A wave of sadness washed over Huo Rou. Four to five years of uneventful life had passed. In that fleeting time, what she missed most and was most reluctant to part with were the days she fought alongside them.
Years of unspoken understanding, untouched by time.
She dared not look at him, dared not step forward to acknowledge him. Yet, even so, the bond between them remained. This camaraderie forged in the face of death was truly etched in her heart.
Unforgettable.
Never to be forgotten.
Enough, when Shenfeng arrived, he would know.
"You know him?" Qin Ningyi gently pulled Huo Rou closer. His warm breath fogged up his protective goggles.
Feeling the warmth of his palm, Huo Rou relaxed her mind. She reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose, nodding.
Qin Ningyi's grip on her hand tightened.
"I never knew A Rou knew someone like Pei Feng."
There were already rumors that Pei Feng came from a special unit. Whether the rumors were true or not, judging by the fact that he could serve as Qin Nishui's Chief of Staff in the Yizhou Military Region at his age, it was clear his background was not ordinary.
Either he had achieved great merit, or his family background was so profound that he could receive the best upbringing from childhood, giving him a high starting point that explained everything. Or, as the rumors suggested, he truly came from a special unit.
China's special forces always undertook dangerous and sensitive missions. Of course, they would occasionally cooperate with other departments and teams to complete some challenging tasks.
For example, he knew that four years ago, a special unit had assisted Yuchang City in an emergency mission. Their actions were so discreet that ordinary people would barely notice. He only learned about it much later through Gu Yan's news. The main battlefield of that mission was in the hotel where he was negotiating at the time.
And then there was this time. Qin Nishui had told him that the situation in Yizhou was critical, involving many sensitive circumstances, and he had specifically requested the deployment of special departments to assist.
The personnel of special forces arrived and departed without a trace. They would only send messages to the assisting departments through special channels upon arrival.
Qin Ningyi thought of many things, his gaze inadvertently falling on Pei Feng.
Pei Feng, however, had no extra energy to notice Qin Ningyi's scrutiny. He received a call.
Qin Nishui informed him that they had received news of the special departments being in position.
"What level?" Pei Feng's eyes narrowed, and the fingers holding the phone tightened involuntarily.
Qin Nishui, hearing his question, suddenly chuckled. "It seems my Chief of Staff is indeed as the rumors say!"
He didn't know much about the special forces. It was only after becoming the commander of the Yizhou Military Region that he learned to determine the level of special departments through news.
Pei Feng smiled wryly at his teasing. It was his concern that made him anxious.
"Commander Qin, please don't joke with me." He did not answer Qin Nishui's question. Everyone had a line regarding such topics.
Qin Nishui indeed didn't seem to mind. "The highest level, Crimson."
Pei Feng's heart stirred. He took two deep breaths to calm himself.
Qin Nishui relayed all the information he had received to Pei Feng. He had a good idea of Pei Feng's background and thought sharing this information might even help the special departments resolve matters faster.
"Well, since they've apprehended Matthew, their next step should be the same as what I'm doing now. Please relay a message for me." Pei Feng watched the leaves swaying in the wind in the distance, his eyes shining.
Qin Nishui's voice was loud, as if teasing, "You reply directly!"
Pei Feng was helpless. "I can only go through your channel."
All those who left could only reunite by fate.
Unknown origins, unknown identities, unknown addresses and contact information for their lives – this was their rule.
All camaraderie and trust were built on repeated life-and-death commitments.
Qin Nishui was stunned. After a pause, he asked, "Reply with what?"
"The old gentleman escaped on a motorcycle from the small road of Yige Villa. Nearby surveillance cannot track him. We are awaiting assistance from police dogs."
As soon as he finished speaking, Pei Feng seemed to hear a dog barking. Before he could turn to look, Qin Nishui's voice sounded, and he focused on the call again.
"Okay!" Qin Nishui agreed and then asked, "Is this old gentleman the source of the Yizhou virus?"
"Likely." Pei Feng recalled the villa yard with its strange-smelling plants and peculiar flora. "I'll ask the divine doctor. If it's convenient, he can come and take a look first."
"Divine Doctor?" Qin Nishui had heard this term from An'an. "Is it Dr. Xiao Shen?"
"Yes." Pei Feng only then realized he had habitually referred to Shen Wuyou that way. But how did Qin Nishui know?
"An'an and A Rou always say that."
As the call ended, Pei Feng's fingers tightened. Many scenes flashed through his mind.
The barking grew louder, accompanied by An'an's cheerful laughter.
Pei Feng turned to look. A majestic dog was galloping towards them...