Chapter 010: The An Family in Jiangcheng (Part 1)_1

Anti-terrorist forces, what kind of place is that!

What they had to face was a human hell, a paradise for sin!

But Long Chengyu stubbornly went his own way, and by the time Long Wuhan personally rushed over to the Northwest Military Region, Long Chengyu had already reported to the border!

There, he carried out combat missions for as long as four years, getting injured countless times, and he also severely struck at those terrorist organizations. At that time, Shi Xian had coordinated in combat under his leadership.

Because of this matter, Long Chengyu's relationship with his family had become somewhat strained, until two years ago when he returned to Y City, and agreed to Long Ao's condition that he would retire in three years, which then eased the tension. Now, with one year left, but having sustained such serious injuries, retiring earlier was inevitable.

"That's better. Health is the capital of revolution. Without life, everything we discuss is moot! You've been back for a while now, and you should come to visit. Your dad is going to inspect the military region at the border and won't be back until a few days before the New Year. Your uncle is attending meetings at the province's department and will be back next week. Come home for a visit next Friday."

After returning to Y City, Long Chengyu didn't go back to the Long Family old house. There was nothing there worth his attachment, and going back would only add to his worries.

"Come for a visit. I'm getting old, and you will have to take over Longteng sooner or later. I can't be bothered with past grievances anymore. Your uncle misses you too. Plus, you need to think about your marriage. I just visited Shu Rui the other day. Yimo should also be out by now. Find some time, have a good talk with her. I won't interfere with this matter," said Long Ao in an aged voice, making things clear.

"I understand."

Afterward, that was all Long Chengyu responded.

"You have to think about Ziran. Your father isn't young anymore, and you will have to come back sooner or later. Don't be reluctant. Your father defied me back then, and your uncle has no interest in the family business. Someone has to make sacrifices. Ayu, you're not suited for the military."

Not suited?

Then what was he suited for?

A chill swept across Long Chengyu's indifferent face, and he remained silent.

"I've also had a hard time these years, holding up..."

"You've struggled to hold up the entire Long Family. Enough, grandpa, I've heard it many times. I'll return. Let's leave it at that," Long Chengyu interrupted Long Ao before he could finish, and then he hung up the phone.

He was somewhat tired of hearing it.

When something is wrong, it's simply wrong. Why always seek a thousand reasons to excuse oneself? Is admitting and correcting mistakes such a difficult and painful task?

Long Chengyu raised his hand to massage his brow, feeling slightly uncomfortable with a light cough a few times, and a dull pain spread through his chest. He reached out to support himself on the railing, his handsome face turning pale, but under the dim wall light, it wasn't so noticeable.

"Young master, are you alright?" asked Adong, somewhat concerned.

Long Chengyu waved his hand to signal he was fine, took a moment to recover, and then proceeded towards his study.

Adong thought for a moment and then followed, keeping a leisurely pace behind.

"Young master, we just encountered Qin Jifeng and Chu Ting on Chaoyang Street. They said they've called you many times but..."

Adong remembered the encounter with Qin Jifeng and Chu Ting earlier. They were both good friends of the young master.

Long Chengyu, Qin Jifeng, Chu Ting, and also Lu Huainan—regardless of their prestigious statuses, their individual charisma alone was enough to command respect.

The four had been close brothers since childhood, skipping classes together, getting into scuffles, and facing the consequences together.

Latter on, Long Chengyu and Lu Huainan were sent off to the military academy by their families, while Qin Jifeng and Chu Ting attended the Political and Legal University. Qin Jifeng's grades were too poor, and he dropped out of college to go abroad and 'herd sheep.' It wasn't until three years ago that he returned to Y City to handle his family's company affairs with his father, Qin Wenyuan.

Long Chengyu and Lu Huainan weren't so lucky. Among the brothers, they had it the hardest and the most tiring. They were admitted to the military academy as special recruits, and their classmates were engaged in very special jobs. After graduating from the military academy, Long Chengyu went to the Northwest Military Region, while Lu Huainan went to the Southwest, where he is still the regimental leader of a regiment in the Southwest Military Region.

Qin Jifeng, on the other hand, was managing his own Qin Group as the young master, while Chu Ting had just been transferred back from another city and took up the position of deputy mayor of Y City.

Among the brothers, Chu Ting is the oldest, already thirty-two this year. Long Chengyu is the second oldest, and Lu Huainan is the third. The age difference between the two isn't significant; Long Chengyu is only twenty days older than Lu Huainan. Qin Jifeng is the youngest, a year younger than Long Chengyu. None of the four are married, which has their families, especially the Chu Family, quite worried!

…

"Young master, should we return their call?"

Seeing that Long Chengyu didn't respond, Adong asked tentatively in a low voice.

"What are they doing over there?"

After a long time, Long Chengyu finally asked this question.

"It seems they went to a charity banquet together. They said if you don't answer the phone, they will come directly to Lan Residence," Adong said in a low voice.

"Hmm, got it. You may leave."

"Yes, young master!" Adong replied before backing out.

…

Long Chengyu continued to work late into the night as usual. Preparing to take over the company was not an easy task, as many preliminary tasks required his attention. Fortunately, he had a general understanding of Longteng's situation over the past two years, making the handling of affairs not too difficult.

It wasn't until nearly two in the morning that he finally rested.

However, when he got up the next day, Shu Yimo had already left Lan Residence.

"Young master, Miss Shu left early in the morning. She left this note for you," the servant said, handing over a sticky note to Long Chengyu.

Long Chengyu slightly lifted his hand to adjust the coat over his shoulders and took the note, waving his hand to signal the maid to leave, which she quickly did.

Long Chengyu unfolded the note to see two lines of text written in a beautiful and vigorous calligraphy that flowed like water.

This woman sure has good penmanship, a rare flicker of appreciation crossed the darkness of Long Chengyu's eyes—

Thank you for your help. I will remember your kindness. I will return the favor in a few days. Please call me once the car is fixed, and I will take full responsibility.

Below was her mobile number, followed by her signature.

He tucked the note away and looked out the window.

The rain had stopped outside, but the sky still appeared somewhat hazy, and the wind was strong.

…

By the time he returned to Haitian Villa Area, it was nearly noon. The patriarch An Yusheng and the matron Wang Ruyi had gone out, and it being Sunday, An Zijie was unexpectedly at home.

As soon as Shu Yimo walked into the living room, she saw An Zijie sitting on the sofa, while Ye Shang was busy preparing lunch in the kitchen.