Strongest Soldier King

Luo Zheng had already clarified the familial relationship between the commander and Lan Xue and understood the commander's care for him. He nodded immediately, and the commander was quickly invited in. Everyone closed the door and sat down to discuss the situation. Lan Xue explained the specifics, including their grievances with the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group and the Song family's treachery. Lan Xue still highly trusted the commander.

This was the first time the commander had heard of the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group; he glanced at Luo Zheng somewhat suddenly and understood many previously puzzling details, but he did not ask further. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Two issues. First, moving troops requires formal notification to the higher-ups. Will there be any problem with that?"

"No problem. I'll go through the official channels. It's not unprecedented for local Special Forces units to coordinate with us. Leave that matter to me. State the second issue," Lan Xue said coldly, her usual icy demeanor returning. The gentle and affectionate side of her, only shared when alone with Luo Zheng, didn't even show in front of her cousin.

The commander had grown used to Lan Xue's icy manner of speaking and continued, "Then there is no problem. Second, if the Song family really leaks information, then the elite forces of the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group will all strike, and the ambush team will be in great danger. How can we ensure the mission's completion?"

"If it can be done, we act; if not, we abandon," Lan Xue said coldly.

"Then there's no issue," the commander agreed wholeheartedly.

Lan Xue glanced at the time, got up to say goodbye, and left in a hurry just as she had arrived. Luo Zheng was used to her decisive manner. They would soon fight side by side, unbothered about everyday farewells; he watched as Lan Xue piloted the helicopter into the sky and couldn't help feeling envious. When would he also be able to fly around in a helicopter?

"Kid, come in," the commander summoned Luo Zheng back to the office and after closing the door, said, "I'll support whatever you two are up to, but you've got to produce some results for me, or it won't look good. Understand?"

"Commander, just tell me, what is it?" Luo Zheng readily agreed.

"You certainly catch on fast; that makes things easier," the commander smiled, then continued, "In the last competition, you guys secured the fourth place, which counts as a contribution. The Group Army has awarded your unit with a first-class group merit, and you've earned the highest personal enemy kill count. Moreover, you eliminated several mercenaries who are heavy-duty criminal wanted in the country and killed the East Turkestan Movement's second-in-command along with several other leaders. You're awarded a first-class individual merit. Accumulated military honors will promote you to Lieutenant."

"Really? Thank you," Luo Zheng smiled lightly, truly indifferent to such honors.

"Don't act ungrateful. Do you know how these belated rewards came about?" the commander said with dissatisfaction, his eyes full of annoyance.

"How?" Luo Zheng sensed something was amiss and asked in surprise.

"To be honest, the Group Army's political commissar had suppressed your military honors and didn't recommend any awards. Somehow my old man came to know about this. He was about to requisition you guys when the Group Army Commander immediately acknowledged your merits to block my father's argument," the commander whispered.

Luo Zheng was taken aback, then realized the gravity of the situation. His expression turned grim. It was one thing to not seek commendation oneself, but another for the army to withhold it. He hadn't expected the Song family to be behind this. After a moment, he remembered that the commander's father was Lan Xue's grandfather. He said gratefully, "Please thank your grandfather for me."

"No, this has nothing to do with me. My grandfather already knew when I mentioned it. Better thank him yourself later," the commander replied, puzzled by Luo Zheng's prior unawareness. Hadn't Lan Xue contacted his grandfather? Then who could it have been?

Luo Zheng became thoughtful. The Song family was a powerful and influential clan; opposing them wouldn't be easy for anyone other than someone with Lan Xue's grandfather's significant stature. It seemed that whatever happened with Lan Xue in the future would depend on him. Thinking this through, he asked, "Commander, what is your grandfather's position?"

"I cannot disclose that," the commander replied with a smile. "This time I want the first squad to go."

"First squad?" Luo Zheng looked at the commander, puzzled.

"You were going to say the first squad has essentially ceased to exist?" the commander chuckled. "That's where you repay me. I'm planning to reestablish the first squad, and you'll be the acting squad leader. Of course, it's only temporary until the mission is complete, and then you can be officially in charge. You can pick your squad from the company. How does that sound?"

"What?" Luo Zheng was surprised by the commander's request. It wasn't so much a repayment as it was disguised nurturing. Deeply moved, he earnestly said, "Commander, thank you."

"Men don't need to fuss over such things. If you can handle it, just say it," the commander spoke with a hearty laugh, his eyes bright with expectation and admiration for Luo Zheng.

"Handle it? Why not? Rebuilding the first squad has always been my wish. Just don't blame me if it doesn't go well. I can only guarantee my best effort," Luo Zheng said resolutely, motivated by the commander's extensive care. He could not shrink back now.

"Good, that settles it. I'll finalize the relevant procedures in the next few days. Pick your team tomorrow morning. How you select them is up to you, but remember one thing: You can only choose from the regular and rookie Special Forces squads. Is that clear?" the commander asked.

"No problem. I'll think it over properly at home tonight. I can't specify now, but I'll start at eight tomorrow morning," Luo Zheng responded decisively, already formulating his strategy, though it was still a work in progress.

"Alright, go and prepare," the commander agreed heartily, then after seeing Luo Zheng off, called the guards to summon Elder Liu and Elder Chang.

Both arrived quickly and made themselves comfortable as if they were in their own home. They shared a bond forged in life and death, with no need for formalities. The commander briefed them on appointing Luo Zheng as the acting squad leader and reassembling the first squad. Then he looked at the two and asked, "Old friends, give it to me straight, is it appropriate to push him into this now?"

"There's nothing inappropriate. Eagles must eventually soar; are we going to wait till he's old to let him fly? We've both reviewed the combat reports thoroughly. His combat strength might still be lacking, but his instinct for danger is strong. He always makes the right calls, probably because he's been hunting since he was young. A good hunter may not always catch his game, but he can always make it home safe," Elder Liu said earnestly.

"Leaving the first squad's position empty also doesn't look good; it just invites idle talk. I see no problem taking the opportunity to reestablish it. You just need to oversee more closely as the commander. If he completes one or two missions successfully, who's going to object? A soldier should look and act the part. Once decided, don't hesitate. When did you start dithering?" Elder Chang reminded a bit discontentedly.