In the blink of an eye, two days passed.
In front of the ruins of the factory destroyed by the explosion, Pang Jiulin, Tang Yuan, Yang Tao, Lao Bei, and Xiong stood silently, watching as the firefighters conducted a search and transfer bodies buried under the rubble.
Due to the explosion, the bodies were all charred beyond recognition, making it impossible to identify them.
"Let’s go. It’s time to head back."
After a long while, Pang Jiulin sighed softly and spoke.
Lao Bei, Xiong, and Yang Tao simultaneously straightened up, saluted in a standard military fashion, then turned and left. Tang Yuan, however, remained rooted to the spot, motionless, staring blankly at the ruins.
"Lone dude, it seems like you won’t get to taste the flavor of a woman. Don’t worry, as your brother, I won’t let you down. Every Qingming Festival, I will burn many more women for you to enjoy blissfully."
As he spoke, his eyes began to redden uncontrollably, his mind flooded with memories of the times he had shared with Ling Chen.
At that moment, a large hand was placed on his shoulder, giving it a gentle pat, consoling, "Don’t be sad. We won’t let his sacrifice be in vain. Sooner or later, we will find the mastermind behind this and avenge Ling Chen."
Tang Yuan nodded solemnly and said, "After I return, I want to apply to join Lonely Wolf."
Pang Jiulin understood his thoughts well; only by joining Lonely Wolf could he directly confront the people from God Organization.
"No problem, I will put in a request with the General."
Inside a spacious and brightly lit office, Qiao Zhen sat in a chair, with stacks of thick documents piled in front of him awaiting his review. However, at the moment, he was in no mood for any other tasks.
He was waiting for a message.
He raised the teacup on the desk to his lips, intending to moisten his throat, but it took a while for him to realize that the teacup was already empty.
At that moment, the office door was pushed open, and Han Bing swiftly walked in.
Seeing him, Qiao Zhen quickly stood up, unable to mask the anxiety in his eyes, and asked eagerly, "How is it, any news?"
Han Bing said nothing, his head lowered, and his somber expression said it all.
Qiao Zhen dumbly sat back in his chair, speechless for a long time. In that moment, he seemed to have aged over a decade, his agedness fully displayed, looking utterly exhausted.
Han Bing sorrowfully said, "General..."
"No need to say anymore." Qiao Zhen waved his hand weakly, interrupting him, "Go out, let me be alone for a while."
"Yes. General, take good care of yourself." Han Bing sighed silently, knowing too well how many people were affected by Ling Chen’s life and death, especially the General, who despite appearing strict, actually valued Ling Chen the most. If it weren’t for Ling Chen’s decision to retire, the General even had plans to groom him as the successor of Ghost Base, to take over the entire organization.
At the military airfield on the outskirts of Beijing, a transport plane slowly landed on the runway.
As soon as the plane stabilized, two Hongqi sedans had already arrived. The car doors opened, and Qiao Zhen and Han Bing stepped out, standing by the cars, looking up at the aircraft door.
Today, both were dressed in crisp military uniforms, standing tall and statuesque.
The aircraft door opened, and Pang Jiulin was the first to come out, followed closely by Lao Bei, Tang Yuan, Yang Tao, and Xiong, the four of them carrying a coffin, their expressions somber, tinged with a trace of sadness, they marched down.
Qiao Zhen and Han Bing quickly moved forward, standing on either side, silent, expressions solemn.
Qiao Zhen stood to attention and saluted, watching as the coffin was placed into the vehicle.
Seeing Tang Yuan approaching him, Qiao Zhen asked, "What is it?"
"I would like to request two days off to visit East Sea City."
"Ling Chen has some friends in East Sea City. I want to help take care of his affairs."
Qiao Zhen nodded, his cloudy old eyes unable to hide his own sorrow. The deceased was gone, with not even a bone left, not even a chance to see him one last time. Ridden with regrets, he felt even more self-reproach in his heart.
Ling Chen had already retired from the military, yet I insisted on holding onto him, wanting him to continue serving the country. Otherwise, how could he have ended up ?
I sighed, organized my emotions, and said, "Go ahead, try not to tell them about Ling Chen’s death, just leave it as a memory."
In the chairman’s office located at the top floor of the building, Nanrong Wanqing sat in a wheelchair, dealing with the task at hand. But for some reason, she felt restless, as if something was about to happen.
After hesitating for a moment, she picked up the internal phone and connected to the security department.
"Zhong Wei, has Ling Chen not returned yet?"
"No, I’ve tried contacting him, but his phone is unreachable. Chairman, do you have anything you need him for?"
"It’s nothing, carry on."
After hanging up the phone, a hint of doubt flashed across Nanrong Wanqing’s beautiful eyes.
What exactly did he go to do? That day in Beijing, he said he needed to take leave for some personal matters, then he spoke some strangely enigmatic words. I don’t know why, but those words sounded vaguely like a farewell.
Thinking of this, she felt more uncomfortable inside, even unable to concentrate on her current work.
Just then, Secretary Wang Lan walked in and said, "Chairman, there is someone asking to see you."
"Is it him?" Nanrong Wanqing’s heart stirred, and she hurriedly asked, "Is he alone?"
Hearing this, she felt disappointed for a moment, having hoped that Ling Chen was with Tang Yuan.
Soon, Tang Yuan, dressed in a black suit and wearing sunglasses, appeared before her.
"Mr. Tang, do you need something from me?"
"Chairman, I am here to handle Ling Chen’s resignation procedures."
Nanrong Wanqing was shocked, a glint of surprise flickering in her eyes, confusedly asking, "He wants to resign? Why?"
"He has more important things to attend to now, and will not return to East Sea City anymore, so... Chairman, he asked me to convey his gratitude for the care provided by the Nanrong family during his time here."
"Not coming back?" Nanrong Wanqing blinked slightly, a subtle sourness spreading in her heart, an indescribable mix of feelings.
At this moment, she finally understood why Ling Chen said those strange words before he left.
"Chairman, I have delivered the message, goodbye!" After speaking, Tang Yuan turned to leave.
"Mr. Tang." Nanrong Wanqing quickly called him back.
"Do you have any other matters, Chairman?"
"I..." Nanrong Wanqing opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say. At this moment, it seemed anything would be superfluous, "I just wanted to thank you."
Tang Yuan gave a slight smile, "You’re welcome. Chairman, take good care of yourself."
After seeing Tang Yuan off, Nanrong Wanqing sat idly in front of the window, gazing at the distant towering buildings, her thoughts surging like tides.
Just like that, he left? Not even willing to say a final goodbye, instead asking someone else to relay it; is making a phone call really that difficult?
She bit her lip corner, a sudden trace of resentment in her beautiful eyes.
Never returning to East Sea City again... is there really nothing here worth your nostalgia?
Ling Chen, you are indeed a thorough jerk.