Chapter 129: A Beauty's Invitation

Yang Changfeng paced the hallway with his hands behind his back. At eight-thirty, he finally saw two vehicles pull in. More than thirty soldiers in plain clothes—minus their rank insignia—leaped out, quickly forming a neat phalanx in front of the flagpole.

They were soldiers, through and through. Even out of uniform, they stood ramrod straight, snapping to attention and saluting the moment they saw the national flag. That is the nature of a soldier.

Yang Changfeng felt a surge of confidence. With such a group of admirable men, he was certain he could build a good rapport with them, regardless of their individual personalities. His primary concern was not their training or work performance, but ensuring they were provided with a pure and supportive environment—a responsibility Yang Changfeng took upon himself.

Zhang Baode scrambled out of the study room. The man had completely turned his job into his life’s calling. Having tossed and turned all night, only drifting off at four in the morning, he had still leaped up the moment he heard the vehicles. Rubbing his eyes with his sleeves in his excitement, he dashed out to greet the arrivals.

Yang Changfeng followed suit. As the head of the security department, he was never going to be the type to stand on ceremony.

The group was led by a field-grade officer from the People's Armed Forces Department, a man with a slightly portly build. Accompanying him were two captains, the company commanders of the soldiers. The soldiers were looking for new employment, and having heard that the terms offered by the People's Armed Forces Department were excellent, they had come to see for themselves.

Downstairs, Zhang Baode was already chatting with the three officers. Seeing Yang Changfeng stride over, he quickly introduced them: "Director Li, Captains, this is our leader."

The field-grade officer came forward to shake hands, while the two captains snapped a crisp salute. "Comrade," one began, "our brothers have no work experience outside of their military service. We ask that you provide them with plenty of guidance. If there is any arduous or menial work, feel free to pile it on them. We only ask that if they stumble, you give them a chance to correct themselves. We thank you in advance!"

Yang Changfeng shook their hands vigorously. Looking at their uniforms, a wave of raw emotion surged within him.

"It is an honor to have you comrades working with us! Truly, it is. There is no need for formalities—Old Zhang and I will treat these soldiers like our own brothers!" Yang Changfeng had never expected to feel so stirred; he was nearly choked with emotion. These were comrades-in-arms. Though they were strangers, the very act of wearing that uniform made them brothers.

Noticing Yang Changfeng’s buzz cut and his sharp, disciplined bearing, the two captains asked tentatively, "Comrade, were you in the service, too?"

"The designation of my old unit is classified. Earth-level clearance," Yang Changfeng replied in a low voice, refraining from saluting.

The three men straightened, filled with newfound respect. In the military, there were eight levels of classification—Heaven, Earth, Profound, Yellow, Universe, Great, Flood, and Waste. A unit with Earth-level clearance was elite among the elite. Naturally, the three men immediately put the information out of their minds; one did not inquire about the background of soldiers from such high-clearance units, lest they invite the unwelcome attention of a military tribunal. It was not a game to be played.

Moreover, this wasn't something one could simply invent; without having served in a field unit, one would have no knowledge of such classification tiers.

"Come, let’s head to the company canteen for breakfast. Experience the environment where the soldiers will be living and working!" Yang Changfeng led the two captains forward, while Zhang Baode guided the field officer and the soldiers into the cafeteria.

The company’s buffet-style canteen wasn't particularly luxurious, but breakfast featured steamed buns, porridge, and pickled vegetables, with tea eggs available in abundance—provided they were consumed on-site. Upon reviewing the lunch menu, the three officers felt completely at ease. Working for a company that treated its people this well, they had no fear of their soldiers being mistreated.

With duties still to attend to, the officers departed shortly after eating. Yang Changfeng urged them repeatedly: "Director Li, you are welcome to inspect our work at any time. And you two captains, please drop by whenever you are in the area."

Chen Aijia personally came to see them off. Director Li was deeply moved; there were dozens more retired soldiers he was looking to place, and he foresaw many future opportunities to collaborate. Before leaving, he swore, "I will ensure the 'Military-Supporting Unit' designation is finalized. I have dealt with many organizations over the years, but none have been as professional as yours. Leave it to me—I will have it sorted within a week!"

The value of such a plaque was immense. With it hung, it wouldn't be long before Chen Aijia’s status in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference would be secured. This was a critical layer of protection; with such an identity, one would have to think twice before trying to threaten a beauty like Chen Aijia.

As Yang Changfeng prepared to give a pep talk to the new arrivals, he received a call from the "Princess Ye."

"Little Yang," she asked languidly over the phone, "are you free right now?"

He was, but he didn't want to be dragged to morning tea when he had to coordinate work assignments with Zhang. "Oh, Sister Ye, what can I do for you?"

"It’s not a request, per se," she laughed. "There is a car show in Jiangzhou recently, and I’m thinking of buying a sports car for leisure. I’m not very familiar with that type of vehicle, though. If you’re free, could you help me take a look? If you’re busy, don't worry about it. Tee-hee."

What was she laughing at? Yang Changfeng felt a bit stifled. It seemed the label of a "kept man" had even reached the ears of Princess Ye. Damn it, he was a legendary soldier—a king among soldiers!

Beside him, Chen Aijia heard it was Princess Ye and immediately signaled for him to go. She didn't want any direct affiliation with the woman, but Princess Ye’s influence was too vast; it was better to keep her happy than to risk her displeasure. For a woman of such extreme wealth and power, if she felt slighted because Yang Changfeng refused to help her, not even his combat prowess could shield him from her retaliation.

Yang Changfeng rolled his eyes at Chen Aijia, annoyed. *Aren't you worried I might get involved with her?*

Chen Aijia thought to herself: *Hardly.* While the woman was a beauty with an exceptional aura, everyone knew she was "ice-cold" and had no interest in men. In fact, if the woman were looking for An Ya, Chen Aijia would be the one to get nervous. She didn't like men, but if she took a liking to women, that would be a problem—one had to stay vigilant!

After a moment's thought, Yang Changfeng decided there was no point in offending her over something minor. If she decided he was putting on airs, the consequences could be quite troublesome.

"Alright, I'll come find you, Sister Ye," Yang Changfeng said into the phone.

"Wonderful," Princess Ye giggled. "I’ll send you the location. Drive over."

*Why do I have to drive?* Yang Changfeng wondered, feeling thoroughly perplexed.