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

On the western outskirts of Beijing, by a heavily guarded private lake, willows sway along the banks, and the water is as smooth as a mirror.

Two elderly men, with white hair but still in good spirits, were sitting on stools fishing.

In the bucket next to it, seven or eight plump fish were splashing around.

The atmosphere seemed relaxed, but the conversation was full of hidden wit.

Grandpa Liu lifted his fishing rod, and another silver-scaled fish took the bait. He skillfully removed it, tossed it into the bucket, and chuckled.

"Old Chen, we've really had a great haul today. It's enough for a whole fish feast tonight."

Old Master Chen's gaze remained fixed on the buoys on the lake's surface, a meaningful smile playing on his lips:

"What's the rush? Old Liu, there's plenty of bait underwater."

"Didn't you see? There's a big fish hiding down there, waiting to snatch its food."

"This time, we're sure to catch a real big one!" he laughed heartily.

"Once the biggest one takes the bait, we'll pull in the net and have a proper feast at my little courtyard!"

Old Master Liu put down his fishing rod and lowered his voice:

"I think... the time is almost right, isn't it? Wei Guo has already been suspended from his post. If we put in a little more effort, building up the army shouldn't be a problem."

"Not enough!" Old Master Chen shook his head, his gaze deep.

"In this reshuffle, all parties are exerting their efforts, and the reshuffling of positions is dazzling."

"The Zeng family hasn't dared to utter a single word this time. Didn't you see that old man Zeng hasn't uttered a sound yet?"

"Although the cause of this matter was not significant, the waves it has stirred up are quite large."

"We're getting old, we should be fighting for our children and grandchildren, why aren't we?"

"Didn't you notice that Old Wu and Old He were also rubbing their hands together, eager to get started?"

He paused, then continued:

"There are quite a few vacancies this time. Let's take a loss and give up some easy deputy positions for them to fight over."

"But the most crucial positions must be firmly held by our own people!"

"The appointment of the acting minister for Jianjun is basically finalized!"

"There are some dissenting voices from Old Zeng and Old Yan's side, but the overall situation is settled! The important thing is to hold onto the core positions."

Old Master Liu still had some concerns:

"Old Wu and Old He are no pushovers; they've been watching us like hawks the whole time."

Old Master Chen chuckled:

"Don't worry! They secretly helped Jianjun get promoted this time, and I know what they want. They want some soup? Just give them a spoonful."

His eyes gleamed with a shrewd and calculating light.

In another elegant and tranquil teahouse, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Grandpa Wu and Grandpa He are playing chess and enjoying tea.

Old He took a sip of the finest Longjing tea and smiled:

"Old Wu, your eldest grandson is really something else."

"We had already set up the plan in advance, sitting back and waiting for that old scoundrel Chen to come to us anxiously to 'discuss' things."

"His youngest son (referring to Chen Jianjun) is eager to take the position. If we don't express our opinion, he will have to obediently hand over several lucrative positions to us."

"This is free meat delivered to our doorstep, why not take it? Hahaha!"

Grandpa Wu settled the chess piece in his hand and smiled.

"We did almost nothing, just said a few ambiguous words to express 'concern,' and yet we sat back and reaped the benefits."

"However, those two old scoundrels, Chen and Liu, are quite ambitious. They gave up their ministerial positions and several key leadership posts to us."

"But we also transferred several powerful deputy positions and key mid-level roles to their people. It was kind of an exchange."

His smile faded slightly:

"However, those at the very top have remained ambiguous in their attitude and have not yet made a clear statement."

"I think it's also about maintaining a balance."

"After all, the Zeng and Yan families have been unusually silent this time, and the one who has replaced Li Weiguo is Chen Laoba's youngest son again..."

"I guess the higher-ups are also waiting, waiting for Old Zeng and Old Yan's final attitude, or... waiting for some variable?"

A barely perceptible hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

In the eastern suburbs, inside the Zeng family's simple and rustic courtyard.

Under the crabapple tree, Grandpa Zeng was playing chess with Grandpa Yan Fushan.

Li Weiguo, the key figure in the incident who was suspended from his post, sat calmly to the side watching the game, as if the raging storm outside had nothing to do with him.

Old Master Yan held the "chariot" piece, hesitating to make a move, and finally looked up at Li Weiguo and said:

"Weiguo, what are you thinking? Don't you know what the situation is right now?"

"There aren't even any seats left, and you still have the leisure to watch two old men play chess?"

He then turned to Old Master Zeng:

"And you, old Zeng!"

"It's just a trivial matter, isn't it?"

"If you had just said something to clarify your position, Weiguo wouldn't be in such an embarrassing situation!"

"Now that the higher-ups haven't made a clear statement and you're ignoring it, those old guys are joining forces. If this continues, Weiguo will truly be beyond saving."

Grandpa Zeng didn't even lift his eyelids, staring at the chessboard, and slowly said:

What's meant to come will come. What's meant to leave, you can't keep.

"We're all getting old, so let's stop fighting for those empty titles and fleeting fortunes. Let the young people fight for them and make their own way."

Yan Fushan glanced at Old Zeng, then at the unusually calm Li Weiguo, his brow furrowed.

"Wait...aren't you hiding something from me?"

"There's definitely something fishy going on here! Old Zeng, tell me the truth, what exactly are you up to?"

Only then did Old Master Zeng raise his eyes, his gaze deep and unfathomable as an ancient well, and look at his old friend, saying meaningfully:

"Old Yan, as long as you are wholeheartedly devoted to the country and the people, sometimes, not competing is the best way to compete."

"Whoever jumps the highest now may fall the hardest in the future."

"Think about it, why has the attitude at the highest level remained ambiguous?"

"So trust me this time, don't say anything, don't argue."

"The positions they've fought for now will likely have to be given back eventually, and there will be a reassignment arrangement."

He paused, then glanced at Li Weiguo:

"You don't need to worry about Wei Guo; he has his own plans and backup plans."

"In time, everything will naturally come to light, and you will understand."

While the bigwigs were strategizing on and off the chessboard, the atmosphere in the office of the vice president of Beijing University of Science and Technology was somewhat tense.

Zeng Lingyu pulled her best friend Yan Ruge to sit on the sofa opposite Vice Principal Yan Yazhi (Yan Ruge's aunt).

Zeng Lingyu's pretty face was filled with anxiety and pleading:

"Aunt Yan, please help me, please be kind, okay?"

"Zeng Long is really not like what's said online!"

"I've questioned his roommate and many classmates who were there at the time, and they can all testify to this!"

"The facts are not as reported at all!"

"Zeng Long was forced to act to protect his classmate and stop the violence! Is it wrong to act bravely and righteously?"

Vice Principal Yan Yazhi is a middle-aged woman with a capable demeanor and elegant manners.

She looked at Zeng Lingyu gently, but her tone carried an official helplessness:

"Ling Yu, I understand how you feel."

"But where is the evidence?"

"Can your mobilization of these classmates' testimonies withstand the overwhelming negative public opinion that has already formed online?"

"Can this overturn the seemingly 'sufficient' chain of evidence currently held by the police?"

"The school is under a lot of pressure right now. If it doesn't give a clear answer on how to handle this, I'm afraid no one can cover up the serious consequences of this incident."

"Then...can we wait two more days? Just two days!"

Zeng Lingyu was so anxious she almost cried:

"The school could issue a statement saying that it is thoroughly studying its proposed disciplinary action against Zeng Long and is still verifying the details!"

"I'll get other classmates involved to think of a way to find even more compelling evidence!"

"Sister Rugo," she turned to Yan Rugo, her voice trembling with tears, pleading, "Please, please put in a good word for me with Aunt Yan, please help me!"

Seeing her friend so anxious and out of control, Yan Ruge was filled with doubts.

She gently grasped Zeng Lingyu's hand, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion and inquiry:

"Xiaoyu, I've never understood why you're so concerned about Zeng Long's matter?"

"You could even say... reckless? This goes far beyond the scope of ordinary classmates or even good friends."

She thought back carefully, from their chance encounter at the library last time...

She noticed that Zeng Lingyu's gaze towards Zeng Long was extremely unusual—it contained more than just concern.

It also carries an indescribable sense of intimacy and dependence.

Moreover, she subconsciously felt that Zeng Long's facial features bore a striking resemblance to Zeng Lingyu, and even Zeng Lingyu's father...

The idea struck her as absurd.

If Zeng Long is indeed a child of the Zeng family who was lost and raised away, why has no one in the Zeng family recognized him to this day?

Even with this huge commotion, no one from the Zeng family has come forward?

At least Aunt He, He Jing, who has always doted on Xiaoyu, would never sit idly by.

Moreover, even his own grandfather, Yan Fushan, seemed to be completely unaware of it.

But if it weren't for... she really couldn't think of anything else—

What is it about Zeng Long that makes the proud and arrogant eldest daughter of the Zeng family so unscrupulous and reckless in protecting him?

Just because he's handsome or talented?

Based on her understanding of Zeng Lingyu, it was absolutely impossible.

As Yan Ruge looked at Zeng Lingyu, whose face was streaked with tears, the mystery in her heart grew ever stronger.

It was as if an invisible fog shrouded Zeng Long's identity.

She felt as if she had touched the edge of a huge secret.

Inside the office, Yan Yazhi looked at the two girls, especially her niece's inquisitive gaze, and a ripple of emotion stirred within her.

But she remained calm and composed, befitting a vice principal. The truth behind this matter was probably much deeper than she imagined.