Chapter 18: Liang Hao

The night was dark and still, with only the faint glow of the stars and the distant sounds of crickets and other night creatures breaking the silence. The moon was hidden behind a thick layer of clouds, casting everything in a shadowy shroud. The air was crisp and cool, causing a slight shiver to run down Jiang Yan's spine as she stepped out of her room. She wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the chill seeping into her bones.

Jiang Yan looked around, taking in her surroundings. The Jiang Residence was a large, imposing mansion that dominated the landscape, with its tall walls and imposing gate. The front courtyard was empty, the flowers and bushes in the garden shrouded in darkness. The only light came from the windows of the upper floors, casting a dim glow on the grounds below.

She took a deep breath and made her way down the stairs, trying to be as quiet as possible. She didn't want to wake anyone up or attract any unwanted attention. She tiptoed through the dark corridors, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. She could hear the faint sound of snoring coming from some of the rooms, indicating that most of the household was already asleep.

Although she loathed being at the Jiang Residence, she needed to eat. Starving herself was not an option if she wanted to grow stronger. She crept into the kitchen, rifling through the cabinets in search of something to eat. Suddenly, she felt someone approaching her. She swiftly turned around to catch the person off-guard. "Who's there?" she demanded in a hushed tone.

"It's me, Chen Ran, the cook," a low voice replied, also speaking quietly as if fearing that they would wake someone up.

Jiang Yan was surprised to see Chen Ran there. Although she remembered her from her past memories, she hardly had any interaction with her. "What are you doing here?" Jiang Yan asked suspiciously.

"Young Miss Jiang, I was going to help you," Chen Ran explained. "I made some extra food and kept it for you. You can have it in your room. That way, Madam Tian won't find out."

Jiang Yan was taken aback by Chen Ran's thoughtfulness. She had not expected anyone in the Jiang Residence to be considerate towards her.

Chen Ran quickly warmed up the food and handed it to Jiang Yan. Jiang Yan took the food from her and started to head back towards her room. As she began to leave, she turned back to Chen Ran and asked, "Why are you helping me?"

Chen Ran paused for a moment before answering, "It's not easy to be in your position, Young Miss. I know how it feels to be alone and helpless in this household. I just want to help you in any way that I can."

Jiang Yan was touched by Chen Ran's words. She had never expected anyone in this household to sympathize with her. "Thank you," she said softly before heading back to her room.

As she ate the food, Jiang Yan couldn't help but feel grateful for Chen Ran's kindness. She had been so used to fending for herself that she had forgotten what it was like to receive help from someone else.

As Jiang Yan finished her meal, she took out her phone and began scrolling through her messages. With her mind set on her goals, Jiang Yan began drafting a plan in her mind, thinking about the possible obstacles and how she could overcome them. She made a mental list of her allies and potential enemies, as well as the skills and resources she would need to acquire in order to succeed.

As she finished her planning, Jiang Yan realized that it was already late. She decided to get some rest and prepare for the challenges of the next day. She closed her eyes, anticipating what lay ahead, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

***

The basement was dark and musty, with the air thick with the smell of damp concrete and mold. The only source of light was a dim, flickering bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows on the peeling walls. In the center of the room, a single chair was placed, with ropes tied tightly around its arms and legs. On the chair sat the Shadow Order leader, his face bruised and battered, but his eyes still burning with a fierce determination.

Standing before him was Captain Liang Jun, one of Yuan Fengshuai's most trusted subordinates. Liang Jun was a tall and imposing figure, with a muscular build and a stern expression that seemed to demand respect. In the faint light of the cellar, his uniform gleamed softly. He had his arms crossed, and his eyes were fixed on the Shadow Order leader, as if daring him to try and escape.

"Who ordered the assassination of Young Master Yun?" Liang Jun asked, his voice low and menacing.

The leader of the Shadow Order only laughed in response, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "You think I'm going to tell you?" he sneered. "You're wasting your time, Captain Liang Jun. I'll never reveal our secrets."

Liang Jun's expression hardened, and he took a step closer to the Shadow Order leader, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "You will tell me," he growled, "or I'll make sure you regret it."

The Leader of the Shadow Order only laughed again, but Liang Jun could see the fear in his eyes. He knew that the man was trying to hide something, but he wasn't sure how to get it out of him. Just then, he heard a light tapping on the door.

"What are you doing here?," he said, without turning around.

The door creaked open, and in walked Liang Hao, Liang Jun's younger brother. Liang Hao had a lighthearted and carefree demeanor, and he wore a grin on his face as he entered the room.

"Hey there, big brother!" he said cheerfully, clapping Liang Jun on the back. "What's going on? Need some help with the interrogation?"

Liang Jun glared at his brother, annoyed by his carefree attitude. "It's a military zone. You aren't allowed to be here."

Liang Hao shrugged nonchalantly. "Boss Feng Yuansheng told me to come down and give you a hand," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Liang Jun rolled his eyes, knowing that Feng Yuansheng would never order such a thing. He turned his attention back to the leader, who was now snickering at the exchange.

"You think your little brother can scare me? I have faced far worse than him," the leader taunted.

Liang Jun felt a surge of anger at the leader's words. He turned to his brother and said, "Fine, you can take over the interrogation. But if you mess this up, I will make sure you regret it."

Liang Hao grinned widely. "Don't worry, bro, I got this," he said as he pulled up a chair and sat down in front of the leader.

Liang Jun ordered his subordinates to leave the dimly lit basement, giving one last look to the leader before leaving Liang Hao alone with him. The air was thick with tension as Liang Hao stood face to face with the man responsible for the attempted assassination of Young Master Yun.

The leader glared at Liang Hao. He remained stubborn and refused to give any information about his employer.

Liang Hao leaned in closer to the leader. "You know, you're not the first person to say that," he said with a smirk. "But I have a way of making people talk."

The leader sneered. "I won't break, no matter what you do to me."

Liang Hao's eyes glinted mischievously. "Oh, really?" he said before reaching for a pair of pliers.

Meanwhile, Liang Jun and his subordinates were making their way up the staircase when one of the soldiers asked, "Sir, do you think Young Master Liang can actually get anything out of that guy?" There was doubt in his voice.

Liang Jun smirked. "Don't worry about it," he replied confidently.

Just then, a heart-wrenching scream echoed through the basement, causing the soldiers to jump and Liang Jun to pause for a moment before continuing up the stairs.

After a few minutes, Liang Hao emerged from the basement, wiping his hands on a towel. Liang Jun and his subordinates looked at him expectantly.

"Well?" Liang Jun asked eagerly.

Liang Hao grinned, holding up a piece of paper triumphantly. "Big brother, I got the information we need," he said simply.

The soldiers looked at each other in amazement. They had never seen anyone extract information so quickly and efficiently before.

Liang Jun nodded, impressed by his brother's abilities. "Good job," he said, patting him on the back.

Liang Hao beamed with pride, basking in the glory of his success.

As they walked away from the building, Liang Jun turned to Liang Hao and asked, "How did you do it?"

Liang Hao looked at his older brother and smiled mysteriously. "A magician never reveals his secrets, big brother," he replied with a playful tone.

Liang Jun chuckled, knowing that his younger brother was not going to disclose how he had managed to pull off the impossible task that they had just accomplished.

Liang Hao had a reputation for being resourceful and skilled in the art of espionage. He was known for his ability to infiltrate enemy territory undetected and retrieve valuable information. His talents had made him a valuable asset to the military, earning him admiration and respect from his fellow soldiers.

However, after a particular incident, Liang Hao's life took an unexpected turn. Instead of continuing his military career, he chose to follow Feng Yuansheng. Despite his reservations, Liang Jun knew that his brother was an adult who could make his own choices. And, most importantly, under Feng Yuansheng's guidance, Liang Hao would never be at a disadvantage.

Liang Jun turned to his men, reminding them of the importance of discretion. "Remember, we never speak of this to anyone," he said sternly. "This stays between us."

"Yes, Captain!" the soldiers saluted, still shaken by what they had witnessed. They knew that Liang Hao was not to be underestimated and were in awe of his incredible talents.

***