Chapter 109: Meeting Jin Zhengyang (Please Add This to Your Bookshelf)

However, Lin Fan was not naive enough to believe that Jin Zhengyang truly regarded him as a brother. Setting aside the significant age difference between them, a general commanding an army would never act without self-interest. It was clear that Jin Zhengyang valued Lin Fan precisely because he was the leader of the Dragon Soul unit, which was why he deliberately cultivated a close relationship with him.

The two soldiers glanced at Lin Fan with some confusion, surprised that this man dared to claim such a brotherly bond with their general. One of them, holding a device similar to a walkie-talkie, stepped toward a nearby clump of grass. Lin Fan, eyes closed, knew immediately that he was consulting Jin Zhengyang.

“The general says you may enter,” the soldier returned and spoke to Lin Fan with a newfound respect in his tone.

“In accordance with protocol, we must conduct a search first. Sorry,” the other soldier said.

“The general said they are distinguished guests, so this step can be waived,” the first soldier interrupted, grabbing his companion’s hand. Jin Zhengyang had specifically instructed over the phone that any possible rules could be relaxed. This soldier was not a fool; he clearly recognized that Lin Fan and Xu Qiang were no ordinary visitors. Otherwise, their general would not have extended such courtesy.

Then, his comrade produced a black cloth, preparing to blindfold Lin Fan and Xu Qiang. “That’s not necessary either,” the first soldier said again.

His companion’s mouth dropped open in surprise, casting a bewildered glance at Lin Fan. It was obvious he couldn’t fathom the true identities of these two men. Visitors to the Blue Banner Army were rarely exempted from searches; to be openly escorted to the barracks without one was exceedingly rare.

Two years ago, when Lin Fan and Han Feng had come to the Blue Banner Army, they had not been searched either and had gone straight to the barracks. Now, Jin Zhengyang’s actions clearly signaled goodwill toward Lin Fan—largely because he suspected Lin Fan might one day lead the Dragon Soul unit. This thought made Lin Fan smirk inwardly.

Xu Qiang was taken aback as well. When he and Lin Fan had come to the Blue Banner Army before, they had never received such treatment. It seemed their leader now enjoyed a close relationship with Jin Zhengyang.

“Please follow me,” the soldier said, recovering from his surprise. Anyone who earned such treatment from their general was certainly not an ordinary person, so they dared not be disrespectful and immediately led the way up the mountain.

What Lin Fan did not expect was the significant transformation that had taken place at the Blue Banner Army’s base in just two short years. The most noticeable change was in the accommodations, although other changes might have escaped his notice.

The first thing to catch the eye was a series of pavilion-style wooden houses. Though situated on a mountain, these houses were built to a remarkably high standard. Lin Fan could tell that Jin Zhengyang had invested considerable effort into the living quarters.

In the Golden Triangle region, such housing was quite exceptional. After all, the area could not compare to Huaxia in terms of development; transportation was less advanced. A force as large as the Blue Banner Army had no choice but to reside in the mountains. There wasn’t enough space at the foot of the mountain, nor suitable grounds for training.

The wooden houses formed a circular arrangement around a vast open space in the center. The clearing housed several trucks and T-54 main battle tanks produced by the former Soviet Union, all surrounded by soldiers armed with live ammunition. Lin Fan and Xu Qiang were already accustomed to this; after all, both had emerged from the Falcon unit and had considerable military knowledge. Besides, they had been here before.

“I never thought I’d come back here again,” Xu Qiang said with a hint of nostalgia as he surveyed their surroundings.

At that moment, a burly middle-aged man in military uniform descended from one of the pavilions at the center. He was vigorous and lively in appearance. Upon seeing Lin Fan standing in the middle of the field, his face immediately broke into a broad smile. Approaching, he said as he walked, “Brother Lin, long time no see. I thought you had forgotten me.” Before Lin Fan could respond, he had already wrapped an arm around him.

From Xu Qiang’s perspective, Jin Zhengyang’s appearance had changed little, but his demeanor toward Lin Fan was completely different—as if he were a different person.

The last time Xu Qiang and Lin Fan came to the Golden Triangle on a mission, it was through national connections that they had the privilege of meeting Jin Zhengyang. At that time, Jin Zhengyang had put on a great show of arrogance, barely acknowledging Lin Fan and his companion. Lin Fan was just a special forces soldier then. Although the Falcon was Huaxia’s secret special operations unit, Lin Fan’s status could not compare to Jin Zhengyang’s, a direct descendant of the Aisin Gioro clan of the Qing dynasty. Jin Zhengyang had shown Lin Fan little favor then, but out of respect for the Huaxia government, he had still provided some mission intelligence.

Later, when Lin Fan visited with Han Feng, Jin Zhengyang’s attitude shifted dramatically. Lin Fan was now likely the captain of the Dragon Soul unit, which had long maintained close ties with Russian arms dealers. Naturally, this could bring substantial military aid to the Blue Banner Army. As the saying goes, no one rises without interest; hence Jin Zhengyang began to call Lin Fan “brother.”

“How could I forget you, Brother Jin? It’s just that Dragon Soul’s affairs have kept me too busy to visit,” Lin Fan replied with a courteous embrace.

“Why didn’t Brother Han come with you this time?” Jin Zhengyang asked with a chuckle, releasing Lin Fan.

“Captain Han passed away two years ago,” Lin Fan said.

Jin Zhengyang was momentarily stunned at the news of Han Feng’s death, then sighed, “Ah, I never thought our parting back then would be forever.” After a pause, he added, “If I’m not mistaken, Brother Lin, you must be the captain of Dragon Soul now.”

Lin Fan smiled faintly but neither confirmed nor denied. To Jin Zhengyang, Lin Fan’s reaction was an implicit acknowledgment.

“Brother Lin, after all these years, don’t think you can run away. Tonight, we won’t stop drinking until we’re drunk,” Jin Zhengyang laughed heartily. “Don’t worry, I’ll arrange two companions for you tonight—guaranteed to satisfy.” He leaned in to whisper this last part to Lin Fan, assuming that a strong young man like him would enjoy the company of women.

Though the voice was quiet, Xu Qiang overheard it and silently marveled at the drastic change in Jin Zhengyang’s attitude. He was no fool. When Lin Fan had been a government agent, Jin Zhengyang had ignored him. Now that his leader was a mercenary, Jin Zhengyang was friendlier. Clearly, it had much to do with Lin Fan’s command over Dragon Soul, a major mercenary organization.

Momentarily taken aback, Lin Fan had not expected Jin Zhengyang to say such things. But on second thought, it was likely that Jin Zhengyang had business to discuss with him; otherwise, he would not have greeted him so warmly.

“Won’t stop drinking until we’re drunk,” Lin Fan smiled lightly, allowing Jin Zhengyang to lead him toward the pavilion. Xu Qiang followed silently, expressionless.

Lin Fan was no longer the man he had been four years ago, and Xu Qiang had also changed considerably. Xu Qiang couldn’t say he liked Jin Zhengyang—though Jin was somewhat sycophantic, such people were common in Huaxia. Besides, this trip was to accompany Lin Fan. While Lin Fan’s abilities made protection unnecessary, Xu Qiang simply preferred to stay close by.

Inside the pavilion’s main hall, several chairs and a rectangular table were arranged, with a few tea sets placed neatly. Simple, but clean.

After seating Lin Fan, Jin Zhengyang personally poured tea into his cup. “Knowing you were coming, Brother Lin, I prepared this especially. Try it and see if you like it.” Then he poured tea for Xu Qiang and asked, “And what is this brother’s name?”

“It seems General Jin has a poor memory,” Xu Qiang replied.

Jin Zhengyang was clearly taken aback and scrutinized Xu Qiang. He looked vaguely familiar, but Jin still couldn’t recall who he was. Turning to Lin Fan, he sought an explanation.

“It’s been a long time; maybe Brother Jin forgot. When I first came to the Golden Triangle for a mission, Qiangzi came with me,” Lin Fan said with a faint smile, introducing Xu Qiang to Jin Zhengyang.

[Author’s note: Please add this to your bookshelves! Lin Fan’s romantic life is about to undergo a major change, and the path to supremacy will enter a new stage! I will strive to deliver an explosive chapter next month!]