Chapter 870: The Story of Ling and Heng (133)
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
She immediately turned back. This time, she did not avoid his gaze as she met his eyes directly. However, her expression did not contain any emotions.
Li Nanheng narrowed his eyes at her attitude. “Do you wish to leave the base?”
The man appeared as though nothing had happened last night, as though everything was right in the world. Feng Ling curled her fingers into fists by her sides once more.
However, she was acting as a man. She could not allow herself to be too delicate, nor could she give in to the desire she had since last night to crumble. She could only tolerate this.
“Boss, please allow me to leave for a while.” After a moment of silence, Feng Ling tried her best to speak calmly: “I need some time alone.”
“Do you need time alone or time away from me?”
Feng Ling’s tidy, trimmed nails dug painfully into her palm. Her gaze instantly turned cold as she watched him: “I do not wish to say more. But even if you’re the person-in-charge of XI Base and the Boss of this place, it doesn’t mean I have to allow you to…”
“I like you. There’s nothing to conceal, or to feel embarrassed about,” Li Nanheng directly cut her off.
Feng Ling’s expression faltered for a moment. Faced with his strange and abrupt honesty, she was unable to vent the anger she had been tolerating since last night. She could only stare at him in disbelief: “Boss, I’m a man…”
“There’s no difference if you’re a man or a woman. The point is that I’ve fucking taken a fancy to you. It’s your business whether or not you wish to accept this. It’s also my business whether or not I like you.” Li Nanheng did not conceal anything. In fact, his openness and sincerity made it difficult for her to avoid the topic: “Don’t forget, you sent yourself to my door last night.”
Feng Ling was immediately at a loss for words. She furrowed her brows. “That was to deliver alcohol to you!”
“Wasn’t your intention to get me drunk and make me spill about my thoughts?”
Feng Ling: “…”
The man’s gaze was slightly cold and mocking: “Even if you really managed to get me drunk, the only words you would successfully get out of me is the fact that I’ve fallen for you. Since you’re so interested in knowing, why don’t I just say it to you while I’m conscious.”
Feng Ling: “Boss, please don’t make this sort of jokes.”
“My body’s reaction last night wasn’t a joke. What did you think I was doing in the bathroom last night?”
Feng Ling: “…”
She wasn’t a man; how would she know what he was doing!
“XI Base has military-style management. Everyone is considered soldiers of equal standing here. In this place, the most basic standard to adhere to is honesty.” The man watched the young man who was shorter than him, scanning his stiff, lowered head. “Since I’m unable to control my own heart, there’s no need for me to lie. I’m leaving these words here not to force you, but to inform you that I’ve seriously fallen for you. There’s no need for you to avoid me here and there. If you don’t like me, just reject me. What’s the point in avoiding?”
The man was suddenly speaking so openly, as though he had not committed any wrongdoings whatsoever.
Feng Ling abruptly raised her head to look at him. When she saw the wound she had left on his lips, the composure she had been holding onto immediately crumbled. She had all sorts of complicated feelings.
However, even after deliberating through it, she felt that despite his honesty, he was still too overbearing. If things were as he said, and if she could reject him anytime she was unwilling to accept him, why didn’t he let go of her last night despite her struggles?
Even though it wasn’t as if he didn’t let her go, but for her, it was still considered too much. In fact… even now, her palms still retained his burning heat…
But it seemed like he didn’t do anything he wasn’t supposed to. Even her clothes were tightly fastened when she left.
Feng Ling could not believe that a few words from this man could affect her composure this much. The anger from being overwhelmed last night and this immense disbelief right now left her entirely helpless.
“Raise your head.” The man watched her.
Feng Ling lifted her head to meet his gaze.
The man watched her for a moment before glancing at the rifle by her feet. His tone did not contain any warmth as he said, “Despite all that, you broke the most basic rule in front of so many pairs of eyes. This matter cannot be forgiven too easily.”
Feng Ling understood the consequences of her actions. She did not have many thoughts about this. She felt that regardless of it all, as long as it would allow her to leave the base temporarily and let go of these strange emotions or distract her with some other tasks, it was good.
After all, it felt as though the beliefs on which her life was grounded on had been messed up. Right now, she was extremely flustered.
“The Rogers Pass, located in the Canadian segment of the Continental Divide of the Americas, is considered an icy place where cold waves are common. The American army plans to build a transport passage there, but because several gangs located in the Montana state, the military efforts may meet with an ambush. There’s a need to send a group of people there to guard for three months. These people will only be able to leave after the passage has been successfully built.”
“There’s no way to confirm if they will truly meet with an ambush, but constructing such a passageway will impact the gangs. More than three months of long term defense is a waste of manpower and combat skills. At this moment, the base will not send any of its elites forward. Your skills are considerably good. Go select five new members to accompany you there.”
Just like each time she received a mission, Feng Ling did not voice out any disagreements: “All right.”
It seemed like no matter where she was sent, or what sort of mission she was given, she would accept it. Li Nanheng watched her mildly. “It’s the coldest place in America. Can you take it?”
“My body should be fine. Two years ago, I also participated in a six months long training against the cold. My stamina and endurance should be fine.” Feng Ling had a professional expression on. “Boss, please don’t worry.”
She was still the composed, indifferent Feng Ling who disliked talking about feelings.
“Go select a few dependable men. After you’ve confirmed the list, directly let Han Jin inform them.”
“All right.”
“You’ll leave in two days.”
“All right.”
“Before you depart, prepare all of your winter wear. If anything is lacking, inform the base. They’ll prepare as you require.”
“All right.”
“Is there nothing you wish to say?”
Feng Ling was always fully prepared to face any mission, along with the challenges that came it. This included the necessary mental preparation. In any case, this was a consequence of her actions. There was nothing she could ask for. She could only raise her head to look at him. “Thank you, Boss.”
Li Nanheng watched her for half a beat, and after confirming that she truly had no requests, he narrowed his eyes.