581: Chapter 581 An Outstanding Junior, Invited Again

Chapter 581: An Outstanding Junior, Another Invitation

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The noon sunlight shone straight down, heating up the cobblestone road of Wanghu Town's old street.

This was the peak hour for tourists; the restaurants along the street bustled with clamorous voices, full of lively everyday warmth.

A black Land Rover SUV slowly drove into the alley, stopping before the antique courtyard with blue tiles and white walls.

Just as Fang Cheng turned off the engine, his gaze casually swept over a black sedan parked beside him.

The window tint was very dark, hiding the view inside.

However, the driver smoking against the car door stood tall and straight with a sharp buzz cut, his eyes reflecting a professional alertness.

Fang Cheng recognized him with a single glance.

It was Driver Xiao Zhang, the one who held the umbrella for Shi Chengyi back at Xishan Cemetery.

His heart gave a subtle stir, but he didn't linger his gaze.

Picking up the fruit he had bought on the way, he went up and knocked on the courtyard door.

Shi Chengyi's driver wouldn't appear here for no reason.

Clearly, this home-cooked meal meant for a "grandfather missing his grandson" was not as simple as said over the phone.

"Creak—"

The heavy wooden door was pushed open.

"A-Cheng is back!"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua, dressed in a loose navy blue Tang suit, came out briskly to greet him, looking hale and hearty.

"Grandfather."

A warm smile appeared on Fang Cheng's face, as if he hadn't noticed anything unusual.

"Come on in. Your uncle and mother are both busy in the kitchen. The meatballs and beef just went into the pot; it smells fantastic."

Grandfather Li Zhenhua happily pulled Fang Cheng by the hand as they walked inside, mentioning casually along the way:

"By the way, we have two distinguished guests today. They're chess buddies of mine. Since it was right at mealtime, I kept them to join us for a simple meal."

Fang Cheng followed him into the courtyard.

After a few months of tidying up, the plants and flowers in the courtyard were lush and well-arranged.

The swing gently swayed in the breeze, exhaling a calm and peaceful atmosphere everywhere.

Through the open doors of the living room, two figures could be seen sitting on the mahogany sofa drinking tea.

One was an elderly man with graying temples and an extraordinary bearing, while the other was a tall, erect young man with sharp eyes.

They were none other than Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng.

Hearing footsteps, both of them put down their teacups and stood up.

"A-Cheng is here! It's been a while, and you look even more spirited—what a handsome young man!"

Shi Chengyi stepped forward with a smile, his tone as familiar as a family elder, showing not a trace of the air of a Special Investigation Team Chief.

"Hello, Officer Shi. Hello, Senior Brother Wei."

Fang Cheng greeted them politely with a natural expression, showing neither surprise nor restraint.

Since the old man wanted to play out this drama of a chance encounter, as a Junior, he naturally had to play along to the full.

Wei Zheng looked at Fang Cheng, a flash of admiration gleaming in his eyes.

He knew very well that with Fang Cheng's sharp composure, he had probably guessed most of it the moment he saw the car at the entrance.

Yet he could remain completely unruffled right now. For someone so young to possess such composure was truly rare.

"Alright, alright, don't just stand there. Sit down and talk."

Grandfather Li Zhenhua urged everyone to take a seat.

Fang Cheng sat down quietly to the side, calmly observing the pleasantries being exchanged.

He noticed that when his grandfather conversed with Shi Chengyi, his attitude was very natural, and he even laughed heartily from time to time.

Their mannerisms radiated familiarity, much like old neighbors who had known each other for over a decade; clearly, they had been in touch for quite some time.

Before long, sounds came from the kitchen.

Li Dingjian came out carrying a large bowl of steaming braised meatballs, followed by Li Biyun holding several delicate cold dishes.

"The food is almost ready! Everyone, please take your seats and start eating."

Li Biyun untied her apron and warmly greeted the guests. When her eyes fell on her son, they were filled with smiles.

Grandfather Li Zhenhua walked to the main seat and gestured with his hand:

"Old Shi, Little Wei, don't stand on ceremony, take a seat!"

"We won't bother with formal politeness today. It's just simple home-cooked food, so dig in and eat your fill!"

Shi Chengyi and Wei Zheng smiled and agreed, taking their seats.

Fang Cheng voluntarily walked into the kitchen to help bring out the tableware and set it, then opened a bottle of baijiu and filled the elders' glasses one by one.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was much more harmonious than expected.

Shi Chengyi was not only high-ranking and powerful, but also a skilled social tactician.

He didn't talk about any official business regarding the Special Investigation Team at the table.

Instead, he chatted with Grandfather Li Zhenhua about the local customs of Wanghu Town and shared funny stories from their past military days.

Wei Zheng toasted Grandfather Li Zhenhua from time to time, showing a very humble attitude.

"Old Li, you truly are a blessed man,"

Shi Chengyi picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and lamented:

"Your children are filial, and your grandson is so accomplished. Unlike my good-for-nothing grandson, who spends all day messing around outside."

"Not at all, not at all. A-Cheng is just too honest and quiet,"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua said modestly, but the wrinkles on his face crinkled with joy:

"When he steps out into society in the future, he'll still need you elders to offer him guidance."

"That goes without saying."

Shi Chengyi gave Fang Cheng a meaningful glance:

"Gold shines wherever it is."

Fang Cheng ate quietly, chiming in occasionally.

He acted neither flattering nor cold, perfectly maintaining the persona of an "outstanding Junior."

He could feel that although his mother and grandfather were smiling, a subtle nervousness lurked deep in their eyes as they periodically observed the interaction between him and Shi Chengyi.

Clearly, they still hoped he would take the government job in the Special Investigation Team, yet feared he might lose his temper on the spot due to his past resentment.

After rounds of drinks, perhaps feeling Fang Cheng was being too quiet, Shi Chengyi put down his chopsticks and initiated a conversation:

"A-Cheng, have you been busy with work lately? Are you still working at that combat club?"

"Mm, still there. I usually train new students."

Fang Cheng replied simply.

Seeing this, Wei Zheng took the opportunity to chime in:

"Junior Brother Fang, did you run into any trouble on your way here?"

"Recently, because of the Silver Wing Building incident, the military set up checkpoints at every intersection, conducting very strict inspections."

"I did indeed."

Fang Cheng picked up a bite of food and answered casually:

"I was stopped for inspection at the expressway entrance to Xiguan District. They even used special detection equipment, but my ID was complete and I haven't done anything illegal, so they didn't make things difficult for me."

Hearing this, Shi Chengyi's expression turned slightly stern. He set down his glass and said:

"The situation is quite tense right now, and the people under the military often act without discretion."

"If you encounter something like this again or get picked on for no reason in the future, call me directly."

"Although I've stepped back to the second line, my old face still holds some weight in Dongdu. I guarantee no one will dare to cause you trouble."

Fang Cheng smiled and nodded in acknowledgment:

"Thank you for looking out for me, Officer Shi."

"Hey, why call me Officer? That's so distant!"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua feigned a scowl, then struck while the iron was hot:

"Old Shi is my chess buddy. By seniority, you should call him Uncle Shi!"

Li Dingjian and Li Biyun echoed agreement, smilingly urging:

"That's right, A-Cheng. Uncle Shi looks out for you so much, you should propose a toast to him."

Fang Cheng obligingly followed suit, raising his glass as he stood up:

"Then I shall be so bold. Uncle Shi, I toast to you. Wishing you good health and smooth sailing in everything."

"Good, good!"

Shi Chengyi burst into a hearty laugh, raising his glass and draining it in one gulp.

"That's more like it!"

Seeing this, Grandfather Li Zhenhua finally let go of his anxious heart.

With this change in address, the atmosphere at the dinner table quickly warmed up.

Everyone exchanged toasts amidst continuous laughter and chatter.

The faint barrier and politeness dissipated completely, rapidly bringing their relationship closer.

The meal concluded with both guests and hosts thoroughly enjoying themselves.

After the meal, Li Biyun cleared the table.

Grandfather Li Zhenhua enthusiastically dragged Shi Chengyi toward the tea room to play a couple of games of Go:

"Old Shi, that game earlier doesn't count, I was holding back! Let's go battle another three hundred rounds, I don't believe I can't beat you!"

"Alright then, I'll gladly accompany you to the bitter end."

Shi Chengyi agreed with a smile.

Wei Zheng followed them into the tea room as well.

Fang Cheng intended to help out in the kitchen, but Li Biyun pushed him out:

"Go on, go on, we don't need you here. Don't get yourself covered in oil and smoke."

"Go to the tea room to keep the guests company and advise your grandfather. That terrible chess player shouldn't lose too embarrassingly, or he'll sulk later and lose his appetite."

Fang Cheng wiped his hands helplessly and stepped out of the kitchen.

Just as he reached the hallway, he was stopped by Li Dingjian, who was smoking.

"A-Cheng."

Li Dingjian offered his nephew a cigarette, but Fang Cheng waved his hand in refusal.

He didn't force it, lighting one for himself instead. Taking a deep puff, he blew out a smoke ring and lowered his voice:

"The old man is doing this for your own good. He wants you to have a bright future, which is why he strictly ordered me not to tell you about Shi Chengyi visiting."

"Besides, regarding the Special Investigation Team... I actually think it's an opportunity."

He explained, glancing toward the tea room, his eyes brightening slightly:

"I analyzed it privately with a few brothers from the Illuminati."

"The current situation is getting more and more chaotic. Although our Illuminati is developing fast, we are ultimately an amateur outfit with a single source of intelligence, often leaving us passive in our operations."

Saying this, Li Dingjian flicked his cigarette ash out the window and looked at Fang Cheng with a serious expression:

"A-Cheng, if you can join the Special Investigation Team, even just as a figurehead, not only will the family be happy for you, but with this official identity as cover, it will be much easier for us to operate in Dongdu."

"At the very least, when you encounter military searches like this time, having Special Investigation Team credentials on hand will save a lot of unnecessary trouble."

"In a way, this counts as infiltrating the enemy from within. Being able to grasp the higher-ups' moves and gain intelligence firsthand is far better than remaining in the dark."

"Of course."

Li Dingjian patted his nephew's shoulder, speaking sincerely:

"The final decision is yours. Whatever choice you make, your uncle will support you."

Fang Cheng nodded, his expression calm:

"I know what I'm doing."

Pushing open the tea room door, a refreshing aroma of tea filled the air.

On the chessboard, the game was already completely one-sided.

Grandfather Li Zhenhua played Black, his eyebrows tightly knit as he hesitated with a piece in hand, sweat lightly beading on his forehead.

Shi Chengyi played White, remaining completely calm and composed as he held his teacup with both hands, looking sure of victory.

"Ah, I'm going to lose again!"

Grandfather Li Zhenhua tossed his piece into the bowl and grumbled playfully:

"No, no, my form isn't good today."

"A-Cheng, come here and take down Uncle Shi's arrogance for your grandfather!"

Saying that, he pulled Fang Cheng into the seat without giving him a chance to object, then slapped his own forehead:

"Ouch, look at my memory! A few days ago, your uncle bought me a few cans of top-grade Pre-Rain Longjing tea. I'll go fetch it for you all to taste."

With that, the old man shot a look to Li Dingjian standing at the door.

Understanding each other tacitly, the two stepped out and closed the door behind them.

"Click."

The door lock clicked softly.

Inside the tea room, only Fang Cheng, Shi Chengyi, and Wei Zheng remained.

As the clamor receded, the air seemed to settle into quietness.

Looking at the prepared chessboard, Fang Cheng did not decline. His slender fingers picked up a black piece and gently set it down in a corner.

"Uncle Shi, please."

Shi Chengyi looked at the spot where Fang Cheng placed his piece, surprise flashing in his eyes.

This move appeared unremarkable, but secretly concealed sharpness, subtly blocking one of White's escape routes.

The two went back and forth for over a dozen moves.

Shi Chengyi's originally steady play style gradually turned somewhat chaotic.

He seemed preoccupied, making several consecutive moves in impatience and even leaving a glaring vulnerability.

Snap!

Fang Cheng played his piece, trapping White's Dragon to death.

Then he raised his head, looking calmly at the elder opposite him, and said lightly:

"Uncle Shi, your mind is restless and not on the game. Do you have something you want to tell me?"

Shi Chengyi froze for a moment, looked at the unwinnable position on the board, and then let out a wry smile, conceding defeat.

"Truly, the youth are to be feared."

He looked at Fang Cheng, pulling back his smile as his expression turned solemn:

"Since you've seen through it, I won't beat around the bush. A-Cheng, my visit this time is still concerning that matter from before."

"After careful consideration, and having taken the advice of your Master Ma Jianguo, we unanimously agree that given your medical skills and martial cultivation, it would be a tragic waste if you remained hidden among the common folk."

Beside them, Wei Zheng chimed in at the right moment, his tone sincere:

"Junior Brother Fang, we know you dislike being tied down and don't want to get involved in complex factional struggles."

"Therefore, what we arranged for you this time is not a combat role in the Action Department, but rather applying for the Special Medical Team under the Logistics Department."

"A medical team?"

Fang Cheng raised an eyebrow slightly, not replying immediately.

"That's right."

Shi Chengyi nodded and then explained:

"The medical team is relatively independent, directly under the jurisdiction of the Logistics Department, which means under my command."

"The work environment there is simple. It is usually only responsible for treating the wounded and researching variant pathology, requiring no frontline fighting and having far less red tape."

"Furthermore..."

Shi Chengyi slightly emphasized his tone:

"As long as you pass the exam and become an official member, you won't miss out on any benefits, and you'll even have the opportunity to investigate what you want to investigate."

The tea room fell into a brief silence.

Fang Cheng leaned back against his chair, his fingers gently rubbing the cool game piece, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

Neither Shi Chengyi nor Wei Zheng spoke, simply waiting in silence.

They knew that this young man had a mind of his own, making any urging superfluous.

After a long while, the piece in Fang Cheng's hand dropped back into the bowl with a crisp "clink."

"I am willing to take the exam."

Hearing these words, joy instantly flashed across Wei Zheng's face.

Shi Chengyi's tense shoulders also relaxed slightly.

"However..."

Fang Cheng shifted his tone and held up three fingers:

"I have three conditions that I want to state upfront. If you can agree to them, we can continue discussing this."