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

Luo Haoran turned his head and looked at Zeng Linglong's face, which was so close to his, with a warm, genuine smile that seemed to be the "sincere" smile of long-lost brothers reunited.

For the first time, he felt a sense of absurdity, a feeling that was both beyond his ability to criticize and yet impossible to ignore.

Best Actor!

This is absolutely the best of the best!

This acting, this improvisation, this shamelessness... it's simply unparalleled!

Luo Haoran has been in the industry for so many years and is known for his shrewdness and superb acting skills. He considers himself a master in this field.

Unexpectedly, Zeng Linglong in front of him was not only more ruthless and cunning than him, but also far superior in his acting and shamelessness!

In those fractions of a second that Luo Haoran's mind raced, weighing the pros and cons and contemplating how to gracefully break the deadlock without losing points—

Zeng Linglong had already "kidnapped" him and brought him to the main table without saying a word.

"See that, Young Master Luo!"

Zeng Linglong released his grip on his neck, then patted his back very naturally, pointing to the conspicuous red wine glass on the table and the bottle of 53-degree Moutai next to it, explaining in a "sincere" tone:

"Young Master Kong came with utmost sincerity just now!"

"He offered a toast... but with this... He pointed to a wine glass, and filled it to the brim!"

"He didn't say... he toasted me with red wine!"

Zeng Linglong blinked, giving him a knowing look.

"So it's because of our 'brotherly' relationship..."

"Isn't it unnecessary to go to such lengths like this?"

One pitfall after another! A series of traps!

This has a profound double meaning:

First: If you don't acknowledge the "brotherly" relationship I'm talking about, then fine, let's handle this strictly as a business.

Just like Kong Zhuo, you should choose a red wine glass, fill it with strong liquor, and let's both drink it down!

Whether someone is an enemy or a friend, the truth will be revealed over drinks!

Secondly: If you are "sensible" and acknowledge this "brotherly" relationship, then we can simply express our feelings and there's no need for toasts... or anything like that.

A series of "pitfalls" left Luo Haoran no way out or time to think and maneuver!

Meanwhile, our young master Luo caught a glimpse of that astonishingly large wine glass out of the corner of his eye, and then imagined the terrifying scene if it were filled with 53-proof liquor...

My stomach was already starting to churn, and I was internally cursing everything:

Am I fucking insane?!

I'm just here to check things out, make myself known, and maybe maybe gain some goodwill!

Is it really necessary to play this hard, to go to such lengths?!

"Young Master Luo, please—"

Before he could even process the information, Zeng Linglong had already brought over a "prestigious" dining chair just like the one Kong Zhuo had!

With a "clatter," it was placed to the right of his seat—symmetrical to Kong Zhuo on his left.

Then, he personally picked up two wine glasses, poured a shallow layer of red wine into them, placed one glass on the table in front of Luo Haoran, and took the other glass himself.

His words and actions were so smooth and his "service" was so warm and thoughtful that it was flawless and genuine!

Yet, it is full of hidden traps; the pit has been dug, just waiting for you to jump in!

First, its positioning is clear and assertive:

You are "my brother". The moment we met, I gave you the highest level of welcome with a "neck hug". Now I'm personally moving your seat and pouring you drinks to give you face and solidify our "close" relationship.

Secondly, the explanation is reasonable and "thoughtful":

Since we're brothers, we should treat each other like family and not drink excessively like we would with outsiders.

This way, they both saved face and avoided the awkwardness of "forcing someone you don't know to drink with you."

Furthermore, it contains a veiled meaning and carries a clear warning:

It's a suggestion that you'd better be "sensible".

If things really fall apart, the consequences... won't be as simple as just downing a big glass of liquor.

It's a blatant reminder:

Understand the situation clearly, and understand my attitude.

I've given you plenty of face, and I've paved the way for you.

Will the future hold us as friend or foe?

The decision... is now in your hands.

Everything depends on your "choice," Luo Haoran.

Luo Haoran stared at the glass of "red wine" in front of him, which was barely enough to moisten his throat!

Looking at Zeng Linglong's "sincere" smile that makes one's teeth itch, one feels a bitter taste in one's mouth and a grievance that cannot be expressed.

But Luo Haoran is, after all, a man who has worked his way up in the world of fame and fortune and become a master.

Why would they give in so easily?

The gentle smile that had froze for a moment on his face quickly returned, even more radiant and sincere than before, as if he were truly moved by Zeng Linglong's "brotherly affection".

He elegantly raised his wine glass, as if it were a precious nectar.

"Young Master Long..."

His voice carried just the right amount of "emotion".

"Brother... I made a special trip to cancel several important meetings amidst my busy schedule to come and celebrate with you."

He leaned forward slightly, looking "earnestly" at Zeng Linglong:

"This favor..."

"Brother, I'll let you... owe me one for now."

His gaze swept across the entire room, and his smile deepened.

"These are all my brothers and sisters in the industry, they're all watching."

"Don't forget what comes next, okay?"

A brilliant counterattack! Equally ingenious and perfectly executed!

Digging a hole? Anyone can do that.

I first elevate my own position and use seniority to suppress others:

You call me brother? Fine! I'm older than you, so I'm your "older brother"! From now on, when we meet, I'll take the lead in seniority.

Another issue is the use of emotional blackmail, which solidifies the debt:

I canceled an "important meeting" for you and came all the way here; this is a huge favor!

You, Zeng Linglong, have already "owed" me a favor! What is this favor? When will it be repaid? How will it be repaid? The interpretation is up to me, but the "debt relationship" has been established.

Finally, it's publicly notarized, leaving no room for denial: With everyone present as witnesses, if you want to renege on your promise? You'll face public pressure first.

Looking at Luo Haoran's equally "sincere" smile and listening to his "heartfelt" words, Zeng Linglong understood.

However, his true intention was not to compete with Luo Haoran at this moment, but to achieve his initial goal.

What he wanted was that vague speculation from the outside world.

It is speculated that the relationship between the Luo family, Luo Haoran, and the Zeng family, Zeng Linglong, is extraordinary, and they may be on the same side.

And now, sitting next to him is Kong Zhuo from the Kong family, who is also "accompanying" him in celebrating his return.

This was the scheme he casually set up—an incredibly strong signal!

This sends a clear signal to all the prominent families and powerful groups in Beijing!

Zeng Linglong also picked up his wine glass, his smile unchanged, and even reached out his "claws" again to "affectionately" hug Luo Haoran's neck.

"Ran-ge—!"

He called out to her in a way that was incredibly natural and affectionate.

"Based on our shared destiny and the bond between us and our families..."

He raised his voice to make sure the person at the main table and the neighboring tables could hear him clearly.

"From now on... just say the word!"

"Brother, I... will help unconditionally!"

"Let's do it!"

The last sentence is the real... celestial being descending from the heavens, the ultimate finishing blow!

"A relationship and affection based on mutual support and shared destiny"?!

"Just say the word and I'll help you unconditionally"?!

This sounds like the ultimate expression of "deep brotherly affection".

But to Kong Zhuo, who had just been forced into the situation and was now listening intently with a slightly cold look in his eyes, it was nothing short of a thunderclap!

He and Luo Haoran were already potential and strongest rivals in the political arena. Countless games, contests, and even direct conflicts were inevitable in the future.

If... Zeng Linglong and Luo Haoran truly join forces and form a solid alliance...

The situation Kong Zhuo will face in the future will be extremely severe! The pressure will increase exponentially!

So... his only rational choice is to find a way to get closer to Zeng Linglong, at least to prevent him from completely siding with Luo Haoran!

At this moment, Zeng Linglong sat to his left, Kong Zhuo, who had been "forced" to stay, and to his right, Luo Haoran, who had been "recognized as a brother," while he himself sat comfortably in the center...

This situation...

In an instant, Kong Zhuo and Luo Haoran realized the truth almost simultaneously, and their eyes were filled with unprecedented solemnity and vigilance as they looked at Zeng Linglong!

high!

That's brilliant!

This wit, this shrewdness, this ruthless method of planning with ease...

It has far exceeded their initial estimates!

In a short while, a flamboyant performance, a glass of wine, and a few words were exchanged.

Zeng Linglong subtly created an atmosphere of...

The three kingdoms stood in a tripartite balance, mutually restraining each other, while he remained firmly seated on the fishing platform in this delicate situation!

"bite."

The two wine glasses touched gently, producing a crisp, soft sound.

Zeng Linglong and Luo Haoran exchanged a smile. One was radiant and sincere! The other was gentle and profound! They each finished their glass of red wine.

Though the wine was little, the sentiment was profound.

Zeng Linglong, the newly crowned "Young Master Long," used a banquet as his stage, employing a completely different, yet equally efficient, approach—

"Strong liquor won over" Kong Zhuo!

"Exaggerated family reunion" kidnaps Luo Haoran—

It demonstrated its terrifying tactics and aura, which combined strength and gentleness, were unpredictable and unfathomable, and had absolute core power.