Chapter Thirty-Seven: Trouble Comes Knocking

Why would the military seek me out for a mission? Jiang An was still puzzled when Elder Lu continued, “Originally, Colonel Luo came to me. But I’m getting on in years, and this trip to Jinling will take at least a week. My wife’s old illness has flared up again, so I can’t leave her. Young Jiang, your medical skills are more than sufficient, so this opportunity should go to the younger generation.” Jiang An distinctly heard the emphasis Elder Lu placed on the word “opportunity.”

Still, Jiang An felt no real urge to accept. While participating in such political missions could earn him points, he didn’t value them much. Spending a week away from home? He’d much rather use that time to be with his daughter.

Yang Hanmin saw the lackluster look on Jiang An’s face and felt a surge of exasperation. Turning to Colonel Luo, he said, “Colonel Luo, please wait a moment. I’d like a word with Dr. Jiang.” With that, he drew Jiang An outside.

“Ah, Jiang, I know your background and influence are not simple. After all, the demise of the prestigious Liu family, who opposed you, is still fresh in everyone’s mind,” Yang Hanmin said earnestly. “But do you realize what this opportunity means? Just being part of such a mission is a form of recognition, a credential. If you’re lucky and make a significant contribution, it’s as good as winning the military’s favor. This task is shrouded in secrecy, and the fact that a Colonel came personally confirms it’s a big move from the Eastern Theater Command! If you perform well, it’s like gaining a protective talisman. You must understand, the military operates as an independent system. With their backing, even if you run into trouble—or rather, difficulties—the government would hesitate to intervene directly. Consider the pros and cons carefully.”

His final words seemed to carry a deeper meaning. Hearing them, Jiang An truly began to waver, especially at the mention of a “protective talisman.” He didn’t care so much for himself, but for Xiao Shuang and the others. Direct confrontation was nothing to him, but if his adversaries wielded official power, could the Divine Blade Sect alone withstand it? Would Jiang An be forced to fight openly? After all, China was a global powerhouse, and its reach was vast. Even with his abilities, protecting everyone would be hard. But if he aligned himself with the nation, or at least maintained good relations, things might change.

His thoughts raced, and he decided the advantages outweighed the drawbacks. “Director, I understand. I agree to your arrangement.”

Yang Hanmin was deeply relieved and smiled, “That’s the spirit. Let’s go in and inform Colonel Luo.”

They returned to explain the situation. Unexpectedly, Colonel Luo addressed Jiang An with utmost seriousness, “Let me be clear. This military mission is of great importance. The main roles will be undertaken by three renowned medical experts from the command, with others assisting. The mission is classified as top secret, meaning that once you participate, there’s no backing out and no sharing information with anyone. I’ll ask one last time: are you sure you want to join?”

Having made up his mind, Jiang An nodded, “Yes, I’m certain. I’ll take part in this military mission.”

“Very well. With Director Yang and Elder Lu’s endorsement, it’s settled. There are preparations to be made, so two days from now—on the day after tomorrow—the military will send a car to pick you up. Please arrange your affairs accordingly,” Colonel Luo said formally.

Jiang An agreed, though curiosity gnawed at him—what kind of mission required such a gathering of medical luminaries?

After settling some details, Colonel Luo departed for his next destination, and Jiang An soon took his leave, heading toward Xi Zi Corp.

An hour later, Jiang An arrived at Xi Zi Corp, reaching the door of Song Wanshuang’s office just as she had a free moment.

“Brother An, what brings you here?” At the sight of Jiang An, a rare smile bloomed on Song Wanshuang’s usually icy face.

“Nothing in particular, just thought I’d drop by since I had some free time. You seem troubled—are you facing any difficulties?” Jiang An asked with concern.

“It’s nothing, just some business competition. I can handle it,” Song Wanshuang clearly didn’t want to dwell on it and changed the subject, “Have you seen Xixi? You didn’t stay with her last night, and she’s been sulking for quite a while.”

“Don’t worry,” Jiang An moved closer, sitting directly on her desk, “I soothed her this morning. Our Xixi is very understanding, she’s not angry with me.”

“Hardly!” Song Wanshuang didn’t believe him; she knew her daughter’s temperament too well. “Did you bribe her with something?”

“What’s this about bribery? I simply gave her a gift,” Jiang An replied, then suddenly took out a small box. “I’ve prepared a gift for you as well, Shuang, see if you like it.”

The shape of the box caused Song Wanshuang’s heart to beat wildly. With anxious anticipation, she accepted the little box and carefully opened it—only to be delighted, exclaiming, “It’s beautiful!”

Inside was a ring, a silver band with a deep green jade stone at its center, as serene as the depths of the sea, radiating a dazzling luster. The design was exquisite and elegant, reflecting Jiang An’s meticulous thought—he had made sure both the appearance and the essence were perfect.

Covering her lips, Song Wanshuang was clearly moved. The ring itself was not the point, but its meaning—coming from the hand of her beloved—was entirely different.

“Here, let me put it on you.”

Jiang An gently lifted her slender, jade-like hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, gracing her right middle finger, a beautiful match that seemed made for each other.

Men wear on the left, women on the right; the five fingers represent pursuit, desire, commitment, union, and separation. Jiang An did not place the ring on the thumb—the finger of pursuit—but rather on the middle finger, signifying commitment.

Our fate is sealed.

“Shuang, it looks wonderful on you,” Jiang An said sincerely.

“It’s the first time you’ve given me such a special gift, Brother An. I’m truly touched,” Song Wanshuang replied emotionally.

This was the outcome Jiang An hoped for. He paused, then said, “Shuang, I need to tell you something. Due to work, I might have to travel for about a week.”

“Travel? Where to?” Song Wanshuang asked.

“Jinling, no more than a week!” Jiang An replied with confidence. Although the Colonel had said at least a week, Jiang An was sure of his abilities. No matter how difficult the task, he believed he could resolve it within a week. If not, he’d deal with it then.

“It’s fine,” Song Wanshuang was understanding. She herself was a strong, capable woman; her dedication to work was unmatched. For a man, traveling for work was nothing unusual. Still, she carefully asked, “But what kind of job requires you to be away for a week? Isn’t that a bit too long?”

Jiang An didn’t want to say too much. He sighed, “Don’t worry, it’s just a somewhat special mission. Nothing will go wrong.”

“Alright, Brother An, just go. I support you. As for Xixi, I’ll do my best to placate her,” Song Wanshuang replied graciously, fully aware of the demands of career and the feeling of not being in control.

Jiang An lingered with Song Wanshuang for a while before taking his leave; she was extremely busy, with Xi Zi Corp apparently facing some difficulties—people constantly came in to report, requiring her personal decisions.

In two days, he would head to the mysterious military base for a classified mission. Before that, Jiang An had another promise to fulfill—acupuncture for Tong Yi. Tomorrow was the weekend, so he’d take care of it early.

Unfortunately, Jiang An had hoped for a peaceful day and tomorrow, but as soon as he entered his home in Mingde Community, the doorbell rang. Opening the door, he found a sturdy, expressionless man in black standing outside—a clear sign that trouble had arrived.

“Sir, someone downstairs would like to see you. Please come with us,” the muscular man in black said coldly.

That attire, that presence—obviously from that family. Jiang An shook his head; trouble had indeed come looking for him. But he had to face it—better to settle things once and for all, so the enemy wouldn’t grow desperate. It was time to catch them in one net, once and for all.

With this thought, Jiang An calmly let the man lead the way. Soon, he met the person he was meant to see.