Chapter 160

Chapter 160: Who Is This Little Girl? Jiang Shixu's expression was grave as he replied, "This time I've brought back two squads of mercenaries from overseas. Their training is even more rigorous than those at Fu Yuanzhou's military base. With them protecting you and your family, Fu Yuanzhou's people won't be able to harm you again." Chu Tang was taken aback. "Mercenaries?" "Mm." Jiang Shixu pressed his thin lips together, a flicker of guilt passing through his eyes. "I miscalculated before—I failed to protect you and your family. Tangtang, I promise you, nothing like this will ever happen again. I will keep you safe." Chu Tang's lashes lowered slightly, her emotions in turmoil. She had wanted to sneer a few cutting remarks, but then she remembered how Jiang Shixu had risked his life that day, going alone to face Fu Yuanzhou to save her. The sarcastic words reached her lips, but Chu Tang's mouth twitched and she couldn't bring herself to say them. Seeing that Chu Tang remained silent, Jiang Shixu thought she didn't believe him. His throat tightened, and bitterness flooded his heart. ... Soon they arrived at Jiang Shixu's base. Ruan Jiaojiao had been brought back by Jiang Shixu's subordinate, Liang Jinwen. Liang Jinwen was the chief commander of Jiang Shixu's Americas base. Commanders at his level rarely participated in operations personally—ordinary missions were delegated to his subordinates. Only extremely significant and confidential tasks warranted his personal involvement. Rescuing a little girl was something Liang Jinwen had never done in his more than a decade of service under Jiang Shixu. He had been stunned when he received the assignment. He'd asked again in disbelief, and after receiving Jiang Shixu's affirmative confirmation, he still found it hard to believe. Fu Yuanzhou was powerful and dominant in Country A, but Country A didn't restrict firearms. Their people wouldn't be hampered there—rescuing someone wasn't difficult. He could have sent a reliable subordinate to command, along with a few mercenaries, and the job would have been handled. There was no need for the chief commander himself to go. Despite his confusion, Liang Jinwen had always obeyed Jiang Shixu's orders unconditionally. Since Jiang Shixu had issued such a command, he could only comply. Although Fu Yuanzhou's men weren't as formidable as those from their Americas division, their strength couldn't be underestimated. Five of the people Liang Jinwen brought had been injured, three of them seriously. However, they had brought a top-tier medical team with them, and the wounded received professional treatment on the helicopter—all their lives were saved. The helicopter flew from Ancheng in Country A to the base in Jiangcheng, China, taking nearly seven hours. When Ruan Jiaojiao was first rescued, she had been unconscious. The accompanying doctor gave her a simple check-up. Fortunately, she had merely fainted from hunger. The doctor injected her with glucose, and not long after boarding the helicopter, she woke up. The little girl was terrified. She curled up in her seat, trembling uncontrollably, arms wrapped around her knees, her small face deathly pale, her doe-like eyes filled with fright. One of Liang Jinwen's subordinates—a wild-featured, handsome young man—glanced at Ruan Jiaojiao with curiosity, then turned to Liang Jinwen. "Boss, who is this little girl? She even required you to come rescue her personally." Liang Jinwen shook his head. "I don't know either. The young master didn't say." The young man's name was Yan Yue, one of the mercenaries in this rescue operation for Ruan Jiaojiao. Despite being only seventeen, he had already undergone nine years of professional training. He had never failed a mission, and his combat skills surpassed many veteran soldiers—he ranked in the top three among Liang Jinwen's mercenaries. One of Yan Yue's arms had been hit by a bullet, the white gauze soaked crimson with blood. Yet he showed no complaint, merely smiling and saying, "Then she must be someone very important to the young master." When the young man smiled, his rugged features softened with warmth. Ruan Jiaojiao looked up at him, the fear in her eyes fading. She recognized this older brother. He was the one who had rescued her from that dark dungeon. His arm had been injured saving her. Seeing Ruan Jiaojiao's timid demeanor and thinking of what the little girl had been through, Yan Yue felt a pang of sympathy. He fished a fruit candy from his pocket and held it out. "Little sister, want some candy?" Yan Yue had a habit—whenever he was nervous or needed intense focus, he had to eat candy. Eating candy helped him stay calm and composed. It was a habit he'd developed as a child. It had never changed over the years. Ruan Jiaojiao huddled in the corner, pressing her bloodless lips together, staring blankly at the beautifully wrapped fruit candy in the young man's grimy hand. After a moment's hesitation, the little girl timidly reached out, took the candy from Yan Yue's hand, and whispered, "Thank you." "Quite polite, aren't you." Yan Yue said with a grin. Another companion teased, "Wouldn't have guessed you had such a gentle side." Yan Yue looked at Ruan Jiaojiao, his gaze soft, as if seeing someone else through her. "Seeing her reminds me of my little sister. Back then, I promised her I'd bring candy home..." The companion froze, guilt flashing in his eyes. "Sorry..." Yan Yue shook his head. "It's fine." ...... By the time Ruan Chutang and Jiang Shixu arrived at the base, the helicopter had only just landed on the tarmac moments earlier. Ruan Jiaojiao had been brought inside to have a meal. Chu Tang rushed over in a hurry. The moment she saw her younger sister, her legs gave way and she nearly stumbled. Jiang Shixu steadied her with a firm hold. Tears streamed down Chu Tang's face as she sobbed uncontrollably, "Jiaojiao..." Ruan Jiaojiao, seated at the dining table, heard her sister's voice and turned around. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears. "Sister!" Ruan Chutang hurried to Ruan Jiaojiao's side and wrapped her arms around her, crying, "Thank goodness, you're finally back. It's so good, so good... as long as you're safe..." Ruan Jiaojiao leaned into Chu Tang's embrace, her quiet sobs gradually turning into loud, unrestrained weeping. Jiang Shixu stood by and watched for a moment, then exchanged a glance with Liang Jinwen before turning and walking out. Liang Jinwen led Yan Yue and the others out after Jiang Shixu, leaving the two sisters alone together.