Ti flew by, and half a month had passed. During this period, Lan Xue and the others experienced the sincerity and warmth of the villagers. Each al, thrice daily, was almost always hosted by a different family, each offering their best to entertain. Everyone put on quite a bit of weight, but thankfully they didn't neglect their basic physical training, sneaking it in during the mornings and evenings; otherwise, they would have gained even more.
That morning, after having a al at ho and packing up, everyone prepared to leave. Over the past half month, Luo Zheng had finally persuaded his parents to move to Beijing. They planned to rent a house first, then buy one when they had the money. His younger sister had been admitted to Beijing University, and now with so extra money at ho combined with Luo Zheng's persuasion, the family finally faced the truth, though the registration period had passed. Lan Xue made a few phone calls, and the situation was resolved.
Lan Xue's actions won the approval of the whole family. His little sister was going to school in Beijing, and staying behind in the mountains would have been dull for Luo Hu and his wife. Coupled with Luo Zheng's earnest persuasion, they naturally agreed. However, no one had anticipated the villagers coming to see them off—their homade liquor, their eggs offered with a rustic sincerity.
Fortunately, they had a car. Unable to refuse everyone's kindness, Luo Zheng symbolically accepted so gifts from each household, packing the car full before bidding farewell and driving towards Beijing. The happiest of all was his little sister, now able to attend her dream school, Beijing University. She was overjoyed, chirping away like a lark and singing mountain songs, her pleasant voice instantly impressing Ghost Hand and the others, drawing gasps of wonder.
After a dusty and tiring journey, they arrived in Beijing the next afternoon. The apartnt had already been rented, thanks to Ghost Hand's efforts, located near Beijing University, a three-bedroom apartnt with a slightly expensive price tag. Ghost Hand didn't ntion it, instead he paid two years of rent in advance. Luo Zheng had guessed it was costly but didn't comnt on it, silently acknowledging this deep bond—they were brothers in life and death, and so things didn't need to be said.
The apartnt's decor was decent, and it was fully furnished. Luo Hu and the others were dazzled upon entering, having never seen such a nice place back in the mountains. They were very satisfied and also guessed that it wasn't cheap. Glancing at Luo Zheng, who nodded in confirmation, Luo Hu and his wife expressed no further concerns and settled in peacefully.
That evening, Lan Xue hosted a welco feast at a nearby restaurant as a gesture from the future daughter-in-law. Luo Hu and his wife didn't refuse and happily accepted the offer. During the al, a guest arrived who resembled Lan Xue and carried a mischievous smile. Luo Zheng imdiately guessed her identity—Lan Xue had ntioned her before—and warmly invited her to sit down and chat.
The visitor was Lan Xing, who was well acquainted with Ghost Hand, Snow Leopard, and Mountain Eagle. Showing no formality, she first politely greeted Luo Hu and his wife, said hello to the little sister, then turned to Luo Zheng with a playful smile and said, "Future brother-in-law, I've helped you out many tis, playing the unsung hero. Shouldn't you also show so appreciation?"
"No problem. Just let know, and as long as I can do it, I will," Luo Zheng readily agreed.
"You promise? No backing out?" Lan Xing hastily said, her eyes whirling with mischief, thinking up so sche.
"That depends on what it is," Luo Zheng replied, causing a shift in Lan Xing's expression.
"Hey, you're not even married yet, and you're already sticking your elbow out," Lan Xing pouted unhappily, then turned to Luo Zheng and joked, "Forget it, my sister has issued a warning. I dare not offend her. Just make a token gesture, give so Cistanche for beauty treatnt, I'm getting old, you know."
"Okay," Luo Zheng agreed without hesitation, looking at Lan Xing, who was about his age, calling herself old. What's with young people these days? Luo Zheng was lost for words and said, "Ask your sister for it later; I'll give you half of mine."
"That's what I'm talking about. Call on if you need anything next ti," Lan Xing imdiately bead with joy, her gaze turning towards Ghost Hand and the others.
"Don't look at ; I'm really poor," Ghost God quickly said, looking frightened.
"Looking at is pointless too. I've only got my pathetic life to my na, which you're free to take," Snow Leopard said with his eyes lowered, obviously wary of Lan Xing's reputation and not daring to provoke her.
"Forget it, I'll give you so, just spare ," Mountain Eagle sighed with a bitter smile as he caught Lan Xing's glance.
"Big Brother Three loves the most," Lan Xing said with a giggle, her coquettish tone soothing to the ear.
As they were joking around, soone knocked on the door and entered. Luo Zheng recognized it was Gui Fang, Ghost Hand's younger sister. He imdiately introduced his parents to her, and then said to his younger sister, "This is Gui Fang, your senior at school, in the sa departnt as you. I called her over so you could et. If you encounter any issues at school, just find her for help."
"Hello, Sister Gui Fang," his sister greeted politely, her voice as pleasant as that of an oriole, crisp and charming, seemingly devoid of worldly troubles, imdiately drawing the attention of Lan Xing and Gui Fang.
"No problem, your brother's sister is my sister too. Leave it to ," Gui Fang readily agreed.
"You should have left such matters to . Just report my na at Beijing University and no one dares to disrespect," Lan Xing said with a chuckle.
"Can you act a bit more like a lady? If you keep this up, I won't call you next ti," Lan Xue said with irritation.
"Oh, okay, ladylike it is," Lan Xing imdiately sat up straight, her face stern as she pretended to ditate, and then said seriously, "Brother-in-law, you're not being fair."
The others couldn't help but burst into laughter at Lan Xing's quirky antics. Luo Hu and his wife imdiately took a liking to her. Lan Xue gave Lan Xing a fierce glare, completely speechless and vexed by her irrepressible sister.
At this mont, the waiter began serving the dishes, and everyone enjoyed the al with lively banter and a harmonious atmosphere.
After the al, everyone went their separate ways. Luo Zheng sent his parents ho and got them settled in before heading down to the parking lot. He got into Lan Xue's car, and as she started the vehicle and began to drive forward, she asked, "Are they adjusting well?"
"They are, thank you," Luo Zheng expressed his gratitude.
"Still being formal with ?" Lan Xue said with feigned dissatisfaction, giving Luo Zheng a glare. She ntioned that the old man had sothing to discuss and continued driving. Luo Zheng knew that if Mr. Li was seeking him, it must be for a mission. He didn't ask any further questions and closed his eyes to rest. Before he knew it, they had arrived at the sa military restricted area as last ti. In the living room, he saw Mr. Li preparing tea and quickly went forward to salute him, respectfully saying, "Good day, sir. Luo Zheng reporting for duty. Please give your orders."
"Please sit. I've heard about the Qinglong Village incident; you handled it well. A soldier's duty is to ensure the peace and lend a hand when encountering injustice. Don't worry about the aftermath, I've taken care of it. I'm calling you in before your leave ends because a mission has co up, requiring you to end your vacation prematurely. Is that going to be a problem?" Mr. Li said warmly.
"No problem at all. Please give the order, sir. I guarantee to complete the mission," Luo Zheng said gratefully, feeling completely at ease. With Mr. Li's involvent, and being on the right side of the argunt, a minor county-level official was of no concern.
User Comments
0 comments from readers