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

The streetlights along the path cast dappled shadows on the ground, as if those shadows themselves were mocking his confusion. Huang Feipeng looked down at his elongated shadow, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him. Perhaps it was his stubbornness, his reliance on solving problems alone, that had made everything so complicated? For years, he had walked a path destined for solitude, stumbling and struggling along the way, yet never having a single person to confide in. That loneliness became even more pronounced in the night, stirring an indescribable bitterness in his heart.

He continued walking, and the surrounding scenery gradually became tranquil and peaceful. Occasionally, a few yellow leaves would drift down in the wind, gently hitting the ground with a soft sound. He couldn't help but sigh; the fullness in his stomach hadn't subsided, and the stillness of the night seemed to constantly urge him to ponder, forcing him to confront the questions and anxieties deep within his heart.

"Have I really gone down the wrong path?" he asked himself, as if questioning himself, or perhaps making a silent call to the night sky. But nothing answered him except the cold autumn wind. Just then, he suddenly heard his own voice, as if another version of himself was questioning him: "What are you afraid of? Why are you resisting help? Why are you bearing all this alone?"

Huang Feipeng abruptly stopped, looked up at the night sky, and a sense of unease rose in his heart. Throughout this journey, he had always believed he could solve everything on his own, firmly believing that only by relying on himself could he avoid betrayal. However, over the years, reality had repeatedly shattered his beliefs, forcing him to admit that his pride might just be an excuse to mask his loneliness.

"Maybe I really should consider another way..." he thought to himself, though a hint of resistance lingered in his heart. After all, this idea had never been part of his plans. He was used to facing things alone, used to solving problems in his own way, and accepting help was almost a foreign and distrustful choice to him.

He suddenly recalled his early days in this line of work, when he was young and ambitious, surrounded by several like-minded partners. These were the people he trusted most; they had faced life and death together, fought side-by-side against enemies, and shared both victories and setbacks. However, fate seemed cruel; one by one, his partners left, some even betraying him, putting him in danger for their own gain. All of this taught him indifference, taught him to no longer depend on anyone. He built high walls around his heart, firmly believing that only those who walk alone could survive to this day.

"But I am still alone..." Huang Feipeng murmured softly, his voice tinged with weariness and helplessness. He realized that perhaps that wall had already made him lose his most precious things, those friendships, trust, and reliance, which seemed to have been worn down by time, leaving only a cold, hard armor and a distant heart.

Just then, he seemed to hear a few whispers carried on the night breeze, as if people were talking in the distance. He stopped alertly, strained his ears to listen, and scanned his surroundings, a chill creeping into his eyes. The city's nights were always shrouded in shadow, and he was used to catching every unusual sound and every hint of something amiss in such an environment.

"It's that familiar tracking tactic again," he thought to himself, a cold laugh playing on his lips as he quickly made his judgment. He turned and continued strolling along the path, his steps seemingly leisurely, yet each one deliberate and methodical, his eyes secretly watching for any movement behind him.

"They're putting on quite a show," he thought to himself, but outwardly remained completely calm, even occasionally slowing his pace as if he were simply taking a stroll, unaware that someone was following him. He knew that since they chose to follow him without making direct contact, it meant they didn't want to arouse his suspicion; they were probably just observing his movements or trying to find his weaknesses.

"I'd like to see just who you are," Huang Feipeng thought with a cold smile, a strange sense of challenge rising within him. He quickened his pace, heading deeper into the park, choosing several secluded routes. Darkness gradually enveloped him, the shadows of the trees concealing his figure. He walked faster and faster, his steps light and agile, as if deliberately leading his opponents into a trap with no way out.

Just as he reached a corner, he suddenly stopped, hiding behind a large tree, holding his breath, waiting for the person behind him to take the bait. He closed his eyes, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat, fueling the deep-seated desire within him. He was no longer just passive prey; at this moment, he longed to be the hunter, to seize the initiative.

Sure enough, a few seconds later, soft footsteps sounded behind him, lightly brushing against the fallen leaves. The sound was extremely faint, but exceptionally clear in the quiet night. Huang Feipeng's lips curled into a slight smile, a cold sneer appearing in his eyes. He swiftly grabbed the man and pinned him to the ground.

"Don't move." His voice was calm and deep, carrying an irresistible intimidation. He increased the pressure on his hand slightly, completely depriving the other party of any chance to resist.

The man was clearly caught off guard by Huang Feipeng's sudden attack, letting out a startled cry and appearing somewhat flustered. He struggled a few times, but finding himself powerless to break free, he could only stop helplessly and whisper, "Let me go! You've got the wrong person!"

Huang Feipeng sneered, looking down at the other party with disdain, his eyes devoid of any warmth: "Wrong person? Ha, you've been following me for so long, and you still dare to say it's a misunderstanding?"

The other person seemed a little flustered, their voice trembling slightly: "I... I was just passing by, it really isn't what you think..."

Huang Feipeng was not fooled by his explanation. He tied the other man's hands behind his back and said coldly, "Who sent you? What is your purpose?" His tone was oppressive, trying to catch any flaw in the other man's eyes.

The man was silent for a moment, head bowed, avoiding eye contact, seemingly weighing whether he should tell the truth. Finally, he sighed and said softly, "I'm just following orders. I don't know why; I was simply sent to observe your every move. Believe me, this isn't a pleasant experience for me either..."

Just as Huang Feipeng released the man and resumed his steps, a familiar low hum came from not far away on the street. Huang Feipeng turned his head slightly and saw a man dressed in casual clothes and old sneakers standing by the roadside with one arm crossed, looking at him with a half-smile. This face had not appeared in his memory for a long time. Although time had left some marks on the man's face, that expression was the same as before—confident with a hint of unruliness.