Chapter 180: Storm Clouds Gathering

Lin Chen had just arranged for the custody of the Iron Hand Group captives when the communicator rang.

It was a call from Commander Zhang: "Lin Chen, this time you successfully defeated the Iron Hand Group

and even captured their armory. You have achieved great merit. The mercenary group's high command has decided to promote you to Deputy Captain of the 'Thunder Squad,' assisting the captain in managing the squad. Come to headquarters tomorrow to handle the procedures."

Lin Chen was somewhat surprised,

then thanked him: "Thank you, Commander Zhang. I will definitely work hard." After hanging up the communication,

Xia Nuan said with a smile: "That's great! From now on, you are a Deputy Captain!

Shouldn't we celebrate tonight?" Lin Chen nodded: "It just so happens that Commander Zhang said there is a dinner at headquarters tonight and asked me to bring you along."

In the evening, Lin Chen and Xia Nuan changed into clean clothes and drove the off-road vehicle to the Starfire Mercenary Group headquarters.

When they arrived at the banquet hall, quite a few people were already sitting inside. Li Wei, the captain of the Thunder Squad, saw Lin Chen

and immediately stood up and waved: "Lin Chen, sit here! I've long heard of your skills. From now on, we are partners."

Lin Chen took Xia Nuan over, and as soon as they sat down, strange looks were cast their way—in the apocalypse, few people brought companions to high-level mercenary group dinners,

especially women. One member muttered: "Why did he bring an outsider?

The dinner is for discussing business, not for playing around." Xia Nuan heard this and felt a bit awkward,

but Lin Chen held her hand and whispered: "Don't mind them, they just don't understand you."

Li Wei noticed the awkwardness and immediately smoothed things over: "Everyone, don't just sit there, hurry and taste the dishes on the table.

This was specially made by Master Wang." The table was filled with dishes, including braised pork, chicken soup, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and several plates of fresh fruit rarely seen in the apocalypse. Lin Chen picked up a piece of braised pork for Xia Nuan: "Try this, it tastes good." Xia Nuan nodded and slowly began to eat, and the surrounding looks gradually softened.

Halfway through the dinner, Commander Zhang stood up, holding a wine glass and said: "I gathered everyone today

for two reasons: first, to celebrate the defeat of the Iron Hand Group, and second, to announce Lin Chen's appointment as Deputy Captain of the Thunder Squad.

The Thunder Squad is responsible for high-difficulty rescue and supply robbery missions. In the future, Lin Chen and Li Wei must cooperate well and lead the squad to achieve more results."

Everyone applauded. Li Wei raised his glass and said to Lin Chen: "Lin Chen, from now on we fight side by side. If there's anything, we can discuss it at any time.

" Lin Chen nodded and clinked glasses with him: "Definitely." Commander Zhang added: "Next, there is an important mission—a large survivor gathering point has appeared in Chengnan.

It is said that there are many old, weak, women, and children inside, and they are facing the threat of mutant creatures.

The Thunder Squad needs to set off tomorrow to transfer them to the safe zone."

Li Wei immediately replied: "Guarantee to complete the mission! Lin Chen, let's discuss the specific route in a while.

You are familiar with the terrain of Chengnan, give some suggestions." Lin Chen nodded: "There is an abandoned industrial zone in Chengnan, and there are many elite zombies inside.

We must bypass that place and take the small road to the east. Although it is a bit further, it is safer."

The squad members nearby also expressed their opinions one after another. Some suggested bringing heavy machine guns,

and some said to arrange medical personnel in advance. Although Xia Nuan didn't speak, she listened carefully,

occasionally whispering reminders in Lin Chen's ear: "Don't forget to bring enough medicine,

there might be wounded during the transfer." Lin Chen nodded and said to everyone: "When we set off tomorrow, bring more medical supplies and arrange for two medical personnel to follow."

Commander Zhang nodded with satisfaction: "Very thoughtful, let's do as you say.

This mission concerns the safety of many survivors, so we must ensure their safety.

" After the dinner ended, Lin Chen and Li Wei stayed at headquarters to formulate detailed transfer routes and emergency plans, confirming that they would set off at eight o'clock sharp the next morning.

When leaving headquarters, Xia Nuan said to Lin Chen: "Tomorrow's mission will definitely be very hard,

you must pay attention to safety." Lin Chen held her hand: "Don't worry, with Li Wei and the squad members there, we will successfully complete the mission. After transferring the survivors, we will return to the base and spend a few days with Tuan Tuan."

The two drove the off-road vehicle back to the base. On the way, Xia Nuan leaned on Lin Chen's shoulder: "Although it was a bit awkward at first today, everyone was very friendly later. You will definitely become more and more successful in the mercenary group in the future." Lin Chen smiled: "Thanks to you being there, otherwise I might not have known how to deal with those looks."

Returning to the base, Tuan Tuan heard the movement and immediately ran over to rub against Lin Chen's legs. Lin Chen picked up Tuan Tuan and walked into the villa with Xia Nuan, his heart full of anticipation—tomorrow's mission would be challenging, but as long as they cooperated well with the squad members, they would definitely be able to complete it successfully and allow more survivors to be safe. ===== CHAPTER 181 =====