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Feng Ling's words stirred a massive wave in Noah's heart.
BSAA Asia-Pacific Regional Director?
The weight represented by this title far exceeded any "black ops" he had ever executed in the past.
It represented power, as well as unimaginable responsibility.
A certain silence fell over the living room, with only the two cups of clear tea still tirelessly sending up faint wisps of white steam.
Noah, who had been leaning back on the sofa, unconsciously sat up a bit straighter.
His eyes, which usually held a hint of laziness and composure, were now staring unblinkingly at the woman opposite him, trying to discern the true weight of her words from her calm, expressionless face.
"This sounds... like no small matter," Noah said slowly, his voice much deeper.
"Of course it's not a small matter," Feng Ling's tone remained matter-of-fact. "This is a strategic layout concerning the future."
She paused for a moment, seemingly organizing her words to make the following information easier to understand.
"Comrade Lin Yuan, you should be well aware that biological weapons and bioterrorism are no longer just a problem for a single company or a specific region. It has evolved into a global crisis capable of threatening the survival of all mankind."
"In the past, for well-known reasons, there was a great deal of division and distrust in the fields of intelligence and security between countries worldwide, especially between the major Eastern and Western powers."
Feng Ling's gaze lingered for a moment on Noah's uniquely styled black laptop, which he had casually set aside, before pulling it back.
"But now, the situation has changed."
"Some high-level officials in the US have realized that clinging to Cold War confrontation mentalities in the face of a global biological threat is nothing short of self-destruction. Viruses and monsters do not distinguish between ideologies."
"Within their ranks, a powerful voice has emerged, favoring deeper cooperation with us, sharing intelligence, and jointly addressing the crisis. To this end, they have even taken the initiative to share some highly classified data with us."
Feng Ling looked at Noah with a certain depth in her eyes: "Among that data are some... records regarding you."
Noah understood instantly.
The report on Operation Javier, and perhaps even the records of his battle with Alexia at the Antarctic Base.
The US government, or rather, the "Cooperation Faction" represented by Trant, had placed him on the international political chessboard as a key card.
"The US high-level officials value your abilities and your relationship within the BSAA, especially with Chris Redfield's faction, very highly," Feng Ling continued, precisely analyzing the complex situation.
"But as you know, the internal political environment in the US is extremely complex, with many parties and deeply entrenched interest groups. Where there are those who advocate for cooperation, there are naturally those who resolutely oppose it. Those in the Military-industrial complex, the warmongers who want the world to remain in constant turmoil, will not easily give up their interests."
"So, this has become a game. And you are the most important card in the hands of the Cooperation Faction in this game."
Noah didn't speak; he just listened quietly.
He felt as if he were standing at a great height, overlooking a massive chessboard woven from nations, organizations, conspiracies, and interests.
And he himself was both a player and the most important piece.
"The state's intention is to support you. We hope you can take the position of BSAA Asia-Pacific Regional Director," Feng Ling's tone grew a bit heavier.
"This position is crucial. The Asia-Pacific Region is our country's gateway and one of the key areas where a biological crisis is most likely to break out in the future. We absolutely cannot let this position fall into the hands of those with ulterior motives."
"We need one of our own, someone who can communicate effectively with us and make the right judgments at critical moments. And you are the best candidate."
"Your success will become a heavy bargaining chip, increasing the Cooperation Faction's influence within the US high-level leadership and proving to everyone that win-win cooperation is the right path."
This explanation finally laid out all the causes, effects, and interests clearly.
Noah slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air.
He understood.
This was no longer his battle alone.
Behind him stood the entire nation.
What he had to face was no longer just visible, tangible monsters, but also those invisible, surging political undercurrents.
"I understand." Noah nodded, looking at Feng Ling. His eyes had returned to their usual calm, but beneath that calm, an unprecedented power was coalescing.
"As for the BSAA, I'll handle the talking. Chris... my brother-in-law, he'll support me."
Upon hearing the term "brother-in-law," a faint smile, like a ripple, appeared for the first time on Feng Ling's perpetually tense face, but it vanished in an instant.
"You don't have to worry about fighting alone," she said. "The state will also provide assistance in other areas to clear some obstacles for you. Please remember,"
"Behind you is the motherland."
These words were like a warm and powerful flood, instantly washing away the last traces of doubt and hesitation in Noah's heart.
Since arriving in this strange country at nineteen, he had studied alone, struggled alone, and walked the edge of blood and fire alone.
He had done many things, killed many people, and saved many people.
But never before this moment had he felt such a powerful force called "belonging."
It turned out that his family back home had seen everything he had done.
Feng Ling stood up, adjusted her meticulous suit, and then extended her hand to Noah.
Her palm was fair and strong, with thin calluses on her knuckles from long-term training.
"Then, I wish you success, Comrade Lin Yuan."
Noah also stood up and, with some excitement, gripped that hand firmly.
The warmth transmitted from that hand was so real, so powerful.
"Thank you... thank you, Motherland." His voice carried a hint of trembling he hadn't even noticed himself... The deep ink of the night enveloped the entire city.
No lights were on in the bedroom; only the bright moon outside the window cast its cold silver glow across the floor.
After a bout of passion that had burned itself out, the air was filled with a blushing, heart-racing, ambiguous atmosphere.
Claire curled up in Noah's arms like a docile kitten, her cheek pressed against his firm, warm chest, feeling that steady, powerful heartbeat.
But she didn't fall asleep as quickly as usual.
Her fingers unconsciously traced circles on Noah's chest, as if she had something on her mind, hesitant to speak.
Noah, of course, felt her abnormality.
He lowered his head and gently pressed a kiss onto her smooth, full forehead.
"What's wrong?" His voice was gentle and raspy. "Still thinking about that woman from this afternoon?"
Claire's body stiffened slightly. She looked up, her eyes—beautiful as sapphires in the moonlight—reflecting Noah's concerned face.
"Who... who is she exactly?" Claire's voice was very soft. "I can feel that she's completely different from the people you know. That feeling... makes me a little uneasy."
Seeing the worry in her eyes, Noah's heart warmed.
He raised his hand and gently tucked a strand of her reddish-brown hair that had fallen across her cheek behind her ear.
"Don't worry, it's not a bad thing." He smiled and said in as light a tone as possible,
"My motherland just hopes I'll work hard to become the BSAA Asia-Pacific Regional Director."
"..."
Claire was completely stunned.
She blinked, seemingly processing this information.
Asia-Pacific... Director?
That was a pivotal position in the BSAA's power structure!
After the brief shock, a wave of immense surprise and relief instantly filled her heart.
She had originally worried that Noah had been dragged into some dangerous secret mission again.
She hadn't expected it to be such a... monumental piece of good news!
"Really?" she asked, a bit uncertainly.
"Really." Noah smiled and pinched her nose.
Claire let out a long sigh of relief, her whole body relaxing as she buried her head in Noah's chest again, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"That's wonderful..."
After a moment, as if remembering something, she suddenly looked up again, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Noah.
"I have to tell Chris about this first thing tomorrow!" Her tone carried a bit of excitement and urgency.
"The affairs in the Asia-Pacific Region have always been chaotic, with people from several factions trying to get their hands in! Chris has also been having a headache trying to find an absolutely reliable person of his own to take charge. If you go, it would be perfect!"
Seeing her look even more proactive and concerned than himself, Noah's heart was completely filled with an emotion called "happiness."
He couldn't help but chuckle, and the hand holding her waist began to grow a bit mischievous.
"Honey, since it's such great news, shouldn't we... celebrate again?"
Seeing the familiar wicked grin on Noah's face, how could Claire not understand what he meant?
A touching blush rose to her cheeks, but there wasn't the slightest hint of retreat in her eyes; instead, they were filled with a certain provocative intent.
She took the initiative to lean forward and blocked Noah's mouth with her soft, warm lips.
"Bring it on, who's afraid of who..."
Under the moonlight, the two figures intertwined once more, stirring the room full of tenderness into an even hotter state.