Special forces soldier demobilization: Starting from the county government compound, a meteoric rise

In the dead of night, the city's daytime hustle and bustle fades away.

The dim, old streetlamp at the alley entrance swayed slightly in the early winter wind, casting Liu Ming's long, slanted shadow. He had just come from the victory celebration banquet at the August 1st Building, still carrying the distinctive, chilling smell of military smoke mixed with strong liquor.

Push open that familiar, weathered wooden door.

"Squeak—"

The courtyard house was not as quiet and dark as he had imagined. On the contrary, under the grape trellis in the center of the courtyard, several warm-colored paper lanterns hung, illuminating the entire courtyard with a cozy and lively atmosphere.

An eight-immortal table was placed in the center.

There were no delicacies from a state banquet on the table, only a few steaming home-style dishes: scrambled eggs with tomatoes, braised carp, a plate of stir-fried prawns, and a pot of milky white old hen soup.

And sitting at the table were three women who could drive any man in the world crazy.

Today, Xi Wanqing didn't wear that imposing business suit. Instead, she changed into a soft beige cashmere sweater, her long hair casually tied back. Her cool temperament melted away under the soft lighting, revealing a gentle and homely demeanor.

Nangong Yao, on the other hand, exuded a completely different charm. A fiery red silk nightgown accentuated her exquisite curves. Holding a glass of red wine, she leaned lazily against the back of her chair, like a well-fed Persian cat.

As for Lin Xiaoxiao, this girl actually wore a floral apron for the first time ever, with a few smears of flour on her face, and was running out of the kitchen carrying the last dish.

"Master! You're back!"

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up when she saw Liu Ming, and she pounced on her like a cheerful little sparrow. "Go wash your hands! The three of us cooked this meal to celebrate your great victory!"

Looking at these three women, each with a different style but equally stunning beauty, Liu Ming was momentarily dazed.

Outside, he was a war god who struck fear into the hearts of Western powers, and Director Liu who could destroy billionaire conglomerates with a mere smile.

But here, he suddenly felt that he might be facing a more severe test than dealing with two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

"Made by hand?"

Liu Ming walked to the sink and washed her hands. Her gaze swept over the dishes on the table, which looked quite appetizing, and she raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Xiaoxiao, are you sure this food is edible? I remember last time you cooked instant noodles you managed to blow up the microwave."

"Hey, Master! You've changed so much in just a few days!" Lin Xiaoxiao waved her fist defiantly. "Today's meal is helmed by Sister Wanqing, with Sister Yaoyao assisting. I'm in charge of chopping vegetables! It's absolutely safe!"

Liu Ming sat down in the main seat and glanced at Xi Wanqing and Nangong Yao.

These two women, one an incorruptible Supreme Court Chief Justice, the other a ruthless and decisive female billionaire. Who would have thought they would be cooking and cleaning for a man in the kitchen?

"Thanks for your hard work."

Liu Ming said softly, her eyes full of tenderness.

"What's so hard about it?"

Nangong Yao poured Liu Ming a glass of red wine and leaned on his shoulder. The fragrance wafted into his nose. "My man is out there bringing glory to the country. What's a meal at home? I can cook for you every day if you like it."

"President Nangong, you're overstepping your bounds with those words."

Xi Wanqing ladled a bowl of hot soup and placed it in front of Liu Ming. Although her tone was calm, her words were full of wit.

"Cooking is a skill that depends on talent. You've never lifted a finger in the kitchen, so don't put sugar in instead of salt. Liu Ming has a sensitive stomach, so it's safer for her to drink the soup I make."

"Oh dear, Judge Xi, you've gotten so used to lecturing people in court that you're treating your home like a courtroom now?"

Nangong Yao retaliated without backing down, her peach blossom eyes narrowing slightly.

"I'm just stating the facts."

Xi Wanqing picked up the bowl, took a small sip of soup with elegance, and her posture was as dignified as if she were attending a state banquet.

There seemed to be invisible sparks flickering in the air.

One is cold, the other is hot.

One ice, one fire.

Although the two did not have a public falling out, the sense of territory and competition between these top-tier women was vividly displayed between the lines.

Lin Xiaoxiao was caught in the middle, looking left and right. Finally, she simply hugged her rice bowl and hid behind Liu Ming, muttering softly, "Master, I think the dishes tonight might be a bit salty, and there's too much vinegar."

Liu Ming felt a tingling sensation on her scalp.

He smiled wryly, picked up the chicken soup in front of him, and drank it all in one gulp, not caring whether it was hot or not.

"Delicious. Everything is delicious."

Liu Ming quickly smoothed things over, "This food is even more authentic than what you'd find at a state banquet. Come on, let's have a toast. To celebrate this peaceful world, and to celebrate..."

He looked at the three women with a deep gaze.

"...to celebrate that I'm back alive and to eat the food you all cooked."

The moment those words were spoken, the tense atmosphere instantly dissipated.

Xi Wanqing's hand trembled slightly as she put down the soup bowl. Nangong Yao stopped teasing her, and her eyes inexplicably reddened. Lin Xiaoxiao even hugged Liu Ming's neck from behind.

They knew all too well the dangers Liu Ming was facing on the front lines. It was a true battle for the fate of the nation; the slightest misstep could mean certain death.

"Liu Ming, promise me."

Xi Wanqing looked at him, a rare vulnerability flickering in her eyes, "From now on, don't work so hard. The country can't do without you, but... we need you too."

"Yes." Nangong Yao rested her head on his other shoulder, her voice a little hoarse. "I've earned enough money, and you've taken your revenge. From now on, let's live a peaceful life, okay?"

Liu Ming stretched out her hands, one on each side, and pulled Xi Wanqing and Nangong Yao into her arms, while patting Lin Xiaoxiao's hand behind her back.

Feeling the weight of these three emotions, he knew he could never repay them in this lifetime.

"it is good."

Liu Ming softly agreed, her gaze passing through the grape trellis and looking up at the deep night sky.

"From now on, I won't go anywhere else. I'll just stay here with you all and protect this home."

The once-powerful Asura God of War finally let down his guard and killed intent.

But he was also very clear about it in his heart.

These three women are all stunningly beautiful, and each has a strong personality and opinions. Their future days will probably be no easier than fighting a war.

"It seems so."

Liu Ming sighed inwardly.

"The art of maintaining balance in the harem is the toughest battle I've ever fought in my life."