"Tianjiao, you've done a great service this time. Higher-ups have asked me to inquire what kind of reward you desire."
At a private dining restaurant, Jun Ruowang asked with a smile.
Chen Fan glanced at Jun Ruowang and said, "You've invited me out just for this?"
"Treating you to a meal is also part of your celebration."
"I don't need any reward. Serving the country is my duty as a soldier."
Chen Fan said, "However, the Dawn Squad and many people in the police force worked tirelessly day and night and made great contributions. You mustn't treat them poorly."
"That is a given."
Jun Ruowang said, "Anyone who participated in the operation and made tangible contributions will be promoted and utilized."
"Xiang Jingzhu is too young, otherwise, her rank would have been elevated by one level. Han Wei has sacrificed a lot, and the Han family fully supports her. Her position will be adjusted upwards. The ranks of others will also be promoted."
Chen Fan nodded. This was the advantage of having connections. After this incident, Xiang Jingzhu and Han Wei, with their backgrounds, would be at the forefront of the younger generation in the capital, becoming the top talents of their respective families.
"The main credit goes to you."
Jun Ruowang said, "Your military rank has already reached its peak. If you are willing, there should be a position for you at the highest level of the General Headquarters."
"The Dragon Head is also considering stepping back to a secondary role. His position could be yours."
Chen Fan waved his hand and said, "I still have many things to do, and I will be leaving the capital soon. It's not suitable for me to hold a specific position."
Jun Ruowang sighed, "A master strategist seeks no great fame. You risked your life for the country, yet few people in the public know your name."
"You know I don't care about these things," Chen Fan said.
"Is it for Su Yingxue?" Jun Ruowang asked again.
"Yes, I will be heading south, and then to Kunlun," Chen Fan said while eating, "Don't arrange any official positions for me. If you truly feel indebted, look after the Chen family for me."
"You know my grandfather is old, and no one from the second generation can carry the mantle. Only Chen Guanghao is there, but he lacks experience."
"Rest assured."
Jun Ruowang said, "Just based on the merits of the elder and your contributions, the Chen family enjoys an extraordinary status, standing at the top among the seven major clans."
"If that's the case, then only awarding you a medal is left. My father wishes to personally award you the medal. Please let us know if you are available."
"Forget it, awarding medals is not a big deal," Chen Fan said.
Jun Ruowang gave a wry smile, "I knew you would say that. It's understandable, considering your achievements on the battlefield, a cabinet full of medals would be yours."
He took out a small box and placed it opened in front of Chen Fan.
A golden medal, exquisite and grand, bearing the Great Xia national emblem, cloud patterns, and the seal script character 'Guardian.'
This was the highest honor, something many loyal guardians who served the country dreamed of.
"Special Grade Nation Guardian Medal!"
"This one, you should not have received it yet," Jun Ruowang said. "Have you collected all the Special Grade medals now?"
The five special grade medals were: Founding, Protecting, Defending, Safeguarding, and Guarding.
As Jun Ruowang stated, Chen Fan had indeed collected all five.
Since the founding of the nation, Chen Fan was the first to receive all five of these medals.
He took the medal, merely glanced at it, and put it into his pocket.
"I still truly hope you will stay and take a position in the General Headquarters," Jun Ruowang continued. "Instead of being entangled with the martial arts world. Your identity, if harmed, would be a loss to the nation."
Chen Fan waved his hand and said, "There's no need to persuade me further on this."
"Alright."
Jun Ruowang knew Chen Fan was not someone who would easily change his mind. He shook his head and said, "If you need anything, contact the military or contact me. Great Xia is your solid backing. As long as it's not on the territory of another country, whether it's deploying troops or launching high-powered weapons, it's not a problem."
"That's very thoughtful. Thank you."
After a simple meal, Chen Fan left the private dining restaurant.
That evening, he invited Han Wei, Xiang Jingzhu, and the official members of the Dawn Squad for dinner as a token of his gratitude.
This was also a celebration banquet, and it was naturally lively with a fervent atmosphere.
All the team members repeatedly toasted Chen Fan, expressing their admiration and excitement.
Chen Fan accepted all toasts.
He enjoyed such celebration banquets. Back on the battlefield, after each life-and-death struggle, they would celebrate wholeheartedly, venting their emotions.
It felt like returning to the past.
Ye Cheng was thoroughly drunk, his young and handsome face flushed, lying on the ground.
Zhang Yi, the calm sniper, was also drunk and was discussing sniping techniques with Chen Fan.
However, Chen Fan remained sober.
After the celebration banquet, the guards escorted the drunken members home.
Han Wei and Xiang Jingzhu stayed behind. They looked at Chen Fan, then at each other. With a hint of alcohol in them, their expressions became somewhat peculiar.
"Chen Fan, although the appointment hasn't been finalized yet, I should be able to get a promotion," Han Wei suddenly said.
Chen Fan nodded and said, "Congratulations."
"This is all thanks to you. You took on the most dangerous tasks, and I benefited from it."
Han Wei said, "Taking this step at my age is crucial. Thank you."
"I should be thanking you," Chen Fan said. "Without your full cooperation, eradicating the Brotherhood wouldn't have been so easy."
Han Wei smiled and suddenly opened her arms, "Can I have a hug?"
Chen Fan was taken aback.
Glancing at Xiang Jingzhu, Han Wei said generously, "Has anyone ever told you that you are very attractive to women, possessing a fatal charm?"
Chen Fan's mouth slightly opened in surprise.
"See, Jingzhu is already deeply in love with you, isn't she?"
"Sister Wei?" Xiang Jingzhu blushed deeply and looked at Han Wei reproachfully.
"If I were ten years younger, no, even five years younger, I would have pursued you without hesitation. Because my younger self could afford to wait, to be reckless. But now, I don't have the inclination to compete with Jingzhu or your Su Yingxue."
"So, let's have a hug. Consider it an end!"
Chen Fan's mood was somewhat complex. He still opened his arms.
Han Wei hugged him, then stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips.
Chen Fan was caught off guard.
Han Wei immediately let go, winked, and said, "Alright, Chen Fan. A man as excellent as you doesn't belong to me, but I got a taste, and my heart is content. I'm leaving!"
Chen Fan gave a wry smile and said, "Be careful on your way."
"Someone from home is picking me up," Han Wei replied. She then opened her arms and hugged Xiang Jingzhu, saying, "Sister Jingzhu, a man like this is heartless. Don't be sad if you get rejected."
"Chen Fan is the kind of man, if you can win him over, he will surely be the best person in the world to you. Keep trying!"
"Weiwei Sister!"
Patting Xiang Jingzhu's back, Han Wei strode away with a carefree demeanor.
Chen Fan withdrew his gaze and looked at Xiang Jingzhu, feeling a headache coming on.
"Let's go for a walk together," Xiang Jingzhu said, her face flushed, her voice low, looking at Chen Fan.
Chen Fan gave a wry smile, "Xiang... Jingzhu, you know all about my situation. I'm very sorry."
"I know," Xiang Jingzhu said. "My family inquired about the possibility of a marriage alliance between our two families. I know there's a high chance of refusal, but I couldn't help but want to try!"
Chen Fan said, "I apologize if this causes you any trouble."
Xiang Jingzhu shook her head and said, "I can't blame you for this. I can only blame myself for not meeting you sooner."
Chen Fan was speechless for a moment.
"After the matters here are settled, I will apply for field duty," Xiang Jingzhu said. "You know, with our identities, marriage isn't entirely our own choice, but I will remain single."
Chen Fan remained silent.
The two walked out of the restaurant where the gathering was held and walked along the street for a long distance.
Until a car stopped by the roadside, and a man with a calm expression stepped out.
He looked at Chen Fan and said, "Chen Tianjiao, my sister is the most suitable candidate for you. An alliance between our two families would be most beneficial to both of us. Consider it carefully."
Chen Fan recognized the man, Xiang Jingyu, the eldest young master of the Xiang family.
"Brother, let's go!" Xiang Jingzhu quickly pulled Xiang Jingyu into the car and waved goodbye to Chen Fan.
Chen Fan watched the car drive away, smiling. His mood was actually quite good.
Although he would never waver in his devotion to Su Yingxue, it was undeniably pleasant to be admired by such an excellent woman.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority and accomplishment, a little bit of smugness.
It was a pity that he and Su Yingxue were still separated by a vast expanse of mountains and rivers.