Chapter 198: The Azure Dragon

"Dad, Mom, what are you watching me do?"

Lin Huan said somewhat awkwardly.

"This is a call from who knows who, A Sheng is being all mysterious—do you want to check it?" Su's mother said softly.

"This... doesn't seem right."

Lin Huan recalled the private words Su's mother had pulled him into the room for earlier, and couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed.

Seeing Lin Huan display a daughter‑like demeanor, the elderly couple exchanged a glance.

Being experienced themselves, they knew that promoting their adopted daughter to daughter‑in‑law was basically settled; only A Sheng's attitude remained.

Then, under Su Ba and his mother's gaze, Lin Huan, still flushed, walked to Su Sheng's room door.

He had intended to press his ear to the door and eavesdrop, but under his parents' stare, Lin Huan simply couldn't do it.

Finally, Lin Huan clenched his teeth and, outright, knocked on the door…

…

Back in his room, Su Sheng looked at the number on the phone, a little puzzled.

This was already the second time; how could someone call him again so soon?

Su Sheng then answered the call.

"Huaxia Azure Dragon War Zone, Stealth Dragon Special Forces Brigade, retired soldier…"

"Alright, alright, no need to be so formal—just knowing it's me is enough."

This time, Su Sheng hadn't finished speaking when the voice on the other end cut him off.

"Azure Dragon Chief, any orders?"

Su Sheng spoke earnestly; he didn't think the Azure Dragon would call him for idle chat—a war‑zone commander wouldn't be so idle.

"Can't really call it an order, since you've already retired."

"Just, wanted to talk with you…"

Su Sheng fell silent, awaiting what came next.

But at that moment, a knock came from outside the door.

Su Sheng was startled for a moment, but still walked over and opened the door.

Outside, Lin Huan, his complexion faintly flushed, looked at Su Sheng.

Su Sheng placed his index finger over his lips, making a shushing gesture.

"Wuzhao, you're making quite a stir in the game right now…"

"Do my best, following the chief's instructions, to gain as much advantage as possible in the game," Su Sheng replied.

Hearing this, Lin Huan outside understood—it was the former chief of A Sheng's unit calling, no wonder A Sheng's expression was so serious.

But…

A Sheng has already retired, so why is there still a call? Could they be asking him to return?

Lin Huan felt a bit nervous; A Sheng had served in the army for seven years and hadn't been home much. If he went back…

It's not that Lin Huan lacks a sense of country; first of all, Lin Huan herself is a woman…

"Ha ha, impressive. Being able to suppress the major guilds of those big gaming corporations is no small feat. Too bad you've already retired; otherwise, for someone like you, I could apply for a personal second‑class merit!"

Su Sheng was taken aback; a personal second‑class merit isn't something worthless.

One should know that a third‑class merit is received standing, a second‑class merit is received lying down, and a first‑class merit is received by one's family; though a joke, it underscores how hard military honors are to earn.

Playing a game is worth a second‑class merit?

"Yan and Huang, Yan and Huang, fine."

"The name isn't bad; the patriotism is full, Wuzhao—we're all descendants of Yan and Huang."

The Azure Dragon's voice came from the other end of the line.

Su Sheng was even more surprised; as commander of the Azure Dragon War Zone, could the Azure Dragon Chief really have leisure to care about a game?

In fact, this call was because he was the first to establish a guild.

"Chief, this game…" Su Sheng's mind wandered; although he doesn't read many novels, he knows some popular online tropes.

Think about those NPCs with ultra‑high intelligence in the game.

Don't tell me it's some 'Second World' or 'invading reality' nonsense, okay? (Statement: this book will not feature such plotlines.)

"You've retired; there are some things I can't spell out. Just think of it as an Olympics—later the game will select some 'athletes' to compete…"

"But the matter is serious…"

The Azure Dragon Chief stopped there.

Su Sheng's expression grew solemn, pondering that a commander of the Azure Dragon War Zone cared so much about a game; perhaps the competition wasn't simple.

"Don't worry, Chief, I'll do my utmost. Though I've retired, bringing honor to the nation is my duty!"

Su Sheng replied earnestly.

"Hahaha, very good!"

"If you need anything, just ask my old man."

The Azure Dragon Chief's bright voice came through.

"Ahem… um…"

Since the Azure Dragon Chief had spoken, Su Sheng went straight to the point.

"Oh? Speak up—any issue that doesn't violate principles, I can help you with." The Azure Dragon Chief would certainly understand Su Sheng's words.

"Hehe, I'm planning to set up a club here, but to prevent off‑the‑grid tricks, I want to hire a security firm…"

When Su Sheng said this, the Azure Dragon Chief already understood.

"You're looking for Yin Long Security, right?" Azure Dragon laughed heartily.

"Ahem, my own brother, you can trust him a bit."

"Besides, the Zhu Lu cake is too big; if I charge in like this, I'm really afraid someone will panic and act rashly." Su Sheng said frankly.

Hearing that, the Azure Dragon chief mused softly.

Indeed, although the Azure Dragon chief isn't an economist, his perspective naturally sees how huge this Zhu Lu market is.

Especially…

Even though external recruitment has been strictly cracked down on, if something really happens, any later accountability will already be too late.

For many things, Huaxia's policy is prevention first!

It's best if it doesn't happen; if it can be prevented, then prevent it.

Of course, if it does happen, there will be thunderous measures to respond.

But once something's gone wrong, it's already too late.

"I understand. I'll give Yin Long a heads‑up, and… San Zhao is over there."

In an instant, Su Sheng fell Silence: "I understand."

San Zhao, who was once Su Sheng's teammate, retired after their final mission, and San Zhao also retired due to injury.

Yin Long Security is one of the placement sites for retired personnel from the Qing Long war zone.

Although retired, groups like Su Sheng's are actually still under state supervision.

The danger… is too great…

When we were in the troops, it was all very pure.

But after leaving, society is a huge dye‑pot; it's hard to guarantee that no special things will arise.

If people like Su Sheng truly go down the criminal path, it would be terrifying.

"When the club's paperwork is complete, I'll bring San Zhao back," Su Sheng said after a brief Silence.

"Hmm." The Azure Dragon's voice also deepened a bit.

Originally, the Five Claw squad that Su Sheng belonged to was his most capable unit.

"Additionally, regarding the game, the military has drawn some special talent to try developing it inside; when the timing is right, I'll guide them to meet you," the Azure Dragon continued.

"Ha?"

Su Sheng was startled: drafting soldiers to play games?

Wow, it seems the situation is more exaggerated than I thought.

…