343: Chapter 342 Ye Qingcheng's Worries

On the other side, if not for the reminder from Ye Ziming's phone call just now, Ye Qingcheng would have almost forgotten that the group of descendants from the Ancient Martial Arts Families conscripted into the Special Operations Department were arriving in Modu today!

This group of people had very special identities; they were not only the first batch of "external aid" since the establishment of the Special Operations Department, but their backgrounds also involved the connections of various Ancient Martial Arts Families, so the airport pickup arrangements could not be taken lightly in the slightest.

As soon as this thought crossed her mind, her fingers moved rapidly through her contact list. Within seconds, she pulled up the number for Director Wang of the General Office of the Security Bureau Modu Branch, pressed her fingertip down, and the call was instantly dialed.

"Beep—beep—" After only two rings, the call connected.

Ye Qingcheng had no intention of making small talk. She got straight to the point, her tone crisp and decisive: "Director Wang, this is Ye Qingcheng. A group of comrades conscripted into the Special Operations Department will be arriving at Modu International Airport today. I have official business and cannot get away, so please arrange for someone to pick them up and ensure they are safely transported to the Modu Branch Special Training Base. I will send you the personnel list and flight numbers immediately; report any situation to me immediately."

On the other end of the line, Director Wang didn't even hesitate for half a second, his voice full of respect: "Captain Ye, rest assured! I will go make the arrangements right away and guarantee it will be handled perfectly!"

Just kidding, who was Ye Qingcheng? Even if he were given ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare say the word "no" to her!

Yesterday, the news of Li Bing, the head of the branch, being suddenly arrested had already spread like wildfire through the bureau. Privately, everyone was guessing that Li Bing had likely stumbled because he offended Ye Qingcheng. As a mere director of the General Office, how could he dare to run into the line of fire?

Not to mention that yesterday, Director Miao, sent from the capital, had slammed the table at the bureau-wide meeting to emphasize "cooperating with the Special Operations Department at all costs," and those words were still ringing in his ears.

Matters entrusted by Ye Qingcheng were top priority; he dared not delay for a moment.

After hanging up the phone, Ye Qingcheng quickly sent the list and flight information over, then raised her hand to rub her aching brow.

Having been busy for two days and a night, she was already exhausted. Just as she wanted to lean back on the sofa and close her eyes to rest for five minutes, her phone suddenly rang with a "ring-a-ling," the urgent sound like a death summons.

She glanced at the screen, her pupils suddenly shrinking—the words flashing on the screen were actually "Grandpa"!

Ye Qingcheng panicked instantly, subconsciously gripping her phone tightly: Why would Grandpa call at this time? Elder Ye had always known she was busy with work and would never easily disturb her when she was handling official business. Could something have happened at home? Was Grandpa's health not good, or was it…

She didn't dare to think any further and quickly pressed the answer button. Her voice was even softer than usual, carrying an imperceptible urgency: "Grandpa, why are you calling at this time? Has something happened at home? Are you feeling alright?"

"Haha! You girl, you're so young, why do you always think of the worst!" Elder Ye's hearty laughter came from the other end of the line, carrying the unique composure of an elderly man, yet wrapped in deep warmth. "I just missed you. I haven't spoken to you for several days, and listening to your voice makes me feel at ease. Are you getting used to living in Modu? Are you eating on time? Don't just busy yourself with work and wear out your health."

Hearing Elder Ye's nagging concern, Ye Qingcheng's hanging heart instantly settled. A soft, faint smile unconsciously curled at the corners of her mouth, though her eyes quietly grew hot—Grandpa was always like this; clearly, he was getting on in years, yet he was always concerned about her daily life and meals.

She softened her voice, acting like a spoiled child to her grandfather just like when she was little: "I'm used to it, don't worry. I've been eating on time, it's just that there's been a lot to do lately, so I've been a bit busy. What about you? Have you been taking your medicine on time lately? The weather has changed, so make sure you don't catch a cold."

"I'm doing just fine! I even go to the park to practice Tai Chi every morning; I'm sturdier than you, girl!" Elder Ye's voice suddenly raised a bit, carrying a touch of childish pride, before lowering again, as if sharing a secret with her.

"Oh right, I watched the news last night! Qingcheng, you caught that murderer who had been on the run for ten years. I showed off to your Grandpa Zhang and the others for a long time, saying this was a big achievement by my granddaughter! You didn't lose face for our Ye Family, and Grandpa feels more comfortable than eating honey just seeing it!"

Ye Qingcheng was amused by her grandfather's words and laughed out loud, her tone full of reliance: "Oh, please don't praise me anymore, I'm getting embarrassed. Actually, for that matter, the greatest credit doesn't belong to me."

"Oh? It's not yours? Then whose is it?" Elder Ye's voice instantly held a bit more curiosity, along with a hint of inquiry.

Ye Qingcheng sighed softly, her tone becoming serious, with an added touch of trust—in front of Grandpa, she never needed to pretend: "Ahem, I won't hide it from you. The matter is like this…"

Then, she recounted in detail to her grandfather the agreement she had previously made with Qin Yi, how Qin Yi had rescued them from Zhang Yu, how he had assisted her in capturing Zhang Yu, and the matter of Qin Yi using his Middle Stage of Ming Jin strength to forcibly defeat Zhang Yu, who was at Peak Anjin.

The other end of the line instantly went silent. The silence lasted for a full ten seconds before Elder Ye's shocked voice came through, and his speaking speed had even quickened a bit.

"This Qin Yi you speak of, is he really that formidable? Middle Stage of Ming Jin against Peak Anjin, and he could beat the guy to within an inch of his life without a scratch? Could this kid have been deliberately hiding his strength?"

After a pause, Elder Ye added, his tone full of gravity: "Qingcheng, when dealing with him, you must be more cautious, but don't miss out on a good talent either—if his character is reliable, he might be able to help you quite a bit."

Ye Qingcheng's heart stirred; Grandpa's words seemed to have seen right through her thoughts.

She answered truthfully, her eyes unconsciously softening as she recalled Qin Yi's unfathomable demeanor: "I can't see through him either. That kid is truly strange; his strength is far greater than the average Mingjin Stage. But to say he could completely crush a Peak Anjin, I actually find it a bit hard to believe."

"However, his character is not a problem; he has a nature that hates evil. It's just… it's just that something happened to his family before, so he has somewhat of a prejudice against us public servants."

"Having some prejudice is normal; everyone has a temper. Just take it slow." Speaking of which, Elder Ye changed the subject and suddenly brought up Ye Ziming, his tone full of expectation: "Right, that kid Ziming hasn't been causing you trouble in Modu, has he? Keep an eye on him; if he dares to disobey, you handle him for me. The children of our Ye Family cannot be made a laughingstock."

"No, Ziming has changed quite a bit." Ye Qingcheng recalled the sight of Ye Ziming confidently learning martial arts from Qin Yi in order to pursue Shen Jianan, and couldn't help but laugh: "And Ziming has become good brothers with Qin Yi, learned some body-strengthening martial arts, and is now much more sensible than before and knows how to strive for improvement."

"Oh? So Ziming has finally opened his eyes and has ambition?" Elder Ye's voice was full of pleasant surprise: "It seems he was influenced by you and knows he needs to work hard."

"Haha, I wouldn't dare take credit for that." Ye Qingcheng's tone held a hint of teasing: "To be honest, Ziming being so motivated doesn't have much to do with me. If it has anything to do with anyone, it's related to Uncle Shen's daughter—you probably don't know yet, but that kid has fallen for Uncle Shen's daughter, Shen Jianan."

Upon hearing this, Elder Ye's voice instantly brightened: "That's great! I know that kid Shen Zhendong; he is upright and reliable, so his daughter definitely won't be bad! It is Ziming's good fortune to like such a girl."

"Sigh, it's useless just for you to think she's good." Ye Qingcheng sighed helplessly: "I asked Shen Jianan before, and she likes martial artists who can provide a sense of security. Do you think our Ziming looks like he can give someone a sense of security right now?"

"Uh… this…" Elder Ye was choked up for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Fine, fine, the power of love can always drive people crazy. But that's good too; regardless of whether it works out, at least it gives Ziming a goal, and being motivated is never wrong. Help him out more, and if you need Grandpa to step in, just tell me."

"Mm, I know." Ye Qingcheng replied, shifting the topic back, her tone carrying a bit more hesitation—she actually wanted to talk to her grandfather about Qin Yi, but the words reached her lips and she swallowed them back: "Oh right, Grandpa, Jianan is also working under me now, and I arranged for her to go to the Southwest with Qin Yi today, along with Ziming."

"Go to the Southwest?" Elder Ye's focus instantly shifted away from Ye Ziming, and his voice dropped: "Is it that business with the Zhao Family? Are you at ease letting Qin Yi go?"

"Yes. Nothing can be hidden from you, Grandpa."

"Ahem. I went out for a walk a couple of days ago and happened to chat with a few old friends. The matter of the engagement between the Zhao Family and the Si Family is not a secret. I heard that the Zhao kid went to the Southwest to get engaged." Elder Ye explained.

"Mm. Qin Yi has some personal grudges with Zhao Lintai, and Si Yao has no feelings for Zhao Lintai, so she dragged Qin Yi along to pose as her boyfriend. I'm worried that Qin Yi might not be able to help himself from taking action against Zhao Lintai. So, I arranged for Jianan and Ziming to follow, to keep an eye on Zhao Lintai, prevent him from fleeing the country from the Southwest, and also give the two of them more opportunities to spend time together."

"Sigh, Old Zhao hasn't had an easy life, yet he raised such an unpromising grandson." Elder Ye's voice was full of regret: "The little bit of Foundation the Zhao Family has will likely be destroyed in that grandson's hands."

"Heaven-made sins may be forgiven, but self-made sins cannot be lived through." Ye Qingcheng said lightly, her tone devoid of any sympathy—the things Zhao Lintai had done were not worthy of sympathy to begin with.

"Yes, let's not talk about him; it's annoying to even bring him up." Elder Ye changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming serious: "Grandpa is calling today, besides missing you, there is another matter I need to discuss with you. Don't push yourself too hard at the bureau; if you suffer any grievances, tell Grandpa, and Grandpa can still help you hold your ground."

Ye Qingcheng felt a jolt in her heart, and her body, which had been leaning on the sofa, instantly sat upright: "Mm, Grandpa, tell me, I'm listening."

"It's like this: yesterday, a leader from above came to see me and mentioned some things that made me feel very uneasy." Elder Ye's voice lowered a bit, carrying a hint of gravity.

Ye Qingcheng's heart tightened instantly—anyone who could be called a "leader" by her grandfather definitely had an extraordinary status.

She hurriedly asked: "Grandpa, what exactly is it?"

"Do you have doubts about the matter of catching Zhang Yu? And the Dragon country's actions against Hongmen, as well as the establishment of the Special Operations Department—do you have any knots in your heart?" Elder Ye threw out the questions directly, without any ambiguity.

Ye Qingcheng was suddenly stunned. She never expected that her private doubts would actually reach the ears of the higher-ups. She asked hesitantly: "Uh… did Director Xu report it to the leader?"

"Oh, Little Xu definitely has to report such matters upward; it is his duty." Elder Ye hurriedly comforted her, his tone full of heartache: "Don't blame your director either; he did it for your own good. If you feel uncomfortable, tell Grandpa, and Grandpa will help you analyze it."

"I don't blame him." Ye Qingcheng took a deep breath, her tone sincere: "It's just that when I was interrogating Zhang Yu, I heard some strange things from him, which is why I had doubts. But rest assured, I am clear about my identity—as a soldier of the Dragon country, I follow commands in all actions; this is a rule carved into my bones, and I will never let personal emotions affect my work! I will not let you down, Grandpa."

"Mm, that is my good granddaughter." Elder Ye's voice was full of gratification: "I have confidence in my granddaughter. However, Grandpa still wants to remind you that there are indeed some special purposes behind the actions against Hongmen. Now is not the time for you to know. But you must remember, you must be careful about safety! You pulled out the secret stake Hongmen planted in the Dragon country, which has pushed this matter into deep water. Hongmen will definitely counterattack later, so you must not let your guard down! If you encounter danger, don't try to tough it out! Remember, you still have Grandpa behind you! Grandpa will back you up!"

He paused and added, his tone carrying a bit more vigilance: "Also, those descendants from the Ancient Martial Arts Families in the Special Operations Department cannot be fully trusted either. After so many years, some families are no longer what they used to be, and no one can say for sure whether they have colluded with foreign forces. You understand what Grandpa means, right?"

"I understand, don't worry, I have a plan in mind." Ye Qingcheng nodded solemnly—Grandpa's reminder coincided exactly with her own thoughts.

"That's good, go be busy, don't find Grandpa nagging." Elder Ye's tone softened again, full of an elder's love for a Junior: "Remember to eat on time, and don't stay up late."

"How could I find you nagging? You are just caring for me." Ye Qingcheng's eyes grew slightly hot, and her voice softened: "When I finish handling things here, I will return to the capital to see you and bring you the osmanthus cake you love."

"Hahaha, good, Grandpa will be waiting for you."

After hanging up the phone, Ye Qingcheng leaned back against the chair, still clutching her phone, as if she could still feel Grandpa's warmth.

But the next second, her brows unconsciously furrowed again, and she sighed softly. Grandpa's words were like a heavy stone, pressing on her chest and making her feel stifled.

Will Hongmen really counterattack? With that organization's ruthless nature, now that she had pulled out their secret stake, they would never let the matter rest.

If so, for Qin Yi and the others going to the Southwest, what they would face would be more than just Zhao Lintai. If Hongmen really sent someone even more formidable than Zhang Yu, could Qin Yi handle it? And Ziming, that kid had only been practicing martial arts for a few days; if he really encountered danger, he likely couldn't even protect himself.

She pulled up Qin Yi's number on her phone, her fingertip hovering over the dial button, hesitating for a full half-minute. If she dialed, she worried Qin Yi would be distracted because of yesterday's events; if she didn't dial, she really couldn't set her mind at ease.

Finally, she gritted her teeth and pressed the dial button—even if it was just to give a warning, it was better than being full of regret later.

…