Chapter 108: Siblings

Ling Chen didn’t open the envelope right away, he just weighed it in his hand. Without opening it, he could guess what was inside. Then, he unceremoniously stuffed the envelope into his jacket pocket.

"General, is there anything else?"

"You are currently working close to Nanrong Wanqing, right? I have a question for you," Qiao Zhen said seriously. "Do you know what Nanrong Wanqing’s research lab is working on?"

"This..." Ling Chen hesitated immediately. He was naturally aware of the secrets of the research lab, but the fact that Nanrong Wanqing had confided these secrets to him showed her trust in him. Revealing these secrets to others without Nanrong Wanqing’s permission would be a betrayal of that trust.

However, the one asking was the General, the person who had personally groomed him. If he didn’t tell, he felt like he’d be letting the General down.

He felt troubled for a moment, unsure of what to choose.

Qiao Zhen frowned and said, "What, is there something you can’t say in front of me?"

"No, General, I..."

"Alright, since he doesn’t want to talk about it, let’s not push him any further," He Ziyun seemed to perceive Ling Chen’s internal conflict and took the initiative to help him out. "Regardless of what Nanrong Wanqing’s lab is researching, the fact that it’s attracted attention shows the importance of the subject. Ling Chen, with you by Nanrong Wanqing’s side, I trust you will ensure her and the lab’s safety."

With the elder leader speaking out, Qiao Zhen naturally did not press further.

"By the way," Ling Chen seemed to recall something. "General, about Jiang Yang who died at the last banquet, did Tang Yuan tell you?"

Han Bing nodded. "He’s reported everything to me. Do you suspect that Zhu Hong is involved?"

"Yes, I believe he had contact with the deceased."

"Your suspicion is not wrong; after receiving Tang Yuan’s intelligence, I immediately investigated Zhu Hong. However, his records from several years ago are completely blank, as if he had vanished into thin air during that period. It was only a few months ago that he reappeared as the Asian head of Boyang Company. The General and I have discussed this, if Zhu Hong is a problem, then Boyang Company is definitely involved. However, Boyang Company is a foreign enterprise, headquartered abroad, outside our influence, and investigating them is troublesome. Besides, Boyang Company has substantial power and deep relationships with political figures globally; we can’t act rashly as it might cause diplomatic issues."

After a pause, Han Bing continued, "Now that Boyang Company has opened a branch in East Sea City, you could take this opportunity to investigate them, see if you can find some valuable intelligence. I will have Tang Yuan give you his full support."

"I understand."

After interacting with Han Bing for so long, Ling Chen was very clear about what he meant by 'investigate'.

It seems there will be exciting times ahead.

After finishing the official business, they chatted casually for a while. Since Qiao Zhen had a flight to catch back to Beijing, he couldn’t stay for long.

Having seen Qiao Zhen off outside the Martial Arts Academy, Han Bing walked over to Ling Chen and whispered, "Kid, I heard you’ve been in contact with Hu Fei?"

Ling Chen touched his nose, knowing without asking that it must have been Tang Yuan who mentioned it.

Han Bing patted his shoulder. "I mean no harm, just want to remind you to be cautious. Hu Fei is connected to the Secret Society, and you shouldn’t get too involved with people like him."

"Mr. Han, rest assured, I know what I’m doing."

"That’s good. Alright, we should also be going. See you next time."

"General, Mr. Han, have a safe journey." Ling Chen waved his hand, watching the two red-flag sedans enter the road and gradually disappear from sight.

Back at the Martial Arts Academy, he saw Little Hua poking her head out of the room. Seeing Ling Chen, her face lit up with joy, and she bounced over, wrapping her arms around Ling Chen’s arm playfully, and said with a giggle, "Big brother, is that old man gone?"

"Old man? You mean the General?" Ling Chen couldn’t help but laugh dryly; probably only this little girl dared to call the General an old man.

"What, you don’t like him?"

Little Hua, touching her chubby cheeks and pouting, said, "He always pinches my face and treats me like a child, it’s so annoying."

"Aren’t you a child?"

"I..." As soon as the words left her mouth, Little Hua seemed to realize something and quickly closed her mouth, changing her tune: "I just don’t like it. Big brother, are you staying overnight today?"

Ling Chen patted her little head. "Nope, I still have things to do."

While they were talking, He Ziyun came over.

"Mr. He."

After knowing He Ziyun’s identity, Ling Chen’s attitude became much more respectful. Being the founder of the spirits, this elderly man was definitely a national hero, a hero of the people.

He Ziyun nodded, looking at Little Hua, he said, "Girl, go make me a cup of tea."

"Oh." Little Hua obediently responded and swung her little hands as she went into the main hall.

"Ling Chen, there’s something I think I should tell you first."

"Mr. He, please speak."

"The Zhu Hong you mentioned earlier, he comes from the Zhu Family in Beijing. Not just him, Xiaozhu is also from the Zhu family; they are siblings, real siblings."

"What?" Ling Chen was startled; his complexion slightly changed. Although he knew that Zhu Xiaozhu and Zhu Hong had the same surname, he never thought about it in this way. After all, there are too many people with the same surname in the country.

"I’m telling you this not because I want you to be overly cautious. Xiaozhu is your friend, and I also consider her part of my family. But when facing major principles, we shouldn’t merely act on personal feelings. If Zhu Hong really has issues, do what needs to be done, without having too many reservations. I tell you this only to remind you to be careful; try not to mention Zhu Hong in front of Xiaozhu."

Ling Chen nodded. "Mr. He, I understand what to do."

"That’s good. It’s getting late; if you have things to do, you can go ahead; I won’t keep you."

"Okay, then I’ll head back now. Mr. He, take care of yourself, and call me if you need anything, I’ll be ready."

Leaving the Martial Arts Academy, Ling Chen drove, his brows slightly furrowed, still thinking about the relationship between Zhu Hong and Zhu Xiaozhu. Before, he didn’t need to think about anything; he just had to accept missions, execute them, and complete them. But now it was different; he was no longer a member of the spirits, he could decide for himself how to act.

If Zhu Hong really had issues, he would indeed take action. When that time came, he didn’t know how he would face Zhu Xiaozhu.

Thinking about these things, he couldn’t help feeling a bit of a headache.

"What are you thinking about?" Tang Yuan, sitting in the passenger seat, asked. "It’s been a long while, and you haven’t said a word; this isn’t like you."

"Stop asking, the more questions, the worse it feels. By the way, apart from escorting the chairman to and from work, don’t stay at the company other times."

"What for?"

"Keep an eye on Zhu Hong, monitor his every move. I want to know who he has met with and what he has done."

"Alright, you’re my boss now; I’ll do as you say."