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

Yan Fushan looked at his future grandson-in-law, who was speechless and unable to refute him after being choked by his "baby smile certificate," and felt even more smug. His "I am right" expression became even more pronounced.

Not only did he not stop, but he continued to "add insult to injury," his "kind" tone sending chills down one's spine:

"How about that? My dear grandson-in-law, you have nothing to say now, right? Facts speak louder than words, and the photos are irrefutable proof!"

As he spoke, he affectionately pulled Zeng Linglong's arm and pressed him down to sit in the chair next to him, as if they were already family.

"I think there's no time like the present! How about tomorrow... no, in the next few days, I'll arrange it! Let's have a grand and spectacular engagement ceremony for you two! It'll be a good celebration for both our families!"

"That's right! Old Yan is right!" General Liu and General Zhang immediately chimed in, joining forces to "assist" him.

General Liu patted Zeng Linglong on the shoulder, using a goading tone:

Xiaolong, it's just an engagement!

You've survived gunfire and countless battles overseas!

He never even flinched when facing the world's most ruthless enemy?

Are you afraid of this? Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you if they find out!

General Zhang nodded in agreement:

Exactly! A real man should be brave enough to take responsibility for his actions!

Since you agreed with a smile back then, you should now keep your promise!

Besides, Ru Ge is beautiful and capable; what makes her unworthy of you?

Zeng Linglong was utterly speechless as he listened to these "old sly... seniors" singing in unison.

These old guys are all incredibly cunning and adept at setting traps; their teamwork is flawless.

To be honest, given his intelligence and methods...

There are a hundred ways to cleverly reject or change the subject.

But the words caught in his throat. He couldn't bring himself to say them.

He knew perfectly well that if he refused outright at this moment...

It wasn't just a matter of offending Old Master Yan!

It would also embarrass his grandfather, Zeng Xu.

These two elderly men, who have lived a long and eventful life, will find themselves in an extremely awkward situation in front of so many old friends and colleagues.

More importantly... he remembered Yan Rugo.

I remember her holding lilies, her eyes filled with tears as she said, "May you return to the sea like a dragon."

I recall her words before she turned away, words as light as a vow yet as heavy as a thousand pounds: "I will... hold the sword hilt for you."

That strong-willed, proud, and passionate girl, if at this very moment, in front of her own grandfather and so many elders, were to have him publicly reject this engagement that had been tacitly accepted by both families and that she had silently upheld for so many years...

How humiliating and heartbreaking that would be for her? How deeply would the deep affection and grievances hidden beneath her pride hurt her?

He cannot simply indulge in his own vengeance and trample on her dignity and feelings.

In a flash, Zeng Linglong found a temporary, roundabout reason. He took a deep breath, his helpless expression vanishing, replaced by a rare seriousness and frankness.

He looked at Yan Fushan, his voice clear and earnest:

"Grandpa Yan, I understand your good intentions."

"However, if I may be frank, at this moment, before resolving a crucial matter, I... will not consider any personal feelings."

His gaze swept over all the old men in the hall, and his tone became serious:

"Because there's something else I absolutely must do, something I absolutely must investigate—find the mastermind behind the switch that happened right under my grandfather's nose when I was born!"

These words were like a bucket of ice water, instantly extinguishing the slightly playful atmosphere that had just begun.

Zeng Linglong's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling determination that penetrated to the bone:

"The grandfathers present here are all powerful figures with extensive connections. You should know this better than I do..."

"To be able to successfully switch my newborn baby in the capital of the Dragon Kingdom, within the Zeng family's prestigious status and under tight protection, and to do so for so many years, without being able to uncover any solid clues despite the efforts of all parties..."

He paused, his gaze sharp as a knife, and slowly uttered his conclusion:

"The power behind this is so immense, its plans so far-reaching, its methods so secretive, and its danger so high... that it probably far exceeds our initial imagination."

"This may be a personal grudge, but it's more like the prelude to a meticulously planned conspiracy targeting the Zeng family, and possibly even higher levels!"

"The great revenge remains unavenged, and the hidden dangers remain unresolved."

"If I indulge in romantic feelings at this time, it would not only be irresponsible to Ru Ge, but also put myself, the Zeng family, and even everything related to my future in unknown danger."

He looked at Yan Fushan again, his eyes sincere and firm:

"I hope Grandpa Yan can understand my predicament."

Zeng Linglong's words plunged the entire hall into a long, heavy silence.

The ease and "scheming" surrounding the engagement vanished instantly!

Instead, there is a sense of solemnity and gravity that touches upon the core secrets of the family and national security.

The smiles on the faces of the old men faded, and their eyes became deep and complex.

This matter is indeed the sharpest thorn in the hearts of everyone in the Zeng family.

General Liu took a deep breath, breaking the silence.

He understood that it was time to put today's most important issues on the table.

He exchanged a glance with Old Master Zeng, who was in the main seat, and the two nodded almost imperceptibly, reaching a tacit understanding.

Old Master Zeng's expression turned solemn, and he straightened his back, naturally exuding the authority that comes with long-held power.

He waved his hand dismissively, his voice steady and unquestionable:

"Zeng Yong, Zeng Sheng, you two stay. Xiao Long, stay too."

"The other disciples, including Teng Ao, may step down and rest for now."

The commands are concise and clear.

The Zeng family members, collateral relatives, and Teng Ao and others in the hall immediately realized that a very high-level secret meeting was about to take place.

No one asked any questions; they quickly and orderly left the hall, their movements clean and efficient.

"Squeak—"

The heavy mahogany hall door was gently closed from the outside by Zeng Xu's personal guards, making a dull sound.

Immediately afterwards, several light but steady footsteps sounded outside the door, then stopped—

The most reliable guards are in place, preventing any possible spying from inside or outside.

The light in the hall seemed to become more concentrated and heavier.

The atmosphere abruptly shifted from a family gathering to a top-level strategic meeting concerning the fate of the nation.

Old Liu stood up, walked to the center of the hall, his gaze first falling on Zeng Xu with respect, then fixing firmly on Zeng Linglong. His voice, each word carrying immense weight, echoed in the silent hall:

"Xiaolong, your return to the family is a joyous occasion. But today, General Zhang and I have come not only to offer our congratulations, but also to carry the solemn entrustment from the 'Inner Palace' and several other senior officers in the military."

He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts:

Originally, according to the initial preliminary plan, we hoped that you would take the lead as the "chief instructor" to serve the country and the military—

Secretly train and build an unprecedented, highly classified special operations force.

Once you have officially acknowledged your ancestry and your identity is completely secure, you will be directly appointed as the highest leader of this team.

At that time, your renowned "Dragon Return" squad, which commands respect overseas, will also serve as its core backbone and future leaders.

To fully integrate with this new force and form a true national weapon!

Old Liu's gaze deepened, carrying the weight of entrusting the world to someone else:

"Now that you have returned, and the true dragon of the Zeng family has returned to its rightful place, it is time to reveal the complete plan."

"Although you didn't grow up in the Zeng family, you must now know the ancestral precepts of the Zeng family, a family of generals for centuries—"

He looked at Zeng Rong, and Old Master Zeng continued in a deep, powerful voice: "Loyal and courageous, overcoming all obstacles!"