Leveling Up With My Pet

[ "Boss, this is an absolute impossibility ! "] Qiu Yang exclaimed urgently, a clear sense of urgency in his voice.

-Somalia, of all places!

Liu Yong appeared calm and relaxed as he calmly replied, 

[ " Don\'t worry, I\'ll be fine. Book me three plane tickets to Dubai, and call Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang to join me." ]

Qiu Yang opened his mouth, about to protest further, but Liu Yong swiftly raised his hand, cutting him off. With a reassuring smile, he said, 

[ " Don\'t worry. I understand the gravity of the situation. Just keep in touch with me. " ]

Qiu Yang sighed helplessly, his head shaking slightly in resignation. He knew he couldn\'t change his Boss\'s decision, so all he could do now was silently pray in his heart, hoping for divine protection and the safe return of his Boss.

After a brief interval, Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang entered the room together, joining the unfolding discussion.

[ " Hello, boss, " ] Kang Zhenggang greeted respectfully as he entered the room.

[ " Boss, you\'ve called for us, " ] He Qiang added, acknowledging Liu Yong\'s presence.

Liu Yong gestured for them to take a seat before addressing the purpose of their gathering. [ " Please have a seat. I need to hear your opinions on something. " ]

[ "Boss, go ahead and speak. We\'re all ears, " ]  Kang Zhenggang responded, his tone attentive.

Liu Yong proceeded to provide a brief overview of the hijacking incident involving the ship "East Star" and the involvement of Somali pirates. The news didn\'t surprise either of them, as if they were already aware of the situation beforehand.

Liu Yong continued, his voice filled with determination, 

[ " The pirates have demanded a staggering ransom of 100 million U.S. dollars. I\'ve made up my mind to personally travel to Somalia. But before I finalize my decision, I value your opinions. If you choose to accompany me on this perilous journey, I\'ll reward you with a bonus of 2 million U.S. dollars. However, if you decide not to go, I completely understand. " ]

The shocking announcement left his subordinates speechless for a moment.

[ " What? Boss, you intend to go to Somalia yourself ? " ] Kang Zhenggang exclaimed, his concern evident in his voice.

The two men exchanged surprised glances, each mirroring the disbelief in the other\'s eyes. They never expected Liu Yong to make such a bold choice.

[ " Boss, it\'s too dangerous for you to venture to Somalia personally, " ] Kang Zhenggang argued. [ " If there\'s anything that needs to be done, allow me to take your place. " ]

He Qiang nodded in agreement, adding, [ " Yes, Boss, both Kang and I will go together. There\'s no need for you to put yourself at risk. " ]

Liu Yong breathed a sigh of relief, his confidence bolstered by their willingness to take on the dangerous mission.

[ " I knew I could count on you, " ] he said gratefully. [ " With the two of you by my side, I feel reassured. It\'s settled then. Prepare yourselves; we\'ll depart tonight. " ]

[ "Boss, are you absolutely sure about going there in person ? " ] Kang Zhenggang inquired, his concern still lingering.

Liu Yong raised an eyebrow and retorted,  [ " Why do you underestimate me? Even combined, your skills fall short compared to mine. The two of you together wouldn\'t stand a chance against me. " ]

This revelation left Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang dumbfounded.

[ " This...this is impossible! " ] they exclaimed in unison, shaking their heads in disbelief.

The two were retired special forces able to handle seven or eight ordinary individuals without breaking a sweat. Yet, when they assessed Liu Yong, he appeared physically weaker.

[ " We don\'t doubt your capabilities, Boss, " ] Kang Zhenggang replied cautiously. [ " It\'s just hard for us to believe. " ]

Liu Yong stood up and faced them confidently. [ " My office is quite spacious. If the two of you were to attack me together, do you honestly think you could last a single minute ? " ]

The realization struck them, leaving both men visibly discontented.

And so, the trio embarked on a cunning scheme within the office, and true to expectations, none of them lasted a mere minute, even when they joined forces.

This was because of Liu Yong\'s mercy; he exerted no force.

As the two individuals rose from the ground, they were utterly convinced, their doubts dispelled!

The Boss seemed harmless to humans and animals, but his power was beyond their imaginations.

Liu Yong resumed his seat, retrieved two "genetic medicine" bottles from the drawer, and spoke, [ " Your strength is somewhat lacking. Here are two bottles of genetic medicine. Once you consume them, your power will at least double. " ]

Genetic medicine, Could there indeed be medicines that manipulate genes?

Though momentarily hesitant, the pair drank from their respective bottles before Liu Yong\'s watchful gaze. They knew without a doubt that their Boss would never harm them.

After ingesting the "genetic medicine," they left the office together, commencing preparations for their forthcoming journey to Somalia.

Liu Yong accessed the pet panel and gave each person 200 points for strength, agility, and constitution. Why 200 points each instead of 100?

When Chen Hu was initially endowed with attributes, he received 100 points for strength, agility, and constitution. Given the precarious nature of the Somalia trip, Liu Yong believed it wiser to grant them 200 points in each of the three attributes, ensuring more excellent safety.

As for Chen Hu, 100 attribute points would suffice for participating in sports competitions. Once he returned, he could be bestowed with another 100 points or perhaps even 200.

Meanwhile, Kang Zhenggang was busily packing his belongings.

On the phone with Chen Hu, with whom he shared a close bond, Kang Zhenggang engaged in a brief conversation before posing, [ "Old Chen, the Boss gave me and He Qiang the gene-drug today. Have you also taken it? " ]

[ " Of course, " ] Chen Hu replied. [ " It\'s precisely because I took this gene-drug that I\'ve become so powerful. Now I can easily surpass world records in various track and field competitions. " ] [ " Old Kang, you and He Qiang are fortunate. Once you consume the gene medicine, you\'ll gradually notice significant improvements in strength, reaction speed, and physical stamina. It\'s no exaggeration to say that you\'ll become superhuman. " ]

[ " The Boss willingly offered you the chance to take the genetic medicine. He treats you well. You must remain loyal to him and keep the secret of the genetic medicine. During your time in Somalia, you must ensure the Boss\'s safety. " ]  Chenhu said.

Chen Hu conveyed an important message through his words.

Upon concluding the phone call, Kang Zhenggang was in a whirlwind of emotions. He had never anticipated a day when he would grow stronger. Determined to remain loyal to his Boss, he silently vowed to uphold his loyalty.

As the sun set, Liu Yong, Kang Zhenggang, and He Qiang strolled into the bustling Huahai International Airport, carrying their modest luggage. They anxiously boarded the international flight for Dubai, scheduled to depart at 8:00.

Being first-class passengers, the trio couldn\'t contain their excitement. Kang Zhenggang exclaimed joyfully, [ " I never imagined there would come a day when I\'d be flying in first class! " ]

Qiang said, [ " We\'re following the Boss on this journey to prosperity. I\'ve never experienced the luxury of first class, so I can only imagine what it will be like. " ]

Hearing their comments, Liu Yong couldn\'t help but smile, his happiness reflecting in his eyes. 

The upcoming trip to Somalia might seem fraught with danger to others, but for these three, it felt more like a vacation, oblivious to any pressures that may lie ahead.

Upon their arrival in Dubai, the clock had already struck late at night. Seeking a temporary haven, they secured accommodation in a lavish five-star hotel. The following morning, they would go to Mogadishu, the largest city in Somalia.

Stepping off the plane, they were immediately confronted with stark contrasts. The airport exuded simplicity and modesty, a sharp departure from the luxury they had witnessed in Dubai. The disparity grew even more evident as they exited the airport premises with their belongings.

The country\'s affluence stood in stark contrast to the desolation, conflict, and poverty that plagued this place. Dilapidated streets stretched before them, while low-rise buildings dominated the skyline, some bearing the scars of bombings, reduced to ruins.

Lost in the surroundings, Liu Yong\'s attention was abruptly diverted by the ringing of his phone. It was Qiu Yang calling from China, breaking the silence. 

..........