### Chapter 163: Ye Ying’s Kiss
Of course, there’s no car for now…
After returning home, Ye Ying took a shower and retreated to her bedroom, not coming out again.
Gu Ya lay on Big Brother Wu’s bed, replaying the day’s events in his mind, and finally, he recalled Ye Ying’s meaningful silence.
She seemed to be thinking about something deeply sad.
She… probably wears a B-cup, right?
Gu Ya mentally slapped himself. One second he was thinking about serious matters, and the next, his mind wandered elsewhere.
Sleep, sleep. Only one full day left tomorrow—time to recharge!
…
The next day, Gu Ya accompanied Ye Ying back to the academy.
He didn’t notify anyone, simply staying by her side.
He walked with her quietly through the streets.
They sat on a bench, watching sunlight filter through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
He joined her for a meal at the cafeteria.
He went with her to the hangar, where she piloted the academy’s mech for the last time.
Throughout the day, Ye Ying spoke very little, remaining calm and quiet, showing no signs of joy.
Gu Ya gradually understood what was on her mind.
She must be earnestly memorizing every person, every place, and every moment here.
After this day, who knew when she’d return?
She had emerged from a brutal hell, yet her heart was like a flower blooming in a swamp—pure and beautiful.
The calmer Ye Ying appeared, the more Gu Ya’s heart ached for her.
He desperately wanted to pull her out of her world, shield her behind him, and speak to her in the gentlest words.
To protect her forever.
Gazing at her delicate figure, Gu Ya’s heart melted.
The night grew late.
Gu Ya stood alone outside the Nightingale mech, waiting quietly for a long time.
Ye Ying had locked herself in the cockpit, refusing to come out.
At dusk, her only words were, “I want some time alone.”
Gu Ya agreed, letting her retreat into herself.
The air had turned chilly, and Gu Ya tightened his jacket, continuing to wait.
No matter how long it took, he would wait.
After what felt like an eternity, Gu Ya, half-dozing, was startled awake by the sound of the cockpit opening.
Ye Ying finally emerged.
Her first words as she approached him were soft: “Will you wait for me, no matter how long?”
Gu Ya nodded.
Ye Ying stared into his eyes, her voice cold: “A month, a year, three years, ten years. Even a lifetime?”
Gu Ya’s heart trembled. He pulled her into a tight embrace and whispered, “Silly, I’ll come find you.”
Ye Ying pushed him away, her voice quivering slightly. “Even a lifetime?”
Gu Ya looked at her earnestly and said softly, “Even a lifetime, I’ll wait for you.”
Ye Ying’s gaze grew colder. “You’d better keep your word.”
Gu Ya felt a chill from her piercing, almost otherworldly eyes, as if they could see through everything, straight into the depths of his soul.
Even the slightest impurity would be exposed.
Gu Ya didn’t flinch. He met her clear, beautiful eyes and said in the gentlest, most sincere tone, “I’ll keep my word.”
“No take-backs.”
“No take-backs!”
Ye Ying threw herself into Gu Ya’s arms, burying her face in his shoulder.
Warm tears soaked his jacket, yet her body remained so cold.
It was as if she’d poured all her passion into those tears, drenching Gu Ya’s heart.
“I want you to forget me, but I can’t say it…”
“You’re so mean. You’re the first person to make me cry.”
A warm breeze stirred the cool night.
Gu Ya’s eyes welled up as he gently stroked the back of Ye Ying’s head, his voice trembling with a soft smile. “You’re already carved into my heart, and that will never change.”
…
Early on the third morning after their return, Ye Ying was set to depart.
Four massive mechs stood in hot standby, ready to take off at any moment.
Ye Ying, clad in a form-fitting pilot suit that accentuated her slender frame, nestled in Gu Ya’s arms.
“Even though I haven’t said yes yet, you’d better remember: no falling for any other woman except me, got it?” she whispered.
Gu Ya replied softly, “Never have, never will.”
Ye Ying lifted her lovely, blushing face and lightly kissed Gu Ya’s cheek, smiling softly. “That’s for you.”
Gu Ya playfully pointed to his lips, grinning. “You still owe me one here.”
“You’re so bad. Save it for next time.”
Ye Ying let go of Gu Ya and turned toward the mech. After two steps, she suddenly stopped.
Gu Ya waited quietly.
Ye Ying spun around, threw her arms around his back, and stood on her tiptoes.
Gu Ya wrapped his arms tightly around her slender waist.
A gentle kiss landed on their lips.
Ye Ying lowered her head, turned, and quickly ran toward the mech, grabbing the lift handle and ascending rapidly to the cockpit.
Gu Ya waved vigorously, shouting, “Ye Ying! When we meet again, I’ll help you get your revenge!”
“And then, you’d better agree to be with me!”
Ye Ying paused at the cockpit’s edge, turned, and gave Gu Ya her sweetest smile, shouting back, “Deal!!!”
The cockpit slammed shut.
Gu Ya summoned his exoskeleton and darted to a safe zone.
The thrusters on the four mechs roared to life, their blazing heat propelling them steadily into the sky.
The airflow kicked up dust, stirring a gust of earthy wind.
Gu Ya calmly watched the Nightingale mech, waving until it vanished into the horizon.
…
Inside the cockpit, Ye Ying sat quietly.
The previous night, after their tender moments, Gu Ya had completely overhauled her mech.
The cockpit was pristine, with three holographic display panels arrayed in front and sleek control sticks and throttle levers on either side.
The curved screen offered a wider field of view.
Not only that, but Nightingale’s internal components were now made of the most advanced materials.
As Gu Ya had said, Nightingale and Phantom were a pair.
Made with the best materials to protect the one he cherished most.
“Confirm mission,” Lan Jing’s cold voice crackled through the comms.
Soon, an unfamiliar man’s voice followed, casual yet slightly magnetic. “Well, well, well! Welcome, welcome~ Welcome to the Suffering Squad!”
“Suffering Squad?” Lan Jing asked, puzzled.
“Hahaha!” A deep, hearty voice chimed in. “Old Ma, don’t scare the newbies.”
“First, congratulations! Due to your outstanding combat records, you’ve been selected to join our special ops team.”
“Welcome, two new members, to ‘Hound Team Five’! We’re launching now!”
“What!?” Lan Jing exclaimed.
Ye Ying spoke up. “What’s Hound Team Five?”
Lan Jing, now animated instead of cold, replied, “A special ops team directly under command. No wonder they call it the Suffering Squad—wherever there’s war, that’s where we’ll be.”
“I’m Yang Xugang!” the deep-voiced man said. “I’m the captain.”
“I’m Ma Zhen, heh heh. You can call me Old Ma.”
Ye Ying asked, “And our destination…?”
Yang Xugang answered, “The Spear of the Wasteland!”
“Go witness the mountains!”
…
Gu Ya stared at the sky where Nightingale had disappeared, just as he had the first time he saw her off, lingering for a long time.
This time, it was a true farewell.
His heart felt empty, and he let out a helpless sigh.
“Next up, time to grab a drink with the guys.”
At the camp outside the jungle training grounds of Dongyonggu Academy,
The place was usually empty except for training sessions.
Gu Ya and Liu Feng sat across from each other.
Liu Feng, already flushed from drinking, frowned and shouted, “Ye Ying still hasn’t said yes to you? My God, if it were me, I’d have thrown myself at you ages ago!”
“Where’s Zeng Lang? Isn’t today Friday?” Liu Feng said, glancing at his comms bracelet.
Gu Ya chuckled. “That guy’s probably riding high, tangled up in bed somewhere.”
“Caught you talking smack behind my back!” Zeng Lang strolled over with a smile, sitting down.
Liu Feng burst into laughter, standing up. “The satisfied don’t know the hunger of the starving! I’m jealous, man!”
“What’s there to be jealous of? Ugh, I’m parched!” Zeng Lang grinned smugly, grabbing a beer and chugging it.
Gu Ya laughed. “Jiang Tingyue’s probably a bit more open, but Wei Ping’s another story.”
Zeng Lang grimaced, fighting the burn of the alcohol, then exhaled a long breath of boozy air. “Wei Ping nearly drained me dry the first time.”
Liu Feng’s eyes widened, jaw dropping. “You guys moved *that* fast?”
Zeng Lang flashed a knowing smile. “You doubting my game?”
Liu Feng smirked, sitting back down, reminiscing. “Man, I miss my Fu Ya Fang. That night was unforgettable.”
“Now, among us bros, Gu Ya’s the only old virgin, right?”
Gu Ya laughed, cursing, and hurled an empty beer bottle at Liu Feng.
Liu Feng dodged with a grin, blabbing on, “Didn’t you save two women? They keep calling you ‘savior’—words aren’t enough! Make them show some real gratitude!”
Gu Ya playfully swung a fist, growling, “Keep talking, and I’ll rip your mouth off, believe it!”
Zeng Lang, buzzed from the beer, slurred with droopy eyes, “Gu Ya, seriously, you’re not a man until you’ve done it.”
Liu Feng raised an eyebrow, smirking. “No one would know. Just do it on the sly.”
Gu Ya’s face hardened instantly, his tone sharp. “Say that again, and we’re done!”
“No, no, no! My bad, my bad! Three bottles as penance!” Liu Feng quickly apologized.
Zeng Lang grabbed Gu Ya’s arm, laughing. “You know how Liu Feng’s mouth is—says whatever pops into his head.”
Gu Ya pointed at Liu Feng, glaring. “He wasn’t like this before! Such a sunny guy! A few drinks, and he turns into a sleazy uncle!”
“Pent-up, pent-up! Sorry, sorry, my bad, brother!” Liu Feng, red-faced, laughed loudly.
“Look at this guy, red as a tomato!” Zeng Lang let loose, roaring with laughter.
“Starting tomorrow, you’re getting special training!” Gu Ya snapped at Liu Feng.
“Fine! No problem! Hahaha, drink up!”
“Gu Ya,” Zeng Lang suddenly called out, serious.
Gu Ya spat out the sip he’d just taken, asking, “What’s with the serious tone? Something up with the company?”
“You remember promising to go with me to Caihua City?” Zeng Lang asked with a smile.
Gu Ya sighed in relief. “Give me a break~~”
“No way. We leave tomorrow,” Zeng Lang shot back firmly.
“Let’s all go, hahaha!” Liu Feng shouted, laughing. “Bring your two little lovers along~”
Zeng Lang kept his eyes on Gu Ya.
Gu Ya shook his head helplessly, tossed Zeng Lang a beer, and grinned. “Tomorrow, Caihua City.”