Chapter 645: Chapter 645: Honoring the Brave

Chapter 645: Honoring the Brave (Update 3)

Team Five Base. Lin.

Two hands clasped together.

“I didn’t expect the boss to call you over.”

As the leader of Team Five, Shen Mei’s expression mixed embarrassment with genuine surprise.

Xiao Yu’s prowess is known throughout National Security.

With him on board, the success rate of this mission will skyrocket.

“I just can’t figure it out.”

Releasing his grip, Xiao Yu frowned, “Why on earth would we send someone like him overseas for a mission?”

Reflecting on the five dossiers he’d seen, there were things he just couldn’t understand.

Not to mention a whole family of loyal heroes wiped out, leaving only a single surviving heir.

Even if Song Jiaxi did nothing, the nation would still take care of him.

We’re not talking about untold wealth – dining and living well are guaranteed.

Two generations and four lives sacrificed for the country; the merit ledger is right there.

Who could dare deny it?

If they refuse to recognize the contributions, who will risk their lives defending the country in the future?

If any nation dares to ignore such merit, its downfall won’t be far off.

Isn’t that a simple truth?

“One civilian staffer in Team Five made a mistake by not scrutinizing the files closely. When someone needed to be sent abroad, Song Jiaxi was summoned.”

Shen Mei gave a bitter laugh, “By the time I realized and wanted to recall him, it was too late!”

Xiao Yu winced, “I get it; I tripped over my own pants as soon as I arrived…”

Now isn’t the time to assign blame. We must get him back as soon as possible.

A second’s delay and he might be gone for good.

No, it’s unlikely he’s already lost.

But in a desperate situation, even a dead horse is worth trying to revive; we still need to confirm if he’s alive.

“Hand over every detail of Song Jiaxi’s mission dossier… now.”

Xiao Yu wasted no time with further words.

Three minutes later…

A complete mission file landed in Xiao Yu’s hands.

After reviewing Song Jiaxi’s mission details, he paused in disbelief.

It involved… a satellite?!

Wait, does Team Five always operate at such a high level?

Collecting himself, Xiao Yu spent five minutes reading through the mission briefing.

The gist was…

Two Special Forces operatives were sent overseas, disguised as scientists, to attend a technology conference.

Their objective was to get close to an expert in overall satellite engineering.

Simply put, a Satellite Expert.

This expert possessed complete satellite manufacturing data.

National Security had received word through certain ‘channels’.

This Satellite Expert intended to sell the data he held.

Would anyone buy it?

That’s not even the point – not only would someone buy it, but numerous countries would.

After all, don’t all nations operate their own satellites?

That’s true, but satellites, like fighter jets, come in different generations.

Modern fighter jets are standard five-generation; even sixth-generation designs are out there.

The same goes for satellite technology – it evolves too.

What this Satellite Expert had was data for a fifth-generation communications satellite.

A communications satellite – what’s the big deal?

Only insiders would see it differently.

Because it can function not only as a communications satellite but also as a spy satellite.

The differences lie in GPS, remote sensing, reconnaissance accuracy, and more…

Of course, Xiao Yu wasn’t exactly an expert in that field either.

No worries – he knew two operatives had gone to ‘buy’ the satellite data.

But the result… was they got lured into a trap!

What was supposed to be a ‘sale’ was most likely a setup.

The so-called ‘data’ was probably just bait.

Song Jiaxi and the other operative were secretly arrested, and their whereabouts became unknown…

“Have we figured out where they’re being held?”

Xiao Yu asked Shen Mei as he glanced in her direction.

“We have no idea,” she replied, shaking her head.

Shen Mei continued, “Country D has two departments similar to National Security – one is the Security Bureau and the other the Safety Bureau. Judging by where the two operatives lost contact, it was most likely the Security Bureau’s work.”

Xiao Yu suppressed a roll of his eyes, thinking, “How can that be reliable? It just doesn’t add up…”

He felt an urge to ditch his uniform, quit his job, and go work at a factory instead.

If he rashly went abroad without proper preparations, he’d be inviting a one-way ticket to oblivion!

“Forget it, arrange for the overseas trip first.” Xiao Yu’s head pounded.

Twenty minutes later…

A new identity and passport were placed before him.

“Damn, that fast?” Xiao Yu exclaimed in astonishment.

Team Five really knows their stuff.

All his identity details were pre-prepared – a simple photo upload was all it took.

What could be more difficult than that?

Of course, Xiao Yu’s original ‘face’ was no longer an option.

…Please throw some praise…

After over an hour of ‘character design’…

A team of professionals meticulously tailored everything for Xiao Yu – from his hairstyle, eyebrows, eye color, clothing, accessories, to even his mannerisms.

EMMM… Xiao Yu felt like a puppet being dressed up.

Another hour passed.

When he finally stepped out of the dressing room, all eyes in Team Five turned towards him.

Everyone was stunned.

Beneath trendy short hair lay an impeccably handsome face, flawless in every detail.

Under sword-like brows shone a pair of eyes as brilliant as gems, radiating vitality.

His refined expression held a subtle melancholy that could move anyone.

Yet it also exuded an elusive, mysterious charm.

…… Oh…

Coupled with a finely tailored, elegant outfit,

and a perfectly sculpted physique that hinted at profound insight and a wry view of life’s hardships…

He had completely transformed.

The Xiao Yu before him was a far cry from his former self.

Both versions were flawless, but each exuded its own distinct aura.

If his past self was like a blazing sun,

then now he was enigmatic and enchanting.

Even Xiao Yu was momentarily taken aback when he caught a glimpse of himself in a full-length mirror.

The transformation techniques of National Security are something else – almost as good as our own Disguise Expert’s skills… Xiao Yu thought sincerely.

Half an hour later, Xiao Yu found himself at a special security checkpoint at the Airport.

Shen Mei and several team members saluted him as he approached.

Xiao Yu returned the salute.

Shen Mei said solemnly, “Good luck!”

“Mm.”

Xiao Yu nodded and strode towards the exit.

As he walked, he pondered to himself,

“We’ve done what needs to be done; we’ve done what no one else would.”

Though he often babbles or lets loose occasionally,

one thing must never change – the determination to return alive.

That is the most basic desire of any living soul.

Images of Mu Qingwu, his parents, Baby… and so many others flashed across Xiao Yu’s mind.

They eventually vanished like a slideshow in his memory.

Xiao Yu cracked a slight smile, ready to take a bold leap.

“Well then, here’s to being a true hero!”

Wen

Xue