Chapter 57

As cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

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Listening to Zhang Yi's acidic tone, Xiao Sheng extended his rough hand and suddenly 'covered' the other's shapely buttocks. The crisp sound in the slightly quiet room was particularly jarring. Due to the suddenness of the incident, Zhang Yi let out a soft, "Mm, ah," a sound that was extremely alluring, causing her to blush even as she uttered it. How much more so for the eager Xiao Sheng?

Seeing the 'wolfish' gleam in Xiao Sheng's eyes, Zhang Yi quickly sat up straight and took the initiative to kiss Xiao Sheng's cheek, then said, "I was wrong, okay?"

"Wrong? If you were wrong, you need to be punished." As he spoke, Xiao Sheng used his stubbly chin to rub Zhang Yi's armpit. Zhang Yi, who had been ticklish since childhood, laughed uncontrollably, her body writhing, causing the entire bedsheet to twist. Her seductive writhing made Xiao Sheng's breathing a bit rapid.

"Really can't do it tonight, my body is about to fall apart. Tomorrow, the day after... there are plenty of days ahead." Hearing Zhang Yi's blatant seduction, Xiao Sheng licked his lips, his face filled with anticipation!

Zhang Yi, who had snuggled back into Xiao Sheng's arms, reminded him, "During the years you were gone, Jiaojiao would often ask me about your news, but as she grew older, she became more reserved and asked less. However, she still frequently called me, and most of our conversations would eventually circle back to you. During the New Year, when I went to Beijing with my uncle to visit my grandfather's old comrade, I saw her. She has grown into a graceful and elegant young woman. Over dinner, she confided in me that she had passed the initial review for Special Forces Team 6 and hoped to join this year. The implication was that she was doing it for you!"

"Wait, you believe that girl? Although her grandfather is the undisputed 'leader' of the Special Forces, the Special Forces isn't his personal fiefdom. It's not that easy to join. What does Special Forces Team 6 do? It's a high-tech information department. The people there are all top-notch in information and IT in the country. For a girl to say such a thing is a bit much..." Xiao Sheng spoke with a deep understanding of the situation.

"Are you really unaware, or just pretending? When we sent Jiaojiao to you in the northern province, did you really think it was just to have you tutor her in literature and history? Any professor at Peking University would be more knowledgeable than you. You really think too highly of yourself. She was hiding from the spotlight. At the age of twelve, she could skillfully control information warfare and had an insight into IT programming that was dozens of times more acute than the average person. Such a future star of the country couldn't avoid being 'spied on' by other countries. Placing her in your unremarkable town in the northern province was also a way to protect her!" After hearing Zhang Yi's words and recalling the past, Xiao Sheng finally understood why they had been arranged to live with the old man in the back courtyard, and why the old man had strictly restricted Jiaojiao's outings.

The more Xiao Sheng listened, the more unbelievable it seemed. He swallowed hard, a look of disbelief on his face. He patted Zhang Yi's shapely buttocks, asking her to roll another cigarette. Sitting alone, he recalled the little girl who used to tug at his clothes, begging him to take her out to play. The only time Xiao Sheng had ever been beaten by the old man was for secretly taking her out to a crowded place. That time, Xiao Sheng was directly sent to the provincial hospital's emergency room.

After finishing the second cigarette, Xiao Sheng, who had come to his senses, turned to Zhang Yi and said, "In the military, I've always used the name Xiao Sheng. Besides, I'm on a mission and won't be back for a year or two. Team 5 and Team 6 do collaborate, but mostly through information communication, rarely face-to-face. If you don't say anything and I don't say anything, she won't find me." Still in shock, Xiao Sheng preemptively instructed Zhang Yi.

Nestled in Xiao Sheng's arms, Zhang Yi stretched her lazy body and murmured, "You've left a trail of romantic entanglements. Just think, if the wealthy and influential Lan Dasha really returns to Beijing and shouts out, many married women will come after you with grenades." After saying this, Zhang Yi laughed uncontrollably.

"Don't cause me more trouble. I didn't know things would get so serious. Fortunately, I didn't touch any girls in the northern province, or I'd have nowhere to go in the future."

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Xiao Sheng left hurriedly around four in the morning. It was already light at five, and if not for the need to avoid suspicion, they would have spent more time together. However, Xiao Sheng had already discussed with Zhang Yi that he would invite her to visit Chiyu Harbor under the name of Chen Shuyuan in the next few days, which would provide a great opportunity.

After Xiao Sheng left, Zhang Yi got up and changed into a set of loungewear. Still feeling a bit uncomfortable, she sat quietly in the study of the suite, deep in thought. Her furrowed brows made her look more stern. She reached out with her right hand and picked up the phone, dialing her assistant.

"Cheng Jie, please come to my study."

"Yes." The female assistant, who had led Xiao Sheng upstairs, entered the room a minute later and stood straight beside Zhang Yi, not one for many words.

"Help me gather all the information on Huaxin Group's chairman, Chen Shuyuan. If you encounter any confidential issues, stop and hand it over to me."

"Yes." The female assistant left the study without delay.

"The higher-ups wouldn't assign a Special Forces member to protect a local group's CEO without a reason. Unless... Chen? Could she be Xiao Sheng's...?" The more Zhang Yi thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. She became extremely interested in Chen Shuyuan. If her suspicions were correct, she would need to build a good relationship with her. How many men can resist the influence of a lover's whispers?

(These chapters focus mainly on the dialogue between the protagonist and Zhang Yi, aiming to reveal a glimpse of the protagonist's true background. Introducing the character 'Jiaojiao' is to set the stage for the subsequent plot. The action will intensify, and other elements will be added. Please stay tuned.)

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