Chapter 171: Agent 17 Becomes Li Xinjie
The atmosphere in the living room was tense as everyone awaited the arrival of the expected guest. Li Yanyan, Li Chen, and Sun Lixia sat in anticipation, surrounded by Shadow, Ren Zirui, Ding Chengxi, and Xu Zhonhao, each stationed at a different corner of the room. Outside, vigilant bodyguards moved strategically, their eyes scanning the surroundings with weapons in hand.
As the clock struck 8 PM, Li Chen broke the silence, "Well, it’s now or never." Sun Lixia directed Ding Chengxi, "Wait for any movement." Ding Chengxi nodded in acknowledgment, responding with a determined "Yes, ma’am."
Minutes passed, and the room was filled with an unsettling silence. The group could sense the tension building as the footsteps approached, each heartbeat echoing the anticipation. The guards outside had been given specific instructions – no attack unless provoked.
The air grew thick with suspense, awaiting the unfolding events that would shape the course of the impending confrontation.
The room fell into a stunned silence as Agent 17, still wearing his mask, entered. The unexpected appearance of Li Chen’s twin left everyone speechless. Li Chen, breaking the silence, stood up and walked towards Agent 17.
"How can we help you?"
Agent 17, with a husky voice, suggested moving to a more private location.
"Can we talk somewhere more private?"
Li Chen, opting to stay where they were, replied, "We can talk here; it’s fine." Despite the tension, Agent 17 reassured everyone and slowly moved his hands.
"Chill, just want to take off the mask."
Li Chen, cautious but curious, stepped back slightly. Agent 17 removed his mask, revealing his face. The sight surprised both Sun Lixia and Li Yanyan, who had previously confirmed Agent 17’s identity through DNA but now faced the reality of seeing Li Chen’s twin brother in person.
Sun Lixia walked towards him and said, "You know?"
Agent 17 responded calmly, "Yes, I did a DNA test, of which I am sure you also have. I know because during our fight, he pulled quite a chunk of my hair."
Li Chen, looking stern, said, "Sit down." Agent 17 complied, taking a seat on the couch opposite them. Sun Lixia kept looking at him, her emotions hidden behind a stoic expression.
Li Yanyan broke the silence, "You look more like your grandmother and father combined."
Agent 17, without revealing much emotion, said, "I need to know the truth... Why was I raised as an assassin? Why was I told both my parents died when I was born?"
Sun Lixia felt a lump in her throat. No matter how strong she was, looking at the son she never knew she had made her want to cry out loud. She didn’t know if it was guilt, sadness, or excitement. Li Chen interrupted her thoughts, "I am sure you know my name is Li Chen. This is my... our mother, Sun Lixia, and our aunt, Li Yanyan."
Agent 17 responded with a nod, "Well, I never had a name. I was never given one. I just go by 17."
Sun Lixia continued, her voice heavy with the weight of the past, "You might not believe me, but your father and I never knew about your existence. We thought we only had one child."
Agent 17 remained skeptical, saying, "Try to come up with something better."
Sun Lixia explained, "It’s the truth. When you were born, I was in too much pain, bleeding a lot. Your father couldn’t stand the sight of blood, so he walked out of the room, leaving the doctors and nurses inside. I don’t remember what happened after that, but when I woke up, I only had one baby."
Agent 17 thought deeply about this revelation. Li Yanyan added, "We believe the organization had its people there when she gave birth because your disappearance was not the only thing that happened."
Agent 17 questioned, "What do you mean? The organization has raised me well and gave me everything."
Li Yanyan explained, "Because they were raising their personal killing machine. Li Chen was injected with the NeuroNex drug. Not sure if you have any information about it."
Agent 17 took a moment and responded, "I have never heard of it."
Sun Lixia continued, "They stole you away from us. They wanted to take Li Chen too, but your father and I fought until... until his death."
Li Yanyan added, "Li Chen was raised secretly because we had to make sure they didn’t get to him, and your mother had to fake her death for years."
Agent 17, grappling with the revelations, questioned, "Who would do that?"
Sun Lixia responded, "Until today, we don’t know. But think about it... Why are there only 20 of you who are called by numbers and not by names? You are the first 20 that were injected with the NeuroNex drug at its testing stage. You were more like their lab rats. They needed babies to test if the drug could work well, and you are also a victim."
Li Yanyan added, "They don’t love you; they just wanted to raise assassins that would be devoid of any emotions."
Agent 17, still processing the information, said, "But that day when I first saw you... I felt something."
Sun Lixia assured, "The mother and child bond is too strong to be terminated by any kind of drug."
Agent 17 sat there, scanning the three people before him – his family, a reality he had never considered. He didn’t know how to feel about what the organization had done to him and Li Chen, but he knew they would pay. The determination to confront those responsible and seek justice burned within him.
Li Yanyan spoke, "Fate works in mysterious ways. Out of so many agents that could have been sent out, it was you who was chosen. The truth always has its own way of coming out, and now the truth is right in front of you."
Agent 17, still absorbing the shocking revelations, asked, "How did the organization know about you?"
Sun Lixia sighed before confessing, "Because your father and I worked for the organization."
This revelation left Agent 17 even more stunned. He hadn’t expected the connection to run so deep. Li Chen, looking concerned, asked, "So what happens now?"
Agent 17 replied, "The organization won’t let me go. They will send others to kill me. No one leaves there alive."
Li Yanyan declared, "Then we will fight the organization till the end."
Sun Lixia, feeling a mix of emotions, said, "Can I..." She stood up and went to sit next to Agent 17, suddenly giving him a warm, heartfelt hug. Agent 17 wanted to protest, but something in him just wouldn’t let him. He allowed Sun Lixia to hug him, and soon, his body relaxed. The complex emotions within him started to untangle as the reality of his family and the battles that lay ahead began to sink in.
After the hug, Sun Lixia sat next to Agent 17 and said, "I don’t like this number thing... Do you mind if I give you a name?"
Agent 17 replied, "Sure."
Sun Lixia thought for a minute, contemplating the perfect name to give her son, a name that would symbolize a fresh start, a break from the past.
After a moment of contemplating, Sun Lixia smiled and said, "Li Xinjie... That will be your name going forward."
Li Yanyan added, "Li Xinjie, the name is perfect."
Agent 17 repeated the name a couple of times in his mind and finally said, "I like it, thank you."
Li Chen stood up, extending his hand for a handshake, and said, "Welcome home, Li Xinjie." Agent 17 looked at Li Chen’s hand for a moment before he stood up and returned the handshake. The handshake marked a new beginning for the brothers. Though they had first met in different circumstances, they could not deny the fact that they shared the same womb for 9 full months. The bond of blood was now acknowledged, and a sense of family began to take root in their hearts.
