Chapter 151: Reconnaissance Mission

“What is this? An armed group?” Zhuge Taxue was the first to show a look of shock. To someone like her, an ordinary person, the military or armed groups were entities completely beyond her reach.

Although Zhuge Taxue was naturally curious, she had always kept a respectful distance from matters clearly beyond her capability. After all, she was just the owner’s wife of a teahouse in a remote area. While she had some geeky skills, such abilities were common among countless others across the country and the world.

If it weren’t for the chance rescue by Guo Yunhai years ago, she might never have met anyone connected to the military in her entire life. But then again, if she hadn’t known Guo Yunhai, she might have vanished mysteriously or become mentally incapacitated like the other hackers who infiltrated the Virtual Company’s network. In that sense, it was a blessing in disguise, and she owed gratitude to Dong Xin for that.

However, what lay ahead was an entirely different matter. Dong Xin had mentioned an armed group! She was just an unarmed girl. Even if she wanted to repay Dong Xin’s kindness, she could do it in other ways. When it came to dealing with an armed group, she was no different from a helpless bystander. Helping was out of the question; being a burden would be fortunate enough.

It wasn’t just Zhuge Taxue who thought this way; Chen Hao shared the same sentiment. Despite his distinguished family background—his father having connections with state leaders and military officials—those were his father’s affairs. Chen Hao had never been involved.

Frankly, Chen Hao considered himself a privileged rich kid, maybe not a playboy, but never partaking in the family business or assisting his father. Since graduating, he had joined the Virtual Company, having nothing to do with his family’s influence. As for the armed group infiltrating, even his father probably had no authority over it.

Among the three in the car’s backseat, only Guo Yunhai likely had the authority or training to handle such matters. Sending ordinary civilians like themselves to face an armed group infiltration sent chills down Chen Hao’s spine.

Moreover, Chen Hao was not alone in Crystal. Accompanying him were two girls: a foster sister he had grown up with, and his sister’s best friend who was also his childhood sweetheart, current girlfriend, and future wife.

Even if he were willing to risk his life accompanying Dong Xin on the reconnaissance mission, what about the two girls? Could he just abandon their safety? Chen Hao knew he could never do that.

He wasn’t so self-sacrificing as to risk everything, but if their safety was guaranteed, helping out would be acceptable. Without such assurance, he would never leave them behind, especially knowing that an armed group was involved.

Everyone knew the armed group Dong Xin mentioned was likely targeting the buildings within Crystal Forest. Perhaps it was a premeditated plan or a sudden decision after hearing about the heavy damage to the defenses surrounding the structures.

Their target might have nothing to do with the townsfolk of Crystal, but there was no guarantee they wouldn’t resort to kidnapping or hostage threats. That was why Old Master Guo instructed Dong Xin to investigate quietly without rash actions.

Just as Chen Hao and Zhuge Taxue were pondering their next steps, Guo Yunhai’s phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, Guo Yunhai’s expression changed immediately. He signaled everyone to be quiet, cleared his throat, and answered respectfully, “Hello, Grandfather!”

Chen Hao’s heart sank. It was Old Master Guo calling, probably related to the mission he had assigned Dong Xin earlier.

“Yes, yes,” Guo Yunhai responded respectfully. “He’s with me now. Dong Xin is here as well, along with another friend.”

“Correct. Dong Xin has given a rough briefing on the situation. We’re heading to the safe house. His two female companions have already been arranged to stay there.”

“What? You want me to... Are you sure... but...”

“Understood! I will complete the task! Goodbye, Chief!”

The call ended abruptly. From the conversation, it seemed Old Master Guo had assigned another mission, and intriguingly, it involved Chen Hao, Gu Mengyan, and Fan Yirou. Without his father’s connections, Old Master Guo might not have even inquired.

“What did the old man say? Another new mission for you?” Chen Hao asked casually.

Guo Yunhai nodded. “Yes. He instructed me to protect Taxue and your two companions. He also asked me to convey your father’s orders: you are to accompany Dong Xin on the reconnaissance mission.”

“What?!” Chen Hao was astonished. “I can understand you protecting Taxue, but you protecting Mengyan and Yirou? And me helping Dong Xin? Are you sure the assignments weren’t mixed up? Maybe you heard wrong?”

Guo Yunhai nodded confidently. “Absolutely not! It’s strange to me too. I think it makes more sense for you to protect the three of them and for me to assist Dong Xin in reconnaissance.”

“After all, your skills are stronger than mine. Using those skills for protection is most suitable. But reconnaissance isn’t just about combat prowess. You need training and knowledge to grasp the basics. If you went in like this, I doubt you wouldn’t expose yourself immediately…”

Seeing Chen Hao’s growing displeasure, Guo Yunhai hurried to clarify, “Of course, I’m not belittling or mocking you. Just discussing successful mission completion rates—no offense intended.”

“Ahem,” Chen Hao waved his hand dismissively. “Alright, no need to explain. I get it. Are you sure Old Master Guo said it was your father who wanted me to accompany Dong Xin on the reconnaissance? Not someone else?”

“Yes,” Guo Yunhai replied seriously. “Grandfather said so. I’m not mistaken. Don’t trust me? You can call your father yourself.”

Chen Hao smirked. “Better not. If I don’t call, I just get a mission I don’t understand. If I do call, who knows what crazy requests he’ll make? For my own sanity, I’ll just go along with it.”

“Um…”

“Alright, Dong Xin, how much longer until we arrive? At least let me explain things to Mengyan and Yirou first, then I’ll accompany you on the mission,” Chen Hao stretched and asked.

“Almost there,” Dong Xin replied. He glanced at Chen Hao’s calm expression in the rearview mirror—no sign of displeasure or excitement.

That serene look reminded Dong Xin of their past sparring sessions. Though Chen Hao always smiled during conversations, when they sparred, he dropped the grin and showed a serious face.

Thinking of this, Dong Xin felt a flicker of irritation. This brat had completely forgotten him. Was his strength really so insignificant? They had fought before, yet Chen Hao seemed to have erased him from memory, as if their encounters meant nothing.

But recalling how he had been defeated by Chen Hao in one move, perhaps that was true.

As for whether his looks left a lasting impression on Chen Hao… Dong Xin thought of the charming and lively Gu Mengyan and the cold, proud Fan Yirou. Compared to them, he was nothing.

Even more crushing was Zhuge Taxue, whom he had seen today for the first time in person. Though he had admired her photos before, seeing her beauty firsthand was a shock of a lifetime. Such a devastatingly gorgeous woman truly existed. Even Dong Xin, a woman herself, felt an urge to claim her.

Unfortunately… Zhuge Taxue was rumored to be a lesbian, shattering the hopes of countless men.

Yet Chen Hao’s reaction to Zhuge Taxue was not particularly nervous or excited. Was he blind? Pretending to be serious in front of others? Or did he only have feelings for Fan Yirou?

Recalling that their fathers had arranged a betrothal between them in childhood, Dong Xin found it amusing. Perhaps Chen Hao didn’t care at all. As the eldest son of the Chen family, he was probably pursued by far more beautiful and gentle women than her. Not to mention Fan Yirou and Gu Mengyan. Dong Xin’s lack of remembrance was understandable.

Dong Xin herself had no intention of being with Chen Hao, so this arrangement suited both their wishes. Fate had unexpectedly brought them together again years later. Despite initial misunderstandings, they had resolved them easily and were now to undertake a reconnaissance mission together. Truly, fate played strange tricks.

Lost in thought while driving, Dong Xin soon arrived at the destination.

“We’re here!” Dong Xin hit the brakes and turned to the three. “Let’s get out quickly!”

Chen Hao looked out the window and saw two familiar figures waving wildly in their direction.