87 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

The thought of letting them take a beating was out of the question. Chen Wan effortlessly grabbed the man's wrist as he swung it towards her, and with just half her strength, she sent a punch square into his face. Killing him was not her intention, but giving him a swollen face was inevitable. As her fist connected, the man's face immediately swelled up. Proud of his combat skills within the squad, he never expected to be struck by a woman whose origin he couldn't even identify. Infuriated, he lashed out with a kick towards Chen Wan. She anticipated his move; in combat, the more erratic one became, the more openings they left. A swift kick from Chen Wan struck the man's shin, sending him crashing to the ground, likely having fractured his leg. Glancing down at the man, Chen Wan remarked, "Are you really that fragile? I only kicked you once." Her words thoroughly infuriated Xing Feng, the nearby captain of the Special Task Force Squad One, who then charged at Chen Wan with clenched fists. Simultaneously, on the other side, Qin Ke was engaged with another man. This soldier was famed within the task force for his sheer strength, yet he found himself unable to gain any advantage over Qin Ke. She herself was unaware of the improvements in her physical abilities, strength, and speed since joining Chen Wan's group and consuming energy crystals daily. These enhancements, though not overtly noticeable to her, manifested vividly in combat, where even a split-second edge could deliver a fatal blow to an opponent. Qin Ke had strategically maneuvered onto the male alpha's back, her legs wrapped tightly around him. While dealing with external criminals, she would have already gone for the neck. However, considering he was with the military and they were surrounded by armed guards, she couldn't resort to such lethal measures. With one arm choking the man and the other persistently striking at his face, it wasn't long before blood appeared on his skin. A powerful elbow from Qin Ke brought the man to the ground, securing his arms behind his back to keep him restrained. Observing his two elite soldiers handled by two women infuriated Xing Feng further, prompting a surge of anger. Forgetting the team leader's previous instructions to keep the fight non-lethal and merely test the women's skills, he was driven by a need to restore his squad's honor. Seeing the precision and intent in the man's punches, Chen Wan was forced into serious mode. Retreat wasn't an option now that things had escalated dangerously. Swiftly evading a punch, she retaliated with a strike that knocked two of Xing Feng's teeth out. Enduring the pain, he spat out the teeth along with some blood—undoubtedly the most humiliating moment of his life. Enraged, he launched a flying kick at Chen Wan, but in midair, Chen Wan countered with a kick that sent him flying. Though wracked with pain, Xing Feng grit his teeth, drawing a pistol from his waist, intent on firing at Chen Wan. Major General Yao, realizing the outcome was clear and acknowledging Chen Wan and Qin Ke's formidable skills, had been about to invite them inside when he noticed Xing Feng brandishing a gun. Quickly, he shouted, "Xing Feng, stand down." But, driven by resentment at being publicly humiliated, Xing Feng ignored orders, having resolved to vent his fury on Chen Wan and Qin Ke by pulling the trigger. The swift and unanticipated threat from the military left Chen Wan taken aback, but she reacted quickly, dodging the floor. Similarly, Qin Ke found cover and hid. Major General Yao's usual smile was absent as he sternly ordered the nearby guards, "What are you standing for? Get the riot shield, deal with him first, we can talk later." The guards armed with riot shields swiftly surrounded Xing Feng. Despite having emptied his gun, awareness of his actions finally hit him, and drenched in sweat, he collapsed to the ground, blood staining his lips. Attempting to justify himself, he pleaded with Major General Yao, "I... those two women were too brutal, injuring my subordinates. I acted for the Commander's safety." "The Commander's safety isn't yours to dictate as a mere squad leader. Is the apocalypse causing you to scheme rebellion?" Major General Yao's icy glare bore into Xing Feng. "But Major General, they're just outsiders..." "Enough, take your issues to your direct superior. You're not within my jurisdiction," Major General Yao commanded his personal guards to escort Xing Feng back to his superior officer. Observing the proceedings, Chen Wan's patience was wearing thin. She coldly regarded Major General Yao, her gaze lethal, "Quite the grand performance you orchestrated, Major General. All of you have guns; if you wanted us dead, shooting us would be simpler than this entire charade. It’s appalling." The aide beside Major General Yao prepared to confront Chen Wan but was held back by him. With a sigh, he stated, "I understand you might not believe me now, but the Commander genuinely sought to test your skills, only instructing the troops to go easy. Xing Feng defied orders, and I apologize. I can see you all have been holding back." Chen Wan let out a soft, derisive laugh, eyes locked on Major General Yao. "Holding back was necessary. Otherwise, we might have been dead now." Understanding the escalation had thoroughly infuriated the woman before him, Major General Yao reluctantly suggested, "I see explanations won't suffice. Perhaps meeting the Commander will provide clarity." "We don't have much choice, do we?" Chen Wan retorted. Unfazed by the severity of her tone, Major General Yao knew such valor was beyond intimidating. This solid attitude, if harnessed by the military, would certainly be an asset. "Please follow, then." With a non-committal gesture, Major General Yao responded. Chen Wan and Qin Ke showed no intimidation. With the situation as it was, the worst outcome was mutually assured destruction. Resolute, they followed Major General Yao up the elevator. Meanwhile, the senior leader, having witnessed the events on a nearby screen, turned to his aide, Liu Fu Guan, and ordered, "Notify the commanding officer of the task force that the soldier who fired without orders needs to face severe consequences. In these tumultuous times, if even our military is left unchecked, the world will descend into chaos. Strip the soldier of all ranks and hold him under observation." "Yes, Commander!" Liu Fu Guan executed the orders promptly. Soon, Chen Wan and Qin Ke found themselves outside a room on the fourth floor. With deference, Major General Yao knocked on the door, entering only after receiving permission. Inside, Chen Wan surveyed the room. It was a modest one-bedroom setup, no grand presidential suite. An elderly man in his sixties sat at a desk, engrossed in paperwork, with two attendant soldiers standing in the living room. "Commander Yang, I've brought the guests you wished to see, though there was an unexpected incident. I didn’t foresee Xing Feng pulling a gun, but fortunately, no one was hurt," Major General Yao reported with a rigid, upright posture. Commander Yang set aside his papers, beaming at Chen Wan and Qin Ke, "I apologize for the lack of discipline among my subordinates. I almost failed to protect you." Chen Wan and Qin Ke remained silent, watching Commander Yang intently. Unperturbed, Commander Yang continued, "You've assisted us significantly against Xiang Jiawei, and I won't beat around the bush. With skills like yours, staying in Sector D is an underutilization. Would you consider joining our military? Doing so would grant you and your families entry to Sector A, with the best provisions." Shaking her head, Chen Wan declined, "I appreciate the offer, but we're heading to Beijing to find family. We can't stay long." "Young woman, in these apocalyptic times, locating family is a formidable task. The journey to Beijing spans two provinces. While I'm aware of your capabilities, is it truly feasible to escort your whole family safely to Beijing? The Bunam City base is the province's largest, with Sector A offering unparalleled benefits. Don’t squander such an opportunity in anger," Commander Yang advised further. Chen Wan chuckled faintly, "Alive or dead, I need to see for myself. Perhaps if we find no one in Beijing, we might return." Commander Yang sighed, realizing he wasn't swaying Chen Wan. He then turned his attention to Qin Ke, inquiring, “Young lady, what about you? Your combat skills seem familiar, military even. Did you ever serve? Where was your station?” Qin Ke glanced at Chen Wan before answering, “I served in Special Operations around Wei Bei City.” Commander Yang smiled at Major General Yao, then turned back to Qin Ke with a grin, “I knew it. Those combat moves are classic military. Young lady, the apocalypse has been a hardship for everyone, and it's our duty as soldiers to protect civilians. Every serviceman is driven by a sense of purpose. With our planet in chaos, we need capable individuals like you more than ever. It's the responsibility and obligation of every soldier, and even every citizen. How about it? Join us. The entire planet R2 needs talents like you.” Commander Yang spoke with earnest conviction. Qin Ke thought to herself that if it weren't for Yan Yan's situation, she might have been tempted to agree. But in this transformed world, all she wished for was to be with Yan Yan. She had no desire to become a superhero or devote herself to mankind's various causes; she only wanted Yan Yan by her side.