Chapter 20: The Reaper's Guild

Ye Fengwu sat calmly across from Chen Zuoshan, picked up a teacup, and drank it all in one go. Smiling, he said, "Good tea, I'll have another."

Chen Zuoshan refilled Ye Fengwu's cup before sipping from his own. Setting his cup down, his aged face grew serious. "You must have sensed something," he said.

Ye Fengwu nodded and placed the phone he'd received from Lin Qiang on the table. "This is all the information Lin Qiang could gather. You must have expected this."

Seeing the scythe tattoo in the photo, Chen Zuoshan's brows furrowed. "It's them, isn't it? After decades, the Reaper's Guild has targeted China again."

Ye Fengwu asked, "How much do you know about the Reaper's Guild?"

Chen Zuoshan shook his head, sighing. "Not much more than you. What I can tell you is that they have the power to destabilize the economy of any small to medium-sized country within days, even toppling its leaders."

Ye Fengwu was taken aback.

Chen Zuoshan continued, "They've been a global force for centuries, infiltrating the highest echelons of governments worldwide. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that anyone sitting here, including you and me, could be one of their operatives."

Ye Fengwu was even more shocked. "Why would the Reaper's Guild target a single woman?"

Chen Zuoshan shook his head again. "The Reaper's Guild is shrouded in mystery. No one can predict their moves. Once they set a plan in motion, it's relentless. The assassins we've seen so far are just the lowest level. If they fail, more skilled killers will follow."

"So, Lin Qiang and the others might not hold out for long. You need to go to Luohuang Group and work as a bodyguard."

Ye Fengwu's expression turned strange. "Can't I just protect her from the shadows?"

Chen Zuoshan frowned. "The girl from the Luo family can't be allowed to come to harm. I won't be able to face the Luo family if she does. Moreover, she's a descendant of one of China's Tiger Gates. If something happens to her, it will be a national disgrace."

Ye Fengwu, understanding a bit about the Tiger Gates, exclaimed, "She's from the Tiger Gates? No wonder you'd go to such lengths to make me out to be a criminal."

Sensing Ye Fengwu's grumbling, Chen Zuoshan smiled and scolded, "You rascal, isn't this what you always wanted? Let me warn you, if anything happens to that girl, you'll remain a criminal for life."

The old man was clearly threatening him.

Ye Fengwu pouted. "If it's the Reaper's Guild, this will be tricky."

Chen Zuoshan's expression grew more serious. "Precisely. That's why the higher-ups are sending additional people to assist you."

Ye Fengwu objected, "I prefer working alone."

Chen Zuoshan insisted, "You must follow orders. The Reaper's Guild is beyond our usual scope. Only certain individuals can confront them head-on."

"Certain individuals?" Ye Fengwu was puzzled.

Chen Zuoshan's face grew solemn. "I've taught you everything I know, and your body has been pushed to the human limit. In terms of muscle strength and reflexes, no one can match you. But..."

He paused, his expression grave. "There are always those who are stronger. This world is far more complex than you imagine."

Ye Fengwu listened intently, feeling that Chen Zuoshan was hinting at something. His skills, honed by Chen Zuoshan, had made him the strongest soldier. Even now, he doubted he could defeat the nearly eighty-year-old man.

Ye Fengwu smiled. "I'm still young, and you always said to learn as long as you live. Besides, I've never met an opponent I couldn't beat."

His words reflected his arrogance and the loneliness of a top fighter.

Chen Zuoshan smiled wryly. "Leaving the military is just the beginning of your real growth."

Ye Fengwu took note of Chen Zuoshan's words but then asked, "What about the budget for this mission?"

"Budget? What budget?" Chen Zuoshan feigned ignorance.

Ye Fengwu's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean we have to cover all expenses ourselves?"

Chen Zuoshan replied nonchalantly, "I don't have a budget. That girl from the Luo family is worth billions. She should cover the costs."

Ye Fengwu gritted his teeth. "Does Luo Yihuang know our identities?"

Chen Zuoshan shook his head. "The girl has issues with her family and doesn't know the Blood Wolf Special Forces are protecting her. So, sort out the budget yourselves."

Chen Zuoshan's stance was unyielding.

"You're ruthless," Ye Fengwu muttered.

"Grandpa, I missed you so much!"

A cheerful voice interrupted them, and a shapely figure dashed past Ye Fengwu, seating herself next to Chen Zuoshan.

Chen Zuoshan's eyes shone with affection. "If you really missed me, you wouldn't call me an old codger."

It was Chen Nan, the fiery-tempered police officer. She was still in her uniform, her weapon holstered at her waist.

Noticing Ye Fengwu, her eyes widened. "What are you doing in my house?" she demanded.

Ye Fengwu sipped his tea, replying nonchalantly, "I told you someone was inviting me for tea."

Realizing the connection, Chen Zuoshan chuckled. "Saves me the introduction."

Chen Nan glared at him. "There's nothing saved here. Explain why this criminal is in our house and why you vouched for him."

Chen Zuoshan sighed. "When you were little, I owed him a favor. This is me repaying it."

Chen Nan frowned. "You owed him a favor before I was even aware? He's only a few years older than me."

"Well," Chen Zuoshan coughed awkwardly, "I also thought of matching you two."

Ye Fengwu spat his tea in surprise, spraying Chen Nan. She jumped up, furious. "Are you crazy?"

Ye Fengwu calmly responded, "Chen Lao, I think you're confused. My wife, Qin Qinghan, is kind and beautiful, much better than your granddaughter. Okay, her figure might be more impressive."

Chen Zuoshan glared. "What's wrong with my granddaughter?"

Ye Fengwu replied, "I just prefer my gentle wife."

Chen Nan, almost laughing in anger, retorted, "Did you consider my opinion? I'd rather die than marry a criminal like you."

Chen Zuoshan patted her hand. "Nan, Fengwu made mistakes, but he's paid for them and reformed."

Chen Nan scoffed. "People like him don't change. They just keep harming society."

Chen Nan's words stung, but they held truth. Few reformed after prison. As they spoke, Ye Fengwu knew he had to earn her trust, not just for his mission but for his integrity.