I promise
After finishing the business, Chen Chao casually asked about some details of Chen Xi and Kevin's relationship in order to liven up the atmosphere.
Chenxi was naturally good at livening up the atmosphere, and as soon as she got the chance, she started praising Kevin, passionately sharing how good Kevin was to her and how much he cared about her. The once very serious dining table was soon filled with bubbles of happiness from Chenxi's words.
Kevin lowered his head shyly as he ate, avoiding both Chen Chao's and Chen Xi's gazes. He was naturally a man of few words, and his thinking was rather simple-minded; Chen Chao's skillful manipulation of him had left him completely bewildered. Now, with Chen Xi showering him with praise, his "CPU" was instantly overloaded.
Seeing Kevin's reaction, Chen Chao subtly curved the corners of his mouth slightly, knowing that his mission for today's meal was basically accomplished.
He subtly steered the conversation back to Kevin, albeit in a gentler manner this time:
"Kevin, I won't interfere if you don't want to. But if you feel you need help at work, I'd be happy to help you."
Although society will eventually smooth out people's rough edges, if Chenxi likes you as you are, then you don't need to deliberately suffer the hardships of society.
"I can help handle matters concerning your superiors, provided you are willing."
"How can I help?" Kevin was truly annoyed by his boss's difficult behavior, and when Chen Chao mentioned it, he immediately became concerned. After all, it was impossible for him not to feel resentful at all, given the countless setbacks he had faced at the company.
"If you want to change jobs, that's fine. I can transfer you to a large, reputable company with proper procedures. I guarantee that if you follow the rules, you won't suffer any major losses."
Or you could want your boss to learn a lesson from their actions. But I warn you, there are many people like this in society; dealing with one might just lead to another. If you're not good at handling such situations, my advice is to simply avoid such environments in the future.
Even though he offered help, Chen Chao's options were very restrained, without providing the kind of exciting plot twists found in novels. But this actually gave Kevin a great sense of reassurance.
A sense of propriety is the most difficult thing for someone with immense power. But Chen Chao's words and actions always exuded a sense of propriety.
"I understand, I'll consider it." Only now did Kevin's attitude truly soften.
After the meal, Chen Chao didn't try to keep the guests. He gave Chen Xi a look, and Chen Xi, understanding the situation, took Kevin's leave.
After seeing the guests off, Chen Chao put his arm around Steve and went straight upstairs.
"You've certainly given that kid a way out today." In the bedroom, Chen Chao used his index finger to lift Steve's chin, his eyes revealing a domineering desire.
"Boss, you're not really trying to scare him, I'm just playing along."
“I am Chen Chao’s lover.” Chen Chao repeated Steve’s words, his fingers slowly tracing Steve’s Adam’s apple. “You finally dare to say that.”
"The boss has trained you well." Steve smiled slightly and narrowed his eyes. He felt the hardness in Chen Chao's lower body and unconsciously straightened his back.
But just then, Chen Chao's communicator rang.
"Damn it!" Chen Chao slammed his fist against the wall, panting heavily as he suppressed the surging desire within him, and angrily turned and went to the study next door.
Steve looked at the closed bedroom door, sighed, and turned to take a shower with some regret.
Steve finished showering, but Chen Chao hadn't come out of the study yet. He stood at the study door, hesitating whether to bring Chen Chao a glass of water.
The access control to Chen Chao's study did not restrict access to him, but he was always very self-aware and knew when to avoid suspicion.
At this moment, everything on the first floor has been restored to its original state, and the servants have silently finished cleaning up and left without disturbing their master.
Steve walked down the stairs and poured himself a glass of water in the spotless kitchen.
If Chen Chao was still in a meeting, he could simply leave as soon as the door opened, he thought.
When Steve pushed open the door to the book room, Chen Chao was not in a meeting.
He seemed to have just hung up the call; he sat behind his desk, his face slightly pale.
"What's wrong?" Steve asked worriedly, putting the water on the table.
“I need you to go to the Kingdom of Baya.” Chen Chao suddenly looked up and met Steve’s eyes.
Steve's back tensed instantly, realizing the seriousness of the situation. Chen Chao hadn't sent him on overseas missions for a long time; Chen Chao wouldn't have done this if it weren't absolutely necessary for him this time.
"Okay, when do you need me to leave? What are the mission details?"
"I will have the logistics team complete the preparations overnight, and a plane will take you to the border first thing tomorrow morning."
“Okay,” Steve answered readily, without a trace of doubt. He didn’t even consider whether one night was enough time to prepare, or whether he needed more time to understand the mission details.
Chen Chao told him to leave tomorrow, so he left tomorrow. Chen Chao said the preparations could be completed by tomorrow morning, so the preparations would definitely be completed. He didn't question any of Chen Chao's decisions.
Nutag borders Baya, and crossing the border without knowing the way wouldn't attract anyone's attention. Steve was clearly one of those people who knew the way. People like them rarely use official channels to cross the border.
"Five T-series aircraft have gone missing. I need you to find out if they are still alive," Chen Chao began to explain the mission objective.
“What if we were alive?” Steve asked.
"You are in charge of judging the situation."
“Understood.” Steve didn’t ask any further questions. He knew that leaving it to him to decide whether to kill or save was up to him.
This was the same order he received for his previous mission abroad. When Chen Chao sent him to West Africa to rescue Chen Jiu, he also entrusted him with the authority to make judgments on the spot. Chen Chao had always trusted him.
"Actually, these five people should have withdrawn a month ago, but I thought we could go further, which was a misjudgment on my part." After explaining the mission, Chen Chao felt somewhat relieved. The self-blame he would never show in front of others unconsciously flowed out.
Upon hearing this, Steve immediately understood why Chen Chao's face had turned pale earlier; Chen Chao was blaming himself.
Of the five T-class agents, it's highly unlikely they can be rescued; some are probably already dead. T-class agents are ordinary people who have only received six months of special agent training. Once discovered, they have almost no ability to protect themselves and are virtually impossible to rescue. Steve understood this, and Chen Chao certainly understood it even better.
“Boss, no one can predict the future. I believe you must have had sufficient reasons for making that judgment back then,” Steve comforted him.
"But there was definitely an element of gambling involved." Chen Chao was always strict with himself.
"The winnings will be huge, right?" Steve asked.
“Yes. Very big,” Chen Chao admitted.
“Then it’s worth the gamble.” Steve’s voice was firm and unwavering, as if it were the greatest truth in the world.
Their line of work is always about gambling; nothing is ever 100% certain.
They were already prepared to put themselves on the line, and they didn't mind gambling with themselves. As long as the returns were objective, that was fine with them.
Winning a bet is a profit.
Even if you lose the bet, you don't actually lose that much.
It's just fate. I chose this profession a long time ago and I don't care about it anymore, do I?
Chen Chao looked at Steve, his trembling fingers slowly clenching into a fist. Steve was always like this, never questioning him, only telling him he was worth it. Then shouldn't he also not question himself?
Those in positions of power should not hesitate.
He needs to carry all the blood on his shoulders and keep going.
“There’s something you need to pay special attention to.” Chen Chao closed his eyes briefly, and when he spoke again, his tone had returned to normal. “You’re currently on a high-value bounty on the black market, so you might encounter unexpected dangers outside of missions.”
Steve was stunned. Was this why Chen Chao had been unwilling to send him out of the country? But who wanted to arrest him?
“Karimmur, Raman’s younger brother, is Raman’s biggest rival for the throne,” Chen Chao explained. “Raman has spies around him. Now, Karim not only knows of your existence, but also knows what you look like through the surveillance footage of the day you saved Chen Jiu.”
I didn't send you abroad before because I felt none of the previous missions were worth the risk. You're my best agent, and I wouldn't put you in unnecessary danger. But this time…”
Before Chen Chao could finish speaking, Steve continued for him.
"But this mission is worth the risk."
Chen Chao took a deep breath, looked into Steve's eyes and said seriously, "Because you are the only one who has a chance of succeeding this time, I don't want to risk losing anyone else."
Steve smiled gently at Chen Chao and calmly said, "I understand, boss. I will return after completing the mission."
He knew that he was among everyone in Chenchao, so he wanted to come back.
Chen Chao looked at Steve, the man who could always catch his emotions and accept everything about him, and felt his heart suddenly clench. An indescribable palpitation took his breath away.
He ultimately took him to the dangerous place himself.
He knew it was something he had to do, but he could clearly feel his body resisting. His body was refusing to let him send Steve out.
He clenched his fist, forcing himself to calm down, and ordered with difficulty, "We'll go back to Te'an together. You go and prepare, and I'll sign the relevant documents to make sure you can leave first thing tomorrow morning."
"Yes, boss." Steve received the order and turned to prepare the car, his every movement and reaction as if he were in the top-floor office of the T'an headquarters.
He knew perfectly well that, above all relationships, he would always be his soldier, and that would never change.
Five minutes later, they were already driving back to Tean. Steve swerved slightly to avoid a pedestrian jaywalking, and in the dim light of the streetlights, said to Chen Chao, "Thank you, boss."
Thank you for shielding me from everything concerning Raman. You so thoughtfully protected me, keeping me from knowing I had been drawn into the power struggle within the West African royal family.
I really don't want to hear any more about the trouble caused by my biological father; it irritates me.
Thank you for letting go, even though you were so reluctant to part with me and wanted to protect me so much, so that I could realize my value as a blade.
Thank you, boss.
Thank you for all your understanding and support.
Steve didn't say what he was thanking him for, but Chen Chao knew exactly what he was thanking him for, so Chen Chao replied, "I don't need your thanks, I just need you to come back."
“Okay, boss, I promise.” He smiled, just like when they first met.
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