Chapter 4

Meanwhile, in the military base of B city, the atmosphere was tense but calm, much like the walls that surrounded it. The young lieutenant stood stiffly in front of the old commander, his salute sharp and precise, waiting for an answer. His eyes, though young and full of energy, betrayed a slight anxiety—something that had been weighing on his mind for days. He had heard rumors, whispers that the decision about Captain Xu's future was already made. But when he spoke, his voice was steady, betraying none of the unease he felt.

"Commander, the captain set off to her home city this morning," the lieutenant reported, keeping his posture military-perfect as he awaited a response.

The old commander, a seasoned veteran whose career had spanned decades, sighed deeply, the weight of many battles reflected in the lines of his face. His eyes, sharp and thoughtful, softened for just a moment as he acknowledged the news.

"Okay, I understand," the commander muttered, his voice laced with a quiet resignation. He turned to leave, but then paused, his eyes flicking back to the young lieutenant who had followed him.

"Don't bother her anymore," the commander continued, his tone steady, though there was an underlying sadness to it. "She deserves some vacation after all these years. Let her rest."

The lieutenant, usually confident, hesitated. His fingers flexed slightly, torn between duty and concern for the captain who had led them through countless dangers. Finally, his voice broke the silence, uncertain but needing the answer.

"Commander, will Captain Xu be dismissed, as they said?" The question hung in the air, fragile and urgent, as the lieutenant's eyes flicked nervously to the ground before rising to meet the commander's gaze.

The old commander's step faltered, a flicker of something unreadable in his expression before he turned slowly to face the young officer. His voice was gentle but firm, steadying the lieutenant's nerves with his reassurance.

"That won't happen," the commander said softly, the hint of a smile on his lips. "She captured the criminals, so why should she be dismissed? Xiao Mu, I know you're worried about your team leader, but you must trust her—and our military morals. She has earned this."

The lieutenant's shoulders visibly relaxed, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The weight of his worries seemed to lift, if only for a moment. It was all he needed to hear. The old commander's word was law, and his assurance meant everything. He was grateful, knowing that Captain Xu was safe for now, but also knowing that her return to the team, when she was ready, was inevitable.

"Thank you, Commander," Lieutenant Mu replied, his voice full of renewed energy. He stood straighter, his heart lighter, and with a swift salute, he bid his superior farewell.

The commander watched as the young lieutenant hurried off, a hint of pride in his eyes. The special operations team under Captain Xu had always been one of the best in the country. They were sharp, efficient, and lethal when needed. But it was Captain Xu who had led them with unmatched determination and strength. The commander knew that her contribution was invaluable, and forcing her into an early retirement was out of the question. It would be a disservice to the military, and to the nation.

With a deep breath, the commander turned and walked away, his steps echoing down the empty hallway. For now, they would wait. Wait for Captain Xu's return, whenever that may be.

The old commander walked out of the military base with his steady, measured steps, his mind already turning to the next set of challenges. His weathered hands, though still strong, fumbled slightly as he pulled out his slightly outdated phone. He dialed a number he knew by heart, waiting patiently as the line rang. The phone had seen better days, but much like the commander himself, it still served its purpose.

When the call was answered, a voice, familiar and steady, greeted him. "Officer Han."

The commander didn't waste time on pleasantries. There was no need for formalities between him and Officer Han, not after all these years. "I heard Xu Jin Lin got into a scene at the airport," he said, his voice low but commanding. It wasn't a question; the commander already had the full report of the incident, but hearing it directly from Officer Han would give him the clarity he sought.

"Yes, commander," came the smooth, composed voice of Officer Han on the other end. "As she is the best of the best, it was easy for her to subdue some small fries this morning." Officer Han let out a hearty chuckle, the sound warm and full of admiration for the young captain. "As always, she's exceptional."

The commander smiled to himself. There was no doubt in his mind about Xu Jin Lin's abilities, but it still warmed his heart to hear the praise from someone like Officer Han, someone who had witnessed the captain's growth firsthand. Xu Jin Lin was a force to be reckoned with, and he was proud of the officer she had become.

"Good," the commander replied, his tone softening for a brief moment. "We sent out the notice of her temporary order, so please look after her temporarily." He paused, his voice becoming more serious. "She has earned this rest, but she also deserves to know her team is in good hands while she's away."

Officer Han was silent for a moment, his mind processing the order. He glanced down at the military-issued documents before him, the official stamp clear even through the distance. There were details he didn't fully understand, but it didn't matter. Whatever Xu Jin Lin's situation was, he would follow orders without question. She was his captain, and above all else, he would protect her legacy.

"Commander," Officer Han responded, his voice firm with conviction, "Please rest assured, we will take care of her. Whatever happens, she will be treated with the respect she deserves."

The commander nodded, though no one could see him. There was a brief moment of silence between them before the old commander spoke again, his voice a little softer than before.

"Good. I'm counting on you, Officer Han. Keep an eye on her. She's been through more than anyone will ever know. Don't let anyone forget who she really is."

"I understand, Commander," Officer Han replied, his tone solid with unwavering loyalty. "We'll make sure of it."

After a few more pleasantries, the conversation ended, the weight of the unspoken agreement hanging in the air. The commander slipped his phone back into his pocket, the conversation leaving him with a sense of satisfaction. There was something bittersweet about knowing that Xu Jin Lin was finally getting the rest she deserved, but he also knew she would never be the type to stay idle for long. Even if the rest was temporary, she would return when the time was right.

As the commander made his way down the street, his mind wandered back to the many faces of those he had trained, those who had come and gone, and the legacy he had built. Xu Jin Lin was a part of that legacy now, a shining example of the strength, discipline, and dedication that defined them all.

He thought about the young lieutenant who had been so worried about her, so eager to see her back in the field. The commander couldn't blame him. Everyone in the unit had great respect for Captain Xu, not only for her exceptional skills but for the leadership she had shown, the way she inspired those around her. But he was confident that Xu Jin Lin would return soon enough, and when she did, they would all be ready.

The commander's gaze shifted to the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows over the city. It was a time for rest, for reflection, but also for readiness. Tomorrow, they would continue their work, just as they always had.

But for now, it was Xu Jin Lin's time to rest. And rest, she would.

 The morning light filtered softly through the curtains, the sound of birds outside filling the room as the still-sleeping Xu Jin Lin was abruptly woken by the shrill ring of her phone. She groaned softly, her body reluctant to leave the comfort of the bed, but she had learned long ago that duty was not something she could ignore. Reaching for the phone, her fingers brushed across the familiar, slightly cracked screen as she answered the call without hesitation.

"Xu Jin Lin," Officer Han's voice came through, deep and steady, but there was a hint of playfulness in his tone. "We've prepared your new job, so report to the office in 7 days. Rest up until next week—don't think it'll be easy just because you're taking care of civilians. As your superior, I won't go easy on you if you mess up during the next nine months."

The words were vague, but for someone as sharp and perceptive as Jin Lin, the meaning behind them was clear. It wasn't hard to connect the dots. The others might think she had been demoted for some sort of mistake during the mission that had led to her transfer to the police department, but she knew better. Her nine-month hiatus from active duty in the special operations team was part of the terms, a temporary setback for her to regain her focus, and truthfully, it gave her the space she needed to reflect. However, she wasn't someone who ever stayed down for long.

As the call ended, Jin Lin sat in her bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling. For many, being assigned to the civilian department might feel like a punishment, a step down from the high-stakes operations of special forces. But not for her. She didn't take setbacks as defeat, and the assignment from Officer Han—her trusted "uncle," as she fondly called him—was a challenge she would take on with the same fierce dedication she had always shown. The thought of working under his guidance, albeit temporarily, gave her a sense of comfort. He knew her strengths, her capabilities, and if anyone could push her to excel, it was him. It wasn't a punishment; it was an opportunity.

Jin Lin pushed herself out of bed, feeling a slight ache in her muscles from the constant strain of her duties. She had grown used to that feeling, the weariness that came with being in the thick of things. But now, back at home, she allowed herself a brief moment of rest before the next phase of her journey began.