All three other guards looked at him simultaneously, shaking their heads silently, lamenting that such a moron was part of their small front gate team and seemingly tired of living. The guard who started the conversation got creeped out and questioned, "What? What did I say?"
+++++
Before the fourth guard could speak, the closest teammate struck him quickly on the head with his palm. The oldest in the group warned him, "Think before you talk. That Wang Zimo might have a similar build and nearly reach the team leader's height, but in terms of combat experience, muscle memory, and the will to kill without hesitation, he will never compare to the Boss."
The other two guards nodded in agreement. Reflecting on their military days, they realized those times weren't so bad considering their talents and abilities. However, being on Yang Zed's team was like a nightmare. Every member under Yang Zed was exceptionally skilled, and when their unique skills were used or paired correctly, they achieved a mission completion rate of ninety-nine point nine percent. However, working with Yang Zed demanded one hundred and ten percent of their attention and energy. Otherwise, they faced Yang Zed's infamous hellish retraining manual until their performance met his high standards.
They all complained, but they understood the stakes. Even the tiniest mistake in missions assigned to Yang Zed's team could significantly boost their careers or end their lives.
This work for the Liu Family was supposed to be a one-time event, but then their Boss changed his mind and started planning something big. Hearing this, some decided to resign from the military and follow his lead, while others chose to leave after their contracts with the Liu family expired. Due to word of mouth, more joined under Yang Zed. No one knows what happened within these few days, but their Boss suddenly resigned and was coerced into signing a non-aggression pact with the country and more before they let him go.
If he had not left the military, Yang Zed could have been promoted to the top, but he chose to leave. Like the four, all staff working under Yang Zed had their reasons for staying with him. The eldest among the four has three kids and a dying wife to take care of, so he cannot afford to stay in a dangerous job. His talent was applicable only in the field, and he lacked the qualifications to be promoted to a desk job.
The man, who hit their youngest member on the head, owed Yang Zed his life not once but ten times. Though clumsy, his brain worked faster than all four of them combined. All staff who stayed with Yang Zed after he resigned had different reasons for staying, but they had one thing in common: they were all loyal to him.
For a person like Yang Zed, who seems emotionless, you might think he has no one to call a brother. However, in their line of work, his work ethic and uncanny ability to follow orders or contracts to a T reassure people. It relieves them, so they leave their backs on him and focus on their enemies without fearing betrayal.
He might have taken more lives than all of them combined, but they trusted him with their lives more than they did any of their comrades.
While the four team members at the main front gate peacefully mulled over their days and reminisced about their past, the other three walking toward the greenhouse were not so calm.
As the three walked towards the greenhouse, far from any prying ears, Zhou Chun looked at Wang Zimo and questioned, "What do you want from our Young Miss?"
Zhou Chun suspected that Wang Zimo had somehow learned about the cancellation of Liu Leah's engagement with Wang Haoran and was trying to re-enter her life, not as a friend, but as a suitor.
She guessed that her Young Miss had distanced herself and cut off all contact with Wang Zimo because he had wanted more from their relationship, but Liu Leah had become engaged. At that time, Liu Leah had been interested in and might have fallen in love with Wang Haoran at first sight.
Liu Leah was resolute about her decision to enter into a serious relationship with Wang Haoran and planned to follow through with the engagement with marriage in mind.
Both men were tall, and walking with them made Zhou Chun feel like she was in a marathon. She had to walk twice as fast to keep up with their long strides. Both men walked on either side of the path, clearly trying to act civil by keeping their distance; otherwise, a fight might break out.
Hearing Zhou Chun's interrogative tone, Wang Zimo did not slow down but walked faster. He changed his mind when he remembered that Zhou Chun was the closest person to Liu Leah besides her parents.
Wang Zimo slowed down a bit, followed by Yang Zed, who was also curious because this matter was related to Liu Leah.
"Leah is single right now, and you know you do not have a say regarding her romantic relationships. Even her parents cannot interfere in this matter." He meant that he was there to pursue a romantic relationship with Liu Leah and reminded Zhou Chun that only Liu Leah herself would decide whether to accept his advances.
Hearing this, Zhou Chun opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Wang Zimo was right. Whether Wang Zimo was a beggar or the wealthiest man in the world, whether he had a twisted worldview or was the most ethical person, those close to Liu Leah could only offer their advice regarding him. The decision was Liu Leah's.
Unknown to Wang Zimo, both Zhou Chun and Liu Leah's parents would be more involved in her relationships after the incident with Wang Haoran. They would be more aggressive than before, though maybe not excessively so, to avoid repeating what happened with Wang Haoran.
In their hearts, they believed Liu Leah was not good at picking a great partner. Even though the choice was hers, they would not hesitate to discourage or encourage her throughout her relationships. An annoyed Liu Leah was better than an injured Liu Leah.
Realizing both men were after her Young Miss and she could not outright do anything about it, Zhou Chun ignored them and walked faster toward the greenhouse. One of them was a prince of the underworld, while the other was a military berserker used to destroy terrorist bases in a nuke-like fashion.
Wang Zimo resumed his usual pace while Yang Zed walked ahead of Zhou Chun, understanding what Wang Zimo meant.
No matter how many suitors tried to get close to Liu Leah, it was always up to her whether to allow them near or swat them away mercilessly.
Based on Liu Leah's past, she would remove any possibility of having a suitor when she had a man beside her. Before they began, she would nip any expectations from her pursuers.
Yang Zed made a decision that night. After clearing the ambiguous relationship between them, he would immediately declare his relationship with Liu Leah and officially announce it within this week. He could no longer endure these feelings.
Anger. He always felt annoyed and irritated when others tried to woo Leah, thinking they could have his Leah.
Jealousy. He feared someone would capture Leah's interest and attention.
Fear. He was terrified Leah would reject him and leave him for someone else.
From the moment he met Leah, his world had instantly filled with color. His feelings were not learned and understood; instead, it felt like they had returned to him.
If he could compare this experience, it was like regaining a memory lost over time.