The country entrusted me to buy an aircraft carrier, Hou Liangping, do you dare to investigate?

Huang Feipeng shook his head slightly, his eyes flickering, and said softly, "Don't mention it. These past few years have indeed been a bit...tiring. To be honest, I don't even dare to look back." He tried to hide his emotions, but he couldn't conceal the weariness and forbearance between his brows.

Seeing this, Zhou Wentao's expression gradually became serious. He stopped joking and asked in a deep voice, "Feipeng, tell me honestly, have you encountered any trouble? If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Huang Feipeng was somewhat moved. He hadn't met a truly kind friend in a long time, and he realized then that he was already physically and mentally exhausted from this escape. Facing Zhou Wentao, he briefly felt an urge to confide in him, but his calm reason quickly suppressed this impulse. No matter what he was going through, he couldn't drag his friend into it.

"Wentao, don't worry about me. I've just been out there for too long and want to rest. That's all." He smiled lightly, trying to change the subject.

But Zhou Wentao wasn't about to believe him so easily. After all, the two had grown up together, and he could see right through Huang Feipeng's thoughts. So he raised an eyebrow slightly and said with an unyielding insistence, "Feipeng, don't treat me like an outsider. Just say what's on your mind. I, Zhou Wentao, have some connections. If you're really in trouble, I might be able to help you out."

Looking into Zhou Wentao's sincere eyes, Huang Feipeng was overwhelmed with emotion and remained silent for a long time. In that instant, he seemed to be transported back to those carefree days when the two of them walked side by side, facing every challenge in life together, supporting each other no matter how difficult or bitter. But now, he himself had stepped into a dark abyss and was unable to pull Zhou Wentao along on his adventures.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally shook his head and said softly, "I know you mean well, but this time it's really different, Wentao. This isn't just ordinary trouble, it's... something I have to resolve myself." His gaze was firm and heavy, and his tone revealed an unquestionable determination.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wentao's expression gradually became serious, his eyes flashing with complex emotions. Clearly, he also realized that Huang Feipeng was facing no ordinary problem. He felt a little worried, but in the end, he simply nodded and said slowly, "Okay, I respect your decision, but remember, Feipeng, no matter when, if you need help, don't forget I'm here."

Huang Feipeng smiled slightly, patted Zhou Wentao on the shoulder, and felt a surge of warmth in his heart. They hadn't had such an open and honest conversation in a long time, and this feeling brought him a moment of peace, as if the chaotic world had temporarily come to a standstill.

"Thank you, Wentao," he said softly, his words filled with genuine gratitude. "We haven't been in touch much these past few years, but I didn't expect you to still be thinking of me."

Zhou Wentao laughed and waved his hand dismissively, "What do you mean by 'missing'? You're too narcissistic! But to be honest, without you stirring things up, my life would definitely be a lot less fun."

The two exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding needing no further explanation. Huang Feipeng took a deep breath, feeling a slight sense of relief, but he quickly regained his composure, knowing he had to continue. This brief respite was only temporary comfort; the real test awaited him ahead.

"Wentao, pretend you never saw me tonight." Huang Feipeng's tone was calm, but it carried a hint of farewell. "If anything really happens, don't do anything foolish for me, understand?"

Zhou Wentao sensed the reluctance and farewell in Huang Feipeng's words. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a complex emotion. He understood Huang Feipeng's character; he would never easily give up contact unless the situation was urgent. But right now, no matter how much he pressed, Huang Feipeng was unwilling to say more, indicating that things were indeed unusual.

"Okay, I promise you." He nodded slightly, looking at Huang Feipeng with a deep gaze. "But if you dare to get into any trouble, I won't forgive you!"

"I will try my best to come back safely." Huang Feipeng smiled slightly, his eyes filled with determination.

The two gazed at each other silently for a moment, as if exchanging all their emotions in that brief instant through a wordless communication. Then, Huang Feipeng turned around and walked away without looking back towards the other end of the alley, his back resolute and determined. Every step he took was filled with the determination to move forward, as if he wanted to completely sever this attachment and continue on his lonely journey.

It was late at night when Huang Feipeng returned to his residence. He walked down the corridor, climbed several narrow steps, and finally arrived at his room. It was a simple and inconspicuous rented room, the compact and cramped space perfectly suited to his current low-key life. However, as soon as he stood in front of the door, an unusual feeling quietly arrived, like a thin shadow looming over the doorway, sending chills down his spine.

Huang Feipeng instinctively stopped in his tracks, his gaze grave. His heart began to race, and his body tensed reflexively. This unease wasn't a hallucination, but an instinct. Years of navigating perilous situations had ingrained his sense of danger into his very bones. Right now, his intuition told him—something was wrong inside.

He took a slow, deep breath, trying to control himself from opening the door hastily. Turning back might have been a safer option, but his intuition told him he had to confirm who had broken into his home. So, he stepped back, took a thin silver needle from his pocket, gently inserted it into the keyhole, and with a slight push, the door opened a crack.

A faint light peeked through the crack in the door, and a faint scent of perfume seemed to linger in the quiet night air. Huang Feipeng's pupils contracted slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He never left any unnecessary fragrances in his home; clearly, this perfume wasn't his. His heart tightened, realizing that someone had indeed broken into his house, and might not even have left yet.

"Should I go in?" he wondered to himself, his mind growing increasingly calm. Years of experience told him that emotional fluctuations in this situation would only give him away. He carefully held his breath, gently pushed open the door, and stepped into the room. Every inch of the floor he walked on was silent, like a cheetah stalking its prey.

The room remained unchanged, everything seemed calm, but Huang Feipeng noticed with his sharp eyes that the small items that had been casually placed on his table had been slightly moved, clearly indicating that someone had rummaged through them. He glanced around while quickly trying to guess who might have come.