Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

Chapter 38 A Long-Awaited Reunion

Lin Zhe was warmly welcomed back to the "Hidden Dragon" base by his teammates. Although the mission briefing had already given a detailed account, hearing Lin Zhe recount the battle in person still deeply impressed these battle-hardened veterans.

"He took down over seventy people all by himself, and that was even when the enemy was prepared." Longya patted Lin Zhe on the shoulder. "You're a real hidden talent!"

"I was lucky," Lin Zhe said modestly.

"Don't be modest." Dragon Head shook his head with a smile. "This record is top-notch even in the team's history. Long Yuan, you've officially passed the test."

At the welcome party, Lin Zhe met all the active members of "Hidden Dragon." Including himself, there were exactly twenty people. Their ages ranged from twenty-five to forty, their ranks ranged from major to colonel, each had a code name, and each had their own specialty.

"This is 'Dragon Flame,' a demolition expert."

"This is 'Dragon Scale,' an electronic warfare expert."

"This is 'Dragon's Breath,' a medical expert and interrogation expert."

"This is 'Dragon Shadow,' the ace of infiltration and covert operations..."

The leader introduced each member. The team members were all very friendly to Lin Zhe—strength earns respect, and this is an ironclad rule in "Hidden Dragon".

"From now on, we'll be brothers fighting side by side." The Dragon Head raised his drink. "Welcome, Long Yuan!"

"Welcome!" The team members raised their glasses.

After the meeting, Long Shou called Lin Zhe to his office: "According to regulations, new team members have a one-week adjustment period after passing their first mission assessment. You are free to do as you please this week. However, you must carry your watch with you at all times, as there may be missions at any time."

"Understood." Lin Zhe nodded.

"Furthermore," the Dragon Head paused, "your privileges are now much higher. You can access most classified files and draw upon more resources. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility."

"Yes."

Lin Zhe was in a good mood as he left the base. He drove his seemingly ordinary but actually modified SUV towards downtown Beijing.

He hadn't seen Xueying for several months. Although they had spoken on the phone a few times, each time it was in a rush. This time, he wanted to give her a surprise.

At 5 PM, Lin Zhe parked his car downstairs at Zhang Xueying's company building. It was an office building in Jinghua CBD, and Xueying's company was on the 18th floor. Lin Zhe checked the time; he had ten minutes left before he could leave work.

He sat in his car waiting, looking out the window at the building exit. Five minutes later, people started coming out.

At 5:30, Zhang Xueying and Zhao Keke walked out of the building side by side. Xueying was wearing a business suit today, a white shirt with a black pencil skirt, and her hair was tied up, making her look capable and elegant. Zhao Keke was dressed casually, and the two chatted and laughed as they walked out.

Just as Lin Zhe was about to get out of the car, he saw a silver sports car speeding towards them, making a beautiful drift and stopping in front of them. The car door opened, and a man in his late twenties in a suit stepped out, holding a large bouquet of red roses.

"Xueying!" The man in the suit greeted her with a broad smile. "I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Zhang Xueying's smile faded: "Wang Yu, why are you here again? Didn't I already tell you? I have a boyfriend."

"Xueying, don't be like this." Wang Yu handed the flowers forward. "I know you're testing me. Your boyfriend hasn't been around for months, what kind of boyfriend is he? I wait for you every day and pick you up from get off work, isn't that sincere enough?"

Zhao Keke rolled her eyes: "Wang Yu, Xueying already said she has a boyfriend, why are you still clinging to her? Hurry up and leave, don't embarrass yourself here."

"Zhao Keke, I wasn't talking to you." Wang Yu glared at her, then turned to Zhang Xueying, "Xueying, give me a chance. We both come from the same compound, we know each other well. My parents are also familiar with your parents..."

"Wang Yu," Zhang Xueying interrupted him, her tone calm but firm, "I appreciate your kindness, but I really don't like you. I have a boyfriend, and I love him very much. Please don't come looking for me again."

A crowd of company employees had already gathered around, all watching the spectacle. Zhang Xueying was a well-known aloof and beautiful woman in the company, highly capable but never giving anyone a chance. Now that someone was openly pursuing her, everyone was curious to see how she would handle it.

"Xueying, you..." Wang Yu's face darkened. "Who exactly is your boyfriend? I want to see who's good enough for you!"

Just then, Zhao Keke's eyes lit up as she saw something. She tugged at Zhang Xueying's sleeve and said, "Xueying, look!"

Zhang Xueying followed her gaze, her eyes instantly lighting up. In the distance, a familiar figure was walking towards them—a tall, upright posture, steady steps—it was the person she had been longing for day and night!

"Lin Zhe!" Zhang Xueying's face lit up with a bright smile, a smile as radiant as the sun, leaving everyone around her stunned—who in the company had ever seen the cold and beautiful goddess smile so happily?

Amidst everyone's astonished gazes, Zhang Xueying bypassed Wang Yu and jogged towards Lin Zhe.

Lin Zhe also saw her and quickened his pace. The two met about ten meters away from Wang Yu, and Zhang Xueying opened her arms and threw herself into Lin Zhe's arms.

"You're back!" Her voice was full of surprise and longing.

"Yes, you're back." Lin Zhe hugged her, feeling the warmth in his arms, and a long-lost peace welled up in his heart.

Silence fell over the surroundings. The company employees stared wide-eyed at the scene—Manager Zhang, who never had any physical contact with men, had actually thrown herself into a man's arms?! And she was laughing so happily?!

Wang Yu's face turned from red to white, then from white to green. He stood there, holding the bouquet of red roses, like a fool.

Zhao Keke walked over, looked at Wang Yu, and shrugged: "See? This is Xueying's boyfriend. Do you believe me now?"

Wang Yu stared intently at Lin Zhe. He saw that Lin Zhe was wearing ordinary training uniform and looked to be about the same age as him, but his temperament was completely different—calm, reserved, and with an indescribable air of authority.

"Who is he?" Wang Yu asked through gritted teeth.

"Is it any of your business?" Zhao Keke pouted. "Anyway, I'm better than you."

At this moment, Lin Zhe and Zhang Xueying separated, but their hands remained clasped together. Zhang Xueying's smile never faded: "When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

"I just got back and wanted to surprise you," Lin Zhe said.

"This is such a wonderful surprise!" Zhang Xueying's eyes curved into crescents. "Come on, let's go to my house. My mom and dad have been talking about you!"

The two turned to leave when Wang Yu suddenly rushed over: "Wait!"

Lin Zhe stopped and turned to look at him. Only then did Wang Yu get a clear look at Lin Zhe—a resolute face, sharp eyes, and the insignia on his shoulders... Colonel?!

Such a young colonel?! Wang Yu gasped. His father was also a soldier, a major general, so he knew military ranks. But he had never heard of such a young colonel before!

"You...who are you?" Wang Yu's voice was a little weak.

"Lin Zhe," Lin Zhe said calmly, "Xueying's boyfriend."

"Are you a soldier?"

"right."

Looking at the colonel's rank on Lin Zhe's shoulder, then at the rose in his hand, Wang Yu suddenly felt utterly ridiculous. His father had struggled his entire life to become a major general, and this man who looked about his age was already a colonel?

"Which unit are you from?" Wang Yu asked, unwilling to give up.

"Sorry, it's a military secret," Lin Zhe said calmly.

Wang Yu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing Lin Zhe's eyes, he swallowed his words. What kind of eyes were those—calm, yet unfathomable, as if they could see right through one's heart. Wang Yu suddenly had a feeling that the person in front of him was from a completely different world.

"Let's go," Lin Zhe said to Zhang Xueying.

"Okay!" Zhang Xueying nodded, then said to Wang Yu, "Wang Yu, please don't come looking for me again. I hope you find someone suitable for you."

After saying that, she took Lin Zhe's hand and walked towards the SUV. Zhao Keke followed behind, turning back to make a face at Wang Yu.

Before getting into the car, Lin Zhe glanced at Wang Yu, a look that sent a chill down Wang Yu's spine. It was a warning, and also a declaration of dominance.

The car drove away, leaving Wang Yu standing alone, holding the bouquet of roses that was gradually withering. The company employees around him whispered among themselves; some chuckled, while others shook their heads.

In the car, Zhang Xueying sat in the passenger seat, turning to look at Lin Zhe with bright eyes: "That Wang Yu from earlier is the son of my dad's old comrade-in-arms. He's been pursuing me for a long time, but I've always refused. You came just in time today!"

"He probably won't come again," Lin Zhe said.

How did you know?

"He saw me." Lin Zhe smiled. "A twenty-three-year-old colonel will make him understand some things."

Zhang Xueying then noticed Lin Zhe's epaulets, her eyes widening: "You...you got promoted again? Colonel?!"

"Yes, it happened some time ago."

"My God..." Zhang Xueying covered her mouth, "A twenty-three-year-old colonel... Lin Zhe, you're amazing!"

"I just did what I was supposed to do," Lin Zhe said. "By the way, how about I come to your place for dinner tonight?"

"Great! I'll call my mom!" Zhang Xueying excitedly took out her phone.

The car weaved through the evening rush hour traffic. Lin Zhe looked at the girl beside him, a warmth welling up in his heart. No matter how much danger or hardship he faced outside, coming home to her waiting made it all worthwhile.

"Lin Zhe, how long can you stay this time?" Zhang Xueying asked after finishing the call.

"About a week," Lin Zhe said. "After that, there might be another mission."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Zhang Xueying's eyes, but she quickly smiled again: "A week is fine! We can spend quality time together!"

"Mmm." Lin Zhe squeezed her hand.