Chapter 210: Savoring the Flavor
April 2, Sunday.
In the capital city, Yunmeng Mountain, hidden arrows
at a certain secret base,
in a confidential conference room,
Instructor Tu Weijun of the Blood Dragon Brigade
is being questioned by a male and a female officer,
after being isolated and investigated for three days.
Comrade Tu Weijun, we are from the Security Division of the Special Confidential Operations Group. We have several questions that require your clear answers. The first question: Where were you on March 29th?
The male officer, fingers interlocked on the table, has a stern expression, while the female officer quickly takes notes, with a recording pen beside her.
On March 29th, in Yueguan Town, B City, Y Province, I was investigating a contact, a nomadic blood clan informant named Yang Jiu.
Tu Weijun’s expression is calm, his tone relaxed.
Your task was to investigate the infiltration of the Black Blood Clan and the spread of the Frankenstein agent in Northern Myanmar. Why did you meet Yang Jiu midway in Yueguan Town? How did you learn about Yang Jiu’s identity?
The male officer stares intensely into Tu Weijun’s eyes, seemingly searching for a flaw in his gaze.
Yang Jiu is the most active intermediary among the blood clans in Y Province, frequently in contact with the Black Blood Clan. I needed to obtain intelligence from him. His identity information was authorized by the Intelligence Bureau.
After a moment of hesitation, Tu Weijun decides to tell the truth.
The male officer glances at the investigation documents at hand, his expression gradually becoming serious. The second question, Comrade Tu Weijun, why did you have to shoot Yang Jiu? Since you had received authorization from the Intelligence Bureau, you should understand his importance!
Tu Weijun smiles, then his expression suddenly turns cold, his gaze sharp: When questioning Yang Jiu, he showed obvious emotional instability regarding the Frankenstein agent, not only avoiding and concealing but also attempting to escape…
For the sake of personal safety and task confidentiality, I had no choice but to use coercive measures during the interrogation, and subsequently dealt with him and ensured the scene’s confidentiality.
This is a privilege of the Blood Dragon Brigade when carrying out secret missions. Tu Weijun has the right to take extreme measures for the confidentiality of the mission and for personal safety.
In response, the male and female officers could not discern the truth and could only nod.
Yang Jiu revealed a flaw during the exchange, leading to Tu Weijun’s suppression and coercive interrogation, which explains the traces of silver weapon injuries on the corpse. As for why he did not activate the boiling blood until his death, it was likely due to Tu Weijun’s strength, making him dare not act recklessly.
One last question, Comrade Tu Weijun, after dealing with Yang Jiu, you did not continue south immediately, but instead chose to return along the same route to the outskirts of B City.
The male officer pushes a document and several photos in front of Tu Weijun, emphasizing a particular photo: Were these two Black Blood Clan members found dead in the outskirts of B City dealt with by you?
Tu Weijun picks up the photos, glances at them, and nods: Yes, these were the two Black Blood Clan members mentioned by Yang Jiu, who had escaped back to our country from Laos in Northern Myanmar and were significant suspects in the Northern Myanmar investigation task for being former trusted subordinates of Zhu Bixian.
It’s unfortunate, though; they ran away as soon as they saw us, even carrying deadly weapons, which left me no choice but to deal with them on the spot. The exchange took up more than half of the day. My comrades accompanying me can testify to this.
Sighing, Tu Weijun added.
The male and female officers exchanged glances, seemingly contemplating.
So, Comrade Tu Weijun, did you find any leads during your reconnaissance in Northern Myanmar?
The male officer was already tidying up his folder, while the female officer reluctantly asked.
Hearing this, Tu Weijun’s expression turned even colder, as he stood up and adjusted his military uniform: According to confidentiality regulations, you have no right to know about the subsequent task progress and results. If there are no further questions, I have official duties to attend to.
Alright, let’s leave it at this for today. The male officer hurriedly restrained his female colleague’s arm and nodded with a smile.
Tu Weijun left, while the male and female officers remained seated in the conference room, reviewing the earlier interrogation content.
The content matched that of the other two Blood Dragon Brigade scouts, and it was logically consistent.
The male officer sighed helplessly, making a note on the interrogation document, finally signing his name: This will suffice, at least for a report to the Intelligence Bureau.
In the underground section of the Blood Dragon base, the scale is not inferior to that above ground; currently, there are guards at every three steps and sentries at every five, creating a tense atmosphere.
After ending the interrogation, Tu Weijun planned to move around at the training ground, but he was stopped again in the corridor.
“Instructor, the higher-ups have instructed you to oversee base security operations. Without a pass from the Intelligence Bureau, no one is allowed to approach Area K.”
The captain of the internal affairs squad approached and handed Tu Weijun a document while gesturing towards a certain direction.
“Area K? That is the medical department. Is there another new blood type matching test for reserve members? Or have live Black Blood Clan members been captured?”
Tu Weijun glanced down the corridor, feeling somewhat confused.
It’s said that there is a critically injured ordinary person who has been sent here for a week and has yet to wake up. The Special Confidential Operations Group and the heads of the Intelligence Bureau have all come to see him, asking us for four-hour protection.
“Alright, let’s execute according to the base’s highest security level protocols… The brigade leader is currently carrying out a support mission in the southern inspection area, and I have only just returned from a mission, so I am unfamiliar with the situation. Let the deputy brigade leader take charge.”
Tu Weijun smiled, signed the document, and directly turned to leave.
…
A Bentley SUV slowly drove into the villa gates, and a domestic service worker trimming the front yard flowers curiously watched the second young master of the Zhong family lazily get out of the car.
“What’s going on? Your phone was off last night!”
Zhong Ma intercepted her son just as he was about to go upstairs, with a serious expression: “You didn’t come home for your birthday yesterday, and now that’s fine, but Qingya has been unable to reach you, calling both me and your dad!”
“Look at this, early this morning she called several times again; she’s busy in Europe now, but still thinks of you!”
Zhong Ma’s nagging seemed unusually severe this time, leaving Zhong Jing speechless.
“You know he likes to fool around outside… Forget it, we’re all adults now; what’s the use of saying this? Zhong Jing, come to my study.”
Zhong Hai walked over from the side, sizing up his son with an expressionless face.
…
“The call came from Miss Hejian this morning from Europe; it seems there has been some progress with what you are planning.”
“What you need to do cannot be hidden from the country. Yesterday afternoon, the deputy general manager of Huayao Group, Han, called me for over an hour, expressing great interest in your collaboration with the Hejian Consortium and wanting to have a chat; the time is set for next weekend, so you will fly to the capital city with me then.”
Zhong Hai sat down on the study sofa and handed over a fax.
Zhong Jing glanced at the fax, frowned and shook his head: “Is Huayao Group planning to invest in the future new company? Are they seeking my opinion or just notifying me?”
“They just want to have a chat about it. How it goes depends on you and Hejian Qingya’s opinions. After all, business matters require mutual consent. However, our Zhong family’s status is different; what we are doing is not regular business, and with the country’s influence, it provides you with a form of protection.”
Zhong Hai nodded, changing into a softer robe: “You are already an adult now, and many of your thoughts might even be clearer than mine. If you can handle this well, you will be set for life.”
Zhong Jing sighed, dropped the fax, and sat beside his father, pulling out a cigarette: “This isn’t just my matter, it concerns the Zhong family as well.”
“In fact, I am using this as leverage to negotiate with the Fujiwara family. Cooperation should be transparent; there’s no need for petty tricks, like marriage alliances; starting a multinational high-end pharmaceutical company is much more practical.”
Zhong Hai was stunned, slowly turning his head in surprise to look at his son: “You don’t plan on marrying Hejian Qingya?”
“Isn’t this gift enough for the Hejian Consortium to be pleased? Acquiring the patented medication production and global market authorization from the EVN Group is worth more than a wedding, right?”
Zhong Jing grinned, lit his cigarette, and crossed his legs, looking relaxed.
Zhong Hai hesitated, sighed heavily, and shook his head continuously:
It seems I had also planned, if you’re unwilling, to use shares of the joint pharmaceutical company to compensate the Hejian Consortium… However, Zhong Yao, I have also realized over the past few days that Hejian Qing really does care for you…
Zhong Yao smiled, noncommittally. After a few seconds, she got up and walked to the window, turning her back to Zhong Hai and said:
That’s because we haven’t lived together yet; I know how talkative I can be… Dad, once this matter is settled, we will owe the Wei Yuan family nothing.
Her son’s dealings with the blood clan world are deeper than mine; he even knows about the Wei Yuan family… Looking at his son’s silhouette, Zhong Hai couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
“Hey, hey, Qingya’s call came again, asking if you’re back. Son, call her back quickly!”
Zhong Ma forcefully barged into the study, holding a phone and shouting.
The father and son of the Zhong family exchanged glances, each with a different expression.
…
At the Golden River Club.
“Hey, Xiao Yao, aren’t you supposed to be off today? Why are you here at the club?”
At noon, before officially opening, Xiao Ai was checking the lockers in the changing room when she saw Jiang Yao standing alone at the entrance, looking around.
“Without my sister, it’s a bit boring at home, so I came to work at the club.”
Jiang Yao walked to the lockers, casually picking out a dress.
Seeing no one around, Xiao Ai quickly pulled Jiang Yao aside to sit down, lowering her voice: “Hey, Xiao Yao, how is Xiao Yan doing now? I heard Meng Huai, Liang Tai, and Xiao Dong are all staying in K City to take care of her, and Wan Jie hasn’t said much.”
Jiang Yao was taken aback for a moment, then forced a smile: “She was ambushed by the Black Blood Clan and broke the boiling blood taboo… But Mr. Jin from the Wang family went, so it should be fine.”
Upon hearing about the boiling blood taboo, Xiao Ai’s face turned pale, and she grabbed Jiang Yao’s arm tightly: “Oh my god, it’s happened again… Last year it was you, and now it’s Xiao Yan—are they both reckless?!”
It must be said that in Xiao Ai’s eyes, Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao as sisters hardly seemed like blood clan members. Jiang Yao remained silent as more incidents occurred, even Jiang Yan, who usually appeared calm and composed, when angered, would not spare herself.
Jiang Yao bit her lip a few times and leaned closer to Xiao Ai’s ear:
“Then, Miss Xiao Ai, do blood clan women not fear instability in their bodies after getting married and having children?”
This time, it was Xiao Ai’s turn to be surprised; she looked Jiang Yao up and down in confusion: “Isn’t that common knowledge? Once blood clan women have children, their bodies and minds stabilize considerably, and even menstrual cycle blood hunger chaos significantly diminishes. The downside is that there is a high probability of stopping growth.”
“Then, will you be happy marrying Zhao Peng Ge?”
Jiang Yao stared intently at Xiao Ai’s face, dead serious.
“What do I have to be unhappy about? My aptitude is already there; in the next few years, even if I can reach a knight rank with the secret blood from Wan Jie, I’ll be grateful…”
Xiao Ai smiled shyly, perhaps having come to terms with it.
“Miss Xiao Ai, have you and Zhao Peng Ge ever…”
Jiang Yao glanced towards the door, blinked a few times, then leaned in close to whisper a long segment into Xiao Ai’s ear.
“Why are you concerned about that?” Xiao Ai’s face turned red with shame, her voice getting quieter, “Zhao Ge and I usually just hold hands… Marriage and children are still far off.”
“I was just asking casually, hahaha!”
Jiang Yao leaped up, grabbed the chosen dress, and walked into the changing room.
What’s up with Xiao Yao today… She wasn’t this nosy before?
Looking at the half-open changing room, Xiao Ai felt confused.
But thinking about the usually earnest and serious Zhao Peng, Xiao Ai felt a tingling sensation rising and her face heating up even more.
…
Zhao Peng accompanied Wan Yue to S City, and without the big boss overseeing, the Golden River Club became Jiang Yao’s territory.
Compared to the timid atmosphere of most people at Hyacinth Mountain Villa, the interpersonal relationships at Golden River Club were much more harmonious, and the atmosphere was still warm and comfortable.
At least there was someone with strength comparable to a baron, which reassured her.
However, today, Jiang Yao’s choice of dress is a bit strange; she actually picked a black long dress that she usually disregards, quite reminiscent of Jiang Yan’s past style.
The only oddity is that Jiang Yao did not receive guests but stayed alone in the farthest corner, fiddling with her laptop. That was a spot rarely frequented by guests; most of the time, it was the reserved area for Zhong Jing when he came to the club to drink.
“The chance of a woman getting pregnant…”
Jiang Yao remained absorbed in her own world, both hands flying over the laptop keyboard, continuously searching for all sorts of strange knowledge.
“…Even during ovulation, with all internal and external conditions being good, the chance of pregnancy for women only stands at twenty-five percent… Seems like Sister Xiaoping once mentioned that the pregnancy rate for blood clan members is even lower?”
Quietly reading another piece of dubious so-called physiology knowledge online, Jiang Yao’s face began to heat up as she recalled the outrageous incident from early this morning.
“Oh no, my period just ended three days ago; I’m not due yet… I can’t believe I exhausted him four times… Did I just give it away for nothing?”
Jiang Yao was momentarily stunned, a wave of indescribable frustration rising within her, even feeling a bit frantic.
Thinking back on the scene from earlier, she felt a rush of heat throughout her body, a feeling of indefinable impulse starting to spread.
…
Zhong Jing spent half the day at home with his parents but ultimately could not stay, or rather, his mind was filled with countless strange thoughts, and he particularly wanted to find someone to confide in.
Hejian Qingya’s progress in Europe was going smoothly; both parties had reached basic agreements. Clearly, the mysterious blood brought to Europe received recognition from the behind-the-scenes Geer family, establishing a foundation of goodwill for the cooperation.
Today is the weekend, and Zhong Jing, after lunch, ran back to the office to work, but his efficiency was terrible. Eventually, he shut his work computer, chatting aimlessly online with a bunch of friends.
After the outrageous night with Jiang Yao, Zhong Jing’s phone remained surprisingly quiet. He suddenly had the whim to visit Jiang Yao’s home to discuss a few matters properly, but as his car reached the alley entrance, he left in a fit of panic.
Driving aimlessly around City C for over an hour, by dusk, feeling somewhat anxious, Zhong Jing pushed open the doors of the Golden River Club.
“Zhong Jing? Long time no see.”
Xiao Ai was in the process of arranging meals for the staff when she saw Zhong Jing entering with what seemed like a wine package.
“Uh… I got some good wine, and I was hoping to chat and drink with Zhao Ge; he’s not here? Oh, he went to S City with his master. Then, forget it; I’ll just leave the wine here and join for dinner…”
Zhong Jing smiled, raising the wine package in his hand.
“Perfect timing, Xiao Yao is here too; I thought you were here to pick her up.”
Xiao Ai took the wine gift box, casually gesturing towards a corner.
“Xiao Yao?”
Zhong Jing was taken aback, slowly turning his head in the direction Xiao Ai indicated, and indeed saw the familiar silhouette of the blonde-haired girl.
In just two seconds, Zhong Jing locked eyes with the girl.
“Um, I think I’ll just go eat outside…”
Zhong Jing decisively turned around to leave.
“Zhong Jing, why are you running away!”
Jiang Yao leaped up, her loud voice startling several guests in the hall.
…
…
“Could you not shout so loudly, please…”
In the underground parking lot, Zhong Jing rubbed his nose, avoiding Jiang Yao’s gaze.
“Hey, are you hiding from me? You haven’t sent me a word all day. Do you want to cleanly back out of this?”
Jiang Yao’s expression was slightly playful, but it was the kind where she smiled but seemed angry.
Not starting the car, Zhong Jing just held the steering wheel, looking shocked at Jiang Yao’s face: “What kind of trash novels have you been reading? I didn’t just take everything… Let’s speak with integrity; you were the one who took the initiative, okay?”
Saying this, Zhong Jing angrily patted the car window.
“That still counts as me giving it away for free… Anyway, you enjoyed it too…”
Jiang Yao turned her head slightly, feeling a bit guilty; the more she thought about it, the redder her face got, “Let’s just say we’re even, okay?”
“Is this the kind of thing you can just call even? Not to mention me, you didn’t check whether you could handle it… Four times in one night… You used to treat me like a lecher, and now this contrast is way too much!”
Zhong Jing sighed, helplessly rummaging through his pockets, not finding any cigarettes, feeling even more restless.
“Weren’t you always self-satisfied, acting all slick? In the end, at night you laughed like a goose, just kept repeating the same few moves…”
Jiang Yao also decided to let go; talking about this topic brought an inexplicable thrill, and her body began to heat up again.
“Wan Jie said, I am now a queen, and it’s natural for me to be mentally unstable, so you can’t blame me… Moreover, is four times hard? I saw online there are people who can do it seven times in a night…”
As the conversation went on, Jiang Yao’s voice grew smaller, stealthily observing Zhong Jing’s expression.
“Seven times my foot… I’m just driving you home. We’re all adults. If you don’t mind, let’s just put this behind us, okay?”
After saying this, Zhong Jing started the car and slowly drove out of the underground parking lot; turning his head, he discovered Jiang Yao was unusually quiet, just looking down.
“Sorry, Xiao Yao, I may have spoken a bit flippantly… But I really wasn’t prepared for this… Also, did you really act like that just because you were mentally unstable?”
“What if I mind?”
Jiang Yao interrupted Zhong Jing, her head lifting as she fixated on his profile.
Zhong Jing suddenly fell silent, lightly coughing, focusing on driving.
I might really be going too far; Zhong Jing seems much simpler than I imagined… Yet, I really don’t want to be like an animal in a pen… Throughout the journey, Jiang Yao’s mind was in a jumble.
Minutes later, they stood in a small alley, facing the door to the small courtyard, both silent.
“I’ve reached your house; I still have some matters to attend to, so I’ll head off first.”
Zhong Jing pretended to check his watch, not daring to go in.
As he opened the courtyard door, just before entering, Jiang Yao turned her head back carefully, asking, “Zhong Jing, it’s so late; let’s cook and eat together; I bought some ingredients today…”
Looking quietly into her eyes, Zhong Jing realized that his previous view of Jiang Yao had held an unreal filter.
“Not necessary, Hejian Qingya is negotiating with the EVN Group in Europe; I need to prepare some materials tonight… I need to go, don’t pull me!”
Ignoring what she said, Jiang Yao directly dragged the young man into the house, spun around, and pressed against the door, exuding the aura that no one should think of getting out.
“You’ve been flirting with me for months, and now you want to hold back? Always boasting about being such a jerk, but in bed, you’re just an amateur!”
Looking at the awkward expression on Zhong Jing’s face, Jiang Yao crossed her arms, laughing coldly.
“Amateur? Have you seen any amateur who can go four times in a night?!”
That was too much to bear; Zhong Jing almost leaped up.
As soon as he finished speaking, he found himself being tightly embraced by Jiang Yao, her head pressed against his chest.
“I can’t help myself; I don’t know why… Zhong Jing, just think of me as a monster…”
In Jiang Yao’s eyes, the world looked entirely different now; all that remained was Zhong Jing’s heated silhouette and the indescribable scent of male hormones.
“Anyway, I’ve already given myself away for nothing, and you didn’t lose out, right… Zhong Jing, you’re far from the male actors in films; they all last over half an hour…”
Jiang Yao felt that she had lost most of her ability to think; only by leaning tightly against him could she avoid collapsing.
Looking at the alluring blond girl in his arms, Zhong Jing took a deep breath, wrapping his arms around her waist and hustled into the inner room.
Savoring the flavor, is perhaps the current state between Zhong Jing and Jiang Yao, where any previous attitude or communication may merely serve as an excuse or pretext for reigniting the fire.
