It all happened too fast, but Chen Jingyun figured out three essential points as she was taken to a safe place, a military compound.
One, Lu Xin was a young soldier under her grandfather's unit. Two years ago, when Chen Jingyun was forced to attend that disciplinary center, Lu Xin was assigned the mission to look after her.
Was she a true friend? Chen Jingyun did not ask for fear of hurting her or herself. Years of friendship could be gone just like that.
Two, the death threat she received came from a dangerous and mysterious organization. They have been around for fifteen years and no one has come close to capturing them. Receiving a letter from them, with their unique carving style and strange seal, was the same as receiving a death sentence.
Was she scared? She didn't know that herself.
Three, in order to save herself, she was going to be sealed from society once again or she was going to undergo a total identity change.
Did she mind? Not really.
Other than her parents, no one was waiting for her to come back.
At the military compound, everyone worked in a seamless fashion. Quick and precise. Not a second wasted. Once they interrogated her, she was left alone to await instructions.
Lu Xin had long disappeared once she got her here.
Sitting in her grandfather's office, Chen Jingyun patiently waited for him to come back from their emergency meeting.
Looking at the mahogany themed office, a wave of nostalgia washed over her. It hasn't changed at all.
When she was young she used to come and go as she pleased, she sat on her grandpa's chair and acted like a commanding officer. She was reckless, confident, and overbearing.
And her grandpa would only laugh and follow her games.
But now she felt uneasy, nervous, and apologetic. Thinking back to the last time she saw him; she was filled with shame.
She had brought great dishonor to the family.
She almost didn't want to see him for fear of getting that expression again.
But she also felt a great sense of responsibility. She promised to redeem herself. She was going to be worthy of her name and their pride and love.
She won't give them any more burdens to bear.
After a long time waiting, Chen Jingyun heard movement coming from the door. Fixing her posture, hair, and expression, Chen Jingyun tampered down her negative feelings.
Instead, a fierce girl was revealed. Not a shadow of insecurities was left on her.
However, as the door opened, and she began to see the imposing figure of her grandfather, her heartbeat sped up with nervousness.
Walking into the room was her mighty grandfather. He looked a little older, but he still seemed to be glowing with strength. And as always, he carried his stern and serious face.
He was General Chen Mo.
Following behind him was her friend, Lu Xin.
She was still that tall pretty girl she met two years ago, but now, she wore a soldier's uniform and seemed to take a solemn air.
But somehow, Chen Jingyun didn't feel like she was looking at a stranger. That consoled her heart.
Standing up from her seat, Chen Jingyun greeted her grandfather. Shoulders back, chin up, and clear eyes. She looked at him straight in the eyes and did not make herself seem small.
Just like he taught her.
"Grandfather."
For a moment, her grandfather only stared at her. Whatever ran through his mind, he did not show signs nor hints.
"Sit."He nodded.
Chen Jingyun didn't say anything else and sat down obediently. She remained calm and refused to show any signs of weakness.
Taking his time, General Chen Mo reached his seat in silence. He settled the documents he carried over and didn't rush to talk.
Only a moment later did he look up from the papers, and began to speak.
"As you know," he began, "you are the target of a dangerous organization. In order to ensure your safety, I have devised a plan. You must comply no matter what, understood?"
Chen Jingyun nodded firmly.
"Understood."
Then, General Chen Mo gave her a file. A hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes as he handed over the file.
"This is your new identity."
She took the file and opened it with steady calmness, but nothing could have prepared her for what she read.
A stunned look appeared on her face.
Looking up from the files, she glanced at her grandfather with her eyebrows furrowed in doubt.
"Are you serious?" She asked.
In response, General Chen Mo nodded firmly.
"You will become the young ordinary boy called Qin Yun. The only son of a middle-class family that was sent to a boarding school for boys. There, you will blend in with the rest of the young lads and lay low until we catch the organization. You must not be found out nor reveal to anyone your real identity. That is all you have to do."
"Lu Xin will guide you in your identity change. Understood?"
Even though Chen Jingyun wanted to change his mind about becoming a boy, she didn't find it in her heart to argue about it.
In the end, she accepted her new role with tranquility.
"Understood."
Pursing his lips, perhaps a sign of approval, General Chen Mo then turned to say his last commands.
"Lu Xin, you know what to do."
"Yes, sir." Lu Xin saluted perfectly and started to lead Chen Jingyun out of the office.
Before the door was closed, General Chen Mo called out to his granddaughter.
"Jingyun."
Chen Jingyun looked back. A look of surprise splashing in her eyes.
"Yes, grandfather?"
General Chen Mo only seemed to stare at her with heavy eyes.
Finally, he said.
"Nothing, you may go."
And the door was closed.