The plane landed in the Shuzhou safe zone as dusk was settling.
Ying Tianlong was there to meet them, accompanied by Carola Anna.
Seeing Lin Yuan alive and well brought an inexplicable sense of relief. Ying Tianlong stepped forward and hugged him.
“Well, you scoundrel, you really outdid yourself! Based on the report you submitted, headquarters has found a lot of useful information, especially regarding the zombie treatment agent. You’ve made a great contribution!”
Lin Yuan’s heart sank upon hearing this. He hoped it wasn’t about the meteorites; they had so few left. Once they were gone, he wouldn’t be able to find another alien spacecraft.
Sensing Lin Yuan’s thoughts, Ying Tianlong didn’t elaborate on the zombie treatment agent, merely patting his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, headquarters is preparing commendations for you. And that’s not all. You mentioned in your report that you obtained two ancient Egyptian treasures. People from the Land of Pyramids have already sent things over, including what you wanted!
However, don’t get your hopes too high. I heard they’re sending the best ores from their major mining areas, not finished products. After all, this is considered friendly exchange between Huaxia and the Land of Pyramids safe zone, so we can’t be too demanding.
Moreover, besides your share, headquarters plans to use the rest to craft various badges.”
Lin Yuan couldn’t help but be delighted. “Hahaha, I didn’t expect them to be so true to their word! Here, take this. Send it to Liaozhou quickly.”
With that, he took the item out of the box and handed it to Ying Tianlong.
“Alright, Anna, the academician, will tell you the rest. I’m off. Remember to get cards for those without the safe zone universal pass. When the broadcast starts tonight, I’ll bring something over to your community to find you.”
“Okay, talk to you tonight!”
Ying Tianlong left without a care in the world, leaving Carola Anna standing there alone.
“Anna, this is yours…” Lin Yuan began, but before he could finish, Carola Anna hugged him.
She buried her head and nuzzled him twice before pulling away.
Tears streaming down her face, she accepted the necklace from Lin Yuan.
The necklace had returned to its original appearance.
“I took the gem off, but I found some time on the submarine to restore it. I checked, and there’s just a small scratch on the necklace, but it doesn’t affect its beauty.”
“It’s nothing,” Carola Anna waved her hand dismissively, then confidently put on the necklace. Her makeup was smudged from crying, but she still looked quite lovely.
However, with Wu Tian nearby, Lin Yuan dared not say anything. He simply lowered his head, took out another necklace from the box, and handed it to Wang Xiaoxin. This one now belonged to her.
As for the remaining two revolvers, that one…
Then he squatted down to dote on Lin Junhui for a moment, before taking Wu Tian’s hand and saying,
“Shall we chat tonight?”
Wu Tian naturally smiled happily.
“Okay!”
…
After leaving the airport, Lin Yuan took the familiar safe zone bus back to the Sunflower Community.
Sister Hong was sitting by the entrance of the duty room, with her sleeves tucked in, listening to the musical on the radio. Seeing so many people arrive, she was startled and quickly hobbled over to see what was happening.
Before she could take two steps, Wang Xiaoxin and Andrea caught her.
“Xiao… Xin?” Seeing the two girls supporting her, one unfamiliar yet feeling familiar, and the other familiar yet feeling a bit strange.
“Are you… twins?” Yang Hong then laughed. How could twins have different hair colors, eye colors, and skin tones?
Andrea was currently disguised as Ivy. She had shed her mimicry upon returning to the safe zone, preparing to dedicate herself fully to the cause of “becoming human.”
“Hahaha, Sister Hong, we are both Wang Xiaoxin!”
“Oh? Good, good, good, it’s fine if you have the same name, as long as you’re back! Shuzhou isn’t lacking, so don’t go working elsewhere!”
Yang Hong still believed that Wang Xiaoxin had gone to other safe zones for community beautification, and that Lin Yuan had taken his wife to Liaozhou for work.
Of course, these were just the reasons provided by the intelligence department.
At this moment, Lin Yuan approached with a large group of people, saying with a smile, “Alright, stop joking with Sister Hong. Sister Hong, let me introduce you. This is Andrea, China’s ace agent. She borrowed Xiaoxin’s name and appearance to investigate a cult organization, so it’s normal for you to find her a bit strange.
Their return this time was specifically arranged for them to come and see you.”
“Agent?” Yang Hong was shocked. She quickly invited them into the house to catch up. As for the matter of identity?
Wasn’t it normal for agents to know the art of disguise?
“Sister Hong, don’t rush. Let’s get them settled in first. And this family behind me, they are all Chinese now. Here are the documents, please take a look.”
“Oh, oh, oh, look at my memory. I thought they were your friends, just brought over for a meal or something. Come with me to register.”
“By chance, two criminals were caught in our community a month ago, and their house has been vacant. The remaining rooms are just enough for them to live in.”
On the way, Lin Yuan asked, “How is the community’s public security now?”
After all, twenty days had passed with comings and goings, and Lin Yuan was concerned that the situation in the safe zone might be changing rapidly.
“The new district is slightly worse, but the other areas are quite good. Everything is fine. These two people were mainly a bit confrontational when they first arrived, and it wasn’t serious.
But they pushed their luck, groping women’s butts at the night market and even fighting people. So, they were severely punished. I heard they have to do 50 years of manual labor in the mining area.
But don’t worry, once Xiaoxin and the others move in, there won’t be any new people in our community. You know how people in our community are.”
“Then I’m relieved. The neighbors are still quite supportive!” Yang Hong said this because during the period when the number of survivors in the safe zone surged, she and that girl Cao Xueqin were bullied, and the neighbors, despite having knives, went up to them with chairs and benches to hit them.
Lin Yuan was still on his way home from work at the time and didn’t know about the community’s affairs. Qin Xia was also bullied during that time, but Qin Xia kicked them directly.
Cao Xueqin was afraid of implicating others, and the trauma from her school days still had some effect, her mindset hadn’t changed yet. Otherwise, she would have beaten those two to death as well.
However, fortunately, no one was injured in the end. In fact, those obnoxious people only made one move and were crippled.
Tsk, so it’s better for everyone to be friendly.
Forcing people to repay resentment with “virtue” is not good.
It was not yet 7:30, and school had not yet dismissed. Due to the surge in the number of survivors, the safe zone schools had extended their dismissal time to 7:30, with specialized shuttle buses provided to prevent children from getting into trouble during their extended recreation time.
This also applied to most staff members.
Although public security had improved significantly, this habit remained.
The children were well-fed at school and learned well. In this era without mobile phones and the internet, what was there not to like?
The check-in procedures had been completed, and they now held housing registration cards. The holders and their dependents, excluding infants and the elderly, needed to work or attend school to keep their status active.
“Since they haven’t returned yet, let’s prepare the food and other things!”
“Okay!”
With the departure of Li Xiangxin’s family and the help of three girls with good cooking skills, the meal was prepared quickly, ensuring that the old teammates could have a hot and hearty meal.
As it approached 8 o’clock, people from the community started returning one after another. Wu Mengyao, Sun Qin, Liu Mengmeng, Liu Ziyi, and other children were the first to return, followed by other children.
The moment she entered the gate, Wu Mengyao saw Wu Tian and Lin Yuan cooking in the open space. The scene was exactly like when they got married!
Only the clothes had changed, and there were a few unfamiliar people cooking.
She couldn’t help but pinch Sun Qin’s cheek next to her, causing him to howl in pain.
“Wu Mengyao, what are you doing!”
Sun Qin rubbed his face, feeling wronged, but he didn’t dare to fight back.
Wu Mengyao ignored him and just shouted.
“Sister!! Brother Lin Yuan!”
She dashed over.
“Hey, slow down!”
“……”
Lin Yuan picked up the crying Wu Mengyao who had fallen to the ground and patted the dust off her.
“I told you to slow down, but you didn’t listen. Look at Sun Qin, so steady.”
“Wuwuwu, I just missed you guys so much, wuwuwu.”
“Alright, alright, stop crying. Sit aside and wait for the food.”
“Okay~”
“Brother Lin Yuan!!! Sister Wu Tian!!!” This was Cao Xueqin’s voice. Behind her were Wang Zhihai, Mu Qingtian, and Zhao Mengnan.
They had a “coincidental” day off today and saw Lin Yuan return as soon as they got back.
“Captain, you’re finally back!”
Wang Zhihai and Zhao Mengnan were on the verge of tears. They truly thought he was going to his death, but they never expected him to return with Wu Tian and the child.
Excitedly, they hugged Lin Yuan: “Captain, I really felt useless back then, unable to help in any way! Fortunately, you’re back!”
“Alright, alright, Captain Wang, and Mengnan, don’t cry. We’re all brothers. Go back and change your clothes, then come back for food.”
“It’s fine, it’s fine, our clothes are warm. You’re busy, I’ll go see the child.”
Mu Qingtian and Cao Xueqin also went up and hugged Lin Yuan lightly before pulling Wu Tian and Carola Anna’s hands and leaving, saying they wanted to chat.
This left Lin Yuan and Li Xiangxin to continue cooking, looking amused and exasperated.
“Captain!! You’re back!!” This was Sun Haiping and Qin Xia, who had also returned from work.
“Oh, Sister Qin Xia, you’re finally back! Hurry and help.”
“Okay, okay! I’ll get an apron.”
“Wife, I’ll get it for you!”
“You just stay here and arrange the stools for the dishes~”
Sun Haiping had no choice but to obey. While moving stools, he chatted with Lin Yuan and Li Xiangxin.
“Brother Lin Yuan!!!” Well, it was Zhao Anjing who had returned!
From afar, Lin Yuan saw her jumping high and shouting while holding Zhu Mingjun’s hand.
However, seeing Zhu Mingjun made Lin Yuan feel a little guilty, as he had used his name when causing trouble outside.
Fortunately, the entire headquarters of the Eternal Life Cult had been dismantled. The only ones who knew the name Zhu Mingjun were Li Xiangxin’s family.
“Hey, come over and help quickly!”
“Okay, Brother, coming right up!” Zhao Anjing had become more lively after arriving at the safe zone, fearless of anything, but she still had to listen to Lin Yuan.
Otherwise, she would be tested on her martial arts practice again, which had been unbearable during their time in the countryside.
The ones who came later were Yan Ruyu, whom they had rescued on the highway at that time. She was about to take her final exams, so she returned a little later.
She had an extra half hour of self-study.
She also approached Lin Yuan and hugged him lightly. Of course, she wasn’t alone; she was with another boy. Lin Yuan recognized him as a child from Zeng Yilong’s team. They had fought side-by-side for a while, and he even admired Lin Yuan. He remembered that he also had final exams.
They were all third-year high school students.
Now he appeared even more excited than Yan Ruyu, hugging Lin Yuan tightly, “Brother Lin Yuan! I knew you could definitely bring Sister-in-law back! I knew you could fight so many zombies by yourself! What are those White Eagle Federation people compared to anything…”
“Cough, cough, enough, stop!” Lin Yuan covered his mouth. “Don’t say anymore, or your sister-in-law will beat me when we get back.”
The boy nodded frantically.
“Alright, go back, tidy up, and come down for dinner. We’re having seafood tonight, it’s delicious!”
“Yay!”
“Oh, right!” Lin Yuan stopped the two who were running towards the apartment building and said earnestly, “Your exams are coming up soon. This exam is different from the college entrance examination, but it’s still very important. Don’t let yourselves down, understand?”
Lin Yuan’s words were very subtle, but both of them felt the underlying killing intent and deeper meaning.
“If you two don’t do well on the exam, you can wait to die when you get back!”
They both shivered in unison. Yan Ruyu quickly said, “Captain, don’t worry, I definitely won’t disappoint you! He won’t either!”
“Mm~ Hurry up and go. Leave your things here if you’ve put them away.” Lin Yuan’s expression returned to kindly, his words as gentle as a spring breeze.
Then came the sisters Lin Qingyan and Zhou Ping. As surgical nurses at the safe zone’s central hospital, they were very busy today, but their leader had specially approved them to get off work early.
Upon seeing Lin Yuan, they understood what was happening.
“Captain!” x2
“You’re back, was the hospital busy today?” He hugged them lightly again. At this rate, Lin Yuan felt he might be beaten to death tonight.
“Extremely busy! Every day is busy. Yesterday, two new survivors even cursed at us, wuwuwu. If it weren’t for the director, I would have beaten them up long ago!”
These two girls were not bluffing; if they really fought, those survivors might not necessarily be a match, after all, Lin Yuan used high-level mutant gel generously to “strengthen” his team members.
“Calm down, calm down, they wouldn’t dare to make a move. Go find your Sister Wu Tian and chat. I know you must be filled with…”
“Right, right!” The gossipy souls of the two sisters were burning brightly.
“That’s strange, why haven’t my parents come yet? I clearly notified them. And Xiaoxin’s family. Could they all be busy?
Also, Zi Qi and Xuan Yan haven’t come either, and what about the partners from the investigation team? They shouldn’t have any missions today, should they? Wasn’t the Eternal Life Cult gone? Did some strange zombies appear again? Or are their injuries not healed yet?”
Just as Lin Yuan was lost in thought, two black armored vehicles stopped at the entrance.
Ying Tianlong got out of the car, carrying five or six fresh hairtails.
Then came Jiang Zi Qi and Ji Xuan Yan, bundled in thick clothes, along with Zheng Mengmeng and other members of the Biu team, including Wan Changfeng.
Some people would never come again; they had sacrificed themselves in the incident where the Eternal Life Cult attacked the city.
From the other car came Lin Yuan’s parents and his paternal uncle, Wang Xiaoxin’s parents and her younger brother.
“Brother Lin Yuan…”
“Zi Qi!”
“Huh? Zi Qi is here!”
“Where is she?!”
As soon as Jiang Zi Qi arrived, everyone stood up and rushed to hug her, Lin Yuan included.
“It’s good that you’re here.”
After the great battle, Jiang Zi Qi and Ji Xuan Yan were both seriously injured. Jiang Zi Qi’s team members, whom Lin Yuan had led before, Jiang Hai and Bai Shan Jin, had died in battle. Kong Ming had a瘸腿 (crippled leg) and lost an eye. Wan Changfeng’s left cheek had been slashed, making it difficult to eat. He had a 10cm long head wound; if it hadn’t been for timely rescue, he would have died too. In the intelligence group, only Zheng Mengmeng and one other person survived.
When Lin Yuan left, he didn’t even know if they would survive. Moreover, they had all been injured while protecting Wu Tian and Xiao Jun, so Lin Yuan had always felt guilty.
“How is Xuan Yan…”
“Team Leader, it’s fine, we’re all better now. Even the long gash on my head has healed,” Wan Changfeng said, his eyes reddening as he recalled his fallen comrades.
“It’s good that you’re fine, it’s good that you’re fine. Changfeng, are you and Xuan Yan…?” Lin Yuan patted his back and asked.
Although he had known for a long time that Ji Xuan Yan had feelings for Wan Changfeng, he hadn’t expected this soldier-king comrade to agree.
“Yes, the wedding is set for the New Year. Headquarters has also agreed to her recovery, so she can resume operations in the spring of next year. Comrade Jiang Zi Qi is the same, so you can have a longer reunion,” Wan Changfeng frankly admitted.
Ji Xuan Yan also held Wan Changfeng’s arm, appearing very intimate.
Her compound eyes beneath her eyes were almost unable to hide her joy.
Fortunately, her disguise was excellent.
Lin Yuan’s parents didn’t react much, only holding their son’s hand and asking many questions before going to see their beloved grandson.
Wang Xiaoxin, standing beside them, had already burst into tears with her parents.
Wu Tian had just finished talking with Jiang Zi Qi. After crying, that girl went to find Xiao Jun Hui. Now they were arguing about who would be Lin Jun Hui’s godmother.
Hearing this, Lin Yuan couldn’t help but laugh and cry. He held Wu Tian’s hand and squeezed it.
“You’re being mischievous again!”
“Hehehe, my dear wife, it’s time to eat!”
With the fresh seafood caught in the East Sea as the centerpiece, the group ate with great joy and satisfaction.
After cleaning up the kitchen waste, Lin Yuan was being pulled by Jiang Zi Qi to find the best angle for a family photo.
“Brother Zeng, could you please get the camera from Sister Hong?”
“Sure thing, Captain Lin. How about we take the photo at the community entrance?! The weather forecast says it’s going to snow tonight!”
“Okay! It’s settled then.”
Time came to 9:30 PM.
At this moment, the radio was broadcasting today’s skit program.
“Today is December 1, 2024, the first day of the lunar month of Jia Chen Dragon Year, Yi Hai Month, Ji Hai Day, the first day of winter. It should be snowing in the northern regions, including central Shuzhou, by now.
What shall we talk about today?
Let’s talk about this winter snow, this chilly mountain, and these myriad…”
“Hey, hey, hey, get ready! One, two, three!”
“Say cheese!!”
The flash went off, and winter snow fell upon the city, mingling with the lights of the human world.
A happy and complete reunion!