Chapter 100: The Military District and the Sea Eagle

The car turned and wound its way through the streets, finally arriving at an old-fashioned building. In front of a massive iron gate between the buildings was a guard post. Under the car's headlights, an armed PLA soldier emerged.

After carefully checking the car's license plate, the soldier approached the military vehicle and saluted.

The two soldiers driving the car, displaying impeccable discipline, handed over their credentials. After verifying them, the soldier saluted again, then ran back to the guard post to make a phone call. Soon, the iron gate creaked open just enough for the car to pass through.

Leon asked curiously, "What is this place? The soldiers know you and seem very serious!"

As the military vehicle passed through the gate, Scarlett, already used to it, lazily replied, "This is the Military District Headquarters."

Military District Headquarters?

Leon broke out in a cold sweat. No wonder—it was the legendary forbidden zone.

Scarlett suddenly remembered something, her eyes glinting mischievously. She turned to Leon with a sly smile, "By the way, the guy who's pursuing me is a lieutenant colonel. His father is the commander here. We're going to meet him now."

Leon was filled with respect. "His father is the commander? That's impressive! He must be a general, right? Aren't you tempted?"

Scarlett smiled, "Lieutenant General, actually. It's no big deal."

Leon teased, "A commander is no big deal? Scarlett, you must have high standards for boyfriends." In his mind, he wondered about Scarlett's true identity. Could she be the granddaughter of a high-ranking Politburo member?

Scarlett clung to Leon's arm and glared at him, "Aren't you my boyfriend now?"

Leon smiled awkwardly, almost forgetting their ruse.

The car wound through the headquarters and stopped in front of a large, standalone courtyard.

Scarlett's expression turned serious. "Don't wander off. If a patrol sees you and doesn't recognize you, they might think you're an intruder and arrest you."

Leon nodded, understanding that this was a restricted area. "Don't worry. I'm not that curious."

"Wait here for a moment. I'll go inside to check things out," Scarlett said, a bit embarrassed.

Leon nodded, watching her walk towards the courtyard.

Checking things out? Sounds like a spy, Leon thought. He checked his watch—it was almost lunchtime. He wondered how long they'd be here, realizing he wouldn't make it back today. Leon looked around the courtyard. The place wasn't as intimidating as he had imagined. Standing here, he felt quite composed.

As he pondered, a sharp, tearing sound in the air interrupted his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a massive vulture swooping down menacingly, its dark brown feathers intimidating.

An ordinary person would be scared out of their wits, and even some soldiers in the district would be on edge seeing the giant eagle. But what happened next was unexpected.

Leon, unfazed, raised his left arm.

The vulture, which had been fierce and aggressive, suddenly calmed and perched gently on Leon's arm, behaving more docile than a rabbit. The two soldiers nearby were dumbfounded.

They knew how ferocious this eagle could be.

The eagle, surprisingly gentle, allowed Leon to stroke it, carefully perching on his arm.

"This eagle is quite fierce," Leon said with a smile. "Can you really keep such pets in the military district?"

The two soldiers exchanged glances, their eyes changing as they looked at Leon.

"This is Lieutenant Colonel Luo's pet!" one soldier laughed. "It's never been tamed before. You're impressive, brother."

So it was his. No wonder, Leon thought.

In a jeep at the courtyard entrance, a young man in military uniform watched in surprise. Judging by the glove on his left hand, he had released the eagle.

He was Lucas Luo.

Lucas had heard that Scarlett was bringing her boyfriend to the district and rushed back. His first impression of the young man was that he seemed reliable, but as a soldier, Lucas was displeased with Leon's scholarly appearance. He had decided to release the eagle to scare him. Who would have thought that his prized eagle would turn into a docile rabbit in the other's hands?

Lucas was both frustrated and intrigued.

He whistled for the eagle to return.

The eagle glanced at its owner but remained unmoved.

The onlookers were stunned.

"Traitor, I'll shoot you," Lucas glared.

Leon didn't want to strain their relationship. With a mental command, the eagle flew back to Lucas.

"Kid, you've got skills!" Lucas extended his right hand, not underestimating Leon despite his age.

"I seem to have a natural affinity with animals," Leon said, blocking Lucas's questions preemptively.

Lucas had been about to ask that. Hearing Leon's answer, he was momentarily speechless.

"I'm Lucas Luo. Scarlett must have mentioned me."

The military lieutenant colonel shook hands with Leon. "I'm Leon Chen."

"You're Scarlett's friend?" Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"Boyfriend!" Leon grinned.

The others exchanged knowing glances and walked away.

Lucas didn't seem angry, shrugging. "Being Scarlett's boyfriend isn't easy."

"Yeah, she's hard to please," Leon responded, unaffected by Lucas's intimidating aura.

"Still in school?" Lucas asked.

"Second year at U University," Leon replied honestly.

Lucas stroked his chin and flicked his wrist, releasing the eagle. He leaned against the car with Leon, pulling out a cigarette and offering it.

Leon shook his head.

"Don't smoke, that's a plus," Lucas chuckled, putting the cigarette away.

Despite his domineering exterior, Lucas wasn't as hard to approach as Leon had thought. Lucas was straightforward, a trait Leon appreciated.

Though there was a significant age difference, Lucas found Leon to be a kindred spirit. Normally, people either feared or flattered him, but this kid was different—confident and unaffected by his status.

Scarlett had good taste in men, Lucas thought.

When Scarlett and a middle-aged man emerged from the courtyard, they saw Leon and Lucas chatting and laughing, and were stunned.

"They're getting along well," the middle-aged man remarked kindly.

Scarlett approached, glaring. "Hey, Lucas, don't threaten my boyfriend!"

"Scarlett, you're back. I missed you," Lucas laughed, looking at Leon. "So, this is your boyfriend?"

"Commander Luo, this is Leon. He's my boyfriend from U University!" Scarlett, an art major, showcased her acting skills, holding Leon's arm intimately.

Lucas sighed dramatically. "Scarlett, I really like you."

"Please, I only see you as a brother," Scarlett rolled her eyes.

Leon felt embarrassed. This was a classic case of being friend-zoned.

Scarlett introduced the military district commander to Leon.

Like Lucas, the commander was impressed by Leon's composure.

"See, I didn't lie to you. Lucas, don't ruin my relationship with Leon," Scarlett huffed.

The commander sternly addressed his son, "Did you hear that? Don't give Scarlett a hard time."

"I got it. Leon and I hit it off immediately. How could I make things difficult for him?" Lucas said sincerely.

Scarlett was skeptical about how quickly Lucas had been defeated. However, she understood the weight of Lucas calling Leon a brother.

Could it be that Leon's good-natured face even charmed Lucas?

"Really?" Scarlett asked suspiciously.

"Lucas, what happened between you two?" the commander, with keen eyes, sensed something was up.

Lucas chuckled. "I tried to test Leon with my eagle, but it's never been tamed before. Leon handled it like it was his pet. I'm impressed."

"Really?" Scarlett was surprised, and the commander's eyes sparkled with interest.

Leon repeated his earlier explanation, demonstrating how the eagle responded to him. The eagle obediently flew to and from his arm, astonishing everyone.

No one could believe Leon had only met the eagle once.

The eagle's obedience was thanks to Leon's ability. Although the telepathy ability hadn't been useful during the virus incident, it was incredibly effective here.

"I heard Scarlett say you did a good deed on the plane, translating Arabic," the commander praised Leon. "You have a bright future ahead."

Scarlett stared at Leon, thinking she had made a great choice. Simultaneously, she wondered if Leon was some sort of superhero.

Leon enjoyed a meal with the commander, unfazed by his presence. Their conversation felt more like an elder caring for a younger relative.

From their words, Leon sensed how much they valued Scarlett.

After a while, the commander left, giving the younger ones some time. Lucas no longer mentioned the matchmaking.

Scarlett had thought convincing Lucas would be tough, but it was resolved easily. While she admired her own judgment, she also felt a bit disappointed.

Leon had performed so well, she wanted more time to enjoy it.

As if answering her unspoken wish, Lucas suddenly asked, "Scarlett, can I borrow your boyfriend for a few days?"

"What?" Scarlett looked at them strangely.

Leon quickly clarified, "Lucas wants me to help with something."

"What could Leon help you with?" Scarlett asked, noticing how quickly they had bonded.

"Leon has a natural affinity with animals. There's been a sighting of a sea eagle in the northeastern forest. I need his help to catch it," Lucas explained, raising an eyebrow. "You'll give me this favor, right?"

"Leon, do you agree?" Scarlett asked.

Leon nodded, eager to see the legendary bird of prey.

"If he agrees, it's fine," Scarlett said, having planned to stay longer anyway. She had felt disappointed earlier.

"Catching a falcon? Isn't that your expertise?" Scarlett gave Lucas a disdainful look, recalling his past antics.

Lucas laughed. "This is the king of falcons. I need Leon's help."

"Really?" Scarlett pouted. "I've heard the sea eagle is the best."

Leon took a sip of water. "Silly, the gyrfalcon is the sea eagle!"

Scarlett's mouth formed an O.