Chapter 1960 Corruption
"The appearance of Project Eve caused a huge stir in the country. The information suggests it could be used to create super soldiers. As a former mercenary, you understand the implications of super soldiers," Xu Longfeng explained.
"Initially, Project Eve was to be overseen by the Phoenix Protocol. They're a secret unit that handles medical projects. However, the military deemed Project Eve too crucial and, as head of the National Security Council, Zhu Tianlong used his authority to wrest control of it."
"Wait. When did Zhu Tianlong become head of the NSC?" Lei Hao interjected, confused.
Xu Longfeng glanced at Yun Lintian. "After you disappeared. He claimed all the achievements your group accomplished over the years."
"The Hell Church," Yun Lintian uttered calmly.
"Yes," Xu Longfeng confirmed with a nod. "The fact that you dealt a crippling blow to the Hell Church was kept secret."
"What a scoundrel!" Lei Hao cursed in anger. He grasped the situation now. Essentially, Zhu Tianlong had secretly stolen credit for everything Yun Lintian's group had done and used it to climb the ranks.
He turned to Xu Longfeng and inquired, "Are those old geezers blind? I don't believe they're unaware of it."
Xu Longfeng met Lei Hao's gaze and sighed. "Politics are a game of interests and maintaining balance. While Zhu Tianlong's methods were certainly underhanded, he does possess undeniable talent. Additionally, he's nearing retirement age next year. They saw no harm in letting him have the position."
"Unbelievable!" Lei Hao exclaimed, unable to accept it. "This is blatant corruption!"
Yun Lintian offered a faint smile. "Corruption exists everywhere in the world. It's how it's wielded that matters."
"You could learn a thing or two from your boss," Xu Longfeng remarked to Lei Hao.
"I understand," Lei Hao took a deep breath to compose himself.
"Now, Uncle Xu," Yun Lintian began, "how did you end up in this situation?"
"Following your disappearance, Zhu Wuxing and Zhu Ding took advantage of the opportunity to eliminate the remaining Hell Church members within our borders. They even fabricated evidence, accusing me of collaborating with the Hell Church," Xu Longfeng sighed in helplessness.
"If not for my past merits, I'd likely be six feet under by now. Alas, I underestimated those brats."
Yun Lintian sipped his tea and inquired, "I'm curious. Why did they spare Ah'Hao?"
"Why else?" Xu Longfeng scoffed. "That's a question for the deranged Zhu Ding."
Yun Lintian nodded in understanding. Essentially, Zhu Ding was toying with Lei Hao, keeping him in a state of torment.
Xu Longfeng studied Yun Lintian. "I have no idea how you managed to deceive everyone back then. I can also see you've grown considerably stronger. However, caution is essential when dealing with them."
"Don't worry, Uncle Xu. I know my limits," Yun Lintian offered a faint smile. Yet, it sent shivers down Xu Longfeng's spine for some reason.
"Do you know about that little girl Yang?" Xu Longfeng inquired.
"No. What's happened?" Yun Lintian shook his head, unaware of the situation.
"The Zhu family has forced the Yang family's hand. Yang Ningchang is being forced to marry Zhu Ding. Fortunately, the pandemic broke out first and interrupted the event. The ceremony has been postponed to next month." Xu Longfeng explained.
"What?!" Lei Hao gasped in shock. This news was completely unexpected.
A cold glint flickered in Yun Lintian's eyes. He had long considered Yang Ningchang and Lynn to be his women after knowing that Xia Yao had returned as Lin Xinyao. How could he let her marry Zhu Ding?
"There's more," Xu Longfeng continued. "Apparently, Zhu Wuxing issued an order to the Hidden Dragon Group a few months ago, authorizing them to hunt down your girlfriend from Europe."
"Boss..." Lei Hao's eyes darted to Yun Lintian in concern.
"I'm aware. She's currently safe," Yun Lintian reassured him calmly.
He locked eyes with Xu Longfeng. "Honestly, I was angry when I saw Ah'Hao's state. Your lack of action made me question your promise."
Xu Longfeng offered a kind smile. "It's understandable. I would react similarly in your shoes."
"Thank you," Yun Lintian acknowledged. "You should have secretly intervened, preventing the Hidden Dragon Group from attacking Lynn. Am I right?"
Xu Longfeng chuckled. "The Hidden Dragon Group is my life's work. Zhu Wuxing couldn't simply take control of it. However, time is of the essence. He'll eventually replace my people."
"Understood," Yun Lintian replied. "Try the tea, Uncle Xu. It has health benefits."
"Really? Let me see." Xu Longfeng smiled and took a sip.
His expression shifted dramatically as a wave of warmth spread through his body. He felt undeniably younger.
"This..." Xu Longfeng stammered, bewildered.
"This cup guarantees you'll live to be a hundred," Yun Lintian informed him with a smile.
A serious expression washed over Xu Longfeng's face. "What exactly are you?"
Yun Lintian remained silent, the question unanswered. He rose to his feet. "I must take my leave for now, Uncle Xu. Perhaps you could consider saying goodbye to this courtyard soon."
With those closing words, Yun Lintian vanished alongside Lei Hao and Nantian Fengyu in a wave of his hand.
Xu Longfeng stared blankly at the empty seat before him, his mind momentarily overloaded.
After a while, he mumbled to himself, "Dimensional power? Could it be connected to his father?"
***
Yun Lintian's group materialized silently in a deserted New York alleyway.
Lei Hao scanned his surroundings. "New York? Why are we here, Boss?"
"She's here," Yun Lintian replied softly. With a wave of his hand, several sets of clothing materialized.
"Sister Lynn?" Lei Hao acknowledged with a nod. It would be difficult for the Hidden Dragon Group to make a move here.
"Let's change first," Yun Lintian addressed Nantian Fengyu, who was engrossed in taking a selfie.
"Oh," Nantian Fengyu responded, snapping her fingers and changing her clothes in an instant.
It was November, and the New York weather had turned quite chilly. Yun Lintian donned a simple black jacket and a pair of sweatpants.
Cradling Qingqing in his arms and with Linlin perched on his shoulder, Yun Lintian exited the alley and headed towards a coffee shop across the street.
Inside the coffee shop, Lynn listlessly stirred her coffee. Her beauty remained undimmed, but her previously flowing blonde hair was now cut short, and her face bore the marks of exhaustion, as if sleep had eluded her for a long time.
Yun Lintian watched her silently through the window. Guilt gnawed at him as he saw her current state. He should have mustered the courage to accept her feelings in the past…
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