Special Forces: At the beginning, An Ran pulled him to get his certificate.

Chapter 1503 Executing the Secret Plan

The door was tightly closed, and the light from the motion-activated lights in the corridor was somewhat dim. Chen Jun stood at his own door, but did not immediately take out his key to open the door.

His tall figure cast a long shadow under the lamplight, making him appear somewhat silent. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the cold metal doorknob, but his gaze seemed to pierce through the heavy door, landing on the warm world inside, a world he was about to part from temporarily.

Behind me, I suddenly heard familiar yet slightly surprised footsteps and a clear voice.

"Chen Jun? Why are you standing here instead of going in? Did you forget your keys?"

Upon hearing the sound, Chen Jun's body trembled slightly, and he turned around.

It is peaceful.

She had just returned from get off work, carrying a small bag containing documents, and was still wearing her crisp military uniform, clearly having come directly from her workplace. Her face bore a hint of weariness from work, but more so a warmth and a touch of wonder at seeing her husband home. In the soft light, her bright eyes looked at him with concern.

The moment Chen Jun saw his wife, the guilt he felt for his mission and the bitterness of impending separation seemed to find an outlet. He rushed forward, stretching out his arms without a word, and pulled An Ran into a tight embrace. The embrace was quite strong, as if he wanted to meld her into his own body.

An Ran was startled by his sudden, slightly forceful hug, but she quickly relaxed, feeling the familiar scent of her husband and the unusual emotional fluctuations around her. She didn't struggle, but gently wrapped her arms around his waist, pressed her face against his chest, and whispered, "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

Chen Jun rested his chin on An Ran's head, took a deep breath of the familiar, light fragrance of her hair, and said in a low voice, full of apology, "Wife... I'm sorry. I promised you that I would spend a good vacation with you and the children. But I didn't expect... another mission to come. It's urgent, and I have to leave immediately."

He paused, feeling the body in his arms stiffen momentarily before relaxing again. He continued, "Our travel plans... are ruined again. I'm going to break my promise again."

An Ran listened quietly without responding immediately. She slightly raised her head from his embrace, looking up at his profile, which was filled with remorse and determination. A few seconds later, she suddenly burst out laughing, a sound like silver bells breaking the slightly heavy atmosphere in the corridor.

"I thought it was something serious!" An Ran reached out and gently patted Chen Jun's back, her tone relaxed but with a hint of reproach. "Look at you, so tense. Do you think I'm the kind of unreasonable woman who would argue with you over something so trivial?"

She stepped back slightly, cupped Chen Jun's face in her hands, made him look directly into her eyes, and said earnestly, "The affairs of the country always come first. This has been ingrained in our bones since the first day we put on this uniform, hasn't it? I understand, and I support it."

Her eyes were gentle yet firm, carrying a kind of open-mindedness and strength unique to military families: "Besides, how can fate be right or wrong? To meet you, to become your wife, even if it's just for half a moment together, my heart is full. Moreover, we have many more 'half moments' to share."

These words, like a warm current, instantly dispelled all the guilt and gloom in Chen Jun's heart. He looked deeply at An Ran, at this woman who unconditionally understood him, supported him, and gave him warmth and strength no matter when or where, and his chest was filled with an indescribable emotion and love. With such a wife, what more could a husband ask for?

He lowered his head and planted a deep kiss on An Ran's forehead, his voice slightly hoarse: "Thank you, An Ran."

An Ran smiled and pushed him away: "Okay, stop being so mushy. Open the door, the kids are probably getting impatient. The mission is important, but we also need to eat and go home."

Chen Jun nodded vigorously, took out his keys, and opened the door. Warm lights and the aroma of food, along with the child's sweet, childlike calls, rushed out and instantly enveloped them.

……

Thinking that tomorrow morning I will be heading to the distant South Vietnam to carry out that dangerous and unpredictable top-secret mission, tonight may be the last night for a long time to be able to spend so peacefully with my family.

He stayed by An Ran's side almost every step of the night.

When Anran finished washing the dishes and came out, she saw Chen Jun sitting on the sofa, holding a child who was already a little sleepy-eyed, and gently patting him.

She dried her hands, walked over, and sat down next to him.

"Why are you being so clingy today?" An Ran teased softly, resting her head naturally on his shoulder.

Chen Jun reached out and put his arm around her, resting his chin on the top of her head. His voice was deep and gentle: "Tomorrow... I'm leaving again. To a place that's a bit far and a bit chaotic. I don't know how long I'll be gone this time."

He paused, tightening his grip on her arm slightly: "I want to spend this time with you. You and the children are my greatest motivation and concern."

An Ran didn't speak, but nestled even closer into his arms, gently placing one hand on the back of his hand that was around her waist. A silent tenderness flowed between them, more powerful than a thousand words.

As night deepened, the child had already fallen into a deep sleep in Chen Jun's arms and was carefully carried back to the children's room and settled in.

The bedroom lights were dimmed. That night, Chen Jun was extremely gentle, yet with an almost greedy longing, as if he wanted to make up for all the time he would miss in the future in this one night. An Ran responded to him with exceptional obedience and fervor, expressing her reluctance to part, her worries, and her unreserved love and support in the most direct way.

As the first rays of dawn pierced the room through the curtains, Chen Jun was already awake. He lay on his side, quietly gazing at the peaceful sleeping face of the person beside him. She was sleeping soundly, her breathing even, her face still flushed with the lingering blush and weariness of the previous night's pleasure. Her long eyelashes cast a small shadow beneath her eyelids, and the corners of her lips were slightly upturned, as if she were having a sweet dream.

A strong sense of reluctance welled up in Chen Jun's heart, almost shaking his resolve to leave immediately. For a moment, he truly wanted to abandon everything and simply stay with her and the child, living the most ordinary life.

But it only lasted for a moment.

The next second, his gaze became sharp and resolute again.

He is a ghost, the director of the National Strategic Security Bureau. On his shoulders lies the heavy responsibility of protecting the peace and tranquility of hundreds of millions of compatriots and resisting the infiltration of the "Abyss," a dark organization that has lurked for thousands of years and intends to subvert the foundation of the country. As long as this threat remains, he cannot truly enjoy this ordinary happiness with a clear conscience.

He gently leaned down and placed a tender yet promise-filled kiss on Anran's forehead, whispering in an almost inaudible voice, "Wait for me to come back."

Then, without further hesitation, he got up briskly, changed into his military uniform that represented responsibility and mission, took one last deep look at his sleeping wife and children on the bed, turned around, and strode out of the bedroom, leaving the home he cherished so much.

His back looked exceptionally upright and resolute in the morning light.

He first went to the headquarters of the National Strategic Security Agency.

In the office, Jiang Ling was processing documents when he heard a knock on the door and familiar footsteps. He looked up and was clearly taken aback when he saw Chen Jun, who walked in, looking travel-worn but with bright eyes.

"Chen Jun?" Jiang Ling put down his pen, a look of surprise on his face. "I thought you would at least rest at home for a few days this time, spend time with An Ran and the children, after all, you just went through something like that. I didn't expect you to be back so quickly, like a spinning top, never stopping for a moment?"

He stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of Chen Jun. He patted Chen Jun on the shoulder, his tone full of emotion: "Your decisiveness is almost insane. But..." Jiang Ling's expression became serious, "It's our good fortune to have a capable person like you in the country. You have indeed given too much for this country and sacrificed too much of your personal time."

Chen Jun merely smiled faintly at Jiang Ling's remark, not responding to it, and went straight to the point: "Director Jiang, let's skip the pleasantries. Is there any new development over in the Abyss?"

Jiang Ling looked at Chen Jun's "Enough with the small talk, let's get down to business" attitude, shook his head helplessly, composed himself, and gestured for Chen Jun to sit down.

“You’re so busy, working non-stop, you don’t even have time to spend with your wife and kids,” Jiang Ling couldn’t help but ask, “Are you sure An Ran has no objections? She’s a soldier too, I understand her commitment, but as a woman, as a mother…”

Chen Jun waved his hand, interrupting Jiang Ling, his tone calm but undeniable: "She understands me and supports me. There's no need for us to say these things. Alright, Director Jiang, now is not the time to talk about this. We must resolve 'The Abyss' as soon as possible. This organization is like a malignant tumor; I can't sleep soundly until it's removed, and I believe you feel the same way."

Upon hearing the word "abyss," Jiang Ling's expression immediately turned serious, and the previous atmosphere of reminiscing and chatting vanished instantly. He sat up straight, took a thick, encrypted file folder from his drawer, and pushed it in front of Chen Jun.

“You’re right. According to our latest intelligence and multiple verifications, the ‘Abyss’ organization has been unusually active in South Vietnam recently, and it seems to be planning an unprecedented infiltration and sabotage operation. The target is likely related to our key ‘Belt and Road’ projects in South Vietnam, and may even involve the overthrow of the local pro-China regime.”

Jiang Ling's voice was low and solemn: "The personnel, routes, and preliminary support plan have all been prepared for you with the highest level of secrecy; they're right here. If you decide to go to South Vietnam again in person, I have only one request: you must be careful! It's not Thailand; the situation there is much more complicated. The 'Abyss's' foundations may be deeper than we imagine. What if—and I mean what if—something happens to you? How will I explain it to An Ran? How will I explain it to Commander Ye? How will I explain it to the country?"

Chen Jun picked up the heavy file folder, but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he looked up at Jiang Ling, a confident and composed smile playing on his lips. That smile revealed the powerful confidence forged through countless life-and-death experiences.

"Don't worry, Director Jiang. Not a single part will be missing. I'll go there intact and come back intact. I'll be back to be your most troublesome soldier."

Seeing Chen Jun's nonchalant demeanor, as if he were just going on a short business trip, Jiang Ling felt a mix of emotions, ultimately letting out a long sigh. He stood up and gave Chen Jun a solemn military salute.

"Take care, Comrade Chen Jun! The country and the people are waiting for your triumphant return!"

Chen Jun stood up, also standing at attention, and returned a standard and forceful military salute. Their eyes met, and everything was understood without words.

Without a further farewell, Chen Jun picked up the file folder, turned, and left Jiangling's office. His steps remained steady and firm, his goal clear—to head directly to the border.

Sitting in the special car heading to the border, Chen Jun stared at the scenery rushing past the window, his eyes as cold as iron.

"I don't care if you're a god or a demon. If you dare to extend your claws into my country, dare to threaten my compatriots... I will definitely drag you out of the gutter and expose your true colors in the sunlight!"