On the night the isolation ended, after bidding farewell to everyone, Luo Zheng changed into casual clothes and caught a taxi to his ho. It was dinner ti, and the family was eating in the living room. When they saw Luo Zheng suddenly co in, they excitedly stood up to greet him. His younger sister ran to the kitchen to fetch bowls and chopsticks, and Luo Zheng took out a bottle of wine from his luggage.
Luo Hu loved a good drink, especially when it was a gift from his son, so he accepted it with a smile. Ignoring his wife's worried gaze, he heartily shouted, "Younger sister, bring so cups over, have a drink with your brother."
The younger sister glanced at her mother and quickly went to fetch them. Mrs. Luo, although concerned about Luo Hu's health, did not want to dampen his spirits, especially since it was rare for her son to co ho. Once the younger sister brought the glasses, she reminded, "Your dad hasn't been feeling well these two days, maybe a cold, so drink a little less."
"Got it, Mom. This is golden silk bird's nest, a gift from Xue Er," Luo Zheng replied, taking out a beautifully wrapped box from his bag and presenting it.
When Mrs. Luo heard it was from her future daughter-in-law, she couldn't stop smiling, and didn't care anymore about father and son drinking together. She took the gift and ran into the room to put it away. Luo Hu secretly gave Luo Zheng a thumbs-up, praising him for his thoughtful gesture. The younger sister poured three cups, leaving one for herself. With the damp mountainous air, drinking wine helped stave off the cold, and his sister was used to drinking a bit, always accompanying Luo Hu when Luo Zheng was not ho.
The three clinked glasses. As the fiery liquor burned down his throat and looking at the warm scene, Luo Zheng felt a wave of peace, casting aside the tensions and discomforts of military life, enthusiastically helping his parents with food and chatting about mundane family matters, feeling grounded and serene.
It was rare for the family to gather, and the al was joyous. Afterward, Mrs. Luo and the younger sister went to the kitchen to tidy up, leaving the room for father and son to chat about personal matters. Luo Hu eyed Luo Zheng up and down, smiling with relief. "This ti back, the murderous aura around you is a lot less," he observed.
"Yes, as you taught , I used the family Breathing Skill to adjust a bit, and I feel much better, less impulsive and much calr. Dad, doesn't this Breathing Skill have a na?" Luo Zheng curiously asked, bringing up a question that had been buried in his heart for many years.
"Maybe, but even your ancestors don't know," Luo Hu replied casually.
Hearing this, Luo Zheng let go of the thought completely. If even the ancestors didn't know, it must be sothing very ancient. No na, then so be it. Hearing his mother and sister chatting softly in the kitchen, occasionally bursting into laughter, he lowered his voice and said, "Dad, everything okay at ho? I can stay for three days this ti. After that, I have a mission and have to leave. If there's anything at ho, just tell and I'll handle it."
"Everything's fine at ho, don't worry. Your younger sister ntioned that you invested so money for her and bought a car? Soldiers don't have much allowance. Is the money's origin legitimate?" Luo Hu quietly asked.
"Rest assured, it's compensation from reconciling with an enemy. The organization knows and told to keep it, so there shouldn't be any issue," Luo Zheng whispered back.
"An enemy? An enemy worth that much money can't be simple, right?" Luo Hu beca alert and pressed further.
"Yes, they're not simple, but they don't dare to touch . We have significant backing, can't go into detail. Rest assured, otherwise, they wouldn't have agreed to negotiate, right?" Luo Zheng explained in a low voice.
"Right, too. What's your military rank now?" Luo Hu asked quietly.
"Captain, but I'm set to be promoted to Major soon. It's already decided," Luo Zheng thought for a bit and replied honestly, lest Luo Hu worry too much.
Luo Hu had served in the military and knew a bit about the army. Hearing Luo Zheng was about to be promoted to Major, he couldn't help but be shocked. That was a regintal-level cadre, and at such a young age reaching this high rank, with no money or connections, it must be achieved solely through military rit. Thinking of this, Luo Hu couldn't help but worry but also knew the rules, so he didn't ask more. After pondering for a mont, he seriously instructed, "Being a Major, your rank is elevated, and the team will certainly prioritize protecting and nurturing you. However, be mindful of your safety; it's about ti to get married and leave an heir for the Luo family."
"Uh?" Luo Zheng was startled, then realized, out there battling, life could be lost at any ti. For the elders, being left without descendants was absolutely intolerable, yet he was not yet ready, so with a wry smile, he said, "Dad, can you give so more ti?"
"Lan Xue is not willing?" Luo Hu sternly questioned.
"Not exactly, mainly her family isn't willing. They hope she marries into one of those big families, high-ranking officials, the Crown Prince Party types, looking down on our modest family. But Xue Er doesn't have those intentions; you've t her. There's no obstacle, it's just a matter of ti before we're together," Luo Zheng hurriedly explained.
"Ah, I see." Luo Hu fell into contemplation and after a while continued, "If you're marrying their daughter, it's only right to gain her parents' consent. Winning them over makes sense. A marriage without parental blessing is unfortunate. As a man, you shouldn't treat Lan Xue that way. Think of a plan."
"Okay," Luo Zheng promptly agreed, relieved his father was understanding, making things easier. After chatting for a while, Luo Zheng noticed his mother and younger sister coming over, bearing fruit. He rushed to help, setting up the table and brewing tea with his sister. Outside, Luo Zheng might be formidable and impressive, but at ho, he was just a dutiful son, obedient and considerate.
Sitting together, chatting casually, Mrs. Luo was thrilled to hear Luo Zheng could stay for three days. She imdiately invited him to call Lan Xue over for dinner the next day, naturally sparking a conversation about marriage. Luo Hu smiled silently, while Luo Zheng felt embarrassed until the younger sister changed the subject to business.
Through their conversation, Luo Zheng learned that his sister's business was growing, having rented an office and hired a few employees. Although still small, it was starting to show promise. Luo Zheng was overjoyed, alleviated of any worries, leading the conversation to finances. Mrs. Luo was concerned they wouldn't have the money to buy a house and felt guilty towards Lan Xue.
In desperation, Luo Zheng confided that he had already purchased a house, co-owned with Lan Xue as their marital ho. It was four bedrooms and two living rooms, enough for the family to live together in the future. They could receive it the next day and start decorating. Hearing this, Luo Hu beca interested, complaining about having nothing to do at ho and requesting to supervise the renovations, feeling he should contribute to the children.
Luo Zheng thought it good to give his parents sothing to do, lest they fall ill from inactivity, and agreed to take them to the house together the next day. This delighted his parents greatly. With a house, Luo Hu and his wife felt as if they could envision their future daughter-in-law coming ho, seeing the prosperity of their family. Seeing the joy on his parents' faces, Luo Zheng was also elated, secretly vowing to protect this family at all costs, even risking his life if necessary.
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