69: Chapter 69 A Test Under the Moonlight: A Vow of No Regrets

After finishing his work for the day, Zhang Cheng did not rest immediately. He rubbed his aching shoulders and walked out onto the terrace outside his office for some fresh air.

The early summer evening breeze blew by, carrying a hint of coolness that dispersed the day's heat. The moon hung in the sky, casting a cold, silvery glow over the Encampment's garden, draping the flowers and trees in a hazy veil.

Faint footsteps came from behind him. They were very light and cautious, unlike those of the patrolling guards.

Zhang Cheng didn't turn around, but the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.

"Commander-in-Chief, the night air is chilly. You've just finished working and are covered in sweat; be careful not to catch a cold."

Li Lanzhi's voice rang out softly. Holding a thin jacket, she walked up behind Zhang Cheng and gently draped it over his shoulders.

Zhang Cheng turned around and looked at her. Under the moonlight, her profile was soft and beautiful, and her eyes were filled with a tenderness like water. She did not avoid Zhang Cheng's gaze; though she was a bit shy, there was more determination in her eyes.

"Walk with me," Zhang Cheng said softly, tightening the jacket around him.

Li Lanzhi's eyes lit up, and she nodded obediently. "Okay."

The two walked slowly along the quiet path behind the Encampment. It was very still around them, with only the sound of their footsteps and the chirping of insects in the distance. The guards tactfully stayed far away, leaving some private space for the Supreme Leader.

"Lan Zhi," Zhang Cheng suddenly spoke, breaking the silence. "After all this trouble following me, going from a white-collar worker to the 'housekeeper' you are now, have you ever regretted it?"

Li Lanzhi was stunned for a moment, seemingly not expecting Zhang Cheng to ask this question. She stopped walking and turned her head to look at him, her gaze incredibly serious.

"No. Never."

She shook her head, her tone carrying the clarity of someone who had experienced life and death. "Brother Cheng, do you know? If it weren't for you, I might still be in that dark, sunless Industrial Park, living like a dog, or I would have long since become a pile of bones on the back mountain. You pulled me out, you gave me dignity, and you gave this land hope."

She pointed to the brightly lit residential area in the distance. "Look, it used to be deathly dark there at night, everyone hiding in their houses trembling. But now? There are lights and laughter. Being able to follow you and do something real, watching this place get better bit by bit, I feel... very at peace, and very proud."

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear in the silent night, every word striking Zhang Cheng's heart.

Looking at her, a warm current surged in Zhang Cheng's heart. He was used to carrying burdens, used to scheming, and used to disguising himself with coldness. But at this moment, in front of this fragile yet resilient girl, he felt a long-lost sense of relaxation.

"In the future, there might still be many dangers and difficulties." Zhang Cheng looked into the darkness in the distance, his voice low. "You know that whether it's Bao Youxiang to the south or those major powers further away, they all want me dead. Following me, you could lose your head at any time."

"I'm not afraid."

Li Lanzhi suddenly took a step forward and grabbed Zhang Cheng's hand. Her hand was a bit cold, but her grip was very tight, as if she wanted to pass her strength to him.

She met Zhang Cheng's gaze, her eyes so determined it was moving. "As long as I'm by your side, I'm not afraid of anything. You are the Sovereign, everyone's hero, but in my heart... you are just the man who gave me a biscuit in my despair and brought me home."

These words were better than a thousand romantic sweet nothings.

The air seemed to freeze at this moment. Zhang Cheng could clearly feel the trembling of the small hand in his palm; it was nervousness, but also anticipation.

He gripped her hand back and gently pulled her a little closer.

"Alright," Zhang Cheng's voice was a bit hoarse, yet it carried an unprecedented solemnity. "Since you aren't afraid, then we shall walk this path together."

Li Lanzhi's eyes instantly reddened with tears of happiness. She squeezed Zhang Cheng's hand tightly, two clouds of red blooming on her cheeks, looking quite beautiful under the moonlight.

Neither of them spoke again, just walking slowly hand in hand under the quiet moonlight. Their shadows stretched long on the ground, intertwining until they were indistinguishable from one another.

At this moment, there was no gunpowder smoke, no power struggles, only two hearts huddling together in a chaotic world.

When they walked back to the Encampment building, Li Lanzhi did not return to her own room; instead, blushing yet determined, she followed Zhang Cheng into his office.