Chapter 206: Shadow Is Agent One
As the Gu family convened to strategize their next moves, Li Chen enjoyed a rare quiet moment at home with his family.
"So far, three agents have been confirmed in the area," Li Xinjie briefed them grimly. "Agents 1 and 6 were eliminated after retirement but that still leaves over a dozen lethal operatives with you in their crosshairs."
Sun Lixia’s forehead creased in concern. "So we’re looking at taking on around 16 trained assassins by ourselves?"
Li Xinjie nodded. "Yes, and of them all, Agent 13 is the most ruthless. I’d prefer to encounter her one-on-one...we have some bitter history." His jaw tightened at dark memories from long ago.
"I can handle Agent 19," Li Chen cracked his knuckles, a fierce glint in his eye.
Sun Lixia turned to her son, "Don’t forget, we still have Shadow on our side - his skills could help tip the odds in our favor."
Li Chen met his family’s steadfast gazes with rising determination...
Li Xinjie turned to his mother with concern. "Mom, I don’t mean to underestimate Shadow’s skills. I’ve seen him fight. But some of those agents aim to kill without hesitation."
Sun Lixia nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps it’s time I told you more about where Shadow came from." She glanced over at Li Yanyan, seeing the curiosity in her eyes as well.
"You mentioned Agent One earlier," Sun Lixia continued. "Well, that agent is Shadow."
Li Chen, Li Xinjie, Zhu Fengrui and Li Yanyan reacted with stunned expressions.
"Here’s the story," Sun Lixia went on. "When the organization sent out orders to eliminate Agent Number One, Ren Zirui happened to be in the area at just the right moment. He witnessed several agents douse Agent One in fuel and set him alight, attempting to burn him alive."
She shook her head at the memory. "Despite not even knowing the man’s identity, Ren Zirui was incredibly impressed by how Agent One had managed to single-handedly fight off four attackers. So when the assassins left the scene, assuming their target was dead, Ren Zirui made the decision to rescue the man from the flames instead."
Li Chen crossed his arms thoughtfully. "This means Shadow has skills on par with their top agents."
Sun Lixia gave a firm nod. "Yes. He underwent the same intensive training regimen. By Ren Zirui’s account, Shadow was holding his own against multiple assassins when they tried to end him."
Li Yanyan’s eyes glinted with interest. "How very fascinating..."
"No wonder he’s been able to match me that time we fought," Li Xinjie realized aloud. "We were taught by the same system, just separated by age."
Sun Lixia gestured to Shadow’s masked face. "Those burns were meant to kill, but thanks to Ren Zirui he survived...though marked. But make no mistake, Shadow’s skills and deadly training endured even as his body healed."
She heaved a weary sigh. "It took Ren Zirui months to help Shadow adapt to a new way of fighting - to subdue threats without resorting to needless killing. It went against everything hammered into agents. But together we’ve given Shadow a new code to live by." Her gaze was full of quiet resolve. "And now he uses those gifts to protect."
Li Yanyan rubbed her hands together decisively. "This means we stand more than ready to confront the organization now."
Zhu Fengrui watched his cousins, mother and aunt matter-of-factly planning for conflict. He wished he could contribute more to the cause. Finally he spoke up, "While I can’t provide any skilled fighters, I do have numerous well-trained bodyguards at my disposal."
Li Yanyan’s eyes glinted. "Perfect. We’ll need forces to ensure the safety of Li Chen’s friends and the Sun family members while we handle the main threat."
Sun Lixia nodded. "Yes, we must mobilize all available security to guard the Sun residences against potential attacks."
"My bodyguards may not be warriors, but they are devoted," Zhu Fengrui responded. "I trust them to loyally protect any vulnerable target in coordination with your defenses."
The women voiced their firm agreement, strategizing to surround their whole extended community in protective oversight during the coming storm.
Amidst all the tense strategy and planning, Sun Lixia attempted to lighten the mood. "Well, once this conflict is resolved, I hope you young ones can find nice partners and get married!"
Zhu Fengrui chuckled softly. "Oh Aunt Lixia, I’m still focusing on my career for now."
Li Xinjie quickly chimed agreement. "Yeah mom, marriage feels a long way off!"
But Li Yanyan fixed her son with a wry look. "Zhu Fengrui, you’re 30 years old already. What kind of example are you setting for your cousins without even a girlfriend yet? My poor hair is going grey waiting for a grandchild."
Li Xinjie leaped up in mock dismay. "Oh, speaking of examples, I just remembered an important thing I need to check on in my room!" He edged towards the stairs as Li Chen laughed at his brother’s abrupt exit.
Li Xinjie pointed at Li Chen on his way out. "Hey, you already have someone special, brother. You should be the one setting an example by getting married first!" And with that parting shot, he dashed up the stairs.
Warm laughter filled the room at Li Xinjie’s rapid departure. Sun Lixia turned an intent gaze on Li Chen. "But your brother has a point. With everything so uncertain now, you shouldn’t let chances for happiness pass you by."
Li Chen rubbed his neck self-consciously. "Mom, it’s not like I’m going anywhere..."
"I know that," Sun Lixia dismissed. "I just mean, what if someone else comes along while you’re still hesitating? These could be stolen moments."
Li Chen shifted, at a loss for words as her statement hit home. She was right - if he waited too long, an opportunity could be missed.
Trying not to reveal his sudden anxiety, Li Chen mumbled "I should probably go check on some things too..." He started edging away.
Li Yanyan watched in amusement. "You two really are twins, now you’re running off just like Xinjie!"
A touch of color in his cheeks, Li Chen made a quick exit under his aunt’s knowing gaze.
Alone with his thoughts, Li Chen’s mind inevitably wandered to Zhang Mei. Had he waited too long to confess how he truly felt? What if she only saw him as a friend and partner, nothing more? His chances suddenly seemed to be slipping away.
Just then, the God of War’s voice rumbled in his mind unexpectedly. "You know, you could always do this the old-fashioned way, boy."
Li Chen furrowed his brow. "What do you mean, ’old-fashioned’?"
"I mean, just propose marriage already," the God of War scoffed. "Why bother with all these new-age steps of ’girlfriend’ and ’fiancée’? Just make her your wife and be done with it!"
Li Chen couldn’t help but chuckle. "I’m afraid times have changed since your era, my friend."
But the God of War remained firm in his conviction. "Perhaps. But if she cares for you enough to consider a relationship, she’ll likely accept a proposal to marry you outright. Save yourself the trouble and just plan the wedding!"
As much as the notion seemed outdated, Li Chen had to admit there was a simple logic to it. Zhang Mei already knew him so well - his strengths, flaws and all. If the depth was there, why wait? The God of War’s bold idea took root in Li Chen’s mind, holding new appeal after their talk.
Li Chen carefully turned over the possibilities in his mind. Perhaps Zhang Mei would consent to become his wife, if he worked up the nerve to ask her directly. And even if she refused for the present, their steadfast friendship would surely weather the inquiry. One day she may yet come to view him as worthy.
Pleasant images cascaded through Li Chen’s thoughts - a lively household filled with their children’s laughter and mischief, golden years bickering companionably as elderly spouses, even doting together over grandchildren someday. An entire life, shared in intimacy with his most trusted partner.
The more visions his imagination supplied, the more reasonable the God of War’s advice sounded. Really, what did Li Chen have to lose by an old-fashioned proposal? At worst, Zhang Mei’s practical nature would kindly refuse without allowing awkwardness to mar their current ties.
And if by some miracle she said yes...Li Chen’s heart quickened at the prospect of such joyful union. Perhaps the time had come to cast aside hesitation and boldly pursue an eternal future together. Zhang Mei knew him better than anyone - faults and all. If she could envision weathering life’s adventures at his side, why wait through endless intermediate steps? Steeling his nerves, Li Chen resolved to ask for her hand without further delay. Their friendship could withstand momentary disappointment, but a lifetime’s happiness awaited if each gambled on the other.
