Chapter 627 – Another Meeting
When Zhang Yi and the couple arrived at the Operations Center, someone was already waiting at the entrance to greet them.
Most likely because their information had already been entered into the system, the woman at the door smiled warmly and gestured, “Please follow me! The conference room is on the 16th floor.”
Zhang Yi and the couple got into the elevator heading to the 16th floor.
Once the elevator doors closed, the small space brought the five people uncomfortably close to each other.
Which gave Zhang Yi a good chance to take a closer look at the couple.
The man had a soft, almost feminine look—baby-faced, pale skin like a girl’s, and with his short stature and round glasses, it was hard to even tell his gender at first glance.
From the moment they met, he’d been sneaking peeks at Zhang Yi... more accurately, at Hua Hua on his shoulder, his eyes sparkling with delight.
Clearly, he was a cat lover.
While Zhang Yi was observing them, the two were also sizing up him and Liang Yue.
Before long, the woman spoke up. “You two are from Tianhai City, right?”
Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow, a slight smile at his lips.
The woman gave a dismissive laugh. “Last time I came to Blizzard City, you two made quite a name for yourselves. But back then, it wasn’t exactly in a good way.”
“Still, seeing you here now is honestly a surprise.”
She gave Zhang Yi a bold once-over, eyes full of curiosity.
Because of what happened when Chen Jingguan got beaten down by Sun Jianming, people from other cities had formed the impression that Tianhai City was weak and pathetic.
But now, with Zhang Yi and Liang Yue showing up here—clearly invited by headquarters—it was a sign of their strength, and the woman couldn't help being a little surprised.
“Well, it’s not that surprising.”
Zhang Yi didn’t bother explaining further.
The annihilation of the Superhuman Alliance in Daze City hadn’t spread yet, due to the info lockdown.
So it made sense the couple didn’t know.
“I remember you two are from Xiying City, right? May I have your names?”
With a bit of sincerity, Zhang Yi introduced himself. “Oh right, I’m Zhang Yi. And this is Liang Yue.”
He made a point not to refer to Liang Yue with terms like “subordinate” or “underling.”
The woman folded her arms and cautiously replied, “I’m Xia Lingling. This guy here is my husband, Yuan Hao.”
Immediately, Yuan Hao looked flustered. He waved his hands and quickly explained, “Actually, we’re not married yet! We’re just dating.”
“Pfft,” Xia Lingling scoffed, wrapping her arm around his neck. She looked down at him with an air of dominance. “At this point, if I say you’re my husband, then you are. Got it?”
Yuan Hao looked up at her with wide eyes like a helpless bunny—genuinely pitiful.
He nodded quickly, “I… I got it.”
Zhang Yi and Liang Yue were barely holding in their laughter. The two really were a hilarious pair, though honestly, not all that uncommon in this day and age.
More importantly, Zhang Yi wasn’t the type to look down on people just because of how they acted.
Same as always—if someone made it to Blizzard City for this mission, they had to be the real deal.
Suddenly, Xia Lingling wiped Yuan Hao’s lips with her thumb, then boldly leaned in and kissed him.
She was so completely unconcerned with others’ presence that Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow—D**n, she’s got guts!
Liang Yue looked super uncomfortable, her eyes darting around trying to find somewhere else to look.
Thankfully, just then, the elevator dinged, signaling they’d arrived on the 16th floor.
Xia Lingling and Yuan Hao were still kissing like nothing else existed, completely undisturbed.
It wasn’t until the staffer gently reminded them that they reluctantly pulled apart.
Yuan Hao looked bashful under the gaze of Zhang Yi and Liang Yue, burying his face in Xia Lingling’s chest.
She, on the other hand, looked totally unfazed. Chin high, chest out, arm around him as they strolled off toward the meeting room.
“Impressive,” Zhang Yi commented, shaking his head.
Hua Hua, still perched on his shoulder, suddenly let out a soft meow.
Zhang Yi turned to look. Hua Hua was staring intently at the couple’s backs, eyes sharp and focused.
It seemed like she had noticed something unusual.
Unfortunately, Zhang Yi didn’t speak cat, so he couldn’t figure out what it was.
Still, he grew a bit more cautious and followed alongside Liang Yue into the conference room.
Once they stepped inside, Zhang Yi saw that many people were already waiting.
Including them, there were about ten or so.
The small conference room had a circular layout, with noticeable space between each seat.
Only one pair of women sat next to each other—clearly acquaintances.
Zhang Yi quickly scanned the room. From appearances alone, there wasn’t much he could tell.
So he and Liang Yue quietly found a free seat and settled in.
The others briefly glanced at the newcomers, then just as quickly looked away. The room grew so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Zhang Yi didn’t see Baili Changqing or Deng Shentong.
He figured they’d probably arrive alongside Zhu Zheng.
And as expected, just before 9 a.m., the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the room.
Everyone turned to look.
A tall, dignified middle-aged man strode confidently into the room.
Behind him were five or six others.
No one needed an introduction—this was Zhu Zheng, the supreme commander of the Jiangnan District.
Trailing him were his personal guard Sun Luxuan, secretary Lan Xincheng, Minister of Operations Tu Yunlie, Captain Deng Shentong of the Celestial Squad, and the current Black Robe Squad Captain, Baili Changqing.
After entering, Zhu Zheng’s sharp gaze swept across the room. Then he turned to his secretary Lan Xincheng and asked, “Is everyone here?”
Lan Xincheng nodded. “All present.”
Zhu Zheng strode to the front of the room.
The rest followed suit and took their seats.
Zhu Zheng placed both hands firmly on the table, speaking with stern authority.
“Everyone, I believe you already know why you’re here today. A few days ago, our vanguard unit sent to Linhai City to eliminate the ronin group Moon of Corrosion suffered a major defeat!”
Bang! He slammed the table.
“This failure was a wake-up call. The Moon of Corrosion forces that have surfaced in Linhai City are extremely powerful and absolutely not to be underestimated!”
“That’s why I’ve pulled together the best elites from across the entire Jiangnan District for this operation.”
“In other words, each and every one of you here is the best of the best. I’m proud to have you all.”
“Some of you, in particular, didn’t hesitate at all. You came here without a second thought, ready to give your all to drive out these bandits. That… really moves me.”