NFBE Chapter 210 Why is it Trust
Chapter 210 Why is it Trust
Before the operation, the organization warned Su Ming that this Old Zhang was no ordinary person. Decades ago, he had been a formidable figure in the espionage war, single-handedly orchestrating numerous thrilling operations and thwarting countless enemy plots. Despite his years of retirement, Old Zhang's name remained remarkably recognizable. However, this apprenticeship was no small feat. Old Zhang had an eccentric temperament and rarely accepted apprentices. Su Ming, a young agent with only a few years' experience, was uncertain whether he would be able to impress him.
Su Ming gathered his thoughts, took a deep breath, and walked towards the teahouse. The small wind chimes at the entrance tinkled softly in the wind, as if warning anyone entering: This place is unusual. Pushing the door open, he entered the dimly lit room, a few old-fashioned kerosene lamps casting a faint glow, illuminating the teahouse's dated furnishings. Su Ming glanced around. There were only two or three tables in the teahouse, where a handful of people sat leisurely sipping tea. The air was filled with the faint aroma of tea, mingled with an inexplicable sense of oppression.
Old Zhang sat behind the counter, looking down at a book, seemingly unaware of Su Ming's arrival. Su Ming stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke in a calm, unassuming voice, "Mr. Zhang, I'm Su Ming. The organization sent me to see you."
Old Zhang slowly raised his head, his eyes cloudy and calm, like an old tree weathered by wind and frost, completely indifferent to everything around him. He glanced at Su Ming, his eyes expressionless, as if Su Ming was just a stranger passing by. After a moment's silence, Old Zhang said in a hoarse voice, "Sit down."
Su Ming nodded and obediently sat down across from him. The atmosphere grew silent for a moment, the only sounds being the ticking of the clock and the occasional tinkling of the wind chimes in the corner.
Old Zhang seemingly took a casual sip of tea, but his eyes grew sharper, as if they could see through people's hearts. He suddenly smiled, a hint of teasing in his tone, "I heard you're a very promising young person in the organization? You've only been in the industry for a few years, and you're quite brave, actually coming to me."
Su Ming's heart trembled. This laughter was not relaxed, but rather a test. He immediately realized that Lao Zhang was trying to intimidate him. "I dare not," Su Ming said with a firm look, secretly on guard. "I am only carrying out the mission. Whether I can pass it depends on Mr. Zhang's guidance."
Old Zhang studied him again, his gaze sweeping from his face and clothing to his slightly clenched fists, as if analyzing his deepest fears and resolve. After a moment, he set the book aside and sighed. "You young people, you always think you can change things. You really don't know your place."
Su Ming remained silent, merely watching Old Zhang silently, his mind racing with thoughts. Though Old Zhang's words were cold, they betrayed a deep wisdom and weariness. Years of battle and conspiracy had worn this once legendary figure down, yet they had also left him with a profound understanding of the world.
"Since you're here, I'll give you a chance." Old Zhang stood up and slowly walked to the window. With his back to Su Ming, he spoke in a low, distant voice. "But don't think you can get away with it so easily. If you want to be a true spy, you must first learn what ruthlessness is."
Su Ming's heartbeat suddenly accelerated. Although he had mentally prepared himself, he still felt nervous. Lao Zhang's back was a little blurry in the dim light, as if hidden in layers of fog.
"Ruthless?" Su Ming repeated in a low voice, frowning slightly.
Old Zhang turned around, his eyes gleaming with an unfathomable light, and his voice grew even colder: "Do you know why I've survived all these years? It's not because I'm smarter than others, but because I'm more ruthless and more willing to give up."
Su Ming felt a chill run down his spine, as if suffocated by an invisible force. Every word Lao Zhang spoke pierced his heart like a knife, dissecting the last vestiges of tenderness and innocence within him.
"One day, when you face your closest people, or even your companions, and have to choose between them and the mission, can you still remain steadfast?" Lao Zhang's voice was no longer a test, but an examination, as if forcing Su Ming to reflect on his soul.
Su Ming took a deep breath, his fingers involuntarily tensing slightly. He had long understood that in the world of espionage, there was no absolute good or evil, only victory and defeat. Sacrifice was the norm, whether it was the enemy or the things he cherished most. Having chosen this path, there was no turning back.
"I understand," Su Ming finally spoke, his voice low but firm, "For the mission, I can give up everything."
Old Zhang nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, yet his expression remained cold and indifferent. "Very good. However, determination alone isn't enough; you need both the means and the patience." He was silent for a moment, gazing out the window, as if reminiscing about the past. "Come with me first. Let me see if you have the potential."
After that, Lao Zhang said nothing more, put on his coat, and strode out of the teahouse. Su Ming quickly followed, his heart beating a little faster. Although he was unsure of what would happen next, a certain premonition told him that this night would change his life.
The wind on the street grew colder, and the night deepened. Old Zhang led Su Ming through several alleys, the dim light of the street lamps lengthening their shadows. A damp smell hung in the air, as if foreshadowing an impending storm. When they reached a secluded alley, Old Zhang suddenly stopped and turned to Su Ming, saying, "Do you know what the core of spy warfare is?"
Su Ming didn't answer immediately. He knew this wasn't a simple test. The sharpness in Old Zhang's eyes seemed to pierce through him. He had to give a sufficiently profound answer. After thinking for a few seconds, Su Ming slowly said, "The core of spy warfare is information. Those who possess information truly seize the initiative in war."
Su Ming's thoughts were momentarily swirling. Lao Zhang's words were like a stone dropped into the lake of his heart, stirring up waves. He had never imagined that the word "trust" would become the core of espionage. In fact, in all his past training, trust was the most strictly guarded element. In the world of spies, suspicion and betrayal seemed to be the norm. Everyone carefully protected themselves, not letting anyone get close, fearing that a moment of negligence would reveal their identity and purpose. However, Lao Zhang's experience was clearly greater than his. He must have seen through the deeper logic that he could not grasp.
Su Ming's mind raced through various mission scenarios: lies, disguises, deception, even relying on intuition to judge friend from foe in critical moments. However, all of this was overturned and reconstructed by Lao Zhang's words. "Trust? Why trust?" Su Ming chewed on these two words over and over, as if they were unlocking a truth he hadn't yet fully grasped.