"Hello!"
"Are you still half asleep?"
"Oh! Itâs our captain! I thought youâd forgotten about me!" Shangguan Taoâs voice was now much clearer as he teased, "Whatâs up? Did you remember me?"
"Am I still your captain?" Shangguan Taoâs personal abilities and background were the strongest in the rescue team. Having him serve merely as the administrative director of the rescue team was indeed a bit of a waste, and the learning opportunity this time was something he had fought hard to secure. If the organization were to transfer him to the General Political Department, he would raise both hands in support.
"How couldnât you be? Do you really want me to go to the General Political Department?"
"Before going to the General Political Department, I have a favor to ask of you." Xu Qigang stubbed out his cigarette and his expression suddenly became very stern, making even Zhou Hongâs breathing more cautious.
"Shangguan Tao!"
"War Wolf Rescue Teamâs Administrative Director, Shangguan Tao reporting!"
"Your orders are to assist Chen Yingjie. He will brief you on the specifics of the mission."
"Yes, sir!" Shangguan Tao accepted the task with solemn earnestness over the phone. After the details were given, he couldnât help but grumble, "How many days have I been away from the team? Now even on a mission, I have to follow orders from that kid Chen Yingjie. Xu Qigang, youâre pushing me too far. No wonder everyone is jealous of Chen Yingjie, now even Iâm getting jealous."
"Youâre far behind compared to him." Xu Qigang didnât hide his admiration for Chen Yingjie at all, "You still need to learn from him. Iâll have someone deliver the equipment to your place right now. After you get it, head out immediately to meet up with Chen Yingjie."
"Yes!" Shangguan Tao didnât delay any further and quickly ended the call to get ready.
"Zhou Hong, immediately prepare two sets of the best equipment and arrange for someone to deliver them to Shangguan Tao."
"Yes!" Zhou Hong stood up solemnly and acknowledged the order.
"Iâm heading to the Rescue Association." Xu Qigang grabbed his cap and drove straight to the Rescue Association to find Shen Feihu.
*******
Shen Ming made his way back to the compound just in time for dinner. Shen Yu was eating in the dining room and casually asked when he saw him, "Have you eaten?"
"Not yet!" Shen Ming sat down opposite him, "Did last nightâs operation fail?"
"Yes!" Shen Yu nodded, his expression unchanged.
He was able to keep his composure, but Shen Ming was getting restless. He slammed his hand on the table with a crisp sound, "Damn it! I donât know if Xu Qigangâs wife has been drugged with a love potion; she trusts him unconditionally."
Shen Yu paused while holding his chopsticks, "It can only be said that he has crafted his image too well, too favorably."
"Sigh! I wish we never messed with him." Shen Ming looked somewhat reproachfully at Shen Yu, "All things considered, you shouldnât have tangled with Bai Tianâe. That woman is nothing but trouble, not even capable of playing defense properly."
"..." Shen Yu fell silent and continued to eat.
"I think we should let this matter go!" Shen Ming hit the table again and blurted out unexpectedly, "Are you hiding something from me?"
The dining room suddenly fell into an eerie silence, with Shen Yuâs intense presence overwhelming Shen Ming, who almost couldnât speak. The brothers were quiet for so long that just as Shen Ming was about to get restless and stand up, Shen Yu finally spoke, "No!"
"Really? The more you say no, the less I believe you."
Shen Yu stood up abruptly, snapping his chopsticks onto the table. "Believe it or not," he said, storming out with an air of fury.
Shen Ming rarely saw his brother so emotionally exposed, which made his suspicions grow deeper. Jiang Shaoxun had known him for so many years; he wouldnât exaggerate without cause.
So it was true?
With that thought, he went straight to his room to pack his things, deciding to move into the dormitory.