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

The core area of ​​Beijing.

The tranquil "Penglai Garden" clubhouse was brightly lit tonight.

It was heavily guarded yet elegant.

This is not a commercial area open to the public.

Rather, it is a private property under the Zhao family's name, mainly used for receiving important guests and holding family celebrations.

Their low profile and privileges are evident.

The 80th birthday banquet of Mr. Zhao was destined to be a microcosm of the power structure in Beijing.

At 7 p.m. sharp, guests began to arrive.

There were no spotlights chasing after them, only well-trained waiters moving about silently.

And the air is filled with the faint scent of sandalwood and fine champagne.

The first to arrive were Mr. Chen and his eldest son (Chen Yifeng's father).

Accompanying them were Mr. Liu and his eldest son (who is the head of a state-owned enterprise).

The Chen and Liu families were longtime friends and staunch political allies.

The very act of arriving together proclaims a certain power.

Chen Yifeng followed behind his father and grandfather.

He wore a well-tailored dark blue suit, and his gaze behind the gold-rimmed glasses was calm and reserved.

He exchanged polite greetings with several uncles and elders he knew.

His words were appropriate, and he adopted a very humble attitude.

This fully demonstrates that the Chen family has worthy successors.

"Brother Zhao is in excellent health; he's a role model for us all!"

Old Master Chen's voice was booming as he shook hands with Zhao Bo'an, the eldest son of the Zhao family, who came to greet him.

Zhao Bo'an was about fifty years old.

He possesses a refined and composed demeanor and holds a key position in a crucial ministry.

As a key figure in the second generation of the Zhao family, he responded with a smile:

"Uncle Chen and Uncle Liu, your presence is an honor to my father. Please come in."

Immediately afterwards, Grandpa Zeng and Grandpa Yan arrived side by side.

The two elderly people have already retired.

But his upright posture, honed through his military career and political composure—

His imposing presence, even without anger, instantly attracted a lot of attention.

Zeng Sheng, his wife He Jing, and Yan Ruge's parents followed closely behind.

He Jing dressed up specially today.

Although she still looks thin, her spirits have improved significantly.

She held her husband's arm, trying her best to maintain a composed smile.

Yan Ruge wore a moon-white modified cheongsam.

She was as pure and aloof as an orchid, quietly following her parents.

Her appearance drew the attention of many talented young men.

This also includes Chen Yifeng, whose eyes flickered slightly.

"Where's Old Zhao? That old guy, putting on airs just for his birthday?"

Grandpa Zeng laughed heartily and patted Zhao Bo'an on the shoulder familiarly as they came to greet him.

"Uncle Zeng, Uncle Yan, you two have finally arrived! My father was just talking about you."

Zhao Bo'an's smile became much more sincere, clearly indicating a closer relationship with the Zeng and Yan families.

Just then, a slightly noisy burst of laughter came from above.

Grandpa Teng, supported by his eldest grandson Teng Ao, walked over with a ruddy complexion.

Grandpa Teng looked especially festive in his red Tang suit embroidered with the character "福" (fortune).

Behind him were Tengfei's parents and—

Dressed like a peacock spreading its tail feathers, Tengfei wore a bright white suit.

As soon as Tengfei entered, his eyes darted around, clearly searching for Zeng Lingyu.

"Hahahaha! Old Zhao! Congratulations! May you have boundless happiness and longevity!"

Grandpa Teng's voice was booming, carrying the boldness honed by his experience navigating the turbulent business world.

"I just got off the plane overseas and rushed over. I'm not late, am I?"

"Brother Teng! Your presence is the greatest honor you can bestow upon me!"

At this moment, Old Master Zhao finally spoke with his second son, Zhao Zhongping—

Accompanied by his eldest grandson Zhao Yuanzhou, he came out from the inner room.

Grandpa Zhao was also dressed in a red Tang suit.

He was in high spirits, his gaze sweeping across the entire room, exuding an understated yet authoritative aura.

Zhao Yuanzhou was in his early thirties.

He is handsome and has a calm and capable demeanor.

He works in a core policy research office and is considered the leading figure of the third generation of the Zhao family.

He followed behind his grandfather with a smile—

His gaze met that of many of his peers present, and he nodded in greeting, demonstrating excellent tact.

The arrival of the Teng family immediately made the atmosphere in the room even more complicated.

Teng Ao loosened his grandfather's hand.

He calmly shook hands and greeted Zhao Bo'an, Zhao Zhongping, and Zhao Yuanzhou one by one.

His words were sincere, and his demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant.

"Congratulations, Minister Zhao, Director Zhao, and Brother Yuanzhou."

Zhao Bo'an smiled and said:

"President Teng is young and promising. I heard that he has been making big moves ever since he returned."

"I dare not accept such praise. I am merely helping with some household chores. Compared to the efforts that Minister Zhao makes for the country, it is nothing to mention."

Teng Ao handled the situation appropriately.

Tengfei pushed his way to the front and shouted:

"Grandpa Zhao! Happy birthday! May you have many more birthdays to come!"

Although the words were commonplace, their sincerity and earnestness made Old Master Zhao laugh heartily.

"Good, good, good! Tengfei, you're still so energetic!"

Chen Yifeng also walked over at this moment, smiling as he said to Old Master Teng:

"Hello, Grandpa Teng."

Then he looked at Teng Ao and said, "President Teng, congratulations on your triumphant return."

Teng Ao smiled faintly and shook hands with him:

"Young Master Chen, congratulations! I heard Chen's stock price has hit a new high again?"

When the two shook hands, their eyes met, and it was as if a subtle spark of electricity flashed between them.

The birthday banquet combined a Chinese buffet with round tables to facilitate interaction among guests.

Soon, the crowd naturally formed several small circles.

Next to the main table:

Grandpa Zhao, Grandpa Zeng, Grandpa Yan, Grandpa Chen, Grandpa Liu, and Grandpa Teng sat together.

The conversation ranged from the glorious past to the country's current development.

Grandpa Teng took a sip of tea:

Things are so much better now! Back then, doing business was truly a difficult and arduous journey.

Unlike now, when policies are favorable and the environment is good.

Take our Teng family's small business, for example. If it weren't for the government's support, how could it have developed to where it is today?

The military has given us tremendous trust and support, especially in the area of ​​drones!

Old Master Chen smiled slightly:

Brother Teng, you are too modest. The Teng family's industrial endeavors serve the country, and their achievements are evident to all.

However, as companies grow larger, their social responsibilities also become heavier.

Especially in areas involving national security and cutting-edge technology.

We must be more cautious, proceed step by step, and comply with the regulations.

This was a veiled criticism that the Teng family's expansion was too rapid and needed to be restrained.

Old Master Liu chimed in:

Old Chen is right. Rules are very important; without rules, nothing can be accomplished.

Old Master Zeng snorted:

Rules are rules, but people are flexible!

I think Tencent's drones are pretty good!

I even took a look at it during the last exercise, and its performance is excellent!

This is a real contribution!

It's much better than some people who only talk the talk and play the game with capital!

Old Zeng clearly favored the Teng family and was also subtly mocking the Chen family.

Grandpa Yan smoothed things over:

Alright, alright, today is Old Zhao's birthday, let's not talk about official business, let's just reminisce about old times.

But then again, the kids are all grown up now, so it's time for us old folks to enjoy our retirement.

Just like Ru Ge and that kid from the Zeng family... Sigh, I hope that child comes back soon.

The topic was cleverly diverted, but the old men had different thoughts.

On the other side:

Zhao Bo'an, Zeng Sheng, Yan's father, Chen's father, Liu's father, Teng's father, and others gathered together.

The topics are more relevant to reality.

Zhao Bo'an said to Teng's father:

"Chairman Teng, I heard that the group has recently encountered some local policy issues with its logistics hubs in Southeast Asia?"

Teng's father:

"Yes, there have been some minor setbacks, but we are actively communicating with them. Thank you for your concern, Director Zhao."

Teng's father knew perfectly well that Zhao Bo'an was testing the waters, or perhaps it was a way of giving a warning.

Mr. Chen seemingly casually picked up the conversation:

"Overseas investment is quite risky; one must thoroughly understand geopolitics and laws and regulations."

"If necessary, you can consult with the relevant authorities."

Chen's father was implying the resources he controlled.

Teng's father smiled and said:

"Absolutely. The Teng family has always operated in accordance with the law, and we believe that the country will provide support and guidance to companies like ours that are going global."

Zeng Sheng changed the subject:

"By the way, a new round of policy guidelines to encourage technological innovation will be released soon."

"Brother Bo'an should know this quite well, right?"

Zhao Bo'an's answer was watertight:

"It's still in the discussion stage. The direction is good, but the specific details need to be fully demonstrated."

Their conversation, though seemingly ordinary, was full of subtle wit, exchanging information and testing each other's limits.

The younger generation is more active.

Yan Rugo and Zeng Lingyu were soon surrounded by a group of girlfriends and suitors.

Zeng Lingyu did exactly as planned—

"Reluctantly" allowed Tengfei to stay by his side.

Occasionally, she would even show a hint of dependence, which made Tengfei feel flattered.

He glared even more arrogantly at every male creature that tried to approach, especially Chen Yifeng.

Chen Yifeng did not rush to approach Yan Ruge.

Instead, it was with Zhao Yuanzhou—

They chatted happily with several other young members of families like the Zhao and Liu families who were also developing within the system.

The content covers macroeconomics and international affairs, showcasing the author's knowledge and vision.

Zhao Yuanzhou said to Chen Yifeng:

"What is Yifeng's view on the current economic restructuring? Your Chen family is involved in a wide range of fields, so you should have a deeper understanding of it."

Chen Yifeng spoke eloquently:

Indeed, challenges and opportunities coexist.

"Traditional industries need transformation and upgrading, while emerging industries need precise investment and policy guidance."

"For example, in the field of smart chips, the investment is huge, but it is related to future competitiveness, so we must make strategic plans."

After he finished speaking, he glanced at Teng Ao, who was not far away.

The Liu family members, in coordination with Chen Yifeng, said:

"Yes, I'm worried that some companies will expand blindly."

"The business has expanded too much, and the funding and technological accumulation cannot keep up."

"In the end, it became a risk point."

Just then, Teng Ao walked over with a glass of wine and happened to overhear the last few sentences.

Teng Ao's calm and composed interface:

"Brother Liu is right."

"Therefore, Tengjia has always insisted on prioritizing R&D investment and never engages in blind expansion."

"Our chip project."

"Although the initial investment was large, every step was rigorously studied and proven."

"And we have established deep partnerships with top domestic universities and research institutions."

"We recently broke through a key design bottleneck, and the military's acceptance evaluation was very high."

Tenga directly flexed its muscles to refute the risk argument.

"It is the short-term fluctuations in the capital market that require more vigilance against the risk of a bubble."

This implies that there may be a bubble in Chen's stock price.

Chen Yifeng smiled slightly:

Mr. Teng is right.

"Real industry is fundamental."

"However, in the modern economy, financial capital is also an important force driving the development of real industries."

"How to strike a balance is a test of the helmsman's wisdom."

Chen Yifeng was implying that the Teng family was unbalanced in their studies and lacked financial acumen.

Teng Ao raised his glass and took a sip of red wine:

"Therefore, it is even more necessary for everyone to perform their duties and for professionals to do professional things."

"Tengjia focuses on making good products, and naturally has professional partners in the financial market."

"For example, in this European acquisition, several top international investment banks gave it the highest rating."

"Cooperation leads to mutual benefit."

He was implying the Teng family's recognition in the international capital market.

The two engaged in a heated exchange, which silenced everyone around them.

Zhao Yuanzhou listened with a smile, nodding occasionally, without offering any opinions, but taking everything in.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Yan Ruge gave Zeng Lingyu a wink.

Zeng Lingyu understood and gently tugged at Tengfei's sleeve.

He complained in a low voice.

But the sound was just loud enough for the people nearby to hear:

"Ugh, I'm so annoyed lately."

Tengfei immediately tensed up:

"Xiaoyu, what's wrong? Who upset you? Tell me!"

Zeng Lingyu frowned:

"It's that Li Rui again! He's like a persistent ghost!"

"It inexplicably appeared near my home again the day before yesterday."

"And his lackey Xiao Wei, he's just annoying! He must be..."

She didn't finish speaking, but her gaze "subconsciously" glanced in Chen Yifeng's direction.

Takeoff instantly bristled:

"It was Chen Yifeng again?! Damn it! I knew that kid was up to no good! Bro!"

He turned around and went to find Teng Ao.

After listening to his younger brother's angry account, Teng Ao's face darkened.

He patted Tengfei on the shoulder to calm him down.

Then his gaze turned sharply to Chen Yifeng.

Chen Yifeng felt the gaze and looked back calmly.

He even raised his glass in a gesture of greeting, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Just then, He Jing felt the time was right.

She was chatting with Zeng Sheng and several other ladies, her voice slightly raised, filled with relief and anticipation:

"...Yes, that's why I've been in a much better mood lately."

"After searching for so many years, that child Linglong..."

"Finally, a miracle! It seems like we've actually found a definite clue..."

A lady nearby was surprised:

"Really? Sister Jing! That's fantastic news!"

Zeng Sheng cooperated and said:

"Yes, there has been some progress, and we are still confirming it. But the prospects are very good."

He sighed, his tone heavy and sincere:

"This child has been wandering outside for so many years, enduring so much hardship..."

"As long as he can come back, that's more important than anything else."

"The two old men have always been concerned about his marriage to Ru Ge..."

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake!

Chen Yifeng's smile froze instantly.

Although it only took a fraction of a second to return to normal.

But the fingers holding the glass tightened slightly.

He glanced at Yan Rugo instinctively, only to see her looking at the Zeng couple—

Her profile showed just the right amount of shyness and anticipation.

His heart sank.

Tengfei's mouth dropped open; he was completely stunned.

"Ling...Ling Long-ge? He's coming back?"

He looked at Zeng Lingyu.

Suddenly, she realized what would happen if Zeng Linglong came back.

Xiaoyu will definitely devote all her attention and free time to her older brother!

How can I follow Xiaoyu around then?

It seems that his pursuit of Zeng Lingyu has also...

What should we do if Brother Linglong objects?

Isn't this like overcoming five obstacles and defeating six generals?

He immediately deflated like a punctured balloon.

A great surprise flashed in Teng Ao's eyes, followed by deep thought.

He quickly glanced at Yan Rugo and Zeng Lingyu's calm expressions.

He glanced at Chen Yifeng, whose expression had changed slightly, and his dejected younger brother, and instantly understood most of it!

What a brilliant move to "cut off the fuel supply"!

This is very likely a smokescreen put out by the Zeng family, or rather, by those two girls.

The purpose was to give Chen Yifeng and Tengfei a warning!

But he had to admit that, whether the news was true or false, the effect was immediate.

A playful smile curved his lips.

The look in her eyes as she looked at Chen Yifeng almost carried a hint of pity.

The surrounding guests.

Especially those who knew about the marriage agreement between the Zeng and Yan families—

Those who were also discussing Chen Yifeng and Tengfei's recent activities began to whisper among themselves.

His gaze swept back and forth between Chen Yifeng, Teng Fei, Yan Ruge, and Zeng Lingyu.

Zhao Yuanzhou raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

The old men at the main table seemed to have heard the commotion as well.

Grandpa Zeng and Grandpa Yan exchanged a glance.

He smiled with relief, tacitly accepting the news.

Old Master Chen's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes seemed more profound.

Grandpa Teng laughed heartily:

"Great news, Lao Zeng! We'll have to throw a big banquet to celebrate!"

The atmosphere became increasingly subtle in the latter half of the birthday banquet.

Chen Yifeng maintained his composure.

But they were noticeably quieter.

When he occasionally talked to Yan Ruge, he appeared more restrained and cautious.

His meticulously planned strategy was disrupted by this sudden "variable" and needs to be reassessed.

Tengfei, on the other hand, completely withered.

Following behind Zeng Lingyu, he was no longer as arrogant as before, and his eyes were complicated.

Teng Ao became even more active.

He chatted with Zhao Yuanzhou, and even with the younger generation of the Liu and Chen families!

She spoke on a wide range of topics and remained composed, seemingly unaffected by her brother or the news.

It seems more like they're taking the opportunity to expand their network and observe the situation.

Yan Rugo and Zeng Lingyu breathed a sigh of relief; the plan was going even more smoothly than expected.

They moved discreetly among the guests, enjoying a brief moment of peace and quiet.

The birthday banquet ended with everyone seemingly enjoying themselves.

The guests took their leave one after another, but everyone's heart was filled with turmoil.

Grandpa Zhao personally escorted his old friends to the door.

Holding the hands of Grandpa Zeng and Grandpa Yan, he whispered:

"If you need any help with the children's affairs, please don't hesitate to ask."

He then said to Grandpa Teng:

"Brother Teng, as your business grows, you must proceed with caution and prudence."

Finally, he smiled at Old Master Chen and Old Master Liu and said:

"It's good for young people to have competition, but they shouldn't forget the bigger picture."

The convoy slowly drove away from Penglai Garden.

Chen Yifeng sat in the car, his face gloomy as he watched the neon lights flashing past the window.

He instructed the assistant in the front row:

"Investigate immediately on the Zeng family's progress in searching for Zeng Linglong. What stage has it reached? I need the most detailed information!"

In the other car, Tengfei hung his head.

"Brother... if Brother Linglong really comes back..."

Teng Ao closed his eyes to rest, and said calmly:

"What if I come back? What if I don't?"

"Your brain... Today's incident was probably orchestrated by those two girls to give Chen Yifeng a warning; you were just an afterthought."

"but…"

He opened his eyes, a sharp glint in them:

"The Zeng family has been searching for so many years, and it's not necessarily unfounded for them to suddenly release this kind of news."

"The waters of this capital city are getting muddier and muddier."

"You better behave yourself and stop being used as a pawn!"

"As for Zeng Lingyu... she's yours, she can't escape."

"What's not yours, you can't force it."

"Now, focus on dealing with Chen Yifeng's next move. He's been thwarted and he won't give up easily."

In the Zeng family's car, He Jing leaned on her husband's shoulder.

Although exhausted, there was a long-lost gleam in his eyes:

"Brother Sheng, do you think... what we just said might have..."

Zeng Sheng patted her hand:

"It's alright. This is also to protect Ru Ge and Ling Yu, and to deter some people. Besides..."

His tone was firm:

"I believe Linglong will definitely be found."

Yan Rugo and Zeng Lingyu sat in another car and smiled at each other.

Zeng Lingyu held Yan Rugo's arm:

"Sister Ruge, it's a success! Look at Chen Yifeng and Tengfei!"

"Well, we can have some peace and quiet for now. However, Teng Ao seems to have figured it out."

"Huh? What should we do then?"

"It's alright, it's even better that he figured it out. Teng Ao is a smart man, he knows the pros and cons."

"At least, he will no longer let Tengfei act recklessly, and may even be more wary of Chen Yifeng because of it."

"Our goal has been achieved."

The night in Beijing remains as vibrant and dazzling as ever.

However, beneath the surface of calm following the birthday banquet at Penglai Garden, the power struggle among various factions entered a new phase.

The clues to Zeng Linglong's whereabouts are unclear, leaving Chen Yifeng frustrated and unwilling to accept defeat.

Teng Ao's calm and collected observation, and the seemingly unintentional yet turbulent schemes of the two girls.

All of this foreshadows an even more complex and intricate story to come.

The Zhao family, a family deeply versed in the ways of politics.

It continues to maintain its detached yet omnipresent influence, quietly observing everything.