Beijing, a military restricted area.
Mr. Li sat solemnly in the living room of the quadrangle courtyard, with Wu Jin seated diagonally across from him. A stack of documents and photos rested on the table. The news of Lan Xue Team being attacked by missiles and avalanches was too overwhelming. Wu Jin didn't dare to conceal it and rushed to Beijing to report to Mr. Li in person. When Mr. Li heard the news, he was stunned, his hands trembling slightly. Even with years of navigating political unrest and not faltering under immense pressure, this time his heart was in turmoil.
Mr. Li had a heartfelt affection for Lan Xue, though he always kept a professional façade, even sending Lan Xue at the age of fifteen to the ruthless National Blade Training Base. But inside, he never let his guard down, especially when they were on missions. As a leader, Mr. Li couldn't favor his own interests, and the agony of that duality was something only he knew.
