Chapter 95 Untitled
November 9th, Saturday, 3:00 PM.
Western Surveillance Zone Command Headquarters, conference room. A collective meeting that includes several battalion commanders from action teams is taking place.
“The final investigation report on the 1101 Black Blood Clan attack incident has been released.”
Zhen Guangquan pointed at the large screen showing several collected and damaged Black Blood Clan corpses and adjacent images and tables, saying expressionlessly: “A total of three Black Blood Clan attendants and nine blood servants carried out indiscriminate attacks on ordinary people at the nightclub on the sixth floor, ultimately triggering a gas explosion.”
“In the corpses of the Black Blood Clan, we detected traces of a weak component of Abisilan, which was only applied clinically abroad a few years ago for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and is an expensive miracle drug. Currently, there are no legitimate channels for it to be imported into the country. I won’t go into the nature and formula of this drug, but I believe everyone understands…”
“From the European Union, we learned that large doses of Abisilan have been used by the Black Blood Clan for the mind control of blood servants and attendants. In other words, it is a stimulant that can create a dependency for obedience in lower-level blood clans. Its short-term effects can even rival those of the puppets used by the Apennine Blood Clan Counts, making them fodder for destructive activities.”
“A year ago, we discovered that the Black Blood Clan had already begun to use Abisilan on a large scale, especially within the ranks of the Black Dragon Society, which has taken root in the southwest provinces. It’s evident that there exists an underground access channel for Abisilan, closely connected with foreign forces.”
“The motives behind the 1101 Black Blood Clan attack incident are still under analysis. However, the idea proposed by Supervisor Han is worth considering. We will collaborate with the Headquarters Intelligence Bureau to conduct an in-depth investigation into the backgrounds of all deceased individuals related to this incident to see if there are any causal connections.”
“Finally, the weapon left at the scene, after thorough analysis, has been verified as genuine. Thus, we carried out multiple rounds of verification and monitoring of all males aged eighteen to thirty-five among the deceased and survivors, but we did not identify any identity information related to Xià Yán. It is as if he evaporated into thin air, leading us to conclude that he had discreetly escaped before the arrival of the Xuánjiǎ Brigade.”
“Alright, this is the final conclusion regarding the 1101 Black Blood Clan attack incident. I ask the two commanders to give their instructions…”
Zhen Guangquan’s analysis, especially the concluding remarks, left most attendees, particularly Han Xiao, in disbelief.
“Wait a moment, Chief Zhen! I have some questions about certain points!”
Suddenly, Han Jielu raised his hand.
“Supervisor Han, which part are you referring to?”
Zhen Guangquan was taken aback; he had grown accustomed to the peculiar views often expressed by this hot-headed descendant of the Han family, who had only taken office for less than three months.
“Why only verify the males?”
Han Jielu nodded slightly at the large screen, “The weapon is from Xià Yán, but the person using the weapon may not necessarily be him. Concluding that he left before the Xuánjiǎ Brigade arrived seems a bit hasty.”
Once Han Jielu’s words were spoken, everyone present wore expressions of astonishment, as if the logic he suggested did indeed have merit.
In the meeting room, Zhen Guangquan remained calm, slowly sipping from his teacup, while the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward.
“Sit down… Don’t create a ruckus…”
Han Xiao quickly grabbed her cousin’s sleeve, pulling him back to his seat.
“Chief of Staff, please handle this matter personally. If there are flaws, rectify them; perhaps we can discover something.”
Commander Wang Hongjun waved his hand with a smile, personally stepping in to diffuse the atmosphere before turning to his long-time partner, Han Guowei: “Old Han, what are the Headquarters’ views on the 1101 incident?”
Han Guowei stood up, surveyed all the young soldiers in attendance, and lowered his voice: “The Headquarters believes that regardless of the motive, the 1101 incident is not an isolated case. According to feedback from international cooperation organizations and the Headquarters Intelligence Bureau, after entering November, a considerable number of Black Blood Clan members and wandering bloodlines from Southeast Asia have been infiltrating our country through various means, increasing security pressures in the southwestern border area.”
“The 1101 incident is now under the purview of the Xiùyī Brigade, with the intelligence department providing support to continue exploring potential leads. As for the future developments of this situation, we can only respond as it unfolds. The Western Surveillance Zone must now focus on monitoring the movements of the Black Dragon Society in City C and even S Province, seeking out their operational strongholds: find one and eliminate one!”
Han Guowei’s statement, though somewhat vague and not easily understood, came from the Headquarters, which kept everyone alert, especially Han Xiao, who was taking diligent notes.
Finally, Commander Wang Hongjun took over the conversation, issuing the latest orders: “The southern situation is tense. The 301st Brigade stationed in Q Province will, according to Headquarters’ instructions, temporarily be transferred to the Southern Surveillance Zone for reinforcement. The other eight brigades are to stop all rotations and rest, and shift into combat standby!”
As the words fell, the nine battalion commanders stood up simultaneously.
“Report, the internal contact from the Headquarters Medical Support Department requests Deputy Commander Han to take the call.”
The conference room door swung open, and an intelligence officer, visibly anxious, stood at the entrance.
Dozens of gazes shifted toward him, especially the acting captain of the Xuánjiǎ Brigade, Tao Qiao’er, who couldn’t resist rising from her seat.
Another message from the Headquarters Medical Support Department; it was highly likely related to Meng Huai. Tao Qiao’er’s eyes turned red, sadness washed over her, and a few steps away, Han Xiao also exhibited a different expression, slowly drifting off in thought.
Han Guowei and Wang Hongjun exchanged glances, and moments later, the former picked up his military cap and strode out.
…
Inside the command’s secure communication room, Han Guowei’s face was grim, his collar disheveled. One hand clasped the phone while the other tightly clenched into a fist, pounding the table.
“…This is ridiculous! Over a month ago, you told me he could live for at least three more years! And then the illness suddenly worsened, and you said he could hold on for six months! Today, you tell me Meng Huai has less than a month to live! Haha, the first-class merit you speak of is indeed quite auspicious!”
“…Alright, alright, even now, you’re still engaging in formalism with a thirty-day regret period! How many days does he have left to regret?…Okay, I’m not getting agitated; please continue!”
“…Understood, I will discuss this matter face-to-face with Wu Zhongxian… Yes, you must control Meng Huai’s condition at all costs; I’m heading to the capital right now!”
With a bang, he hung up the phone, slumping into a chair. After adjusting his breath for a few seconds, he threw on his military cap and opened the secure communication room door, bellowing at Han Xiao, who was waiting outside: “Immediately contact the airport; I’m heading to the capital headquarters.”
“Old Han, what on earth happened? Didn’t Meng Huai get transferred to the capital early yesterday morning?”
Han Guowei had just taken a few steps when Wang Hongjun approached with Han Xiao and Tao Qiao’er from the opposite end of the corridor.
Seeing the anxious expression on his usually calm and patient old partner, Wang Hongjun felt quite astonished.
“I’m sorry, Old Wang, Meng Huai’s condition has worsened; I need to go to the capital.”
Han Guowei forced a smile and shook his head repeatedly, not even taking the time to shake hands with Wang Hongjun before hastily leaving.
Looking back at Tao Qiao’er and Han Bei, who were following behind him, Wang Hongjun slightly shook his head, his expression serious: “Meng Huai is now under the direct care of the Headquarters Medical Support Department, currently undergoing closed emergency treatment for stage three deterioration. I can’t provide you with any useful information.”
“Commander, I….” Tao Qiao’er stepped forward but was stopped by Han Bei beside her, who gently patted her back.
“Tao Qiao’er, according to the preparedness regulations and traditions of the Xuánjiǎ Brigade, you are now the acting brigade leader. You will be formally appointed in due time. You must take up the historical responsibility of passing on the legacy and do well in taking over Meng Huai’s position!”
“Yes! I will ensure the task is completed!”
Tao Qiao’er immediately stood at attention and saluted, following along behind Wang Hongjun, wiping her tears.
As she turned to look at the direction in which her father’s figure had disappeared, Han Bei’s expression also darkened, feeling a deep ache in his heart.
“Third sister, don’t worry; I will go with uncle soon.”
Once the corridor was empty, Han Jielu stepped closer to Han Bei, surprisingly calm: “In my opinion, considering Meng Ge’s qualifications, the Headquarters will spare no effort to save him.”
“What have you been hiding from me? You concealed it when my brother sacrificed himself, and I only learned yesterday that Meng Huai’s condition had worsened!”
Han Bei raised her head, her brows furrowing in anger, her bloodshot eyes filled with fury, “He’s at death’s door; what value do you think he has for you?”
Han Jielu looked down slightly at the ground, with a dry smile at the corner of his mouth.
At dusk, a luxurious extended limousine appeared once more in a high-end villa community in Q District, stopping beside an outdoor fountain. The door opened, and Hejian Qingya, dressed in a European-style gown, stepped out.
Looking at the three-story luxurious villa not far away, Hejian Qingya’s mood brightened significantly.
Though this wasn’t the end of her life, it was the beginning of her free life. Hejian Qingya secretly clenched her small fists, cheering herself on.
As she walked quickly into the main building of the villa under the respectful gazes of the Zhong family’s housekeeping team, her footsteps halted momentarily upon entering the living room.
The three members of the Zhong family were silently seated on the central sofa, each with a somber expression. It was rare to see Zhong Hai, who never smoked, holding a half-burned cigarette like his son Zhong Jing, with the ashtray on the table piled high with butts.
“Oh, Qingya is back! Come here, let’s go to the dressing room! I have a good friend who just returned from Europe, bringing several cosmetic products and knitted shawls for you to choose from!”
Zhong’s mother forced a smile, quickly rose, waved her hand at Hejian Qingya, and hurriedly left the living room.
Hejian Qingya could only bow slightly to Zhong Hai before following Zhong’s mother, sneaking glances at Zhong Jing’s face, which remained dark, offering no discernible interpretation.
In the vast living room, only the father and son remained.
“My elder brother was sent to the capital early yesterday morning on a plane arranged by their leaders, and it wasn’t until this morning that they informed me, but didn’t say anything, so I have no idea how my brother is doing.”
“They don’t want us to know anything, maybe it’s my elder brother’s wish; what use is our worry here…”
Zhong Jing’s eyes were bloodshot, evidence of several days without proper rest, while even his lips showed slight dryness and peeling.
Zhong Hai silently smoked, his lips twitching slightly as if recalling the bad news brought to him a week ago by several mysterious military officers regarding his eldest son Meng Huai, who likely wouldn’t see the next New Year.
Looking at it now, perhaps that bad news was still too conservative.
Zhong Hai had actually had suspicions about his eldest son’s job for years but could not express or verify those suspicions even if he guessed.
The existence of dark arrow units and secret organizations had long been hinted at by relevant state departments, while the breath from another world was a clear indication.
The collaboration with the Hejian Group’s pharmaceutical company had reached its final stages, with the expansion of several production lines underway. Many financial institutions were also frequently visiting, advocating for the Zhong Pharmaceutical Group’s business split and public listing.
The hints from relevant departments were quite evident: projects that benefit the country and the people were fully supported by the state, given the green light, but certain fields related to industrial security were non-negotiable. Any external manipulation would be dealt with personally by the state.
This left Zhong Hai feeling both proud and anxious, especially with Hejian Qingya visiting his home weekly; he felt like nothing more than an outsider on a chessboard, lacking even the qualifications of a piece.
“Your elder brother belongs to a classified unit. His going to the capital for treatment shows he has received attention from higher-ups. Spend more time this weekend with Miss Hejian; your engagement date has already been selected by Japan for next spring. I know you may be unwilling, but as a man, why should you care about such formalities? Look at the bigger picture, with a long-term view.”
Zhong Hai smiled bitterly and stood up, preparing to return to his study.
“Haha, Dad. Why do I feel like the sun is rising from the west? You, as a father, are actually teaching me this? My mother’s views are a bit skewed, but you seem to be crossing the line, right?”
Zhong Jing lit another cigarette without even glancing at his father, his expression increasingly filled with mockery: “Now I understand why I’ve been labeled a scoundrel by some out there.”
“I only hope for your basic self-discipline; I never asked you to be perfect!”
Zhong Hai furrowed his brow slightly before quickly relaxing, feeling somewhat helpless, “Grow up safely, take over my position well… You can be emotional, but don’t be reckless; you can be passionate but don’t fall into debauchery. That’s all I expect from you.”
“Haha, what about my elder brother?” Zhong Jing stood up, suddenly becoming playful, “What expectations do you have for him?”
“He brought it upon himself, just like his mother…”
Zhong Hai gritted his teeth, suppressing the intense pain in his heart, leaving the living room without looking back.
…
Late at night, Zhong Jing remained in the study.
On the screen, the weekend anime had long reached its end, but Zhong Jing’s gaze stayed fixated on anything on the desktop.
“Junjun, I’ve made some pear water soup.”
Hejian Qingya entered the study holding a bowl of soup, standing beside Zhong Jing.
“Is my elder brother doomed? I’ve heard from Master that veterans of the dark arrow units are prone to a disease, becoming more dangerous as they approach thirty.”
Zhong Jing looked up at Hejian Qingya, his expression somewhat indifferent: “You and the Master have already pieced together his story; I now realize he’s been obsessed with this. He has devoted all his time and energy to fighting against you.”
“He injected too much Yiwende; human bodies are fragile like that… It’s the blessing for blood cancer patients but a curse for heroes; there is no power in this world without cost…”
Hejian Qingya set the bowl down and sat beside Zhong Jing, her demeanor neutral.
“For me, it’s a reliever that a person who hates me is finally going away… For the blood clan, it’s the death of a demon-hunting hero.”
Zhong Jing took out a cigarette but did not light it, playing with it instead, sighing as he crushed it and tossed it aside, “Putting aside his identity as part of the Zhong family, you should be quite pleased, right?”
Hejian Qingya sighed softly, shaking her head slowly: “Someone like my brother, a hero, is actually hard for traditional blood families to perceive in terms of hostility. In this age, the restraints we place upon each other outweigh our mutual enmity.”
“He probably knew who I am long ago, but as you’ve seen, he couldn’t do anything, could he?”
Hejian Qingya smiled lightly, her expression unchanged, as if Zhong Jing’s pointed comments meant little to her or the blood clan.
“Is that why you’re so confident?”
Zhong Jing smiled slightly, his gaze shifting to the pear water soup close at hand, murmuring softly: “Is there any way? I mean, his illness…”
Hejian Qingya was taken aback for a moment, then revealed a strange smile: “There is, but do you think your brother would be willing?”
As she spoke, Hejian Qingya offered the bowl of pear water soup to Zhong Jing: “Accept the blood infusion, gamble on luck. If he becomes a blood clan member and survives, all pain will dissipate.”
Zhong Jing took the warm pear soup, glanced at Hejian Qingya’s expression, drank it all in one go, and self-deprecatingly said: “It’s rare for you to be humorous… If you said this in front of him, it would surely be a splendid scene…”
After placing the soup bowl down, Zhong Jing suddenly lifted his head after a few seconds, gazing playfully at Hejian Qingya’s beautiful face, revealing a mysterious smile.
“Miss Hejian, you all don’t understand my elder brother… perhaps he doesn’t actually hate the blood clan, only the person who killed his mother. So, would you dare tell him who executed the cleansing of Hejian Míxiāng?”
“Matricide, vampire—these two malicious symbols might have merely crossed paths. If he could eliminate his nemesis, perhaps my elder brother would be willing to embrace even the devil; that is his true inner demon.”
With that, Zhong Jing turned his chair around, shifting his focus back to the computer screen, closing the anime page and opening a game, no longer paying attention to the Japanese girl next to him.
Meanwhile, Hejian Qingya was left somewhat taken aback by Zhong Jing’s inexplicable reasoning.
