Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Jared drove to the X Bureau Ashbury headquarters, where Jason, Courtney, and others were waiting, all dressed in X Bureau uniforms. Today was the day Jared officially assumed his role as Deputy Director. Every member of the X Bureau in Ashbury was neatly dressed for the ceremony. With the Director absent, the Deputy Director was in charge, making this day no different from Jared officially taking over the Ashbury headquarters.

"Captain, why are you driving?" Jason approached as Jared stepped out of the driver's seat, while Hayden, seated in the passenger seat, slept like a log, infuriating Jason to the point of grinding his teeth. How could this Husky, Hayden, allow the captain to drive himself? Moreover, with Jared now as Deputy Director, and all the headquarters staff present, how could he maintain his dignity?

It was well-known that Jason was Jared's top fanboy, never allowing anything that could threaten or tarnish Jared's reputation. Christopher had once said that if Jared declared the X Bureau shouldn't exist, Jason would dismantle the entire national organization. Like this ceremony, Jason was even more excited than Jared himself, having stayed up all night in anticipation.

Jared tossed the car keys to Jason and took the uniform handed to him by Courtney, "Pick up that Husky pig." Without a second thought, Jason lifted Hayden, nearly crushing his shoulder blades.

After changing into his uniform, Jared headed to the auditorium. The whole agency was present, and when Jared appeared, the room erupted in applause. Jason's was the loudest voice, nearly deafening Hayden sitting beside him. Courtney, sitting behind Jason, rolled her eyes at him disdainfully. She was convinced that if Jason were a woman, he would be Tina's fiercest rival.

Jared took his seat among the leaders, right in the center. "The Director is absent, I brought my own insignia, meeting adjourned." The audience was stunned; Jared was the Deputy Director, and to hold such a large meeting without saying much?

A leader beside him whispered, "Deputy Director, please say a few words. Everyone's spirits have been low lately, a few inspiring words would help."

Jared frowned subtly. Low spirits? Tense? He grabbed the microphone, stood up, and walked slowly to the front, his face stern and commanding. "I heard you've been feeling low lately. From now on, five kilometers of loaded running after work every day. You think you can afford to be moody at work? Want a short life?"

All tasks carried out by the X Bureau were crucial; a lack of morale meant negligence in duty, which could lead to death in ways unimaginable, or rotting away unnoticed as a skeleton. To Jared, needing motivation was akin to courting death. Everyone straightened their backs upon hearing Jared's words. Who would dare admit to low spirits now? Their morale was certainly high, absurdly high!Content is © by NôvelDrama.Org.

Jared scanned the room once more, then prepared to put the microphone back. He wasn't one for empty pleasantries at meetings; getting the job done was enough-no need for motivational speeches. Money would be more practical. Just as he turned to leave, the doors of the auditorium burst open. Jared paused, sensing the chill from the newcomer even without turning around.

Everyone was present, and Christopher was once again closing the doors when someone new entered. Who could it be? As he turned back around, his eyes slightly narrowed, suppressing a hint of menace at the sight of the newcomer. "Chief Farrell makes a good point," the newcomer began, speaking loudly enough to be heard clearly across the room without the need for a microphone as he agilely jumped onto the stage. "Working at the X Bureau is like strapping your brain to your belt. If your spirits aren't high, you're basically sending yourself to the King of Hell. Ponder over such matters in your bed at night, not during a mission, or it could cost you your head, and no one will be able to save you." Impressive, thought Jared, observing the man's agile movements and decisive actions. This was Linden, the second in command at the Clearwater headquarters! Linden approached Jared and reached out his hand. "Chief Farrell, hello, I'm Linden."

Jared shook Linden's hand, feeling the calluses, a clear sign of someone scarcely separated from their firearm. "Jared," he introduced himself with a deep look.

Linden, unfazed and smiling lightly, took the microphone from Jared and introduced himself to everyone. "I am Linden, currently appointed at the Clearwater headquarters. I've just been informed that my previous undercover assignment has ended. While continuing at Clearwater, I will also resume my role as the director of X Bureau headquarters. Please, everyone, I look forward to your support."

Jared frowned. Linden was continuing as director? Could it be that the long-serving director of X Bureau, handling missions abroad, was actually Linden? Not only was he the deputy at Clearwater, but he also led Ashbury.

As everyone looked on in surprise, Linden continued, "I was supposed to be promoted after completing my assignment, but since your boss suddenly ran into trouble, I must return for now. When he returns, then I can be promoted. This is a secret; keep it tight, or if the leaders don't promote me, I'll dock your bonuses."

Though clearly a joke, no one in the room laughed.

This was supposed to be Jared's commissioning ceremony. What was Linden doing appearing suddenly like this? Was this the director giving his deputy a hard time?

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Jared glanced at him, then smiled slightly. "Welcome back, Chief Linden."

At Jared's words, the room finally erupted in applause. Linden waved his hand, dismissing the gathering. "Okay, everyone, disperse. The five kilometers that Chief Farrell just ordered are waived. Make a mistake next time, and it starts at ten kilometers."

Linden had managed to both steal Jared's thunder and cancel his disciplinary action. A classic power move.

The meeting concluded, and several key leaders took Linden to his office to get acclimated. Even though Linden had been the director before, X Bureau had changed significantly over the years, and he needed to familiarize himself with the changes.

Meanwhile, Jared headed to what used to be Christopher's office, now bearing his own name as the person in charge. Courtney stood guard outside, while Hayden and Jason followed him in. "Damn, that director is clearly here just to show you up. What a jerk, it's infuriating!"