Long shadows were cast over Liang Chen's private study in Dragon Crest Manor by the gentle glow of the desk lamp. Another exhausting day had turned into a tense evening, and he was still feeling the effects of the digital battles at Horizon Tech. He looked toward the door as he rubbed his temples and leaned back in his chair. His driver and bodyguard, Xu Zemin, stood a few feet away, a motionless, silent statue, his eyes constantly searching the outskirts.
"You never really seem to relax, Zemin," Liang Chen said, his voice worn out and devoid of its customary clarity. It was only an observation of a persistent presence, not a critique. He had known Xu Zemin for many years and had complete faith in him, but they hardly ever went outside of their work responsibilities.
Xu Zemin's normally icy and calculating eyes subtly softened. He answered in a low, steady rumble, "For those who don't carry the weight of observation, relaxation is a luxury, sir." After pausing, he went on, adding a rare personal note to his voice. "I was harshly and early taught that lesson."
It caught Liang Chen's attention. He gestured toward a cozy armchair. "Zemin, sit down. Was there ever a time that created such... unwavering attention to detail?
After a moment of hesitation, Xu Zemin sat down, his posture unwavering. "I was a young man, fresh out of the elite forces," he said, looking off into the distance. "Arrogant, maybe, but confident. I worked for a diplomat's family on my first high-stakes protection detail. I thought it was a trick of the light when I saw a glimmer of movement in the shadows one night. That one, brief slip-up... it created a chance. Thanks to others' prompt action, nothing disastrous occurred, but the shame of my oversight and the sheer terror of that near-miss... I learned from it that true protection isn't about heroic deeds. It concerns each and every detail, shadow, and breath. I then made a commitment to never again let the slightest detail slip through my fingers, particularly when someone's future is in my hands." His commitment was evident as he looked directly into Liang Chen's eyes. "Mr. Liang, it's a commitment I made to myself long before I ever joined your service."
As Liang Chen examined him, a fresh insight emerged. Although he had always been aware of Xu Zemin's skill, he was now struck by the deep, almost spiritual commitment that drove his bodyguard. They exchanged a silent nod, a human connection that strengthened the employer-protector relationship. Amid the confusion, Liang Chen felt a glimmer of comfort knowing that this man, motivated by such a personal ideology, was his bulwark.