Chapter 131 Dinner

As evening approached, Su Mo and Lin Zinuo finally returned home after a day of toiling.

Lin Zinuo was in an exceptionally good mood, the heavy weight on her shoulders finally lifted. She smiled at Su Mo.

"Su Mo, what do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."

"Anything is fine."

Su Mo felt good seeing Lin Zinuo so happy.

"Then, you wait here."

Lin Zinuo happily ran to the kitchen.

With nothing else to do, Su Mo turned on the television, but he was stunned by what he saw.

The broadcast was filled with the latest footage from Star Ring. Countless mecha and players were intercepting enormous, terrifying alien monsters, fighting tooth and nail.

However, the monsters were too numerous, overwhelming the players' lines like a tide.

At that moment, a commentary expert on the television was explaining.

"As you can see, the Earth Cup is nearing its end. The Alliance forces have advanced into the core area of the Lost Continent, the Lost Civilization Ruins, but they have also triggered the monsters of the entire Lost Continent, facing a frenzied assault. Currently, nearly half of the thirty-six outer defense lines established by the Alliance forces have been breached, and the progress of exploration within the Lost Civilization Ruins is unknown. However, according to messages sent back by those who have fallen, the internal battles are far more breathtaking than those on the outside. One after another, top-tier, dazzling combatants within the Alliance forces are falling..."

.....

Su Mo snapped back to reality.

Time had passed so quickly, the Earth Cup was coming to an end. He wondered how Qian Chengxue was doing, and if she was safe.

"Dinner is ready!"

Lin Zinuo, wearing an apron, came out carrying steaming dishes, placing them on the table while also filling a bowl of rice for Su Mo.

"Okay."

Su Mo picked up the bowl and ate while watching television.

"Watching Star Ring?"

Lin Zinuo asked, chatting idly with Su Mo while looking at the television.

"Yeah, it seems to be nearing the end. I wonder how our legion is doing."

Su Mo said casually.

"Ah~ I asked Zhao Han about it before. Our legion has basically withdrawn from the Star Ring stage. Most of them have died in battle."

Lin Zinuo said with a sigh.

"Qian Chengxue died in battle too?"

Su Mo was slightly stunned.

"Yes, she died in battle. According to Zhao Han, when attacking the interior of the Lost Continent, Xue-jie (older sister) volunteered to pilot a Generation IV biological mecha to stay behind and provide cover for the main force's exploration. In the end, she was overwhelmed by the monsters and sacrificed herself. But I'm not very clear about the specifics."

Lin Zinuo told Su Mo softly.

Su Mo was silent for a few seconds, then picked up the remote control and turned off the television.

"Not watching anymore?"

"There's nothing to watch. It's better to concentrate while eating."

Su Mo replied nonchalantly.

Lin Zinuo couldn't help but steal a few glances at Su Mo, and felt relieved when she didn't see much change in his expression. Lin Zinuo herself didn't know what she was worried about.

Soon after, dinner was finished.

Lin Zinuo began to clear the table, and Su Mo also got up to help.

"No need, I can do it myself."

Lin Zinuo shook her head and replied, as she took the dishes to the kitchen.

Su Mo leaned back on the sofa to rest, but he felt somewhat restless and uneasy.

So he got up and walked to the refrigerator, opened it, and took out a can of cola, drinking half of it down in large gulps.

He immediately felt much better. At that moment, Su Mo heard the sound of washing dishes coming from the kitchen. He grabbed another can, intending to bring it to Lin Zinuo, and headed towards the kitchen.

As he approached the kitchen, Su Mo unexpectedly overheard Lin Zinuo answering a phone call. Since she was washing dishes, she had placed her phone aside and turned on the speakerphone.

"Mom, why do you suddenly want to return to the Imperial Capital tomorrow? Is Dad's work finished?"

"Your dad insisted on going back. The work has been mostly handed over, and the rest will be handled remotely."

Lin He said hesitantly.

"That's nothing. Then I'll go send you off tomorrow."

"No need. That Zinuo..."

"What is it?"

"Nothing... never mind..."

"Mom, what's wrong with you today? Why are you speaking so hesitantly?"

"That Zinuo, I want to tell you something, but your dad won't let me."

"What is it?"

Lin Zinuo was slightly surprised as well.

"Actually, during today's examination, that Doctor Xiao Fang wasn't being entirely truthful with us. Your dad's illness is actually very tricky, and even Doctor Xiao Fang can't do anything about it."

Lin He finally said.

"Mom, is Dad confused? How can he hide something like this? If it can't be cured here, we'll go somewhere else."

Lin Zinuo's body stiffened, and the hand washing dishes stopped. She quickly grabbed a rag to wipe her hand, turned off the speakerphone, and held the phone to her ear.

Lin He said sadly.

"Where else can we go for treatment? That Doctor Xiao Fang said that only his mentor can treat it, and nowhere else. But going there..."

"Let's talk inside."

"Okay."

....

Seeing that Su Mo was busy, Lin Zinuo walked towards the room alone.

--------------------------------------------

The next afternoon, Lin Zinuo arrived at the central station of the Imperial Capital alone, carrying a suitcase.

She took a deep breath. Before she knew it, she had been in Shanghai for over ten days. Time really flew by.

However, the mood she was in when she arrived was completely different from the mood she was in when she left.

Soon, a broadcast announcement sounded.

"Respected passengers, the VX23 high-speed train to the Imperial Capital has arrived at the station. Please proceed to the platform."

……

Lin Zinuo pushed her suitcase and walked inside.

As she was about to leave, Lin Zinuo reluctantly turned her head to look at Shanghai behind her.

The memories of the past few days were actually quite beautiful.

Then Lin Zinuo turned around and followed the crowd into the station.

Not long after Lin Zinuo entered the station, Su Mo also appeared. Holding his ID card, he swiped his card and followed the end of the crowd into the station.

Several hours later, the high-speed train arrived in the Imperial Capital.

In the flow of the crowd, Lin Zinuo pushed her luggage and walked towards the taxi waiting area.

Wearing a baseball cap and carrying some things in his hand, Su Mo followed behind, maintaining a good distance the whole time.

Lin Zinuo was completely unaware.

The two got into cars, one after the other.

Soon after, Lin Zinuo took a car to a small villa area.

She got out of the car and walked towards her home. Actually, Lin Zinuo's family was considered to be in pretty good shape. Although they weren't as good as the best, they were still better than many.

Soon she returned to her front door and knocked on it.

The door opened quickly. Lin Wei was slightly surprised to see his daughter return.

"Zinuo, why are you back too?"

"What are you saying? Can't my daughter come back?"

Lin He quickly tried to smooth things over, afraid that the truth would be revealed later.

"It's just that I haven't lived at home for a long time, so I plan to move back for a while to spend time with you."

Lin Zinuo said with a bright smile.

Lin Wei was also very surprised, but he didn't pay too much attention to it and said casually.

"Don't you like living alone? Why did you suddenly change your mind? By the way, are you the only one who came back? Didn't you invite Su Mo to play?"

"That...."

The smile on Lin Zinuo's face froze, and she didn't know what to say.

"Uncle, Auntie, hello, I'm behind her."

Suddenly, Su Mo emerged, carrying some local specialties in his hand.

Lin Zinuo was also startled by Su Mo's sudden appearance.

"You...."

"Why are you stuttering all of a sudden, child? What are you waiting for? Don't let Su Mo stand outside, quickly invite him in."

Lin He was very happy to see Su Mo too.

"Uncle, Auntie, I won't go in. Lin Zinuo and I both had something come up temporarily and rushed back. There are still things at the company that need to be dealt with. But since we're already in the Imperial Capital, we thought we should come over and say hello first."

Su Mo said with a smile.

"It's the thought that counts. A man's business is more important."

Lin Wei nodded in agreement.

"That Zinuo, why don't you put your luggage inside first and then we'll leave?"

Su Mo said to Lin Zinuo with a smile.

"Just give me the luggage, Zinuo, you and Su Mo go and take care of your business."

Lin He directly took the luggage from Lin Zinuo.

"Okay."

Lin Zinuo followed Su Mo out in a daze, feeling inexplicably flustered inside.

The two walked on the street, Lin Zinuo lowered her head, not knowing what to say, her hands clenched tightly together.

After a long while, Su Mo suddenly stopped, then took out a Diamond Card from his pocket and handed it to Lin Zinuo.

"For you."

"Why are you giving me this all of a sudden?"

Looking at the Diamond Card, Lin Zinuo became even more flustered, as if a child who had done something wrong had been caught.

"I accidentally heard you on the phone yesterday. If anything happens in the future, you have to tell me. There's no need to hide it. I've already used the VIP privileges of the Diamond Card to book a full set of treatments with Doctor Misk for your father, and I've booked tonight's plane tickets for your family. After you go, they will receive you. Take this card with you. Although there's not much left in the card, it's enough to pay for all the expenses."

Su Mo said very seriously.

"No, you've already helped me enough."

Lin Zinuo refused with red eyes.

"Take it. What's mine is yours!"

Su Mo grabbed Lin Zinuo's right hand and placed the card on it.

"Why are you being so good to me?"

Su Mo smiled dumbly and said, "What are you saying? We're good brothers, what's this?"

"Who wants to be your brother? I like you."

Lin Zinuo clenched her fists and said with courage.

Su Mo was stunned, then laughed and joked, "Hey, why are you like this? I treat you as a brother, but you want to seduce me..."

However, after hearing this, Lin Zinuo didn't laugh, but instead stared at Su Mo's eyes very seriously.

"I really like you."

This time, Su Mo was completely embarrassed. He didn't know what to do or what to say for a moment.

"That..."

Lin Zinuo took a deep breath, gathered her courage and continued, "I know you like Xue-jie, but I won't give up."

Su Mo smiled even more bitterly after hearing this.

"That Zinuo...."

At this time, Lin Zinuo opened her arms and hugged Su Mo, her face pressed against his chest, and said softly.

"I won't forget you, and you don't need to be troubled because of me. Go boldly pursue her, you just need to know that there is still someone who silently likes you, that's enough."

"This...."

Su Mo's body stiffened, and he didn't know what to say.

Then Lin Zinuo let go and took a step back. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she smiled at Su Mo, then turned and left.

Su Mo watched Lin Zinuo's departing figure and sighed deeply.

He stood there for a long time, then turned and left.

A moment later, Su Mo was wandering alone on the bustling streets of the Imperial Capital, not knowing where to go.

Just then, fireworks suddenly rose, exploding into dazzling fireworks in the air.

Bang bang~

Su Mo looked up at the sky in confusion.

Then he saw the people on the street cheering.

He was also confused. At this time, all the holographic advertisements on the street switched.

"Enthusiastically celebrate the victory of the Allied Forces in the Earth Cup..."

Countless battle images were then displayed...

......

Su Mo also felt incredible. The Earth Cup was over?

He picked up his phone and checked the forum. The Earth Cup ended at one o'clock last night.

The Allied Forces successfully invaded the central area of the Lost Continent.....

However, the specific rewards obtained after the victory, as well as the final battle images, were all classified as top secret, and no one disclosed the specific information.

No one knew what benefits the Allied Forces had gained.

Su Mo found a cafe, ordered a cup of coffee and sat by the window. He looked at the people on the street who were celebrating the victory like crazy, and for some reason felt empty.

He just sat there quietly.

Until night fell completely, at this time Su Mo's phone popped up with an MMS.

Su Mo opened it and saw that it was sent by Lin Zinuo. Her family had arrived at the airport, and she sent a farewell wave photo.

Looking at the farewell photo, Su Mo sighed again. He felt empty inside.

So he got up and left, heading towards Dawn Group. No matter what, he was already here, so he would go back to the company and take a look.

That's what Su Mo thought, but even he himself felt that it was just an excuse.

Because in his heart, there was always someone he couldn't let go of.

Not long after, Su Mo arrived at the Dawn Group headquarters. He came to the tenth building.

But he was stunned. The door of the entire tenth building was locked, and the lights in the entire building were off.

"What's going on?"

So Su Mo reached out and stopped an employee of Dawn Group.

"Hello, can I ask why the tenth building is closed?"

The employee looked at Su Mo with an incredible look: "Are you an employee of the tenth branch? Don't you know that the tenth branch was closed two days ago, and the personnel are now being reorganized."

Su Mo was stunned when he heard this.

He picked up his phone and dialed Qian Chengxue's number, but soon a system voice sounded.

"I'm sorry, the phone number you dialed has been canceled."

Su Mo was even more shocked that he couldn't get through.

Just then, a puzzled voice suddenly sounded.

"Su Mo?"

"Uh?"

Su Mo looked over and found that it was Zi Qing in a formal dress. She said with a slightly surprised expression.

"You're back!"

"Yes, Zi Qing, what happened to the company?"

Su Mo asked in confusion.

Zi Qing was silent for a while and replied: "Ah~ it's a long story, let's find a place to sit down and talk."

"Okay."

Su Mo nodded in response.

A moment later, Su Mo and Zi Qing came to a tea house, found a corner to sit down, and casually ordered some tea.

Soon, the waiter brought the tea.

"It's a bit cool, have some tea."

Zi Qing poured Su Mo a cup of steaming tea.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

"It's closed down."

"What, what happened?"

"I don't know, anyway, after you left, our legion was merged into the Dawn Group's first legion and obeyed the command of the first legion. In the subsequent battles, we were almost all killed and Xue-jie also died in battle."

"Then it shouldn't be closed down!"

"Xue-jie gave all the credit to Ye Wuhen. According to the news I got, Ye Wuhen has been internally appointed for a second-level medal and has a promising future."

Zi Qing bit her lip lightly, very unwillingly. In her eyes, these credits and honors should all belong to Xue-jie, and she couldn't figure out why Xue-jie gave up like this.

"Why did she do this?"

"We don't know either, Xue-jie returned all the assets to the Dawn Group after giving the credit to Ye Wuhen, and exchanged it for a lot of funds to dismiss everyone."

"Can you still contact Xue-jie, I can't get through to her phone."

Su Mo asked in a deep voice.

Zi Qing shook her head and said: "Don't try, Xue-jie left after such a big change. She changed all contact information, and even the Ye family doesn't know where she went."

Hearing Zi Qing's words, Su Mo's expression became more and more bitter.

Zi Qing sighed and said; "I didn't expect that our tenth legion would really be disbanded one day. Sometimes I think, if you hadn't died, maybe our legion could have created new miracles, but I also know that's impossible."

"What are your plans for the future?"

Su Mo was silent for a long time, took a sip of hot tea and asked.

"I don't have any plans for the time being, although Dawn Group is still extending an olive branch to us, wanting to transfer us senior executives to new positions. But we basically refused, to be honest, we followed Xue-jie, and since Xue-jie is gone, there's nothing to stay for."

"Oh."

"Su Mo, don't be so disappointed, maybe Xue-jie is just in a bad mood for a while and went out to relax. She will contact us one day, and will contact you at that time."

Zi Qing squeezed out a faint smile to comfort Su Mo.

"Yes, I understand."

"By the way, how long are you planning to stay in the Imperial Capital this time?"

"I'm planning to go back to Shanghai tomorrow. I came to the Imperial Capital to see Lin Zinuo off. Her father is sick and she's going to accompany him to America. But I didn't expect such a big change in the company, Lin Zinuo didn't mention it."

"She resigned directly after the battle."

Zi Qing said to Su Mo with a smile.

Su Mo shook his head and replied: "She didn't say."

"It's normal that she didn't say, she's afraid you'll worry too much, don't talk about these things, no matter what, we are roommates, we can get together sometime. We should all be quite free recently, Star Ring will enter an update state after the Earth Cup ends, and we also plan to rest for a while."

"Yes."

Su Mo replied absentmindedly.

"Okay, is there anything else, if not, I have to go first, I still have some things to deal with."

Zi Qing asked as she got up.

"It's okay, I'm just about to leave too."

Su Mo also got up.

The two walked out of the tea house and waved goodbye to each other.

"Goodbye."

Just as she was about to leave, Zi Qing stopped, she turned her head and said to Su Mo.

"Su Mo, if we have any news about Xue-jie, we will tell you as soon as possible, don't worry too much."

"Okay, thank you."

Then Zi Qing turned and left.

At this time, Su Mo felt a coolness on his cheek, he looked up at the gray sky.

It started to drizzle.

Su Mo put his hands in his pockets and walked alone towards the street. Although it was drizzling, it still couldn't stop the people's endless joy, and everyone was celebrating the victory of the Earth Cup in their own way.

Their faces were filled with bright smiles, but for some reason, Su Mo couldn't be happy at all, he only felt empty inside.

He took deep breaths in and out, and finally adjusted his mentality and walked towards the distance.

.......