On the following morning, in the Jiangdong Suburb.
A standalone villa hidden amidst dense forests and bamboo stands appeared exceptionally tranquil and elegant.
In the study, a wisp of high-quality ambergris rose gently from the corner Bo Shan Burner, infusing the entire room with a pleasant fragrance.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting rays on the glossy nanmu floor like a mirror.
It also shone on the elderly man seated in front of the large rosewood desk, concentrating as he wielded his brush.
The elder wore a well-tailored gray practice clothes, his figure was lean and his hair was graying, yet his waist and back were straight like a pine.
His wrist was steady, using the center brushstroke to swiftly write the characters.
On the mutton fat jade Xuan paper below his brush, the character "藏" was nearing completion.
The tip of his brush transitioned from brisk to slow, and finally lifted gently at the end, adopting the suspended needle form.
The entire word suddenly exuded a restrained inner sharpness, awaiting to spring forth, with a majestic hidden strength.
"Master, Mr. Wei Zheng requests to see you."
Words of respectful notification echoed from outside the door.
The elder didn’t lift his head, his voice remained even.
Wei Zheng subsequently entered the study. Seeing the elder still practicing calligraphy, he refrained from making a sound, so as not to disturb.
He stood respectfully to the side, his gaze falling on the wall beside the desk.
There hung a framed piece of calligraphy, inscribed with the words "Qi rudens mountains and rivers", signed "Shi Chengyi".
The elder dipped his brush again, writing the character "杀" in a single stroke on another piece of Xuan paper.
Differing from the previous "藏", this "杀" character had sharp strokes, with the hook on the right side revealing its edge.
A chilling aura of military might surged forward, as if the shouts of the battlefield could be heard. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on noveⅼfire.net
Upon completion, the elder gently placed the wolf-hair brush in the brush washer, looking at his work with satisfaction, he stated calmly:
"Practicing calligraphy is like practicing the mind, when concealing one’s sharpness one should be as unmoving as the mountains, but when striking it should be like thunder."
"If you cannot conceal your edge, then there’s no talk of decisive action."
"The teacher’s teachings, the student remembers well."
Wei Zheng responded immediately, bowing upon hearing this.
At this moment, a servant entered carrying a tray with cups, placing two steaming cups of Biluochun on the coffee table beside the sofa.
Only then did the elder turn around, revealing a thin face with warm and sharp eyes.
He was none other than Director Shi—Shi Chengyi, whom Ma Donghe often referred to.
"Sit down, Xiao Wei."
This Director Shi pointed to the sofa nearby, inviting:
"It’s been a while since you visited me, what’s wrong, holding a grudge that I didn’t mention you before stepping down?"
"The student wouldn’t dare."
Wei Zheng hurriedly explained: "I was just a bit worried about you, teacher..."
He hesitated halfway before he knew how to continue.
"Worried about me being sidelined to the logistics department, feeling unworthy and unable to face others?"
Shi Chengyi heard this and chuckled, his demeanor magnanimous as he sat in the main seat:
"To be honest, it’s quite good, used to be so busy that there wasn’t time to enjoy life."
"Look at me now, practicing calligraphy daily, growing flowers, with no troubles coming my way, life is decidedly leisurely."
After exchanging a few remarks, Shi Chengyi picked up his teacup, blew away the floating tea leaves.
However, his gaze did not fall on the tea but was sharply scrutinizing Wei Zheng, as he spoke slowly:
"Since returning, your vigor has notably diminished."
"I reviewed the mission report, the fault doesn’t lie with you; it was a failure in the intelligence department, as well as delayed logistical support."
He placed the teacup down with a light sound, suddenly changing the subject:
"I know what you’re thinking, at its core, some just don’t want a ’Stone System’ operative achieving more."
"That person named Ling is overbearing, and always gets revenge on any slight. After gaining a position in the research department, now he controls most of the action department. They know you’re someone I mentored."
"Even if I elevated you to a Level One Officer before I stepped down, or transferred you to another department as a supervisor, what will that accomplish?"
"Just a titular position, while dealing with daily slights, having vital support cut off at crucial moments. Sooner or later you’ll be trapped, just occurrence—it could serve as a warning."
"Rather than that, it’s better to remain securely in the third operations unit, where a few seniors are present, and no one dares touch you."
At this point, Shi Chengyi looked at Wei Zheng, his tone becoming serious:
"So in this internal competition for Level One Officer, it’s best you don’t partake."
Upon hearing this, Wei Zheng remained silent, only his hand holding the teacup tightened slightly.
Shi Chengyi noticed this, sighed, and his voice returned to a gentle tone:
"Don’t worry, I’ll speak to Xiao Liu in human resources and expedite your psychological health assessment process."
"During this period, take it easy and rest well, don’t dwell on matters undeserved."
The study fell into silence, only occasionally interrupted by birds chirping outside the window.
Wei Zheng looked at the tea leaves drifting in the cup, his gaze wandered.
"Teacher, I still miss the days back at the training camp."
His hands gently felt the hot cup wall, his voice somewhat subdued:
"Although arduous, there was always a determination, a hope for the future."
Upon hearing these words, Shi Chengyi was slightly taken aback, and soon he too was lost in reminiscence:
"I still remember back when you were among the trainees under my guidance, you were indeed unremarkable, quite ordinary."
"Didn’t expect that at the final assessment, relying purely on determination and an unyielding spirit, you secured third place overall, which truly made me see you in a new light."
As he spoke, his eyes drifted towards the tall ginkgo tree outside the window, as if witnessing the glorious days of the past once more.