"Attention passengers, the flight from Beijing has landed. Passengers waiting to et friends and relatives, please take note." In the airport hall, the lodious voice of the broadcast echoed, filling the hall with crowds of people waiting to greet their loved ones. The atmosphere was lively, with groups of three or five chatting quietly among themselves.
Among the crowd were a young man and woman dressed in casual clothes, wearing white masks and sunglasses to completely hide their appearances. The man had a crew cut, looking very spirited, while the woman had a ponytail, exuding youthful vitality. The woman held the man's arm and leaned against him; they seed like a pair of lovers, quietly standing among the crowd, observing the people erging from the exit. They were Luo Zheng and Lan Xue.
After the bar street incident, the two had gained so notoriety. To avoid being recognized and to prevent spies from various countries mingling in the crowd from discovering them, they chose to disguise themselves, avoiding any unforeseen complications. After a while, Luo Zheng clearly felt Lan Xue's body tremble and grow tense. He couldn't help being startled and turned his head softly asking, "What's the matter?"
"He's here, left front, ten ters away, the one pushing the luggage cart." Lan Xue said excitedly in a soft voice.
Following Lan Xue's prompt, Luo Zheng looked over and indeed saw a middle-aged man pushing a luggage cart. However, the man was thin, with graying hair, a weary expression, and walked feebly like he had just recovered from a serious illness. Luo Zheng was shocked. Although this person resembled Lan Xue's father, he was nothing like his once spirited and vigorous self; he had lost a considerable amount of weight.
"How could this be?" Luo Zheng said in surprise.
"No matter, let's go et him first." Lan Xue said excitedly, her voice choked with emotion.
Luo Zheng affectionately embraced Lan Xue and walked forward with her. Arriving at the exit, Lan Xue couldn't contain her distressed emotions any longer and dashed forward, hugging her father and cried out, "Dad, why have you beco so thin?"
"Let take the luggage." Luo Zheng also approached, taking over the cart. He sympathetically looked at Lan Xue's father, Lan Bo. Although this man had once obstructed his and Lan Xue's relationship, he didn't bear malice. After all grievances were settled, he was rather kind to him. An impressive person in the past, yet now in such a state.
"We'll talk later." Lan Bo looked at Lan Xue lovingly, nodded at Luo Zheng, and continued, "There are too many people here, let's go."
Lan Xue nodded in understanding, letting her tears fall as she held her father's arm and hurried outside. The three arrived at the parking lot, where Lan Xing, responsible for watching the car, ca up to et them. Given their special identities, they had to leave soone to watch over the car for safety. Lan Xing was shocked to see her father, rendered speechless.
"We'll talk about it later." Luo Zheng reminded, placing the luggage in the trunk and getting into the driver's seat.
Lan Xue and her sister quickly helped their father into the car. Lan Xue sat in the passenger seat, signaling Luo Zheng to drive, then turned to look at her father, removed her sunglasses and mask, and said worriedly, "Dad, what happened? Why have you beco so thin?"
"I'm fine, probably been worrying too much. It's rare for you two to have a vacation together. This ti you need to spend it with properly. Things have already happened, thinking about them is useless. Let's take a vacation and recover." Lan Bo said with a smile, but there was a strong sense of bitterness in that smile.
Through the rearview mirror, Luo Zheng sympathetically glanced at Lan Bo sitting in the back, unsure of what to say. After so thought, he decided to say nothing, focusing on driving. Lan Xing leaned into her father's arms, playfully said, "Dad, no matter how you look, you're the handsost in my heart. Later, I'll grill so oysters for you, just learned how. Everyone who tried them says they're good, right, sis?" She winked at Lan Xue.
Lan Xue understood and nodded, no longer dwelling on sad matters. Forcing a bit of a smile, she said, "Yes, now that it's co to this, being together happily as a family is a good thing. Let him take you fishing at sea; you love fishing, don't you? He's recently gotten into it as well, so he can accompany you, right?" She patted Luo Zheng's shoulder.
"As long as Uncle Lan says the word, absolutely no problem." Luo Zheng quickly agreed.
"Alright, you kids are good, I know. This ti, I'm here for a vacation and to find you." Lan Bo said to Luo Zheng, his expression gradually turning serious.
"Why do you want to see brother-in-law? He's not as good as . I'm an all-round adorable little elf. I'm good at chatting." Lan Xing asked with a surprised smile.
"Yes, you're the best." Lan Bo said lovingly, although his gaze stayed on Luo Zheng. He continued, "I ca also because your grandpa asked. Originally, I canceled the trip to avoid disrupting your lives. Last night, your grandpa called , saying you've discovered sothing. He asked to chat with you properly."
"Alright, there's no rush, let's take our ti." Lan Xue responded readily.
"Okay, for tactical analysis, brother-in-law is better than . He's a bit of a freak in this area." Lan Xing feigned helplessness, purposely sticking out her tongue, wanting to lighten the atmosphere a bit.
Everyone understood Lan Xing's intentions and laughed, although the laughter had traces of force and concern. No one pointed it out, casually chatting about family matters. As Luo Zheng drove, he began to ponder; there was Mr. Li's involvent in this. Clearly, Mr. Li had discovered sothing but was unsure, hoping he could find more clues. However, this matter seed filled with strange nuances; what kind of conspiracy could it be?
Unknowingly, they arrived at the hotel. The guards already received notification and did not obstruct Luo Zheng and others from bringing Lan Bo into the military zone, politely letting them pass. They reached the guest room, settled Lan Bo, and then went to the dining hall for lunch. Hong ihua led Wu Miao, Ghost Hand, Mountain Eagle, and Snow Leopard there, waiting for them.
Seeing Lan Bo arrive, everyone quickly rose to greet him. They were all old acquaintances. After so polite exchanges, they sat down for the al. Noticing Lan Bo's lean body, everyone was shocked but pretended not to see, discreetly replacing the prepared alcohol with juice, chatting casually.
After eating and drinking to their fill, everyone dispersed. Luo Zheng, Lan Xue, Lan Xing followed Lan Bo to the guest room. Closing the door, they sat on the living room sofa. Lan Xing, very considerate, went to make tea for everyone. Luo Zheng sat beside Lan Bo, respectfully said, "Uncle Lan, I know you won't be at ease without getting to the truth. I have so questions I need to ask, is that okay?"
"No problem, go ahead and ask." Lan Bo agreed, becoming serious.
Lan Xue approached, sat beside him, and said, "Dad, his analytical ability is very strong but he needs clues. Please elaborate as much as possible, without mixing in personal judgnts. Just tell him how things went."
"Alright, I understand, go ahead and ask." Lan Bo agreed, understandingly.
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