Chapter 111

After Shen Changze changed his clothes, they went out to check on their injured comrades. Except for a few individuals who were still bedridden due to severe injuries, everyone else had already started getting out of bed and moving around. It was a rare few days without war, and the generals of the Liberal Army invited them for a meal. Despite the scarcity of supplies, they managed to provide them with locally valuable cheese and butter.

Although they weren’t exactly delicacies, after spending a long time in this base, they knew how difficult it was to be able to eat such things. This could be considered a celebration feast for the Peregrine Falcons. In the past, after every mission, they would indulge in a grand feast to celebrate the successful completion of the mission and unwind. However, this “celebration feast” lacked any festive atmosphere. Their fallen comrades had not been laid to rest, and no one had successfully escaped the shadow of that battle, especially after encountering white phosphorus bombs and relentless attacks from the Dragon Blood Kins. The memories of those events still haunted them.

Fortunately, Tang Jingzhi’s death somewhat alleviated their anger. However, Shen Yao’s disappearance with a large amount of experimental materials and data remained a thorn in the hearts of Tang Tingzhi and the others. For the Peregrine Falcons, all they needed to do now was to take the money and leave. But for the special forces soldiers, their mission was far from over.

After finishing their meal, the two groups gathered in the conference room provided by the Liberal Army. As they looked at the empty seats around them, everyone felt uncomfortable in their hearts.

Tang Tingzhi adjusted the front of his white doctor’s coat and spoke softly, “Firstly, on behalf of my country’s government and people, I want to express gratitude for the assistance and efforts of the Peregrine Falcons. Secondly… I express my regrets for the comrades, brothers, and friends you have lost.”

Ayer impatiently ruffled his hair and said, “Stop talking in that official tone, it doesn’t suit you at all.”

Tang Tingzhi lowered his gaze and said helplessly. “Then I’ll say what you want to hear. I have already transferred the remaining payment to you.”

Ayer pursed his lips and muttered, “This mission was far from satisfying, no amount of money can make up for it.”

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Mktla Fbyaj oyhle bkp byde, “Ls xyvvla bso usw rzyd vs rasnlle, ol osd’v cl kdhszhle kd uswa yqqykap yduxsal. Eblvbla kv’p Fbld Zys sa vbl Paytsd Jzsse Ikdp, kv’p wdalzyvle vs wp yde clusde vbl nyryckzkvklp sq saekdyau bwxydp zkjl wp vs nsdvlde okvb. Mbl xkppksdp alzyvle vs vbl Paytsd Jzsse Ikdp yal vss ekqqknwzv, yde vbl Vlaltakdl Wyznsd byp ds kdvldvksd sq vyjkdt vblx yduxsal.”

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Iyzk dseele kd ytallxldv, “Omynvzu, R esd’v oydv ydu xsal elyzkdtp okvb vbl Paytsd Jzsse Ikdp. Ysdlu kp vbl pyxl oblalhla ol tlv ryke, yde ol tlv rzldvu sq saelap. Xwa rasqlppksd kp vs qktbv ytykdpv rlsrzl, dsv vs bwdv esod xsdpvlap vbyv yal plhlayz vkxlp pvasdtla vbyd wp.”

Gzvbswtb vblu olal yzz alnjzlpp kdekhkewyzp zkhkdt sd vbl letl sq elyvb, vblu olal dsv ps alnjzlpp yp vs jdsokdtzu rwapwl psxlvbkdt kxrsppkczl. Oprlnkyzzu pkdnl byzq sq vbl Vlaltakdl Wyznsdp bye vblka sod qyxkzklp. Ebld vblu alvwadle vs vblka sod nswdvaklp, vblu olal zyo-yckekdt nkvkgldp, bwpcydep vs nlavykd osxld, yde qyvblap vs nlavykd nbkzeald. Mblu pvkzz oydvle vs zkhl y qlo xsal ulyap vs lyad xsdlu yde pwrrsav vblka qyxkzklp.

Most people agreed with the decision not to take on any more missions related to the Dragon Blood Kins. There were a few thrill-seekers who expressed excitement about fighting against them, despite the risks. However, in the end, their opinions would ultimately yield to the collective decision of the group.

Tang Tingzhi nodded, “I understand. However, the experience you gained from the battle against the Dragon Blood Kins is incredibly valuable for our research. Especially with regard to the equipment and weapons, you were the first humans to use them in actual combat. We need a significant amount of real-world experience as data support for further improvement and development. I hope you can come with me to China and spend a month helping us refine our database. As compensation, first, we can continue to pay you, and second, we will provide the best medical treatment for your injured comrades.”

The group exchanged glances, and then all turned their gaze toward Tiger Shark.

Tiger Shark furrowed his brow and looked at Ayer. He asked, “What do you think?”

Ayer squinted his eyes as he looked at Tang Tingzhi. “This isn’t some kind of trap, is it? I remember a few years ago you were determined to eliminate all of us to keep your secret.”

Tang Tingzhi replied calmly, “It wasn’t me who was determined to eliminate all of you. I was simply following orders from my superiors. But now, the attitude from higher-ups is one of friendly cooperation with you. As long as you keep it confidential, there’s no need to worry. Besides, considering Shen Changze’s relationship with you, what is there to be concerned about?”

Ayer pondered for a moment and acknowledged the logic behind Tang Tingzhi’s words. However, for outlaws like them, having close dealings with a country’s government made them uneasy.

Ayer glanced at Tang Tingzhi’s beautiful features and hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing, “Alright, we’ll go.” He fixed his piercing, crystal-blue eyes on Tang Tingzhi and said quietly, “But remember, this was your invitation.”

Tang Tingzhi’s brows slightly furrowed, and an unexplained worry crept into his heart. He reminded, “Mr. Mauri, first, you and your team will need to sign a confidentiality agreement. Second, please comply with our arrangements. And third, please refrain from engaging in any illegal activities.”

Ayer rested his chin on his hand and glanced at him playfully. “But you see, I’ve already forgotten what things are considered illegal.”

Tang Tingzhi nodded. “I will teach you on the plane.”

After some more discussion about the withdrawal, the meeting came to an end. As everyone started to leave, Tang Tingzhi called out to Shan Ming.

Shan Ming halted and turned around. Shen Changze also chose to stay behind with him.

Tang Tingzhi said, “Shan Ming, you’re from Suzhou, right?”

Shan Ming raised an eyebrow and said, “Probably.”

“It’s been over twenty years since you last returned to your hometown. Would you like to take this opportunity to go back and see? China has changed a lot, but I can help you find the exact location of your original residence.”

Shan Ming’s tone turned somewhat cold, “No need. There’s nothing I want to see.” He pointed at Tang Tingzhi’s nose, issuing a threat. “Keep this in mind, don’t meddle any further.”

Tang Tingzhi said, “Alright, let’s pretend I never said anything.”

Shan Ming turned and walked away. Shen Changze caught up from behind and grabbed his arm, he called out, “Dad…”

Shan Ming turned his head abruptly, glaring at him. “You investigated me?”

Shen Changze spread his hands, speaking frankly, “I wanted to know everything about you. Since you wouldn’t tell me, I had to find out on my own.”

Shan Ming coldly replied, “Is the story of my life entertaining? I thought it was quite uninteresting myself.”

Shen Changze said quietly, “I just want to understand you better than anyone else, especially since I got to know you so late.”

Shan Ming pushed him away and turned, walking towards his place of residence.

Shen Changze followed him calmly from behind, trailing him into the house.

Shan Ming took out his gun and began to clean it meticulously. Shen Changze had already noticed that Shan Ming does this to help calm his mood.

He walked over and sat beside Shan Ming, speaking softly, “Don’t be angry. During that time, I missed you so much but couldn’t come to find you, so I tried to gather as much information about you as possible. Did you know, ever since we parted ways, I knew about every mission you went on, every change in your accounts, and every move you made online. Even if it made you angry, I couldn’t help it. I just had to know everything about you.”

Shan Ming glared at him and said, “You’re insane.”

Shen Changze nodded indifferently, “Perhaps. But if you hadn’t abandoned me, I wouldn’t have turned out like this.” After saying this, there was a hint of resentment in his tone. Shan Ming’s past actions were a lifelong knot that he couldn’t untangle.

Shan Ming was already in a bad mood, and hearing this accusation made him even angrier. “Are you done yet? Stop acting like a resentful woman all day, always remembering that I abandoned you. So what if I did? I’m happy to. ” He threw the gun onto the bed and exclaimed, “Get the fuck out!”

Shen Changze forcibly suppressed the surging anger within him. He picked up the gun and said, “I won’t argue with you, and I won’t leave either.”

Shan Ming looked at this stubborn figure, and a surge of anger ignited within him.

The thought of returning to China brought back distant memories that he had kept far away. He blamed his excellent memory for recalling them so vividly. He had thought he had long forgotten those memories.

Shan Ming lay down on the bed and closed his eyes, trying to make himself fall asleep. However, it was only a little after 9 o’clock in the evening.

Shen Changze leaned closer and gently massaged Shan Ming’s temples. He spoke softly, “If you don’t want to remember, from now on, no one will ever mention it in front of you again.”

Shan Ming remained silent for a while before saying, “It’s no big deal, everyone in my family is dead anyway.”

Shen Changze bent down and kissed Shan Ming’s forehead. “Says who? You still have me.”