David Thompson was stunned—he never knew a man's eyes could be so... indescribably beautiful.

It was the first time David Thompson had met someone so charismatic, and a sense of respect welled up within him. This dying patient was the pillar of the entire Far East, holding back the surging invasion of the demon clan; it was this patient who had always upheld the main current of the family, making the arrogant and domineering Emily Harris not dare to make a move for six years; without this patient's protection and shelter, David Thompson would have been killed by Emily Harris in childhood...

A wave of aching sorrow rose in David Thompson's heart: George Evans looked so lonely and fragile...

Their eyes met, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of George Evans's mouth. “Paul Smith has told me about you.” His voice, like the man himself, was deep and magnetic. “Do your best here, don’t bring shame to our Far East Army, understand?”

He spoke with the tone of a superior instructing a subordinate, but to David Thompson it felt completely natural. Many unspoken words were already conveyed through those magical eyes: We are on the same side—be careful!

David Thompson was inexplicably moved. He bowed deeply. “Yes, sir!”

The two understood each other perfectly.

“Hey, I say, George Evans.” Jack Miller slapped him heartily on the shoulder. “What happened to you? Why do you look so pale and blue-lipped coming back?”

George Evans gave a faint smile. “Been traveling these past few days, not feeling too well.”

Jack Miller chuckled, “I knew it! Those who know you praise your hard work for the army, working yourself sick; those who don’t are left wondering—aren’t the women of the Far East supposed to be dark-skinned and skinny? So why does our Commander George Evans not mind at all, coming back looking so pale and blue-lipped, and still strutting around?”

He said with concern, “Brother, take it easy, will you? Even if your body can handle it, walking down the street looking like this and saying you’re the commander of the Thompson family—doesn’t do the family’s reputation any good!”

Everyone present burst out laughing, except for Michael Smith, who just twitched the corner of his mouth in a semblance of a smile. George Evans laughed and cursed, “You scoundrel!”

The main doors opened silently, and a guard officer called from the entrance, “The Chief Commander has arrived!”

Everyone stood up to greet him.

Chief Commander Emily Harris was truly dignified in appearance, upright and imposing, exuding righteousness. Thanks to his deep mastery of ripple inner strength, though he was over fifty, he looked only about thirty, naturally possessing an air of poise and charisma. His eyes were clear and bright, his gaze full of care and kindness, and his gentle smile was both respectable and approachable—he looked every bit the honest and reliable elder!

David Thompson smiled, because he remembered Olivia Thompson's comment about Emily Harris: “Emily Harris is so despicable, you can’t even trust him with your toothbrush!”

Emily Harris merely waved to everyone in greeting, but then walked straight up to David Thompson with a beaming smile, giving him a hearty slap on the shoulder like an old friend. “Our handsome young man is finally back!” He looked him up and down, laughing, “Not bad, not bad! Paul Smith didn’t starve you, did he? When did you get back? You should have let me know so I could throw you a welcome party!” His warmth was like that of a loving father or elder brother.

David Thompson saluted. “I just arrived yesterday, sir. I came today to pay my respects, and had no intention of intruding on the commander’s meeting. I am truly uneasy and beg your permission to take my leave.”

“Ah, since you’re here, you might as well sit in and listen!” Emily Harris said heartily. “After all, you’re already a deputy commander—it’s only a matter of time before you join the command office!”

“Before I get into the command office, you’ll have sent me to hell first!” David Thompson was not at all fooled by his enthusiasm, putting on a look of being flattered and overwhelmed. “Sir, with such undeserved favor, how could I dare accept? The commander’s post is the highest honor for a Thompson soldier, the perfect combination of benevolence, wisdom, and courage. Such a lofty position—how could someone of humble birth like me dare to dream of it?”

“Hahaha!” Emily Harris was even more delighted, as if David Thompson's flattery was just right. “Come, come, sit down!”

But David Thompson absolutely refused to sit at the table, instead finding a chair by the wall to sit and observe in silence.

The first item on the agenda was raised by Commander Matthew Foster, discussing how to handle the border skirmishes with the Liufeng family.

So-called discussion, in fact, was just Emily Harris talking to himself; the other commanders barely voiced any opinions. Commander George Evans simply closed his eyes to rest, and since he was ill, no one could blame him.

The following issues were more trivial. For example, Black Banner Army Corps Commander Jack Miller questioned Chief of Staff Michael Smith about the Black Banner soldiers’ delayed pay, poor food, and lack of vegetable supplies.

Michael Smith replied blandly, “I’ve already inquired with the logistics department,” and then said nothing more, letting Jack Miller make a noisy scene.

Central Army Corps Commander Raymond Grant requested that this year the Central Army be given priority in selecting graduates from the Far East Military Academy, arguing that the Central Army’s quality was inferior to other units. This proposal was immediately met with strong opposition from Jack Miller and Matthew Foster.

Jack Miller shouted, “If the soldiers are no good, it’s because the commanders are useless!”—which was practically calling Raymond Grant an idiot to his face.

Matthew Foster, on the other hand, calmly stated his reasoning: “The border troops are on the front line against the Liufeng family—there’s no reason not to assign the best officers to them!”