Chapter 114: Chen Ling

"That’s fine, I won't force you. I am already happy that you are willing to help me. This operation is strictly confidential. Do not tell anyone, including Ling or your friends. Tell no one. If you are caught later or the operation is exposed, do not speak. In short, unless this matter is finally completed, keep it buried in your heart. I know this is a bit much to ask, but I hope you understand. Of course, you still have a choice now!"

Chen Feng took out an A4 sheet of paper and handed it to me: "This is a confidentiality agreement. Take a look, and if there are no issues, sign it. However, once you sign it, you must guard this secret with your life; otherwise, you will be dealt with according to the terms inside. You should look carefully at the final clauses!"

I looked at the final clauses; the conditions were very strict, but that was understandable, as this was equivalent to a state secret and could not be easily leaked. However, I hesitated, because I didn't know if I could withstand torture if I were caught. After all, what I saw on TV was terrifying, and I had no confidence in myself.

Seeing my hesitation, Chen Feng didn't urge me. At that moment, Chen Ling came up and shouted at us: "Dad, Yang Yun, what are you doing? Time to eat!"

"Alright, we know. We’re coming!" Chen Feng stood up and said.

Then, Chen Feng walked up to me, patted my shoulder, and said: "Alright, let’s go eat first. Don't keep them waiting. Think about it while you eat. I know the pressure of taking on such a mission for the first time can be high, but don't worry, as long as you perform meritorious service for the country, we will certainly reward you well!"

I followed Chen Feng downstairs. Seeing us, Chen Ling said impatiently: "Dad, what were you doing upstairs? Were you bullying him?"

"You little girl, you haven't even married yet, and you’re already taking sides!" Chen Feng joked to Chen Ling.

"Dad, what are you saying? If you keep joking, I won't talk to you!" Chen Ling said, her face flushed with anger.

Hearing their words, I lowered my head in embarrassment and said nothing, because if I interjected while they were teasing me, I wouldn't know how to respond.

"Alright, stop teasing Yang. Can't you see he’s not saying anything?" Chen Ling’s mother glared at Chen Ling and Chen Feng, signaling them to say less.

I quickly said: "No, no, actually this is quite nice. The family atmosphere is very lively!"

I was speaking from the heart, because I truly yearned for this kind of family atmosphere.

After we went down, Chen Ling’s mother kept putting food on my plate, telling me to eat more, while Chen Ling kept chatting with me. As for Chen Feng, he didn't say much from start to finish and didn't pay much attention to me, as if the matter we discussed in the study had never happened.

After eating, Chen Feng didn't urge me, nor did he ask me to go to the study; he went upstairs by himself, leaving me to chat with Chen Ling and her mother.

Although I was chatting with them, my mind was constantly on the confidentiality agreement, because I knew I would have to make a final decision sooner or later.

After chatting with them for a while, I went to the study to find Chen Feng. Seeing me, he smiled and said: "So? Have you decided?"

I nodded, feeling quite nervous, because I was indeed afraid. But I had never been a brave person from the start; many things I did were forced upon me.

"The agreement is here. If you think there are no problems, sign it!" Chen Feng handed me the agreement and gave me a pen, signaling I could sign.

Looking at the confidentiality agreement before me, I took a deep breath, picked up the pen on the desk, and hesitated for a long time before finally gritting my teeth and signing my name. After signing, I felt as if all my strength had been drained, and I sat in the chair beside me.

Chen Feng picked up the agreement I had just signed, looked at it, then put it away. He stood up, bowed deeply to me, and said respectfully: "On behalf of myself, I express my highest respect for your actions!"

Chen Feng’s sudden gesture startled me. I quickly ran over to help him up: "Uncle Chen, what are you doing? This is too much, I can't accept this!"

Chen Feng stood up and said to me: "It is not too much. You deserve this respect. I never expected you to have such patriotism; it is truly wonderful. Then this mission will depend on you. Don't worry, I will find various departments to assist you. Go ahead and do it boldly. As long as you don't go too far, I can help you smooth things over!"

Chen Feng’s words were equivalent to giving me an imperial decree, allowing me to act boldly and giving me a sense of reassurance.

I nodded and said to Chen Feng: "Uncle Chen, don't worry, I will do my best to complete the mission!"

I had already been trying to find ways to investigate the Li family’s enhancement potions, and with Chen Feng, an official, helping me, I naturally felt much more confident. It felt as if I had a backer, and a very powerful, exaggerated one at that.

Although I didn't know what rank or position Chen Feng held, judging by his guarantee, his power was not small. Furthermore, this was a confidential state mission, which meant I had the country behind me. With the entire H-country backing me, what was there to fear from a Li Hong?

After hearing my words, Uncle Chen hugged me and patted my shoulder: "It seems rumors aren't always reliable. I don't intend to interfere in your and Ling’s affairs anymore. Keep it up, young man, I believe in you!"

"Uncle Chen, stop teasing me. Ling and I are really just ordinary classmates, nothing more!" I explained in embarrassment.

Chen Feng laughed and didn't say anything more.

After a few more words, I left Chen Ling’s home. When Chen Ling saw me to the intersection, her expression was unnatural, and she looked hesitant, as if she had something to say.

I looked at her in confusion and asked: "What’s wrong?"

"Did my dad say anything strange to you?" Chen Ling suddenly asked.

"No, we just chatted about some ordinary things, nothing much!"

"Really?" Chen Ling was still suspicious.

"Really, don't you trust me?"

"Is that so? Then, Yang Yun, I have a very serious question to ask you. Please answer it seriously!"

Chen Ling’s tone suddenly became serious and heavy. I was very uncomfortable with this atmosphere; I had a bad premonition, and in my mind, I even had the urge to run away. ===== CHAPTER 115 =====