Ding Yao felt something was amiss and signed a question, “Why do you two need to go out? Is it some secret you can’t share with me?” Now was not the best time for them to be out and about. What could be so pressing that Song Xiuyan and Song Yang needed to do?
Song Xiuyan shook his head. “We’re not trying to keep anything from you. I gave the portrait of the man who caused Song Yang to be bitten by a poisonous snake to a friend at school and asked him to keep an eye on that person for me.”
“Yesterday morning, he told me someone had seen that person lurking near the school in the Ling family village. I’m going with Song Yang to confirm if my friend’s information is accurate. Don’t worry. I doubt anyone will make any overt moves during the day.”
Song Yang immediately felt guilty upon delivering his lie. The man responsible for Song Yang’s poisoning had appeared in the Lin family village five or six days ago; he was merely using that man as an excuse to step out for a bit.
It was the 26th of June. On this afternoon in his previous life, General Long Jianyuan would visit the former principal of Lingxi High School, Chen Xuefeng. Along the way, General Long would be ambushed by a troupe of assassins of unknown origins. General Long did not bring many people with him. Although he was still strong for his age, he was vastly outnumbered and died at their hands.
Long Zhanyuan had guarded the nation’s borders for many years and made countless contributions to the country’s defence. No one could have imagined he would die on a trip to visit his old friend.
Since gaining this second chance at life, Song Xiuyan vowed to save General Long. The previous night’s assassination attempt renewed and added to his determination.
If he saved General Long, he would gain an opportunity to latch onto the illustrious officer. Those who would harm his family would think twice before taking action against them for fear of retribution from Long Zhanyuan. That was how fearsome his reputation was.
In addition, Song Xiuyan wanted Song Yang to follow General Long in the army. Since Song Yang did not like studying but was fairly talented in martial arts, the army would be a good option for him. Hence, to make a good impression, Song Yang had to be present when saving General Long!
Ding Yao did not notice Song Xiuyan’s guilt-ridden expression. She waved her hand, indicating it was no trouble and signed, “Alright. Don’t worry; I’ll take good care of your siblings while you’re out. Please be careful outside.”
Song Xiuyan may have felt conflicted by his actions but chose to continue down his path. He did not tell Ding Yao how he staked out the vicinity of Lingxi High School or that he could not find any signs of the would-be killers. Either the assassins after Long Zhanyuan’s head were exceptionally well hidden, or they would only appear when the famed general arrived.
Saving General Long was not without risk, but, having weighed his options, Song Xiuyan convinced himself that it was the best choice. They would save Long Zhanyuan and return home alive.
Song Xiuyan and Song Yang arrived in the vicinity of Linxi High School. He did not look for his friends; instead, bringing Song Yang around to search for traces of the General’s soon-to-be killers. Unfortunately, they came up empty.
Song Xiuyan’s original plan was to intercept the assassins and report his findings to General Long. That plan was a bust. Not only had he never met the lauded general, but the killers he meant to present to him were also nowhere to be found. Moreover, Long Zhanyuan would be travelling in disguise. Without an escort or some way to reveal his identity, finding Long Zhanyuan would not be an easy task.
As time ticked away against them, Song Xiuyan decided to wait where he knew General Long’s untimely death would occur. Song Yang stayed by his older brother’s side, wondering what they were doing. Curious, he asked, “Big Brother, why are we waiting here?”
Song Xiuyan lied to him. “This road is the only way to the Lin family village. We’ll find the target if we remain here.”
Song Yang had always admired his older brother, believing he was the smartest and wisest of all his siblings. He did not bare a shred of doubt regarding his older brother’s decisions. Song Yang felt his mind drift to the man who nearly killed him with that poisonous snake, and he cursed fiercely, “I’ll beat that man to death when I see him later!”
Song Xiuyan waited nervously. A few cars whizzed by, but nothing happened. A while later, Song Xiuyan noticed a black off-road vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Through the window, he could see it was full of fierce-looking men.
Song Xiuyan instantly reacted. The men in the SUV were the ones who had assassinated General Long Zhanyuan! As expected, when the two cars passed by, the men in the SUV took out their weapons one after another and pointed at the black car, forcing them to stop.
Song Yang was shocked and quickly pulled Song Xiuyan to hide behind a large tree by the roadside. The sound of the brakes suddenly stopped. Three men jumped out of the black car. Two of them were very young, and there was an old man around sixty years old with thick eyebrows and big eyes. He was full of killing intent.
“Who are you?” There could be no doubt that this man was General Long Zhanyuan.