In the majestic military compound of Jing'an City, guards stood rigidly at attention, rifles at the ready. Tang Yulan adjusted his cap, his voice calm as he said, "This is it."

After his daring prison escape, he had robbed Pang Wei of his cash and bank cards, purchased new clothes from a market, and taken a bus to Jing'an City.

Within the compound, an elderly man practiced martial arts in the garden, his movements precise but lacking in vigor.

"Cough... cough..." The old man bent over, hacking violently, a streak of dark blood spurting from his throat. guard rushed forward with a coat. "Commander, you need to rest. You have a hospital appointment in a few days..."

The old man waved him off, gazing into the distance. "Xiao Jin, I know my own body. Those chemotherapy treatments? They’ll just torture me until I’m half-dead. Even if I survive, I’ll be a shadow of myself."

"But..." The guard hesitated.

"No buts. If I’m going to die, I won’t do it lying in a hospital bed—that would be pathetic." A fierce glint flashed in the old man’s eyes.

"Understood, Commander." The guard nodded, then suddenly stiffened, barking, "Who’s there?"

From behind a large poplar tree emerged a man clad in casual sportswear, a cap pulled low over his face, concealing his features. Yet his steps were steady, each movement deliberate—deceptively slow, yet somehow impossibly fast.

The guard’s heart clenched. He stepped forward, shielding the old man.

The old man’s gaze flickered, his lips trembling slightly. "Xiao Jin, step aside."

"Yes, Commander!" The guard obeyed, eyes narrowing as he studied the stranger.

The man stopped two meters away, removed his cap, and revealed a strikingly handsome yet pale face.

The guard blinked. He’d seen many handsome men, but none with eyes so piercing, so deep—like whirlpools that could swallow a man whole. Even without a fight, he knew: I stand no chance against him.

This was Tang Yulan.

He stood at attention, rendering a crisp salute. "Old Commander."

The old man studied him for a long moment, then sighed, clapping him on the shoulder. "You’ve arrived. Good. Still as sturdy as ever. Xiao Jin, bring us some Shi Feng Longjing tea."

The guard’s curiosity deepened. Shi Feng Longjing wasn’t something one could buy—it was a tea reserved for the elite. Even at five thousand yuan per liang, it was priceless. Only the most distinguished guests ever tasted it.

Tang Yulan’s first thought: The Commander’s aged. Thinned. The years have weighed on him.

"Xiao Tang, what do you think of this tea?"

Tang Yulan examined the cup—the leaves stood upright, the liquor clear and fragrant. A deep sniff revealed a rich, layered aroma. "One bud, one leaf—the finest quality. The scent is bold yet smooth, refreshing without being overpowering. Truly exceptional."

"Haha, a man of refined taste!" The old man laughed, then gestured for the guard to fetch a package.

He pushed it toward Tang Yulan. "You’re the most talented man I’ve ever known. But you’re too free-spirited for the military’s rigid discipline. It was never the right place for you."

Tang Yulan remained silent, opening the package to reveal two ID cards—one bearing his real name, the other a forged identity with different details.

"Use your real ID later. As for the arrest warrant and charges... I’ll have them all erased."

"Commander, but..." Tang Yulan knew the old man lived by the book.

"Xiao Tang, those Southern Army bastards deserved what they got. I don’t see your actions as wrong." The old man’s eyes gleamed with authority. "The law may be cold, but men are not. They refused to release you from prison—now, I refuse to let them take you back. Contact your family, but wait a while before returning home."

"Thank you, Commander." Tang Yulan didn’t say "thanks" lightly—such gratitude would cheapen their bond.

The old man felt the pang of losing a soldier, but he had no choice.

"What’s this?" Tang Yulan pulled out a photo from the bottom of the package—a beautiful, delicate woman with slender legs and refined features.

"Her name is Qi Caiyang. She’s gotten into some trouble lately. When you’re in Lingjiang City, keep an eye on her for me. I’ll arrange a way for you to get close to her and secure you a job there."

Tang Yulan frowned. "Why?"

The old man sighed. "Oh, right... I also have a house there. Here’s the key."