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

At Jingqing University, the afternoon sun shines through sparse clouds, casting a warm and languid glow on the tranquil campus.

Zeng Long was completely unaware of the pipeline repairs taking place in the Middle East that were shaking the world!

His focus these past few days seems to have temporarily shifted away from the treacherous covert battles and massive business plans!

She devoted more time to the academic atmosphere on campus and... sorting out certain personal feelings.

At this moment, he and Yan Rugo were sitting side by side by a secluded artificial pond on campus.

The weeping willows cast swaying green shadows on the water's surface, and a few water birds leisurely glide by, creating ripples.

Zeng Long listened most of the time, occasionally asking questions, and the topic always revolved around the Zeng family, which he found both familiar and unfamiliar.

"Tell me more... about my grandfather, what kind of person was he? And my father, what were they like usually?"

Zeng Long's voice was calm, but deep in his eyes, there was a subtle search and... a kind of hesitation, like being apprehensive about returning home.

Yan Ruge tilted her head, looking at Zeng Long's strong profile, and patiently described in detail everything she knew about Grandpa Zeng Rong, General Zeng Sheng, and Aunt He Jing.

She couldn't help but chuckle, especially when she talked about the scene of the two old men playing chess:

"Your grandpa and my grandpa were like two old children! Every time they played chess, they would argue until their faces turned red, they would slam their fists on the table, glare at each other, their beards would stand on end in anger, and they looked like they wanted to overturn the chessboard!"

Upon hearing this, Zeng Long's lips unconsciously curled into a rare, warm smile. He jokingly asked, "Oh? So, who usually wins and who loses when they argue?"

Yan Ruge rolled her eyes elegantly, clearly annoyed.

"How would I know! Every time they play chess, it's like they're having some kind of secret meeting. They keep all of us younger ones far away. Even your sister Xiaoyu doesn't dare to stay nearby, for fear of being caught in the crossfire of their 'battle'."

After speaking, she straightened up, looked at Zeng Long with a serious and direct gaze, and finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind for a long time:

"Speaking of which... Zeng Long, why are you still unwilling to formally acknowledge your origins and return to the Zeng family to be recognized as your ancestors? I can see that your uncles, aunts, and great-grandfather are all hoping for your return."

Zeng Long was silent for a moment, then bent down and picked up a flat stone from the shore. He stood up, flicked his wrist, and the stone flew out with a clever force, skipping lightly across the water's surface, "splash...splash...splash...", creating a series of beautiful skips.

His gaze followed the leaping stone fragments, as if examining the equally turbulent waves within his own heart through the spreading ripples.

His voice was deep, as if he were answering Yan Rugo, but also as if he were dissecting his own confused inner world:

"I don't know why... Perhaps it's because this family bond is too heavy, and the eighteen years of separation are too hard to let go of."

The stone finally sank to the bottom of the water, exhausted. He looked away, his eyes somewhat vacant.

"Whenever I think about pushing open that door and returning to the place that should belong to me, those eighteen years of hardship and loneliness are like invisible shackles, binding my body and leaving me... in a dilemma."

He paused, his tone carrying a complex and unspoken meaning:

I know... my family, they are all caring for me in a very careful way, and I can clearly feel their guilt and their love.

Perhaps... she's waiting to finish all the things she needs to do at hand?

Or perhaps...

He exhaled softly:

"Deep down in my heart, in a place I don't even fully understand myself, I'm waiting for the right time? A time when I can completely convince myself and let go of all my burdens."

Yan Rugo also stood up. She tilted her head slightly, her clear eyes fixed on Zeng Long, filled with a girlish persistence and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness, as she pressed for an answer:

"Then... if you really acknowledge your ancestors and become the real 'Zeng Linglong' again, then what do you plan to do about our relationship? Your grandfather and my grandfather will absolutely not let go of this marriage."

Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she tried her best to make her tone sound self-righteous:

"Besides, I've wasted over ten years waiting for that 'Zeng Linglong,' and I often took the blame for him when we were kids. How do you plan to repay that debt?"

Zeng Long turned his head and looked at Yan Rugo's pretty face, which was both coquettish and extremely serious. His wicked, slightly mischievous smile reappeared on his face, and he deliberately drew out his words:

"Well... then you'll have to settle accounts with that 'Zeng Linglong.' I'm Zeng Long, don't bother me! Hahaha..."

After saying that, he turned around with a triumphant laugh, as if to leave.

"You...!" Yan Ruge was furious. She pointed her slender finger at Zeng Long's retreating figure and stomped her foot. "Zeng Long! You cheated!"

Although Zeng Long changed the subject by "playing dirty," Yan Ruge could sense that Zeng Long's defenses were gradually loosening in the gentle breeze and conversation by the pool.

He seems to be slowly trying to reach out to and understand the family he has been absent from for eighteen years.

In the past few days, she has spent almost every day with Zeng Long, and she has come to feel more deeply the complexity and charm of this man.

He possesses not only astonishing knowledge of economics and finance but also unfathomable practical skills!

It also has a mysterious and heavy past!

What she found most irresistible was his personal charm, a blend of gentlemanly manners, occasional roguishness, and an absolute sense of security and strong self-confidence.

This made her feel like she was falling deeper and deeper into it, and a feeling called infatuation was growing wildly in her heart.

But she was also acutely aware that Zeng Long, in his current state, would not give her any clear answers.

What are his thoughts on his past, his future plans, and their arranged marriage by their elders?

He was like a breeze, making her feel sometimes close and sometimes distant.

Perhaps the more she learned about him, the thicker his veil of mystery seemed, making her both want to explore and feel apprehensive.

Watching Zeng Long's retreating figure, Yan Ruge quickly jogged after him.

Once she gets close to him, she finds that the aloof exterior she habitually maintains in front of others automatically melts away.

At this moment, she was not like the talented and aloof Yan family daughter in everyone's eyes, but more like a lively and nimble sparrow, unable to resist circling around Zeng Long.

She loved the clean, refreshing scent of him, which carried a faint hint of sunshine, and she craved the sense of security and comfort he brought her.

His gentlemanly manners and his slightly roguish smile and behavior made her heart race, and her cold personality unconsciously became vivid and lively in front of him.

Just then, a clear, slightly gossipy voice called out from behind them:

"Brother Long! Sister Ruge! What are you doing here?"

Zeng Long and Yan Ruge turned around at the same time and saw Zeng Lingyu running over like a happy little deer, slightly out of breath, her big eyes darting around them with a mischievous glint.

"I saw you two from far away. What are you chatting about here?" Xiaoyu asked with a grin, her tone full of inquiry.

Zeng Long subconsciously touched the bridge of his nose, somewhat embarrassed, avoiding his sister's intense gaze, and mumbled:

"We didn't talk about much, just some... academic questions."

Zeng Lingyu immediately put on a "I don't believe you" expression, then affectionately took Yan Ruge's arm and said to Zeng Long:

"Brother Long, you have to be nice to Sister Ruge! Sister Ruge and I grew up together. She's such a kind person, and she often visits Mom and keeps her company!"

Upon hearing this, Zeng Long's embarrassment deepened. This girl's hints were far too obvious.

She must have already heard from her mother, He Jing, about moving to the villa; she's deliberately testing his attitude.

Seeing that Zeng Long remained silent, Xiao Yu's eyes darted around, and she immediately seized the opportunity, saying in a hopeful tone:

"Brother Long, I heard you moved to a big villa? The environment must be really nice! When would be a good time... to take us for a tour?"

She emphasized the word "we," her gaze sweeping back and forth between Zeng Long and Yan Rugo.

"Huh? Together?" Zeng Long was suddenly at a loss and subconsciously glanced at Yan Ruge next to him.

Anna is still living in the villa. If all of that were to happen, the scene... he simply couldn't imagine it.

However, looking into his younger sister's expectant, bright eyes, Zeng Long's latent "sister-protecting maniac" instincts kicked in instantly, and his heart softened. He could only nod reluctantly, "...Okay, when I have time."

Yan Rugo hadn't fully grasped the situation yet. She looked at Xiaoyu and changed the subject, asking:

"Why are you all alone? Where's your ever-present 'protector of flowers,' Tengfei?"

"Him!" Zeng Lingyu breathed a sigh of relief, seemingly finally rid of that little tail:

I've finally had some peace and quiet these past few days! Tengfei was conscripted by his brother Teng Ao and taken home!

I heard that their house is now very popular, with a constant stream of important people visiting. Brother Teng Ao is so busy that he called Teng Fei back to help, saying that it would broaden his horizons and give him some experience.

Upon hearing this, Yan Ruge looked at Zeng Long thoughtfully, her tone carrying a hint of teasing and reminder:

Look at you, having Young Master Teng manage such a huge operation for you and act as your spokesperson, you should at least help him find some capable assistants.

Now look what's happened! They've even conscripted someone's own younger brother into the army. Teng Ao probably won't even have time to sleep anymore.

Zeng Long rolled his eyes helplessly and explained:

"You make it sound so easy. You all know that the companies and projects I'm setting up are currently in a highly confidential phase, involving substantial funds and complex plans. Do you think I can just send anyone in?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a sudden inspiration struck Zeng Long. He looked intently at his younger sister, and an idea popped into his head:

"That's right! Xiaoyu, aren't you also studying economics? How about... you come and help me? Brother Long, I'll arrange a branch office general manager position for you, so you can gain some experience first!"

"Me...?" Zeng Lingyu pointed to herself in surprise, then shook her head vigorously.

"I can't do it! I hate dealing with those people in this industry. They're all shrewd and calculating, only knowing how to exchange benefits. It's exhausting!"

She abruptly changed the subject, immediately pushing Yan Rugo forward and saying with sparkling eyes:

You could ask Sister Ru Ge! Sister Ru Ge is a recognized talented woman in our circle and at Beijing University of Technology! Her abilities are beyond question!

Moreover, she is Grandpa Yan's beloved granddaughter. With her involvement, she can definitely help Brother Teng Ao suppress all kinds of pressure and probing from within the industry!

Upon hearing this, Yan Ruge's heart skipped a beat, and her beautiful eyes immediately turned to Zeng Long with eagerness and anticipation.

This opportunity not only allows you to get closer to his career and understand his world, but it is also an excellent way to prove your own worth and forge a deeper connection with him.

Looking at Yan Rugo's undisguised expectant eyes, Zeng Long began to think seriously. Considering her abilities, background, and trustworthiness, Yan Rugo was indeed the best candidate to assist Teng Ao in dealing with various forces.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze calm yet solemn, then looked at Yan Rugo and asked:

"Are you... willing to temporarily put aside your school affairs to assist Teng Ao and help deal with the current situation?"

"Of course Sister Ruge is willing!" Before Yan Ruge could answer, Zeng Lingyu had already eagerly agreed on her behalf, her face beaming with an excited smile that seemed to have facilitated the good thing.

A gentle breeze swept by the pond, carrying the warmth of early summer and the fragrance of green grass.

Zeng Long's heart seemed to have quietly opened a crack again, nourished by family affection and surrounded by the lively young girl in front of him.

And new intersections and stories are about to quietly unfold in this seemingly peaceful corner of the campus.