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

Old Master Chen felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the main event was about to begin.

He hesitated for a moment, trying to make his voice sound sincere:

"Of course, of course we will compensate you. As long as Zeng can forgive Yifeng's mistake this time, our Chen family is willing to do whatever we can to make amends..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zeng Long interrupted him.

"Wait, Mr. Chen."

Zeng Long's languid and playful expression vanished instantly, his gaze becoming as sharp as a hawk's, as if it could pierce through any disguise.

Although he did not stand up, an invisible and powerful sense of oppression instantly enveloped the entire room.

"Are you... mistaken about something?"

Zeng Long's voice was calm, yet it possessed an undeniable penetrating power.

"Do you think the reason you're standing here today, speaking so humbly to me, an 'ordinary student,' is because your grandson did something 'foolish' out of 'youthful arrogance,' and you're begging for my 'forgiveness'?"

His gaze, like a cold blade, slowly swept over Old Master Chen's face, which froze instantly, and Chen Yifeng's bewildered eyes.

"Isn't...it true?"

Old Master Chen forced himself to remain calm and asked a question in return, trying to seize the last bit of initiative, but his voice already carried a slight, imperceptible tremor.

"Of course not."

Zeng Long chuckled, his laughter filled with condescending mockery:

The reason you are here today is not because your grandson offended me, but because your Chen family has overstepped its bounds, touching things it shouldn't have touched and people it shouldn't have touched.

The above-mentioned actions of yours should have reached the limit of tolerance.

He paused, his gaze deepening, each word striking Old Master Chen's heart like a hammer blow:

…All your methods and schemes were completely transparent to everyone from the very beginning.

You think you're strategizing and making moves, but in reality, you're the most conspicuous and bouncing pieces on someone else's chessboard.

Why did the higher-ups remain silent for a while, letting you jump around and try to win over this person and that person?

And why this time did you launch a thunderous counterattack, forcing you to come here and "apologize" to me?

Zeng Long leaned forward slightly, his voice lower but more impactful:

Do you really think those of you above don't know what's going on?

That's because we need to find a suitable point, a "knife" that is sharp enough and can elicit a sufficient response, to cut into the rectification.

And I, unfortunately, or rather coincidentally, became this most crucial juncture.

I believe that after this afternoon, Mr. Chen should have already learned about my other identity.

He looked meaningfully at Old Master Chen's suddenly pale face:

So, you should understand a little now, right? Today's 'apology' is never the goal, but the result.

This is what the higher-ups wanted to see: a signal that "this is the end," a way for both sides to gracefully back down.

These words struck Old Master Chen's heart like a series of thunderclaps!

Old Master Chen's expression changed completely. His previous pretense, composure, and even a sliver of hope were instantly shattered!

He originally thought Zeng Long was just a lucky guy who relied on his special status or had a close relationship with the Zeng family, but he never expected that the other party's insight into the situation was so profound and shrewd, hitting the core of the problem!

The higher-level game that even he himself had overlooked or dared not think about deeply was pointed out by this young man so casually and accurately!

No wonder Zeng Sheng only dealt with those who were unworthy of their positions during the negotiations, and did not completely eliminate those who held core interests! That was not mercy, it was a balance!

It's a necessary means to maintain the status quo, tacitly approved by those above! Knowing when to stop is the true way to survive!

Looking into Zeng Long's young yet unfathomable eyes, he felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head!

This is hardly a student under twenty! This is clearly a prodigy who moves with ease and insight into the power structure!

Zeng Long took in the shock, panic, and resentment on their faces, sneered inwardly, and continued:

"So, an apology? Forgiveness? That's just a show for outsiders, a 'reconciliation' scenario that the real players behind the scenes want to see. The real negotiation and reaping are only just beginning."

Chen Yifeng stood aside, his mind in turmoil.

Looking into Zeng Long's calm yet all-encompassing eyes, and comparing them to his grandfather's shocked and bewildered expression, even tinged with panic, he felt an overwhelming sense of humiliation and defeat that nearly overwhelmed him.

But this time, beneath the anger lay a chilling, deep-seated fear. He stared intently at Zeng Long, a murderous intent lurking like a venomous snake deep within his eyes, becoming more restrained and dangerous.

Old Master Chen took several deep breaths before he could barely suppress the turmoil in his heart and steady his trembling hands.

He knew that all his scheming, pretense, and wishful thinking had completely failed in the face of this young man.

He gave a bitter laugh, his voice dry and hoarse, like sandpaper scraping:

"The younger generation is truly formidable... indeed, the younger generation is formidable... I... give up. State your conditions." He completely gave up struggling and prepared to be slaughtered.

Zeng Long stopped beating around the bush and directly revealed the blade:

Simple. Within three months, three members of the Chen family who held key positions of real power voluntarily relinquished their posts.

Someone I recommend will take over.

You must use all resources to ensure their smooth takeover and completely quell any potential negative impacts and resistance they may encounter after taking office.

Furthermore, the Chen family must promise to provide them with necessary and practical support in certain specific areas and on certain issues in the future.

I will send you the specific details of the three positions and the candidates' information within a month.

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Old Master Chen felt a rush of blood to his head, his vision went black, and he almost lost his balance!

Voluntarily relinquishing three key positions of real power?! And then protecting the enemy's people?!

This is like tearing out the heart and bleeding the blood of the Chen family! It's even more painful than shooting him directly! These conditions are extremely harsh!

"That's impossible!" Old Master Chen blurted out, his voice shrill.

Chen Yifeng also suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with uncontrollable killing intent, shooting towards Zeng Long as if it were a tangible force!

These conditions are practically digging up the foundation of the Chen family for the next few years!

"Yi Feng!" Old Master Chen shouted in a low voice, his voice filled with endless exhaustion and despair.

Looking into Zeng Long's calm yet unwavering gaze, he knew this wasn't a discussion, but a notification.

They had no bargaining chips.

A profound sense of humiliation and resentment gnawed at Old Master Chen's heart like a poisonous vine.

His chest heaved violently, and his teeth clenched so tightly they clicked, as if he were using the last of his strength.

Finally, through gritted teeth, he managed to squeeze out a few words with extreme difficulty and slowness: "...Okay...I...promise...to...you..."

Every word seemed to be stained with blood, filled with deep-seated resentment and helplessness.

"No! Grandpa! How can you agree to this!" Chen Yifeng's eyes were bloodshot, and he was almost going crazy.

"Shut up!" Old Master Chen glared at him suddenly, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions—warning, pain, and deep helplessness.

Chen Yifeng gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and trembled violently all over, as if he were enduring excruciating pain.

Finally, he suddenly opened his eyes, staring intently at Zeng Long, his gaze like a poisoned dagger, and he roared almost as if crying blood:

"Alright! Zeng Long! We agree to all the conditions you set!"

After shouting those words, he seemed to have all his soul ripped out in an instant. His face turned ashen, and his body swayed, almost unable to stand.

Zeng Long seemed satisfied then, clapping his hands as if he had just enjoyed a wonderful play, and commented:

"Well, although your acting was a bit exaggerated, your emotional transitions were a bit stiff, and your delivery of lines needs improvement, I'd say you barely passed."

He looked at Old Master Chen, whose face was ashen and who seemed to have aged ten years in an instant, and gave him a standard, harmless, even slightly sunny smile:

"Alright, Mr. Chen, I've received your 'sincerity.' Well then, I wish us... a pleasant 'cooperation' in the future?"

He stretched out his hand.

Looking at that slender, clean hand, Old Master Chen felt that it was not a hand, but the cold, slippery tongue of a venomous snake that had just drunk its fill of blood.

But he finally reached out, trembling, with great difficulty, and gently shook hands with Zeng Long. His hand was icy cold, as if he were holding a block of ice.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate..." Old Master Chen squeezed out these words from the depths of his throat. He felt that all the pride and face he had accumulated in his life had been completely crushed into dust at this moment, and then thrown on the ground and trampled on.

"That's all for now. I won't see you off. I need to go back and continue my dream. I hope there won't be too many drama queens in this dream."

Zeng Long yawned widely, and without any hesitation, began to see the guest out, then slammed the door shut. Quick and decisive, without a trace of regret.

"Bang!" The door slammed shut, completely shutting out Old Master Chen, whose face was ashen as if he had just attended his own funeral, Chen Yifeng, who exuded a chilling murderous aura and a sense of defeat, and the two guards who stood at a distance, looking at each other and not daring to breathe.

Inside the door, Zeng Long's languid and playful expression vanished instantly, replaced by a cold and deep gaze, like a deep, icy pool.

He walked to the window and watched the black sedan below slowly drive away as if fleeing, a cold and sharp smile curving his lips.

An apology? Forgiveness? It's nothing more than a precise, ruthless, and efficient harvesting of the losers by the victors.

This seemingly concluded game may just be the beginning of his grand scheme.

He wants to build his own force, for the future return of his brothers, and for himself.

The murderous intent that was almost solidified in Chen Yifeng's eyes at the end did not seem like it would be easily extinguished.

But so what? Zeng Long turned around, curled up back into the sofa, and picked up a book with the cover of "Advanced Mathematics" (with the latest issue of "Light Weapons" tucked inside).

He'd meet force with force and water with earth. He was actually quite looking forward to seeing what tricks the other side would pull next. After all, wouldn't life be incredibly boring if it were always too "peaceful"?