2 Too Confident

In one of the luxury rooms of a high-end hotel, sat a well-dressed youth on a couch. Aside from his clear eyes which resembled the brilliance within, he was no different from a youth usually found on the random street. A harmless smile stretched over his face giving the feeling of a next-door neighbor.

Before him, sat a man who looked slightly above fifty. He has a large build, courageous face, well-developed muscular body, and jet black hair that was neatly combed to the back of his head. He wore a dark-green Chinese tunic suit, and his whole body emitted the meticulousness of someone high-ranking with a lofty and cold temperament.

An old man who wore a gray chang pao, bent forward to fill the cups on the table. He had average looks with grizzled hair but his eyes were full of vigilance.

Under the watchful eyes of the duo, the youth's smile didn't waver but was instead much brighter.

The tension in the room was gradually rising and smelled of gunpowder. Ignoring the sense of oppression felt in the air, this scenery seemed like a deal being made between a businessman and military forces shown in movies.

"Cough-Cough! Gray Robe, Stand back!" A thick and dignified voice sounded in the room.

"Yes, Master." The old man complied and distanced himself from the youth. He then signaled the dozen or so guards stationed earlier, to leave the room silently.

Seeing that the last guard left the room, Lin Zhiguo sighed. He then leaned forward and handed one of the two cups to the youth before him.

"Yang Chen, what brings you to China?" he asked solemnly.

"Do I know you?" the youth named Yang Chen didn't reject Lin Zhiguo's polite behavior, took a sip, and asked.

"I am Lin Zhiguo, Leader of Yellow Flame Iron Brigade Organization," Lin Zhiguo introduced himself. "This is my trusted sub-ordinate, Gray Robe," he said pointing to the old man, who didn't even bother to give a nod in return.

"As for your untimely arrival, we are left in a tight position. If you're some ordinary person, we wouldn't mind. But you're far from that. I don't like to beat around the bush. So, tell me, what is your purpose for appearing here in Zhonghai?" Lin Zhiguo repeated.

Not many dare dream to drink tea brewed by Lin Zhiguo himself in person. But Yang Chen is a special case for him. As he needed information from Yang Chen, even though he was unwilling, he didn't dare act rashly.

"Untimely arrival, you say..." Yang Chen laughed. "You've known of my arrival from the very beginning. Sending people to stalk me from the airport till here and daring to spout such nonsense. Is this what you, as a leader, good at?" Yang Chen sneered.

"Kid, don't get full of yourself. Even if you have some achievements in your bag, don't think you'd be safe with it alone!" Gray Robe who was silent, suddenly warned.

Lin Zhiguo waved his hands interrupting Gray Robe.

"As an elder, why don't you give me some face, first?" he asked.

"Why should I?" replied Yang Chen.

Lin Zhiguo slowly stood up from the couch.

"You yourself know how much of a threat you are than anyone! Don't you want me to ignore you and allow you to live here?"

"What do you need?" Yang Chen asked impatiently. He just returned to his homeland and didn't want to entertain them anymore.

"I don't really want much from you. Just accept some of my conditions. We wouldn't cross paths often unless you violate the law." Lin Zhiguo smiled.

Seeing that Yang Chen remained silent, Lin Zhiguo thought he was considering. So, he continued.

"First, I want you to join as a member of the Yellow Flame Brigade Organization and complete some of our missions. And..."

"What makes you think that I'll do whatever you say?" Yang Chen interrupted.

Lin Zhiguo paused, a little surprised. He didn't think Yang Chen would interrupt his conditions, but he nonetheless stated it as a matter of fact.

"Because your origin is the same as us."

The temperature in the room started to drop significantly. The air around Yang Chen started to condense and it has rung death bells in the ears of both Lin Zhiguo and Gray Robe.

It was not that they were faint-hearted, but the scene unfolding before them just too damn frightening! The pair of eyes which were clear before started to stare deep into their soul, the same warm smile, now felt quite contrast to then.

Ba-dump!

It felt as if their hearts leaped through their throats.

"A minute more, and only corpses will be left to collect..." An ice-cold voice sounded in the room. It was as if the very voice came from hell itself.

Lin Zhiguo who stood as if struck by lightning, finally reacted. Sweat was oozing out of his temples but it was still gone unnoticed. With trembling legs, he made his way towards the doorknob. Gray Robe followed behind a while later.

After the room was emptied except Yang Chen, the pressure vanished into thin air as if all that happened before was a mere illusion. Yang Chen raised the cup, gulping it in one go, rested his head on the cushion, his legs arranging themselves in the other end.

He snapped his fingers and the equipment meant for monitoring him broke out automatically one after other. Closing his eyes, he slowly muttered.

"Too confident."

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