Xiao Han looked at the red‑haired woman without flinching.
The dagger halted abruptly three centimetres from his carotid artery. The sudden change in movement displayed remarkable bodily control. A cold gleam flashed in the woman's eyes. "Why didn't you dodge?"
"Why should I?"
"You think I don't dare stab you?"
"You're welcome to try."
Xiao Han's expression remained calm. Beneath his clothes, hidden from the woman's view, the magnetic‑control extending armour had already climbed up to his collar and could protect his neck at any moment. That was why he was so composed.
And since she could stroll openly into the military camp, she was most likely a Hai Xia operative. She couldn't possibly attack him for real—this was eighty per cent likely to be a test or an attempt to intimidate him. Choosing him as the target left Xiao Han slightly disgruntled, and his eyes took on a faintly oppressive quality.
A sudden chill crept down the red‑haired woman's back. She did not know where the feeling came from. Steadying herself, she snorted. "Wenna, Intelligence Bureau operative."
No sooner had she spoken than she felt something pressing against her abdomen. Looking down, she saw the muzzle of a large‑calibre handgun pointed directly at her.
Xiao Han finally smiled. "Xiao Han."
So fast! I didn't even see him draw it!
Wenna's pupils contracted. She retracted her dagger, and Xiao Han also holstered his gun.
"I'll remember that," she said before turning and leaving.
Xiao Han shook his head, eyes thoughtful. "People from Hai Xia really aren't friendly… hope they don't drag me down."
…
After walking some distance, Wenna let out a small sigh of relief, only then noticing the cold sweat at her temples. Her expression grew solemn.
That Star Dragon operative… felt extremely dangerous.
Wenna returned to the Hai Xia operatives' rest area. Ye Fan looked up with a smile. "Any findings?"
Wenna took a sip of water, moistening her dry throat, and said gravely, "That one called Xiao Han might be trouble."
"Xiao Han?"
Based on her description, Ye Fan recalled the man.
Ever since getting off the vehicle, that guy had kept an unusually low profile—except when he heard Ye Fan's name and gave him a strange look.
"A strange person," Ye Fan concluded.
…
After finishing his cigarette, Xiao Han stubbed it out and headed back to the rest area.
Qi Baijia glanced over. "Nothing happened, right?"
"Oh, something did. I just saw a sow fall into a ditch."
Qi Baijia's face stiffened. "Can you be serious?"
"Then nothing happened," Xiao Han said, picking at his ear. Since it was only a harmless test, he had no intention of spreading the story. First, for the sake of the mission; second, because there was no need to make a scene.
In his mind, enemies fell into three categories: first, those involved in personal disputes or threats to his interests; second, those who wanted him dead and endangered his life; third, mortal enemies—those tied by hatred and intertwined interests. The Sprout was such an enemy. Compared to that, petty conflicts could wait their turn.
Qi Baijia gave Xiao Han a long look. His seat faced the door, giving him a clear view of what had just happened. He had been on many field missions—he knew that foreign operatives would always test or intimidate newcomers. It was an unspoken rule. Operatives carried high pride; failing to demonstrate strength meant losing the right to speak, and complaining to a superior would only invite ridicule.
A trace of approval appeared in Qi Baijia's eyes. He was pleased with Xiao Han's reaction—he hadn't lost face, and Qi Baijia appreciated that he chose to keep it quiet. "This guy has both strength and a good grasp of the bigger picture," he thought.
…
"They didn't start a fight?"
Hearing his adjutant's report, Kelt nodded with satisfaction.
"Good. Seems those Star Dragon people understand whose turf this is."
…
Time soon came for departure. The group arrived at the border exit. Ye Fan led Wenna and over a dozen operatives, all fully prepared.
The first stop of the mission was a location far from Raven Forest Town—a long‑unused Hai Xia secret outpost that would serve as their temporary base.
The vehicles assigned to Bureau 13 had been transported in by train. They were all ordinary off‑road vehicles—except for Xiao Han's Big Black, which was unmistakably different as it rumbled off with his teammates aboard.
This time, he drove steadily and safely. Li Yalin was so moved she almost cried. The other three teammates, who squeezed into the front seats, wore puzzled expressions, unable to understand why Li Yalin looked as though she had narrowly escaped death.
The journey would take roughly half a day. Hai Xia's convoy led the way, with Bureau 13 following behind.
Suddenly, the Hai Xia convoy accelerated, widening the distance. Seeing this, Di Susu and Ma Qingyang immediately sped up to chase them.
Only Xiao Han, still driving Big Black, remained unhurried at the rear.
"Brother Xiao, we should catch up too!" Lin Yao urged anxiously.
Xiao Han held the steering wheel with one hand, the other resting outside the window, enjoying the breeze. "What's the rush? Even if they race ahead, they'll still have to slow down eventually and wait for me."
"Well… that is true, but still…"
A burst of static crackled through the radio, followed by Di Susu's laugh. "Little Linlin, why have you all fallen behind? Hurry up and catch up! Don't tell me Xiao Han's driving skills are no good?"
"Wastes fuel," Xiao Han replied simply.
Di Susu froze. It was the first time she had heard such a fresh, elegant excuse. Since when did operatives worry about fuel expenses?
Ma Qingyang chimed in over the comms. "Old Zhang, that's clearly Hai Xia showing off. We can't afford to lose face!"
Zhang Wei thought for a few seconds, then patted Xiao Han on the shoulder. "Catch up."
Li Yalin blanched instantly and grabbed Zhang Wei's sleeve in panic. "No, Captain—this speed is PERFECT!"
"What on earth are you afraid of?" Zhang Wei looked bewildered.
"Captain, isn't being alive good enough?!" Li Yalin's voice trembled with near‑tears.
Zhang Wei was baffled—none of this made sense.
"We're really chasing?" Xiao Han raised an eyebrow.
"Really," Zhang Wei nodded.
Xiao Han sighed and shifted gears with practiced ease. "Then hold on."
Li Yalin's face twisted in terror as she clutched the door handle with all her strength, her teeth chattering violently.
"You'll… you'll all regret this."
…
By afternoon, they arrived at their destination.
As soon as everyone stepped out, all gazes instinctively turned toward the heavy black truck at the front—each expression a mixture of fear, shock, and disbelief. The memory of what they had just witnessed sent another shiver down their spines.
They were experienced operatives—they had seen S‑shaped manoeuvres, even Z‑shaped ones. But THIS was the first time they had seen an "&"‑shaped driving pattern! And faster than anyone else to boot!
This wasn't drifting. This was practically taking off!
That truck driver must have drunk fake alcohol!
Zhang Wei, Lin Yao, and Li Yalin stumbled out of the vehicle, collapsing onto a nearby tree for support as they vomited to the heavens—sun, moon, and stars all shattered with their retching. They wished they could be remade from scratch.
"Uuurgh—"
"F‑feels like I'm dying—uurgh—"
"I told you… you'd regret it—uurgh—"
Xiao Han stepped out leisurely, a cigarette hanging from his lips, eyes half‑lidded. "You lot were the ones who told me to chase."
"Y‑you used to drive bumper cars, didn't you?!"
Xiao Han clicked his tongue. Bumper cars? Too insulting. He used to pilot mechs!
Lanbert stepped down from the vehicle, walking steadily as though nothing had happened. Xiao Han's eyes lit up. "See? A normal person."
Lanbert opened his mouth as if to speak—but the moment he did, a torrent of vomit cascaded out like a waterfall. Only after he had emptied himself completely did he finish his sentence, expression still blank.
"If you touch the steering wheel again, I'm jumping out!"