The next day, sunlight spilled over every corner of the camp. As he did for ordinary missions, Xu Lin once again left the camp alone. His figure grew smaller in the distance along the road leading to General Shane's office, every step carrying a sense of resolute determination. He knew that this meeting would decide the fate of many people.
When Xu Lin arrived at General Shane's office, the General was sitting at his desk holding a book, his face radiant with excitement. Yet that excitement seemed tinged with a hint of distraction; whether he was truly absorbing the contents of the book, perhaps only he himself knew. The moment he saw Xu Lin, General Shane's expression instantly stiffened, his relaxed facial muscles tightening as if pulled by an invisible force. He immediately guessed the purpose of Xu Lin's visit, squeezed an unnatural smile onto the corners of his mouth, and said to Xu Lin, "Sit down and let's talk!" Xu Lin nodded slightly, dispensed with excessive courtesy, walked straight to the chair, and slowly sat down. His gaze carried a solemnity that made the entire atmosphere somewhat heavy.
General Shane gave a light cough to break the brief silence and asked, "Is it about the roster?" His eyes fixed intently on Xu Lin, trying to glean more information from his expression.
Chapter 96