Many, upon seeing the group in black, immediately assumed they were military personnel.
Sure enough, as Song Ruyu took her seat, a crew member addressed the aid team in the front cabin, “Everyone, there are highly classified agents on this flight. Please refrain from speaking with unfamiliar passengers. All mobile phones must be switched off and kept out of hand, as per regulations. Thank you for your cooperation.”
The international aid team, primarily composed of medical and educational volunteers, had undergone thorough background checks before their missions. They were trustworthy and cooperative, promptly stowing their phones as requested.
Song Ruyu and the other black-clad individuals were seated far apart, each occupying a row, and they refrained from interacting with anyone throughout the flight.
These black-clad individuals were sent by Old Sun to provide cover for Song Ruyu. His cautious approach ensured no vulnerabilities were left exposed.
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, after Tawana’s concert concluded, Ye Chen declined her invitation to join the celebratory banquet. He drove alone from the venue to a military airport in northern Shanghai.
As he arrived, the military transport plane touched down smoothly.
The military airport had no terminal. As the plane taxied to its parking position, five vehicles—three large and two small—were already waiting.
Once the plane stopped, two boarding stairs docked at the front and rear doors. The crew entered the cabin and announced, “Members of the humanitarian aid team, please disembark via the front door. Classified personnel, please use the rear door. Maintain strict discipline during disembarkation, no talking or using mobile phones.”
Everyone complied with the crew’s instructions, silently gathering their carry-on luggage and exiting through the designated doors.
Song Ruyu and the other black-clad individuals boarded two sedans, while the humanitarian aid team members queued to board three buses.
The aid team still needed to complete entry procedures at the airport, but Song Ruyu was driven directly out of the runway area after entering the car.
In the car, the female driver said to Song Ruyu, “Miss Song, we’ll take you to the underground car park. Mr. Ye is already waiting there.”
Song Ruyu’s heart raced with both nervousness and excitement. She softly said, “Thank you,” then pressed her lips together, her mind swirling with thoughts.
Military airports typically have high security levels. Apart from the runways, which must be open-air, nearly everything else is in a sealed environment.
All classified aircraft are moved into hangars after landing, and apart from logistical vehicles, all other vehicles are parked in the underground car park.
Ye Chen’s BMW 530 was parked in the underground car park.
A black Hongqi sedan stopped in front of his car. A woman in black from the front passenger seat got out and opened the door for Song Ruyu, saying, “Miss Song, you may disembark.”
Ye Chen stepped out of his car upon seeing Song Ruyu’s arrival, momentarily struck by her appearance.
Dressed in black, her fair skin stood out strikingly. She was slender, with sharp features and a straight nose, her bold, sword-like eyebrows lending her an air of a heroine.
Yet, the moment she saw Ye Chen, a flush of pink bloomed on her fair cheeks.
Standing before Ye Chen, she clasped her legs together nervously, her right hand fidgeting with her left index finger. Her voice, tinged with shyness and tension, said, “Mr. Ye, I hope you’ve been well!”
