Under One Person: Please Call Me Golden Flash

Chapter 249 The calm before the storm

Two months later, on New Year's Eve.

The raging north wind pounded against the unassuming doors and windows of Na Du Tong's warehouse, making a wailing sound.

However, deep inside the warehouse, in the temporary living area that had been converted into a living space, there was a warmth and noise that was completely opposite to the cold outside. The strong festive atmosphere was almost bursting through the roof.

Bright red lanterns hung high, dispelling the cold shadows cast by the steel shelves.

Several makeshift long tables were covered with newly changed white tablecloths, and a copper pot was placed in the center, bubbling with milky white broth.

Steam rose from the pot, carrying the enticing aroma of sliced ​​beef and mutton, frozen tofu, cabbage, and various seafood balls, filling the entire warehouse.

This was the New Year's Eve dinner of the core circle of the NaDuTong headquarters, or rather, the "refugees" who, to some extent, needed to stick together for warmth.

Zhao Zhen, unusually, wasn't wearing his signature All-Tone uniform jacket, but only a clean dark shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms.

He was busy putting slices of meat into the boiling pot, a rare relaxed smile on his face, completely unlike the cold and calculating demeanor he displayed when facing the Wang family father and son.

"Come on, come on! Don't just look! Start eating, Huaiyi, Tianhai brothers, Benzai!"

Zhao Zhen greeted them loudly, clearly in a very good mood.

"Try this mutton. I specially asked Yu Yang to get it from the north. It's absolutely authentic."

Zhang Huaiyi sat at the table, and the gloom that usually lingered in his eyes seemed to have been dispelled by the heat.

He looked at the large chopstick of mutton that Zhao Zhen had put in his bowl, but didn't eat it immediately. He just nodded silently as a response.

More than two months have passed since Zhao Zhen entrusted him with the task of finding the mole, but he has made no progress whatsoever, not even a single clue.

Under such circumstances, how could Zhang Huaiyi possibly become active?
Seemingly sensing Zhang Huaiyi's worries, Zhao Zhen reached out and patted his shoulder, offering words of comfort:

"Huaiyi, it's the New Year, so don't think about those unhappy tasks."

It's not easy for you guys, all of you who are in the same boat, to get together for a reunion dinner. Cheer up!

"Um……"

Zhang Huaiyi nodded.

At this moment, the comforting warmth made him feel somewhat dazed.

He picked up his chopsticks and slowly put the piece of mutton coated in sesame sauce into his mouth. The salty and savory flavor, mixed with warmth, melted in his mouth, slightly dispelling the chill in his heart.

Zhao Tianhai, standing next to him, appeared much more lively.

The death of his younger brother Zhao Pingshan tore a huge wound in his chest, but under Duanmu Ying's superb medical skills and meticulous care, his internal injuries have basically healed, and his spirits have been lifted.

Right now, he and Ma Ben are having a competition to see who can cook the tripe that is crispier.

"Benzai! You're old, definitely old! Watch me!"

Ma Ben smiled even on his thin face: "Brother Tianhai, I admit I'm not as fast as you."

But you should also try my newly invented 'Ruyi Dumplings'. They're made from specially processed scraps of recycled materials, incorporating a bit of weapon-refining techniques—absolutely chewy and springy!

As he spoke, Ma Ben carefully placed a few seemingly ordinary meatballs into the pot, his eyes gleaming with the light of a craftsman.

This small creation is, to some extent, his way of finding a sense of belonging and self-identity.

Joining the R&D department of Nadutong marked the beginning of a new life for him and his senior colleague, and it was also a place where he could shift his grief and place his hopes.

"Brother Ma is awesome!"

Yu Yang sincerely praised, as he carefully poured everyone some of the fine Fenjiu that Zhao Zhen had somehow acquired.

"After the New Year, we'll need you and Brother Tianhai to take care of things in the R&D department! Our magic artifacts that can be used anywhere will depend on you from now on!"

"Chairman Zhao said there's plenty of money!"

Zhao Tianhai raised his wine glass with great enthusiasm, his voice slightly hoarse but filled with determination.

"I dare not say about anything else, but our craftsmanship is definitely something that can earn us a lot of respect in the industry!"
It can be considered... it can be considered that I haven't let down our eldest son and Pingshan's expectations..."

As he finished speaking, his voice lowered, but he immediately took a big gulp of wine to cover it up.

There was a moment of stillness in the air.

Zhou Sheng, standing to the side, remained silent, simply eating his rice. Zhao Zhen, keenly aware of this, quickly smiled and raised his glass: "It's the New Year, let's not talk about these things!"

Come on, everyone! Happy New Year! May everything go smoothly for us, rain or shine!

He deliberately avoided mentioning those heavy topics, only emphasizing New Year's greetings and the "big family" of NaDuTong.

Happy New Year! To Chairman Zhao!

Everyone responded in unison, the clinking of glasses producing a crisp and pleasant sound.

Zhang Huaiyi also silently raised his glass, nodded towards Zhao Zhen and the others, and took a sip.

The strong liquor burned down my throat, bringing a strange sense of comfort.

He gazed at the strange yet heartwarming scene before him: the "abandoned disciples" of the Celestial Master's Mansion, the "Thirty-Six Thieves" hunted by the entire world of supernatural beings, the doctor and the weapon refiner in distress...

These people, who were originally on the run, actually sat around a steaming hot pot like real family members on this cold winter night, drinking and chatting happily.

This brief, hard-won peace allowed his tense nerves to relax for a moment.

This scene reminded Zhang Huaiyi of the time when they swore brotherhood in the Twenty-Four Heavenly Valley.

At that time, the thirty-six of them were also drinking and chatting happily, having a great time.

But who could have imagined that everything would change after we left that valley?

"I wonder how long this wonderful thing can last..."

Zhang Huaiyi said something in a low voice, then fell silent again, his gaze fixed on the howling wind and snow outside the window.

The deep-seated worry and vigilance in his eyes had not truly dissipated; they were merely temporarily concealed by the warmth of the room.

After several rounds of drinks and five more dishes, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. Zhao Zhen then magically produced a red envelope that he had prepared beforehand.

"Come on, come on, everyone gets a share! It's our custom, just for good luck!"

Zhao Zhen happily distributed red envelopes, from Yu Yang to Duanmu Ying, then to Zhao Tianhai, Ma Benzai, Zhang Huaiyi, and even Zhou Sheng was given a thick red envelope.

"Chairman Zhao, this..."

Zhou Sheng was somewhat at a loss. He had been cultivating in the mountains since childhood and had long forgotten what it felt like to receive red envelopes.

"Take it! To me, you're one of us."

Zhao Zhen patted him on the shoulder, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"In the new year, eat more and worry less! Of course, it would be best to be less sarcastic~"

"Hahaha……"

Zhao Zhen's humor immediately drew a burst of laughter from everyone.

Wow! Thank you, Chairman Zhao!

Ma Ben touched the red envelope with delight, his eyes shining.

"This is enough for me to buy lots of materials to do experiments!"

Zhao Tianhai simply stuffed the red envelope into his pocket, grinned, and said, "Chairman Zhao, you're so kind! Don't worry, the R&D department will have a prosperous opening after the New Year!"

Yu Yang held the red envelope and chuckled to himself.

Duanmu Ying accepted it with a smile and thanked her softly.

Outside the window, the howling of the wind and snow seemed to grow louder, pounding against the doors and windows.

But the bubbling heat of the hot pot inside, the laughter of the people, the clinking of glasses, and the rustling of red envelopes intertwined, like an invisible barrier that temporarily separated the harsh cold and cruel reality outside.

This brief period of peace, forcibly propped up by Zhao Zhen, was like the warmest fire in the cold night.

Everyone knew that this was the calm before the storm.

How long can this sanctuary-like existence of Nadutong last? When will the next deadly blade pierce this peace?
Nobody knows for sure about this.

The warmer this family reunion dinner is, the more turbulent the storms to come will be...

(End of this chapter)