The 3 B's- Beauty, Brains and Bravery

Chapter 545  APOLOGIES, UPDATES, PRECAP

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Hello, my dearest readers! Feel free to wish me a happy birthday today :-)

First and foremost, I owe each of you a heartfelt apology. I haven't been the most consistent author, and for that, I am truly sorry. A more in-depth apology awaits you at the end of the chapter, but for now, let's dive into what matters most—the story!

This chapter will serve as a bit of a refresher, a way to get everyone back on track with the current plot of The 3 B's: Beauty, Brains, and Bravery. I know it's been... well, over three years since the last update, and that delay is entirely on me. So, instead of asking you to re-read everything, I'll try to give you a sense of where we are and what's changed.

Of course, you're more than welcome to revisit any previous chapters to refresh your memory in greater detail. I can't promise that I'll be able to cover every aspect in this update, but I'll do my best to remind you of the key characters and what they're up to right now.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Let's get back into the adventure!

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Updates and Renaming, going forward:

Country X: Now named Xanvoria. The word 'Xan' signifies protector or warrior, while 'Voria' is derived from mythology, symbolizing life force or energy.

City A (Capital of Xanvoria): Now called Aelorion. This is a fusion of 'Aelor', meaning sovereign or mighty, and 'Rion', an ancient term used to denote monarchs.

Country N (Rival nation of Xanvoria): Renamed to Nyrith, combining 'Nyr', meaning endless or ceaseless, and 'Rith', which originates from a root word for thorn or spear.

Country I (Where Rong Xinghe was pushed off a moving train): This nation is now known as Ilveria in our little fictional world.

I know it might take some time to adjust to these changes, but I feel they add a layer of rich, fictional realism to our world, especially in relation to the power couple: Xinguan. As I worked through my writer's block and re-read the novel, it became clear to me that these places needed more depth and connection to the story's essence. I'll do my best to go back and incorporate these updates into earlier chapters as well.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to evolve this creation together!

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Summary So Far:

Here's a more refined and engaging rewrite of the passage:

Up until now, we've witnessed the beautiful union of Rong Xinghe, Military Chief of Xanvoria, and her steadfast admirer, Xi Yuan, the renowned Business King. The couple decided to get married in the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, where they shared intimate and tranquil weeks together, allowing their bond to deepen in every way—emotionally, physically, and sexually.

Rong Xinghe had been granted a strict two-month leave to recover after the shocking revelation that her former sister-in-law had been poisoning her meals daily with a dangerous concoction of Indomethacin, an NSAID, and Cocaine. The intent was clear—a slow, insidious attempt to weaken the highest Military Authority in the nation. The punishment for such a grave offense, especially one targeting the very core of Xanvoria's defense, was death. Following military protocol, He Chen faced the ultimate consequence for her betrayal: execution.

As we move forward, the story takes a darker turn, bringing new and unforeseen challenges for our power couple...

The obstacles in their path are far from over. Even as Xi Yuan and Rong Xinghe prepared for their wedding, shortly after his heartfelt proposal during one of her brother's weddings, a new threat emerged—an enemy from Rong Xinghe's past, determined to strike at the heart of her happiness. On the day of their engagement, no less, her cousin-brother—under the sinister use of hypnotic manipulation—delivered a chilling reminder of the danger looming over them.

His name was Ahmed Ali Fadhil, the ruthless founder of Lashkar ul-Mujahidin, one of the most feared terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. While the Armed Forces of several nations, including Xanvoria, had spent years hunting him down, their efforts had so far been in vain. But Rong Xinghe had come closer than anyone else—too close for comfort, in fact. Now, with this shadow from her past re-emerging, the couple's joy was tainted by the lurking threat of violence and revenge.

Rong Xinghe had called upon one of the Hybrids—the elite group of ten men she had trained and competed with over five grueling years for her position of Military Chief. This time, it was Abram Orlov, a skilled operative, tasked with infiltrating the dangerous network of Aftaab Ali, one of the few men who had ever come into direct contact with the elusive Ahmed Ali Fadhil.

Under the guise of Albert Fedorov, a corrupt Russian businessman, Abram orchestrated a careful approach. He established a lucrative trade agreement between Xanvoria and Afghanistan, investing millions into Aftaab Ali's enterprises. This arrangement not only provided a convincing cover for Orlov's infiltration but also allowed him to inch closer to his real objective—meeting the infamous Ahmed Ali Fadhil.

It was a high-stakes game, with Abram risking everything to crack the impenetrable circle surrounding one of the most dangerous terrorists in the world. His mission was not just to gather intelligence but to bring Rong Xinghe closer to the man who threatened both her nation and her personal life.

Although Rong Xinghe had been the only person to encounter Ahmed Ali Fadhil during her training as Military Chief, the notorious terrorist had undergone four plastic surgeries since that time, rendering him unrecognizable. The only distinguishing feature that haunted the memories of his victims was the gruesome mark he left—a bloody cross etched across their foreheads after each murder.

While the Hybrids were actively pursuing leads to find Fadhil in Afghanistan, Rong Xinghe and Xi Yuan returned from their idyllic time in Scotland, their wedding preparations now in full swing. After securing the stunning venue, Castle Tryst, and selecting their wedding outfits along with every meticulous detail of the ceremony, the much-anticipated day finally arrived.

As they exchanged heartfelt vows, slipped on their rings, and shared tender kisses, they were officially pronounced husband and wife on the very date they had first met three years ago: February 25th. However, as fate would have it, this moment of bliss would prove to be just a fleeting respite in a tumultuous journey that lay ahead.

After the wedding festivities reached a joyful conclusion, Rong Xinghe and Xi Yuan entered their separate private suites to change into more comfortable attires for the rest of their reception. It was a moment filled with anticipation, but then, without warning, a terrible incident unfolded.

Li Jungah, Xi Yuan's mother, entered the bridal suite, carrying the Xi family's antique wooden trunk—a cherished heirloom passed down through generations to the eldest daughter-in-law. This trunk was not just a piece of furniture; it held within it treasured pieces of jewelry and handwritten letters from the mothers-in-law in the family, filled with wisdom for the new bride.

As Rong Xinghe listened to Li Jungah's words, her gaze was drawn to the contents of the trunk, a smile across her lips. Suddenly, a sharp gunshot shattered the air, causing her mother-in-law to falter mid-sentence. When Rong Xinghe turned around, her heart dropped. Li Jungah lay on the floor, blood seeping from a wound in her left shoulder.

A piercing scream tore from Rong Xinghe's mouth, reverberating through the suite and alerting both families to the unfolding nightmare. Xi Yuan, sensing his wife's distress, rushed into the bridal suite, where her brothers were already gathered, only to be confronted with a scene that shattered the joy of their wedding day: his mother lay unconscious and pale on the floor.

Desperate, Rong Xinghe checked for Li Jungah's pulse, while panic surged through Xi Yuan's veins as he knelt beside her. In that moment of chaos, his gaze fell upon Rong Xinghe's gun, lying ominously next to the trunk of family heirlooms. In a voice stripped of emotion, he turned to her and asked if the weapon belonged to her. The color drained from her face as she followed his gaze, and her silence spoke volumes, confirming his worst suspicions.

In a rush, he scooped his mother into his arms, urgency overriding all else. "I'm coming with you," Rong Xinghe volunteered, her voice trembling with anxiety. But he shook his head, his expression resolute. "Now's not the time, Xinghe," he replied curtly, striding out of the bridal suite without another glance.

Unease coursed through Rong Xinghe's heart at the very thought of him suspecting her of causing harm to his mother, yet she swallowed her worries and respected his decision, recognizing the gravity of the situation. As he disappeared from view, she could only hope for the safety of the woman who had entrusted her with a precious legacy.

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, a pivotal event took place, unmasking the true identity of Ahmed Ali Fadhil—who was, in fact, Aftaab Ali. The very man the Hybrids believed they were using as a pawn in their quest to apprehend Fadhil was, in reality, the mastermind himself, skillfully disguised as a businessman.

Despite their best efforts, the Hybrids were unaware of Aftaab Ali's true face. However, they stumbled upon chilling plans for destruction orchestrated by Lashkar ul-Mujahidin, their intended target none other than Xanvoria. As the gravity of their discovery settled in, it became clear that they needed to involve their Alpha—Rong Xinghe.

Just as Rong Xinghe finished handing over her Smith and Wesson Magnum found in her room to the forensics department, instructing them to search for any fingerprints, her phone buzzed with an urgent call from one of the Hybrids. They needed her for a critical mission. But at the same time, her family needed her—her Yuan needed her.

Caught between duty and love, Rong Xinghe felt the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders. The choice she faced was daunting, but she knew that whatever path she chose... would change everything.

No matter how many times Rong Xinghe called or texted, there was no response from the Xi family. Neither her husband nor her brothers-in-law acknowledged her attempts to reach them. Faced with an impossible choice between her wedding ring and the oath she had sworn as Military Chief, she made her decision: she would honor her commitment to protect her nation and its people.

With no time to spare, Rong Xinghe set off for Afghanistan, reluctantly handing over the investigative rights regarding her mother-in-law's attack to Xi Yuan. She suspected he didn't want to see her anyway, and the thought shattered her heart further, piece by piece.

Meanwhile, outside the operation theater of the Imperial Multi-Speciality Hospital, Xi Yuan was a bundle of nerves. The hospital staff scrambled to contact their top surgeons, but it was Rong Xiao, a renowned cardiac surgeon and Rong Xinghe's twin sister, who arrived alongside her brother, Su Rogguang, ready to lend a hand to the Xi family in their time of crisis.

However, the arrival of Rong Xiao sparked immediate protests from Luo Youyou and Xi Chonglin, Xi Yuan's Uncle and Aunt, who vehemently opposed the idea of Rong Xinghe's twin being anywhere near their family, fearing it would only jeopardize their safety further. Tensions ran high as the families grappled with both the physical and emotional wounds of the day.

Ultimately, Xi Yuan had the final say in all matters, and he was accustomed to that authority. It was only when Rong Xiao vanished from their view that Su Rogguang turned to Xi Yuan, informing him of Rong Xinghe's absence from the country. He recounted the call from the Hybrids and the timeline of her departure, emphasizing the numerous times she had attempted to reach him and his family within just a few hours.

"She's sent you a voice message. Listen to it whenever you're ready," Su Rogguang added before walking away, leaving Xi Yuan with a growing sense of unease.

As he checked his pockets, Xi Yuan realized he had left his phone behind. When Xi Fang dialed his number though, the familiar ringtone echoed from Luo Youyou's purse. Although a spark of suspicion flared within him, he didn't have the energy to contemplate it further at that moment.

As he scrolled through Rong Xinghe's messages, a lump formed in his throat. She had called him 29 times that night, leaving behind about staggering 43 messages. A knot tightened in his stomach, yet he found himself paralyzed, lacking the courage to listen to her voice note. Each unanswered call felt like a weight pressing down on him, intensifying the turmoil swirling in his mind.

Only when Rong Xiao emerged from the operating theater, assuring him that his mother was out of danger, did Xi Yuan step into the now-empty hall, his brothers trailing closely behind. It was then that he finally listened to her voice message.

"I didn't do it," she sobbed, the tremor in her voice sending shockwaves through him. "I might or might not return home." Each word pierced his heart, and he felt as if he was shattering inside. Jesus, what had he done to her?

Later, he confided in her brothers, voicing the turmoil that had gripped him. "I never doubted her," he admitted, his voice thick with regret. "I was just trying to protect her from the media. I didn't realize how my words sounded to her at the time. I didn't let her come to the hospital because her gown was stained with my mother's blood. I thought the cameras would seize the opportunity to paint her as a murderer, considering she was the only person besides my mother in the bridal suite."

He paused, his guilt weighing heavily on him. "The only reason I asked her about the gun was that I feared someone was trying to frame her—not because I didn't trust her." The truth hung in the air, a bitter reminder of the misunderstandings that had led to this painful separation.

As the weight of reality settled upon them, Rong Xinghe's brothers exchanged weary sighs, grasping the intricacies of the situation. They didn't blame Xi Yuan; instead, their concern shifted solely to their little sister, who remained oblivious to the truth in that perilous foreign land.

Determined to take matters into his own hands, Xi Yuan made his way to the Military Chief Office, still clad in blood-stained clothes. If he couldn't be by her side, he would protect her honor from here. The only way to do that was to uncover the identity of the real attacker. After changing into military uniforms alongside his brother, Xi Fang, they were met by the girl's assistant, Shou Wu, who informed them that Rong Xinghe had issued a 'Libertad de Significado' for him. This order granted him the authority to mobilize the entire army as he saw fit to handle the case.

It was a powerful gesture, reflecting her unwavering faith in him—a belief that even in doubt, her Yuan would ensure that an innocent would not suffer. With renewed resolve, Xi Yuan prepared to fight not just for his wife's safety but for her reputation, vowing to bring the true perpetrator to justice.

Xi Yuan later engaged his private company, Aberration, which operated independently of all government and private entities, to tackle the same case from a different angle. While the military focused on the immediate crisis, the team at Aberration began drawing connections between a previous incident—the Soulagement Pharma hacking—and the current situation.

Additionally, he tasked one of his colleagues at Aberration, Isla, with discreetly tracking Rong Xinghe in Afghanistan, ensuring her mission and safety remained uncompromised, of course.

Meanwhile, Rong Xinghe assumed the identity of Kefayat Zahir, adopting a male alias to blend into the crowd in Afghanistan and evade detection. According to her cover story, Zahir was a Deputy Leader for the United Front Liberation Troop (UFLT) in Iran, an organization founded by Ahmed Ali Fadhil's mentor before the rumors surfaced about his capture by the Xanvorian military. This strategic disguise allowed her to establish authority at one of Lashkar ul-Mujahidin's bases in the village of Rakhatal, located in the Logar province. With Fadhil searching for his former teacher for years, Rong Xinghe was able to leverage her newfound position to navigate the dangerous landscape with confidence.

Key Point: It's important to remember that during her training as Military Chief, Rong Xinghe underwent a phase of human experimentation, which significantly shaped her character. In those dark times, she was known as Ripper, a fearsome figure devoid of emotions and mercy for her prey. This haunting past adds depth to her current identity as she navigates the complexities of her mission in Afghanistan, wielding both her formidable skills and the weight of her history.

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Now, here's a more polished and organized version of the character names and relationships, if anyone wants a reminder:

Female Lead: Rong Xinghe

Male Lead: Xi Yuan ...

Rong Xinghe's Family

Brothers: Lu Wei (Businessman), Zhi Xi (Businessman), Zhi Bo (Artist and UNESCO Presenter for Xanvoria), Zhi Al (Hacker and Tech-Genius), Mo Zixuan (Media Magnet), Su Rogguang (Neurosurgeon).

Brothers' Love Interests (in chronological order): Ningtao (Actress), Songyan (Wedding Planner), Ruo Cy (Event Organizer), Feng Mian (Special Forces Officer), Cheng Tai (Senior Journalist), Ching Tong (Gynecologist).

Niece/Nephew: Lu Alix (Daughter of Lu Wei and Ningtao), Zhi Taio (Son of Zhi Xi and Songyan)

Twin: Rong Xiao (Cardiac Surgeon)

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Xi Yuan's Family

Parents: Xi Chongkun (Father), Li Jungah (Mother)

Uncle and Aunt: Xi Chonglin (Uncle), Luo Youyou (Aunt)

Siblings: Xi Fang (Brother), Xi Ying (Sister, twin of Xi Fang), Xi Wei (Brother)

This overview should help clarify the relationships and dynamics among the characters.

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