"Miss, I haven’t disappointed you. I’ve finally completed my training and returned! I will never leave you again!" Zhang Yufeng hugged the girl in her arms tightly with eyes brimming with tears, choking up as she spoke.
"Good, we’ll never be apart again," An Yiqing soothed Zhang Yufeng as one would a child, gently patting her back and whispering words of comfort.
For a moment, the broken and untidy courtyard was filled with warmth, as the two outstanding young women embraced closely, their affection for each other growing stronger.
After a short while, Zhang Yufeng stepped out of An Yiqing’s warm embrace, scratched her head sheepishly, and said in a low voice, "I’m sorry, Miss. I... I lost my composure."
"It doesn’t matter. Come, Xiao Feng, let me introduce you to your future comrades," An Yiqing said with a smile and a shake of her head, indicating it was no big deal.
She took Zhang Yufeng’s hand and led her to three men who had been watching the excitement.
"How about that? I told you guys before that Xiao Feng’s skills were top-notch, and now you believe me, don’t you?"
Headed by An Zhifeng, the three men smiled foolishly, embarrassingly touching their noses.
"Uh, Miss Zhang, sorry for any offense just now. Please don’t take it to heart. I’m An Zhifeng, the eldest among our brothers. This is An Zhihuo, the second, and over there, is Lao Si, An Zhiyun," An Zhifeng briefly introduced them to Zhang Yufeng, "Miss Zhang, your skills are really impressive, far better than any of us when we first left ’Red Thorn’."
Zhang Yufeng nodded modestly, "You flatter me. I’ve just spent some time at military school, so my physical condition is decent. Also, since we’ll all be Miss’s supporters from now on, just call me Xiao Feng. ’Miss Zhang’ sounds too awkward."
An Zhifeng and the others nodded repeatedly, agreeing, "That’s great, Xiao Feng rolls off the tongue more easily. ’Miss Zhang, Miss Zhang’ makes everyone feel distant."
Standing aside, An Yiqing watched with a smile as Zhang Yufeng interacted with An Zhifeng and the others, without interjecting. For these strong individuals, their abilities spoke louder than words, and the recent match had been enough for them to size each other up properly.
An Yiqing had no worries that Zhang Yufeng would clash with these twelve brothers. They shared the same goals, the same life, and even had similar experiences. These were the kind of people who would surely become comrades in life and death!
After their chat, An Yiqing took Zhang Yufeng to the underground training ground to meet the other brothers and greet them.
"Xiao Feng, this will be your new home."
In the separate small courtyard with its elegant and light scenery, the interior decor was a warm yellow, fresh and refined, perfectly suiting Zhang Yufeng’s simple style.
"I thought it was outrageous for you to live with those filthy-smelling men, so I prepared this courtyard especially for you. How is it? If there’s anything you’re not satisfied with, tell someone to change it. This will be your home from now on."
Zhang Yufeng slowly stepped into the courtyard, looked up carefully at each flower and plant, and the unique flower bed by the window.
This was a home personally arranged for her by Miss. She couldn’t be happier—how could she not love it?
Turning to An Yiqing, Zhang Yufeng revealed a charming smile, "Miss, thank you. I love it very much."
"Good, I’m glad you like it. I’ve prepared some common necessities for you in the room, but for things like bed sheets and covers, I didn’t know your color preferences, so you’ll have to sort that out yourself. How about this, let’s pick a day, and I, along with Brother Yusheng, will go shopping with you. You’ve been busy with military school and ’Red Thorn’ for months; it’s time to return to a normal young girl’s life," An Yiqing said as she stretched out her hand and affectionately adjusted Zhang Yufeng’s collar, speaking softly.