The Rise of a Special Forces Soldier Abandoned by a Wealthy Family

Zeng Long's thunderous mobilization speech still echoed in the conference room, and the global connection on the screen had not yet been disconnected.

The team members' passionate response still resonated in everyone's ears.

Zeng Long turned around, the fervor in his eyes subsiding slightly, transforming into a calm and resolute expression.

He looked at General Liu, his tone steady:

Mr. Liu, the weapons and equipment and our logistical supplies to be transported to Country C in the Middle East should be ready, right?

I should head out now to meet up with my teammates.

Commanders, please rest assured that the Longhui Squad will live up to your expectations and successfully complete the mission!

General Liu nodded emphatically, and was about to speak when General Zhang, the Navy General who had been silently watching from the side, stepped forward and stopped Zeng Long.

Old Zhang's expression was unusually serious, his eyes filled with emotion, admiration, and a kind of fatherly love.

His voice was loud and clear, brooking no argument: "Xiao Long, wait a minute!"

Zeng Long stopped and looked at Old Zhang with a puzzled expression.

Old Zhang glanced around at all the military leaders present, and the head of state nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Old Zhang took a deep breath and solemnly said:

"Little Dragon, before you set off on your mission, we old guys want to do something for you ourselves."

He waved his hand, and a confidential secretary quickly stepped forward carrying a tray covered with red velvet.

On the tray, neatly arranged was a brand-new set of Chinese Army lieutenant colonel uniform, shoulder boards, collar insignia, and a shining silver star medal (symbolizing his special contributions and status).

"You are a special soldier unlike any other in our Dragon Kingdom, and perhaps one that will never be repeated."

Old Zhang's voice was filled with utmost solemnity: "Your achievements cannot be publicly recognized."

Your identity must remain forever hidden in the darkness.

But the nation will never forget this military uniform and this honor!

We old guys are here today, representing the country and the army, to personally confer your rank!

Zeng Long was stunned. He looked at the pine-green military uniform, and a complex emotion that was hard to describe flashed in his eyes.

There was excitement, a sense of realization, and above all, a profound sense of belonging.

There were no red tape, no grand hall.

In this top-secret operations conference room, an extremely special yet incredibly solemn conferment ceremony was quietly taking place.

Mr. Zhang personally put on Zeng Long's lieutenant colonel shoulder insignia, Mr. Liu pinned on his collar insignia, and Mr. Wang pinned the special silver star medal above his left breast pocket.

Each military commander moved slowly and solemnly, as if performing a sacred ceremony.

Their eyes were filled with the highest recognition and earnest expectations for this young soldier.

When Zeng Long changed into his crisp lieutenant colonel uniform and stood in the center of the conference room, everyone was deeply moved.

His nearly 1.9-meter-tall, upright figure was outlined by the well-fitting military uniform, making him look like a drawn sword.

On his young yet angular face, his cold, sharp eyes were like those of a hawk.

The powerful aura emanating from him, forged in the crucible of blood and fire, blended perfectly with the military uniform that symbolized the nation's strength.

They exude a captivating military charm!

Several veteran generals looked at the completely transformed Zeng Long and couldn't help but reveal a hint of envy and admiration in their eyes—what a fine soldier from the Dragon Kingdom!

This is what a nation's sharpest weapon should look like!

Old Liu patted Zeng Long's back forcefully, his voice choked with emotion:

Good lad! You're in great spirits! The helicopter to pick you up is already waiting on the rooftop.

Based on the dimensions provided by Little Sparrow, the new combat uniforms and customized equipment for all members of your squad have been loaded onto the transport plane along with the first batch of supplies!

He stepped back and, along with the other generals, solemnly saluted Zeng Long:

"Lieutenant Colonel Zeng Long! I wish you—a triumphant return that upholds our national prestige!"

Zeng Long straightened his back, raised his right hand, and returned a powerful military salute! Everything was understood without words!

Without saying another word, he resolutely turned around, strode out of the conference room, walked towards the helicopter on the rooftop, and headed towards the battlefield that awaited him.

Just as Zeng Long boarded the transport plane bound for Country C, a media storm targeting him was already intensifying domestically.

This finally drew serious attention from the highest levels of government and the administration of Beijing Tsinghua University. Various pressures were passed down from top to bottom.

Inside the luxurious private room at Jinglong Club.

Chen Yifeng remained leisurely leaning on the sofa, swirling the red wine in his glass.

He looked at the negative news circulating online, which he had manipulated and was now spreading like wildfire, and a cold smile, as if he had everything under control, curled at the corner of his mouth.

He took out an anonymous cell phone, dialed a number, and simply said:

"Begin closing in."

Office of the Minister of Security.

Li Weiguo had just returned to his office and finished processing several urgent documents; he hadn't even had a sip of tea yet.

His secretary burst through the door, looking flustered, and spoke urgently:

"Minister! Something terrible has happened! Deputy Minister Choi from the Supreme Independent Commission Against Corruption has personally led a team to summon you and all deputy ministers in the ministry for an immediate meeting in Conference Room One! His tone was very serious!"

Li Weiguo paused slightly in the teacup he was holding, then quickly regained his composure.

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, but a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Finally... couldn't hold back anymore?"

He muttered to himself, put down his teacup, and straightened his collar.

"Very well, then let me see which kind of treacherous spirit dares to stir up trouble in the Ministry of State Security!"

He walked steadily toward the first conference room.

The atmosphere inside the meeting room was heavy.

Several vice ministers were present, each with a different expression.

Seated at the head of the table was a middle-aged man with a serious face and wearing gold-rimmed glasses—Vice Minister Choi of the Supreme Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Several stern-faced discipline inspection officials sat beside him.

When Li Weiguo walked in, all eyes were on him.

His expression remained normal; he even extended his hand to Vice Minister Cui, speaking in a calm tone.

"Minister Cui, what brings you, this 'upright and just official,' to our insignificant government office? Why the rush? What brings you here?"

Vice Minister Cui looked at Li Weiguo with a complicated expression, sighed, and did not shake his hand: "Comrade Weiguo... how... how could you be so careless?"

His tone carried a hint of regret:

You have always worked diligently and made great contributions to the country, which is evident to all.

But this time... how could he have made a series of mistakes over such a trivial matter as being recommended for admission, giving others a real handle to use against him?

Vice Minister Cui's move was indeed out of desperation.

He admired Li Weiguo and was well aware of the dangers and importance of maintaining secrecy.

But with the public outcry so intense and the evidence seemingly irrefutable, the pressure from above was immense. Several retired senior leaders were closely monitoring the situation and demanding a thorough investigation, so he had no choice but to come.

His expression turned extremely serious, and he said in a businesslike manner:

"Comrade Li Weiguo! Based on a preliminary investigation, regarding the matter of Zeng Long, a student at Jingqing University, participating in organized crime activities and triggering a negative public opinion incident, we are now verifying the following issues with you:"

"First, it has been verified that Zeng Long's admission to Peking University was recommended by you personally. Is this true?"

"Secondly, after Zeng Long was taken away by the police for investigation, you, in your capacity as Minister of State Security, personally went to forcibly request his release on bail. Is this true?"

"Third, during your bail process for Zeng Long, you presented the police with a so-called 'confidential document.' Is this true?"

"Fourth, the police requested that Zeng Long be subject to further investigation at any time after his bail is granted, but Zeng Long's whereabouts are currently unknown. Is this true?"

"Do you have any objections to this? Or is there anything you need to explain to the organization?"

Vice Minister Cui's last words left room for interpretation, hoping that Li Weiguo could provide a reasonable explanation.

The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; all eyes were on Li Weiguo.

Several vice ministers exchanged glances, some keeping their heads down and remaining silent, while others observed secretly.

Li Weiguo sat in the chair, his expression eerily calm, even rhythmically tapping the table with his fingertips.

His gaze slowly swept over each of the vice ministers present, finally settling on Vice Minister Cui's face.

"Minister Cui," Li Weiguo began, his voice steady, "regarding the four points you just mentioned, the situation... is basically true."

Upon hearing this, several soft gasps were heard in the conference room.

But Li Weiguo changed the subject: "However, I cannot explain or elaborate on the specific reasons to you here."

"Why?" Vice Minister Cui pressed.

"because,"

Li Weiguo said, word by word.

As the Minister of State Security, I have the highest authority to handle confidential matters and block information concerning specific classified incidents involving national security and related personnel.

I have no right to disclose details to any department, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), without the highest level of authorization to declassify them.

This is a clear provision in the safety regulations.

At this moment, Vice Minister Cui looked at Vice Minister Liu of the Security Department, who was sitting on his left.

A hint of smugness flashed in Vice Minister Liu's eyes. He immediately took out several documents from his briefcase, stood up, and handed them to Vice Minister Cui.

Vice Minister Cui took the document, quickly flipped through it, and his expression grew increasingly serious.

After reading it, he placed the document on the table, his gaze towards Li Weiguo filled with disappointment and gravity, even his form of address had changed:

"Comrade Weiguo," Vice Minister Cui said, looking at him with a heavy heart.

The supplementary evidence provided by Vice Minister Liu shows that:

First, Zeng Long's background and resume are extremely ordinary, and he does not meet the qualifications for being recommended to Peking University and Tsinghua University by the Ministry of State Security.

At the time, Vice Minister Liu did not co-sign the document; it was you who abused your ministerial authority to forcibly sign it on your own.

Second, the so-called "confidential document" you used to bail Zeng Long has been verified by Vice Minister Liu to contain information that has nothing to do with Zeng Long himself and is either forged or misused!

Furthermore, an investigation revealed that Zeng Long had no classified identity records within the Ministry of State Security and the military system!

Third, it has now been confirmed that Zeng Long is involved in multiple serious crimes and is currently missing.

The core content exposed by online public opinion is highly consistent with this evidence!

Comrade Weiguo, you should be aware of just how serious this matter is!

There is immense pressure from above, who demand a thorough investigation!

Do you... have anything else to explain?

Vice Minister Cui was practically begging Li Weiguo to give him one last chance.

Li Weiguo did not answer Minister Cui's question directly, but instead cast a cold gaze at Vice Minister Liu.

He is now completely certain that the internal problem Zeng Long mentioned refers to this person!

His eyes were sharp as knives as he asked:

"Vice Minister Liu, I have a question for you. As the Executive Vice Minister of the Ministry of State Security, you should be well aware of the extreme importance of confidentiality regulations, right?"

Vice Minister Liu, confident of victory, straightened his back and replied:

"Of course! Secrecy is of paramount importance! This is a fundamental principle for everyone in the Security Department, especially for the leaders present here!"

"Oh? Is that so?"

A mocking smile curled at the corner of Li Weiguo's lips, and his fingers, which had been tapping the table, stopped.

Then I'd like to ask:

The documents concerning Zeng Long's admission to university and my signed documents are classified as top-secret information within the ministry. Why were their details leaked online and widely disseminated?

Vice Minister Liu remained composed, speaking with righteous indignation:

This is precisely because there are many suspicious points in this matter, and it may involve Minister You abusing your power for personal gain.

As a vice minister, I have the responsibility and obligation to address the failure of the internal oversight mechanism.

Report the situation to the higher-level discipline inspection department and provide relevant evidence! This is being responsible to the Party and the country!

"Report the situation to your superiors?" Li Weiguo's voice suddenly rose, carrying a sharp, oppressive tone.

Therefore, you can disregard confidentiality regulations and bypass internal verification.

Without even reporting to or inquiring of me, the minister, they arbitrarily leaked core confidential information from within the ministry to the outside world?!

Is this what you call being responsible to the Party and the country?!

Is this out of responsibility, or is there an ulterior motive?

Vice Minister Liu was momentarily stunned by the barrage of questions, but quickly regained his composure:

"Minister Li! The facts are clear, and the evidence is conclusive! Everything I did was to expose the problem! I have a clear conscience!"

Li Weiguo stopped looking at him and turned to face Vice Minister Cui, his tone returning to calm, yet carrying a resolute air:

"Minister Cui, I'll say it again: this matter involves the highest level of confidentiality, and I have no comment. Let's proceed according to procedure."

Seeing Li Weiguo's attitude of not defending himself and even "giving up on himself," the last glimmer of hope in Vice Minister Cui's eyes was extinguished.

He closed his eyes with immense pain, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, all that remained was a cold, businesslike demeanor.

He picked up a document that had been prepared beforehand and announced in a deep voice:

Given that Comrade Li Weiguo was unable to provide a reasonable explanation for the aforementioned serious accusations, and the evidence pointed to them clearly.

Having been discussed and approved by the higher-level meeting, it is hereby formally decided that:

Comrade Li Weiguo is hereby suspended from all posts, including Minister of State Security, to undergo further investigation by the organization and await further disciplinary action.

The atmosphere in the meeting room changed drastically the moment the decision was announced.

Vice Minister Cui was heartbroken and utterly helpless.

The other vice ministers had varying expressions; some were shocked, some regretful, and most remained silent and aloof, choosing to protect themselves.

Although Vice Minister Liu tried his best to hide it, the sneer of a successful scheme and the excitement of about to seize power were almost overflowing from the depths of his eyes!

The storm has arrived, and the true colors are revealed. Li Weiguo seems to have been driven into a corner.