Chapter 381
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Chapter 381: Return?
At the edge of the primeval jungle.
An abandoned logging site.
A flash of white light suddenly appeared, and the figures of Lin Qiye and his four companions materialized before the logging site.
Cao Yuan scanned the surroundings, letting out a long breath, “Finally out from underground, and the Celestial Master even sent us directly to the edge of the forest…
Baili Pangpang, looking down and pinching the white flesh on his belly, wore a mournful expression as he turned to Lin Qiye:
“Qiye, do you think… the Celestial Master really gave me a child?!
Lin Qiye’s mouth twitched slightly, “It shouldn’t be the case; that’s within Guanyin’s area of expertise.
“…But why has my belly grown so much?!” Baili Pangpang exclaimed anxiously.
Cao Yuan rolled his eyes, “Your belly was already that big; don’t you know that yourself?
Baili Pangpang shook his round belly, as if realizing something, and turned to Lin Qiye, speaking with righteous indignation:
“Qiye, if you hadn’t led us into Fengdu, I wouldn’t have this child. Anyway… if this child is really born, you have to take responsibility for him!
Lin Qiye: …
An Qingyu pondered for a moment, “If that day really comes, I can help you with a cesarean section.
Lin Qiye suppressed the urge to draw his sword and cut down these two, taking a deep breath, “In any case, let’s leave here first.
Cao Yuan walked over to Lin Qiye’s side, pointing at Jialan nearby, and quietly asked, “What about her?
Lin Qiye turned his head and saw Jialan standing behind him, quietly watching him. When Lin Qiye looked at her, her autumn-like eyes blinked, seemingly lost in thought.
Lin Qiye contemplated for a moment, “This is a special product discovered during the mission. We’ll write a report when we get back and package her to submit to the state.
Jialan: …
Cao Yuan was taken aback, “Isn’t she a person? How can this be…
Before he could finish, Baili Pangpang patted his shoulder, sighing, “Old Cao, I didn’t expect even you to be more enlightened than Qiye… Looks like I overestimated him.
The four of them chatted as they walked toward the edge of the primeval forest. The urgency of the situation was far less than when they entered the forest, so they slowed down and began to appreciate the natural scenery.
By the time the five of them exited the primeval forest, it was already dusk.
They stood at the entrance of the Forestry Bureau, and all of them stopped in unison.
“Qiye…” Baili Pangpang hesitated, “Do we really have to do this?
Lin Qiye was silent for a moment before nodding.
He extended his hands and slowly pushed open the large door of the Forestry Bureau…
…
As the sky darkened, the dim yellow sunset cast its light on the small, dilapidated building. The cold wind howled across the desolate land, causing the windows to rattle.
Frost covered the window eaves, appearing pale under the dusk light. Behind this window was an even paler young face.
A little girl wrapped in a coat stood by the window, her body slightly trembling from the cold wind seeping through the cracks. The glow from the heater behind her reflected on the glass, but she stubbornly stared at the tightly closed door.
“Tingting…” An old man slowly stood up from beside the heater, his murky eyes filled with heartache. He walked to the little girl’s back, took her hand, and said,
“Let’s move away from the window, okay? It’s windy outside.
The little girl kept her gaze fixed on the door, shaking her head silently.
“Tingting, you can still see from beside the heater; it’s too far from here. You just came back from the forest and can’t stand the cold!” The old man tugged at the little girl’s hand, trying to pull her inside.
The little girl shook off the old man’s hand, standing at the window, defiantly saying, “I won’t! I don’t want to go in! If I go in, I won’t be able to see Daddy!
The old man stood dumbfounded behind her, momentarily at a loss. Chen Han walked over to the little girl, squatted down, and gently said:
“Tingting, be good. Your daddy will be fine; he will be back soon…
“You’re lying!! You’re all lying!” The little girl suddenly turned around, her eyes red. She pressed her lips tightly together and shouted with all her might, “Didn’t you say we would leave first, and Daddy would catch up soon?!
Why? Why has a whole day passed, and Daddy still hasn’t come back?!
You clearly promised… Why are you all breaking your promises…
Her voice grew increasingly choked, becoming softer, her lips trembling. Even though she tried hard to control her tears, they kept streaming down her cheeks.
Ultimately, she completely gave up on controlling herself, and this little girl, just over ten years old, cried out as if she had lost everything.
The old man’s hands trembled slightly as he embraced the little girl, tears streaming down his aged face as well.
His son had told him that if he hadn’t returned in three days, he should call the police…
Now, it was already the fourth day.
“Tingting, be good. Don’t cry, don’t cry…” The old man wiped his tears, speaking tremulously.
“But there are monsters in the forest! What if Daddy gets caught by them? I don’t want Daddy to die!” The little girl sobbed uncontrollably.
As the two embraced and wept, Chen Han pressed his lips together, glancing at the time, his grip on his watch tightening…
Bang—!
At that moment, the old, worn door was suddenly pushed open.
The cold wind howled into the room, instantly dispelling the warmth of the heater, causing the furnishings inside to topple over. The tear-streaked little girl looked up at the door, her entire being frozen in place.
Outside the door stood five people.
Three were the brothers she had seen in the forest, and one was a beautiful sister she didn’t recognize…
In front of them, just beyond the threshold where the howling wind rushed in, stood a tall and robust figure.
It was a scruffy middle-aged man, with a strong and symmetrical face. His slightly disheveled hair blew in the wind as he wore an old, greasy military coat that flapped in the breeze.
His gaze fell on the little girl with red, tear-filled eyes. He opened his arms, a slight smile on his lips, his eyes radiating unprecedented warmth.
“Tingting, Daddy is back.
Hearing that familiar voice, the old man stood frozen in place, while the little girl’s tear-filled eyes turned into crescent moons as she rushed forward, diving into that solid and warm embrace!
He lifted the little girl, his rough beard brushing against her tear-streaked face. This time, the little girl didn’t shy away as before; instead, she smiled and nestled against his face, wrapping her arms around his neck as if she were embracing the whole world.
“Daddy.” The little girl pressed her lips together, happily saying, “Welcome back!
