Chen Fan was taken aback.
He had only met Jun Ruowang once before, during a military inspection and慰问 (wèiwèn - to pay respects and express sympathy), and they didn't really know each other.
Jun Ruowang then took another piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Chen Fan.
This act of taking something out of his pocket made Chen Fan speechless.
How to put it, it was severely out of character for Jun Ruowang's status.
Jun Ruowang seemed to sense Chen Fan's thoughts, smiled, and said, "I'm actually a bit unconventional. You'll know once you get to know me better!"
Despite his words, as royalty, in formal settings, his etiquette, demeanor, and grace were impeccable.
As he spoke, Jun Ruowang placed the paper in front of Chen Fan.
Chen Fan glanced at it and was surprised again.
"I've been paying attention to you, and I know you're looking for the item in the picture. Is this called a Dragon-Patterned Compass?" Jun Ruowang said.
"Always paying attention to me?" Chen Fan's gaze sharpened slightly.
"The God of War, the pillar of the nation, how could I not pay attention?" Jun Ruowang smiled, his smile genuine.
He wasn't exactly handsome, but with thick eyebrows and large eyes, he wasn't bad either. Most importantly, he exuded a warm, jade-like aura, steady and with hidden brilliance, possessing an uncommon maturity beyond his years.
"Three years ago, I regretted your disposition."
He continued, "Unfortunately, your sharp edge truly frightened too many people, instilling fear in many. I wanted to keep you in the capital, even in a nominal position, but alas, I couldn't persuade too many people who wanted you gone."
Clearly, Jun Ruowang had played a part in the decision regarding Chen Fan's fate three years ago.
It was understandable, in a way. If the royal family hadn't intervened, even with the combined influence of Old Master Chen and the Dragon Head, they wouldn't have been able to overpower the other top factions.
Without the royal family's involvement, Chen Fan might have spent three years in prison instead of moving to Hang Jiang to become a live-in son-in-law.
"So I know you're looking for this item, and you should already have a few pieces," Jun Ruowang said.
Chen Fan looked at the Dragon-Patterned Compass in the picture and asked, "Do you have a lead?"
"I know where one of them is," Jun Ruowang replied. "I tried to acquire it directly, but they refused!"
"Where?" Chen Fan's expression became serious.
Jun Ruowang shook his head. "I can't say. If you knew, you would definitely go to any lengths to obtain it, and it might create friction!"
Chen Fan couldn't help but frown.
The Dragon-Patterned Compass fragments were too important to him. Once there was a lead, he would definitely pursue it by any means necessary.
"Give me some time."
Jun Ruowang said, "You investigate the matter of the roster first. Once that's settled, if I still can't persuade them, we'll find a way together then."
His demeanor was quite relaxed. After all, with his status, if he truly set his mind on obtaining the Dragon-Patterned Compass fragment, people might not completely refuse him.
It was just that he had a gentle disposition and didn't want to resort to coercion.
Chen Fan looked at Jun Ruowang's sincere face, thought for a moment, and said, "Alright. If you can get that fragment, I owe you a big favor."
Jun Ruowang chuckled. "It's not easy to get you to owe someone a big favor."
He paused, then said, "I have to go. I've been out too long, and it's bound to spark speculation among the concerned parties. Tianjiao, you have full discretion in this investigation. Call me anytime if you run into trouble. You must uncover the forces behind the weaving of this network, and show no mercy!"
Chen Fan nodded. "My desire for this matter is even stronger than yours!"
"That's precisely why I asked you to lead this investigation!"
Jun Ruowang got up and walked towards the exit, then stopped again, smiling. "I hope the day will come soon when I can meet you openly and invite you for a drink!"
Chen Fan was a little lost in thought at his words.
Jun Ruowang, however, walked out and even started humming a tune.
"Don't you see, through a hundred battles in the yellow sand, clad in golden armor, we shall not return until the Loulan is broken. Let us see great men, test our hands to mend the shattered sky..."
His voice wasn't particularly pleasant, but it carried a resolute, ambitious spirit.
A touch of emotion surfaced in Chen Fan's heart, and he smiled.
He also walked out of the room, and a guard pointed him towards the room where the Dragon Head was.
Entering the quiet and elegant room, the Dragon Head was leisurely eating something.
Seeing Chen Fan, the Dragon Head said, "You agreed, didn't you?"
"You were certain I would agree?"
Chen Fan asked.
"Of course. Although our identities and positions differ, our patriotic hearts are the same. Moreover, this is the direction you were already investigating!"
Chen Fan sat down. A bowl and chopsticks, as well as a small pot of clear wine, were already prepared before him.
Pouring Chen Fan a cup, the Dragon Head then said, "You're not disappointed, are you?"
"You mean Jun Ruowang?" Chen Fan asked.
The Dragon Head nodded.
"A gentleman like jade, an unparalleled young master. Not bad," Chen Fan commented.
"He has a pure heart. It is precisely because of young people like you that there is a future!" The Dragon Head took a sip of wine and smiled. "The upright and patriotic young talents should strive together for their ideals and ambitions, forging ahead!"
Chen Fan took the hand-picked list and examined it carefully.
The five names on this list had been meticulously investigated and selected by Jun Ruowang's side. They were inconspicuous among the entire list in the booklet.
However, these five individuals shared similarities: they all had certain backgrounds and had intersections with other people on the roster.
For example, Yin Xiangyi, at the end of the list, was a collateral relative of the Huang family in the capital, and had a close relationship with the eldest son of the Huang family.
There was also someone named Yu Guofu, who was the boss of a company. His family background wasn't particularly special, but in his youth, he had saved the life of a noble's daughter in an accident, which led to his success.
This person had extensive connections.
These five individuals were specifically marked by Jun Ruowang because, despite appearing unremarkable, they occupied very special positions within that vast network.
They were like nodes within that great web.
"This private dining is excellent. I haven't eaten like this in a long time!" the Dragon Head suddenly said.
"Eat more," Chen Fan replied.
"I'm old now. I can only eat light meals. Too much richness, I can't digest it,"
The Dragon Head said slowly, "This network is so vast. Don't rush. Take your time. I've never doubted your abilities. I only worry that if you're too hasty, you'll encounter even greater resistance!"
Chen Fan smiled and said, "I know what you're going to say. Learn from past mistakes. I understand this principle better than anyone now."
The Dragon Head picked up a piece of tripe and put it in his mouth. "When the winds and clouds gather, one should rise to the occasion. Once you've handled these matters, I'll be retiring."
Chen Fan rolled his eyes, too lazy to respond.
The meal didn't last long. The two of them left the private dining restaurant.
They still took the Dragon Head's car back to the Iron Blood Camp, after which Chen Fan changed vehicles and departed.
On the way out, he took out his specially made mobile phone and dialed the number of the adjutant, which was marked on it.
"Executive Officer!"
A woman's voice answered. As soon as Chen Fan heard it, he found it very familiar.
He paused and said, "Xiang Jingshu?"
"Chen Fan... is that you?"
Xiang Jingshu exclaimed in surprise from the other end. "You... you're the commander of Operation Dawn?"
Chen Fan smiled. "Surprised?"
"I..." Xiang Jingshu was speechless. "I had no idea!"
She had just returned to the capital and accepted the highly classified mission of Operation Dawn, serving as adjutant. She had been warned by her superiors to absolutely obey the executive officer's commands and carry out the mission.
Who would have thought that Chen Fan, in disguise, would become her direct superior?