When Ling Li saw Four Eyes sleeping peacefully, wrapped like a cocoon in the blankets, a wave of warmth swept over her. The soft light filtering through the curtains cast a gentle glow on his sleeping face. With a quiet determination, Ling Li rose from the bed, careful not to disturb him.
Ling glanced around their cozy room, where the scent of their shared memories lingered like an unspoken promise. She tiptoed to the small wooden table, where she had set out an array of snacks, Four Eyes’ favorites. Delicately, Ling Li picked up the neatly packed treats: a mix of crunchy seaweed chips, sweetened dried fruits, the last remaining lotus seed cakes, assorted biscuits, and beef jerky.
Ling Li deftly slid the snacks into Four Eyes’ space ring; then she checked what clothes Four Eyes had prepared to realize the man didn’t even bother to pack anything. With a sigh, Ling Li collected some warm clothes, an assortment of layers woven of soft fabric, extra pair of boots, just right for the chilly climate they were about to face on their expedition to the mystical mountain. She even picked out his favorite green scarf, the one that always made him look effortlessly charming, and tucked it neatly into the Fpur Eyes’ space ring.
Ling’s gaze lingered on the family portrait on the table. It had been taken during the twins’ celebration. She took one last look at it, her heart swelling with love and nostalgia. Carefully, she slipped it into the ring, hoping it would surprise Four Eyes and remind him of the warmth they held within their family, no matter the distance.
Once Ling Li’s preparations were complete, she returned to Four Eyes’ side, feeling a mix of excitement and melancholy. Settling back down beside Four Eyes, she nestled into his side, inhaling his familiar scent—an enchanting blend of his cologne and something uniquely him. She closed her eyes, savoring the comfort of being so close to him, even if for just a little longer.
As dawn broke, casting a soft light across the room, the time came for them to say goodbye. At four in the morning, everyone gathered at the Camp Blaze, the energy buzzing with anticipation and nerves. The air was crisp, and the faint sound of laughter and chatter filled the atmosphere, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a quick morning fire.
Ren and Lily silently stood on the side, their eyes scanning the crowd for Shun and Fatty, who were finalizing their mission with the group of Ling Li and Shi Min. They knew what they were doing was extremely important, so they remained quiet and watched.
When Shun and Fatty finally spotted them, a rush of emotions flooded Ren, her heart a rebellious drum in her chest. She fought back tears, knowing she should maintain her composure, it was supposed to be a proud moment, not one shrouded in sorrow.
“Shun,” Ren called out, her voice thick but steady. As Shun approached, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them suspended in this bittersweet moment.
“I will wait for your return. Make sure to take care of yourself. Remember, I love you.” Ren’s voice quivered slightly, yet there was an unwavering strength behind her words, a firm belief that they could endure this distance.
Shun, with his kind eyes reflecting the morning light, stepped closer. “Don’t worry too much,” he reassured Ren, a playful grin lurking at the corners of his lips. “Paps is with me, and Fatty and Chatty are, too. We will protect each other.” He reached for her, pulling Ren into a warm embrace that felt like a safe haven. Ren inhaled deeply, grounding herself in Shun’s presence as if memorizing the feel of him before he left.
“I will worry if you don’t take care of yourself,” Shun murmured, his voice low, emanating a genuine concern that made Ren’s heartache. With one last lingering kiss, full of promise and longing, he squeezed her hand tightly and stepped back, longing etched on their faces as they stood on the precipice of separation.
Everyone slowly walked towards the airstrip where their plane was waiting.
Lily stood by the airstrip, her hair whipping around her face in the wind. "You, don’t act brave and get killed," she told Fatty, her tone firm yet affectionate.
Fatty chuckled, his hearty laugh carrying over the noise of the preparing aircraft. "Alright, alright. I’ll be careful. You, on the other hand, should focus on your training. I want to see you shine out there," Fatty said, ruffling her hair with a gentle fondness that belied his usual tough exterior.
"Sure I will," Lily grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And you better be there to watch, or I’ll come and find you just to beat you up."
On the other side of the tarmac, Pharsa was giving Chatty a stern look. "Remember, you must look after Master Shun. He is the most important person to protect. Also, Master Chu Yan. Ensure their safety at all costs."
Chatty pouted, feeling a pang of jealousy. "And what about me? Don’t you care if I make it back?"
Pharsa’s eyes softened just a fraction before she retorted, "Who cares about you?" Thɪs chapter is updated by novᴇlfire.net
Silence hung between them until Chatty suddenly pulled Pharsa into a tight embrace. Chatty felt Pharsa stiffen in surprise, but then her arms slowly wrapped around him as well. "You must come back," Pharsa whispered, her voice breaking.
Chatty was overwhelmed. "I will. I promise," he said, his voice thick with emotion. Then, in a bold move, Chatty leaned in and kissed Pharsa, catching her off guard. Pharsa pushed him away, her eyes wide with shock, but then Chatty pulled her back into his arms, holding her close.
"Take care of yourself, Pharsa. And always stay close to Madam." Chatty whispered in her ears.
Pharsa snorted, trying to mask her concern. "Just make sure you come back in one piece. I can handle myself."
Just before they reached the airstrip, the plane’s engine hummed with the low murmur of trainees’ conversations. But Shi Min’s authoritative voice shattered the calm like a lightning bolt. "Everyone, listen up!" His tone demanded immediate attention, slicing through the air and silencing the room in an instant.