Chapter 13: Chapter 13 The Man Shrouded in Mystery
The Special Mech Pilot Combat Operation Certificate is issued to special operations forces across major military regions, and nationally, fewer than a hundred people possess this precious credential.
What qualifies as a special mech pilot? It is someone capable of flying planes, operating tanks, mastering all skills, and even controlling some special combat weapons. Only those with such capabilities can be deemed special mech pilots.
Special mech pilots not only reach a terrifying level of operational ability, but each of them is also battle-hardened, grown from the bloodshed, each one indeed the king of soldiers!
Such individuals are precious and can be considered strategic resources. The four major military regions of Huaxia spare no effort in training, yet there are still less than a hundred such talents to date.
They are the darlings of the military regions, held in high regard, deeply adored by many senior leaders in the military because each of them has vast potential, and together they could even have the power to influence the outcome of battles.
But shouldn't such individuals usually stay within their military regions, close to the senior leaders? Where did this divine figure come from!
Wu Tianhai's father-in-law was a senior military leader with deep experience, and having been with his father-in-law for nearly a decade, Wu Tianhai was quite knowledgeable about many secrets within the military regions, which is why he recognized the Special Mech Pilot Combat Operation Certificate, so he understood the terror of those who possessed such a credential!
No wonder this divine figure managed to accelerate a commercial vehicle to over 200 km/h. At this moment, Ye Chen's strong rural vibe transformed in Wu Tianhai's eyes into the demeanor expected of an extraordinary master.
"Hello, I am Wu Tianhai, the Deputy Director of the Longcheng City Transportation Bureau."
Wu Tianhai clenched the certificate tightly, perhaps Ye Chen was here to personally protect the senior leaders, but his disturbance had been abrupt. However, one must face what needs to be faced, as he was a man of spirit, not a coward.
"What, he's the Director!"
Zhang Xinlan and Liu Shihua, upon hearing Wu Tianhai, and seeing this significant figure reveal his identity, were all completely stunned, thinking that this was it, Ye Chen had not only violated traffic rules but also had a very improper attitude. Today, they feared he would be detained.
But the scene that unfolded next almost made their eyes pop out, as Ye Chen's strong rustic characteristics suddenly burst forth with dazzling brilliance.
"Mr. Ye, I had no idea you were on a mission, I'm sorry!"
Wu Tianhai bowed his head, presenting the certificate with both hands. This was his way of admitting his mistake. As soon as he saw the certificate Ye Chen showed, he knew his actions had been terribly wrong.
Although Wu Tianhai was already a high-ranking official at the city level, facing such a figure, he still acted very humbly, referring to himself as a subordinate.
As long as such figures did not cause disaster, their every action was correct, not to mention just running a few red lights.
Ye Chen calmly accepted this, as if roles were clarified openly, Ye Chen's former status indeed far surpassed Wu Tianhai, though he ultimately had retired.
"No worries, it's like the big flood washing over the Dragon King Temple – family not recognizing family!" Ye Chen grabbed the certificate from Wu Tianhai's hand, tucked it into his own, and chuckled.
"I'm terribly sorry. If there's any accident during the operation, I will apply to take responsibility!"
Wu Tianhai gave Ye Chen a proper military salute. He did not know the exact identity of the other party, nor his purpose, but such a figure surely wouldn't appear somewhere for no reason.
With their presence, upheaval was imminent; their very existence was to resolve any disturbances!
But as a high-ranking leader in Longcheng, Wu Tianhai was sure there hadn't been any terrorist attacks in Longcheng. Why then had this formidable figure come here? Was he on some secret mission?
"No worries, I've already retired, no operations," Ye Chen returned the salute and gave a self-deprecating laugh, which could not hide his underlying sense of loss.
Wu Tianhai observed all this but did not believe it. In his view, Ye Chen's behavior was just an act, as military secrets must indeed remain undisclosed.
The holder of a Special Mech Pilot Combat Operation Certificate will serve Huaxia for life, and even in old age, they would become leaders in the military.
If such a person insisted on retiring, then the certificate would be taken back. Though the certificate represents honor, without serving the country, how could one possess such honor?
But this time, Wu Tianhai was too clever by half. Ye Chen had indeed retired, yet he was a very special case, still granted the certificate by the senior leaders!
However, regarding Ye Chen's situation, it was now probably classified inside Huaxia's most secretive SSS-level files, which Wu Tianhai could not possibly access.
"That's it then, we're leaving." Ye Chen patted Wu Tianhai on the shoulder as if it were an old leader bidding farewell.
"Commander, I was indeed reckless this time, I hope it hasn't disrupted your mission!" Wu Tianhai saluted again, looking serious.
"Haha, no problem!" Ye Chen found him quite amusing. He called for Liu Shihua and Zhang Xinlan to return to the car, getting ready to leave.
Ye Chen finally drove the commercial vehicle away from the site, which relieved Wu Tianhai, as realizing what kind of mistake he had made became clear upon seeing the special certificate Ye Chen had presented.
Wu Tianhai was the head of a bureau, managing a major city like Longcheng – a prominent high-ranking leader viewed throughout Huaxia.
But those unaware will never know what the certificate truly symbolizes; it does not represent a person but epitomizes an iron-blooded legion, embodying the will of the major military regions. Such a person is not someone he could afford to provoke!
Wu Tianhai was fortunate he had not made a grave mistake. Overall, he was quite delighted, knowing that figures like Ye Chen normally only existed in legends, and today, he had met one in the flesh!
Back when he was still in the squad, Wu Tianhai practically idolized a figure like Ye Chen.
Now, having seen him in person, Wu Tianhai hadn't expected Ye Chen to look so young, and what shocked him even more was that this legendary king of soldiers turned out to be incredibly unsophisticated!
Indeed, appearances can be incredibly deceiving!
"Can I take a look at your notebook?" Liu Shihua, sitting in the passenger seat, cautiously glanced at Ye Chen. She had just seen him tuck that notebook into his chest.
"Here you go, just don't damage it," Ye Chen, quite generously, took the small notebook out of his chest and tossed it onto Liu Shihua.
"This!"
Liu Shihua was somewhat nervous. What on earth was this notebook? The guy who claimed to be the director seemed very impressive, but he shriveled up at the sight of this notebook!
"Shihua, hand me that notebook, let me have a look,"
Zhang Xinlan called out to Liu Shihua from the back seat, shocked by Ye Chen's actions today; she was curious about what secrets he hid!
"Zhang Xinlan, let's look at it together!"
Liu Shihua picked up the notebook, and Zhang Xinlan leaned in as well, but they were immediately dazzled by the row of shiny golden characters on the cover.
Emperor Hotel.
Shortly after Ye Chen left, the Emperor Hotel welcomed an extremely important guest, one whom even the hotel's top boss personally came out to greet.
A top-end Ferrari led the way, a dream-version Rolls-Royce scouted ahead, and an ultimate-version Bugatti Veyron made a dramatic entrance, followed by countless luxury cars.
The convoy eventually stopped in front of the Emperor Hotel, and twenty-four imposing men in black appeared, swiftly forming two lines of flesh walls along the road to prevent any assassination attempts.
Once the security chief Li Weiguo confirmed the environment was safe, some began rolling out the red carpet and others scattered flowers.
Chu Yanran, internationally renowned as a business empress, descended in her shimmering glory!
...
Bald Chen Tian looked at the stunning female BOSS in front of him and was so scared his liver almost split, while facing the famous business empress, the three young masters He Xiangdong all showed fear on their faces.
"Do you know why I called you here?" Chu Yanran sat in the surveillance room of the Emperor Hotel, looking down on the mortals.
The three young masters He Xiangdong didn't dare to speak, and Chen Tian was so frightened his legs were trembling. The empress's divine presence was boundless; how could they, mere mortals, resist it?
"Damn! Have you all become mute?" Li Weiguo roared furiously, nearly bursting eardrums.
"Thump"
Chen Tian, the once imposing security manager, was brought to his knees by Li Weiguo's shout.
"No more chaos!" Chu Yanran frowned, somewhat displeased.
At her words, Li Weiguo instantly became as meek as a lamb, unlike his usual self; the female BOSS was really out of character today, and he didn't want to provoke her authority.
"Do you recognize this person in the surveillance?"
Chu Yanran pointed at the screen, which showed a close-up of a man—clearly Ye Chen.
"We don't recognize him!" responded the men of He Xiangdong, shaking their heads.
"Bullshit, look at you all beat up, and still you claim you don't recognize him!" Li Weiguo cursed loudly, his temper flaring up again.
Surprisingly, faced with Li Weiguo's disruption, Chu Yanran did not respond, clearly dissatisfied with the replies of these few men.
Li Weiguo was her number one confidant. Seeing the boss silent, he instantly understood the mood of the female BOSS.
"Who exactly is he? Speak clearly now, or I swear I'll force it out of you! You think you're some prince of Longcheng, right? I'll tell you, in my eyes you're nothing, I could crush you with one finger, believe it or not!" Li Weiguo showed his large palm to He Xiangdong and then clenched it tightly, his threat clear.
As it turned out, Li Weiguo was a man who understood the situation. His position today was no accident. His arrogance was clearly encouraged by Chu Yanran's implicit consent.
Li Weiguo knew, no matter what, he had to find out about that person, the one who had glimpsed the master's fate!