was naturally pleased, but he couldn't show it on his face. A prerequisite for becoming a significant figure was to remain impassive. He simply said calmly, "Old Wu, you flatter me. Our relationship can only be described as a win-win cooperation; there is no binding of interests."
Wu Weihua was surprised and then said, "I understand, I understand."
Chen Jinzhao also inquired politely about the old man. The Wu family held considerable influence in Jiangnan, and their support would reduce many obstacles for Chen Jinzhao.
After Chen Jinzhao left, Wu Weihua realized his back was soaked with cold sweat. He wiped his forehead and muttered to himself, "When facing this young and talented man, I feel like I'm facing the old master of the Su family. The pressure he exerts is immense."
Immediately.
He thought of something else and sneered, "They say Qin Fengwu will replace the Su family as the new King of Jiangnan, but why do I feel like Chen Jinzhao is the actual King of Jiangnan?"
"How can Qin Fengwu compare to Chen Jinzhao?"
Wu Weihua scoffed at Qin Fengwu, believing that Chen Jinzhao represented the future.
Over the next two days, public opinion surrounding the case became rampant. However, the fervor quickly subsided, indicating a deliberate effort to prevent the public from seeing the bloody details. Chen Jinzhao was also commended by Xu Hanchen, who promised him greater authority in the future.
Many people sensed an unusual atmosphere, believing that Xu Hanchen was making arrangements for his eventual departure.
This meant that Chen Jinzhao was infinitely close to the central government. If not for his youth, he would have already been appointed to a national position. Chen Jinzhao had thus entered the top tier of the country, becoming one of the three giants alongside Qin Fengwu and Li Tian Ce. Furthermore, Chen Jinzhao was younger than both and possessed greater potential.
Against this backdrop, numerous calls had been made to Chen Jinzhao in the past two days, with individuals seeking to place their bets on him.
Chen Jinzhao's stance towards these self-serving olive branches was neither acceptance nor rejection.
Two days passed.
On the morning of the third day, Chen Jinzhao and Yu Mengzhi had packed their personal belongings and were preparing to travel to Linzhou with the Li brothers.
As they stepped out of the house, they saw seven black cars parked outside. Apart from the one in the center, the rest were filled with the Li brothers' bodyguards.
The entourage was undeniably grand.
Yu Mengzhi chuckled and said, "This is a bit too much, isn't it?"
Chen Jinzhao smiled and replied, "It may be a bit extravagant, but Li Tian Ce does need to be cautious about his safety, lest Qin Fengwu arrange for someone to assassinate him."
"Would Qin Fengwu really do something like that?" Yu Mengzhi asked in surprise.
Chen Jinzhao said with a half-smile, "One must always be on guard. Hasn't Qin Fengwu engaged in enough underhanded dealings?"
As they were talking, Li Tian Ce and Li Tian Nan personally alighted from their cars to greet them. After mutual salutations, Li Tian Nan curiously asked, "Why didn't Uncle-in-law come?"
The "Uncle-in-law" they referred to was Yu Mengzhi's father, Yu Wendong.
"My father has been busy dealing with some matters day and night these past few days. He used to visit my mother in Linzhou frequently over the years, and it's inconvenient for him to go now," Yu Mengzhi replied.
Li Tian Ce nodded, "Alright then, let's get going."
Two hours later.
The group arrived at Lingyin Temple in Linzhou, and Yu Mengzhi began to feel nervous.
As they got out of the car, Chen Jinzhao directly held her hand, comforting her, "Don't be nervous. This isn't a dragon's den or a tiger's lair. I'll be by your side."
Yu Mengzhi became even more nervous.