**Operation Red Wings** had originally been an epic tragedy. Both the reconnaissance team and the subsequent rescue force had paid a devastating price during the mission.
The most heavily affected was **DEVGRU**, which lost more than ten of its elite Tier One operators—warriors handpicked from the best of the best.
Now, with the curse-breaker **Long Zhan** on board, not only had the original catastrophe been completely averted, the entire operation had transformed from a routine recon mission into a textbook case destined to be etched into military history.
Thanks to the flawlessly executed reconnaissance, and with over forty armed combatants eliminated during the operation,
**Operation Red Wings** had become a legend.
And **Long Zhan**—he became the greatest "beneficiary."
Three days after completing the mission and returning with Murphy and the others to their base in **Virginia Beach**, something completely unexpected happened: their special training instructor, **Adam**, personally drove to the airport to pick him up.
Back with **Green Team**, Long Zhan received notice that he'd been assigned to **Bravo Team**, along with another unexpected surprise.
Due to his outstanding performance during Operation Red Wings, he'd been personally recommended by Chief Commander **Christensen** for accelerated promotion under the exceptional service clause.
From his original rank of **E-6 Staff Sergeant**, he was formally promoted to a **Senior NCO—Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)**.
He hadn't even been a Staff Sergeant for a year and a half, and now, in one leap, he had jumped from the NCO level straight into the senior ranks. The promotion felt like riding a rocket.
Although Long Zhan never intended to stay in the military for life—and wouldn't even make the time-in-service needed to cash in on the significant pension increase that would come with higher rank—this promotion wasn't just symbolic.
Just the base pay alone was tangible.
As an **E-6 with 7 years of service**, even without any allowances, the monthly base salary was \$3,100. Now, at **E-7**, it would jump to \$3,600. That's an extra \$6,000+ a year.
Factoring in the higher allowances for senior NCOs, his total annual income would increase by **at least 25%**.
And once he factored in all the specialized compensation packages for DEVGRU operatives...
Long Zhan estimated his annual income would leap from just over **\$40,000** to more than **\$70,000**.
All the other perks—titles, honors, commendations—those were intangible. But money? That was cold, hard, real. And Long Zhan was genuinely happy about that.
When it comes to money, **more is always better**. Even an extra dime is progress.
That was Long Zhan's philosophy.
With orders in hand to report to **Bravo Team**, a huge raise on the way, and good news all around, his close brothers **Clay** and **Brian** had also passed final selection—joining Bravo and Alpha respectively.
Coming back from a mission with **three pieces of good news**—Long Zhan's mood couldn't have been better.
He filled out all the paperwork and contracts related to his promotion to E-7. Adam submitted the documents for processing and record entry. Then Long Zhan decided to celebrate properly.
First, he called Brian, inviting him to their usual spot for drinks and a good time tonight.
Brian had already been with **Alpha Team** for two days, having successfully completed the induction ritual. Hearing that Long Zhan had completed his mission and even gotten promoted, he was genuinely thrilled and agreed to the gathering without hesitation.
Next, Long Zhan called **Clay**, now with **Bravo Team**.
Clay couldn't help but express his **jealous admiration**—Long Zhan had only one more year of service than him, but had climbed two full ranks ahead.
Of course, it was just banter. Deep down, Clay had nothing but absolute respect for Long Zhan.
Having a brother this badass? It was something to be proud of.
With calls done and no urgent tasks, Long Zhan swung by the Bravo Team compound to find the perennial jinx, **Cooper**, and invited him to join the festivities later.
He didn't rush to report to Bravo right away, choosing instead to visit **Stella**, whom he hadn't seen for nearly a week.
He brought a bouquet and a small gift.
Long Zhan had mastered the art of maintaining the romantic spark between them—always finding ways to sprinkle in small surprises, keeping the relationship fresh and intimate.
Stella had grown used to his sudden disappearances and reappearances. In fact, she felt that this kind of rhythm suited them perfectly.
It kept things exciting without becoming distant. They each had enough personal space, and the passion stayed alive.
For a self-sufficient woman like her, this was the ideal dynamic.
So when Long Zhan showed up at her school, Stella happily accepted the flowers and gift, letting him put the new earrings on her himself.
Then she smiled meaningfully and teased,
"You've gotten me a necklace and earrings... what's next on the list?"
Long Zhan understood what she meant. With a sly grin, he replied ambiguously,
"A mature, sophisticated woman like you deserves the most unique gift. I'll find you the perfect one."
"I'll be waiting," she said playfully.
Stella hadn't been serious—just speaking in the moment.
Seeing that it was still early, she smoothly changed the subject and invited Long Zhan to tour her university.
Though it was his second lifetime, Long Zhan had never stepped foot on a college campus before. He accepted her invitation readily.
It was a chance to soak in some culture—and quietly assert to every male in the area that **Stella was spoken for**.
Those who didn't want trouble had better behave.
As they strolled through the campus, Long Zhan told her the good news about his promotion to Gunnery Sergeant and invited her to go house hunting with him the next afternoon.
Stella had long dreamed of building a cozy nest with him. Hearing that her beloved had been promoted made her heart flutter.
Overcome with emotion, she didn't bother hiding her affection. She stood on tiptoe and gave him a deep, passionate kiss—completely ignoring the stares of passersby.
Only when she was breathless and blushing did she finally pull away, still dazed and reluctant to let go.
They finished their campus tour as the sun began to set, painting the sky in a warm glow. With the golden light brushing her face, Stella looked especially stunning.
Long Zhan, still brimming with adrenaline and testosterone after his time in Afghanistan, barely managed to resist the urge to whisk her back to his apartment then and there.
Thankfully, he remembered the evening gathering—and, with his usual discipline, reined in the impulse.
**8:00 PM.**
Long Zhan and Stella arrived at their usual hangout. Clay and Brian were already there with drinks ordered.
Unlike their previous meetups—where Long Zhan always brought Stella, leaving Clay and Brian to endure a healthy dose of envy—this time both of them had brought dates too.
And Long Zhan recognized both women.
He'd seen them at the last **singles party**.
Even **Cooper**, who showed up last, wasn't single tonight. He brought along a sexy Black woman whom Long Zhan also remembered from that same event.
All three of them had managed to pick up dates that night. It was uncanny.
What Long Zhan didn't know was that **he** had been the real catalyst at that party. His sheer presence, his raw alpha energy, had ignited something in the women around him—and the rest of the SEALs just happened to enjoy the ripple effect.
Stella already knew these other women, and Long Zhan, Clay, and Brian were close friends. The group quickly relaxed into a cheerful, easygoing atmosphere.