Chen Long felt a flicker of disdain when Grandpa Qin proactively brought up the matter.
How could Qin Han, who pleaded for Cheng Guozhong, dare to mention that mission?
The sacrifices of so many of them, the years of suffering for Xiao You, how could he have the nerve to bring it up?
"It's all in the past, so let's not..." Chen Long tried to interrupt him.
Qin Han waved his hand. "It's not in the past."
Chen Long subconsciously glanced at Huo Rou. She had just handed An An and Ruan Ruan to a woman at the door. When she turned back, her eyes were calm.
Listening to Qin Han speak of things he had never known, Chen Long couldn't help but be shocked, but Huo Rou's eyes showed little surprise.
So...
She already knew?!
After Grandpa Qin finished recounting what he knew, Huo Rou remained silent, Chen Guochao was shocked, and Chen Long lowered his gaze for a moment before looking deeply at Grandpa Qin. "It better be so."
Since there was this lead, he would investigate.
Chen Guochao's heart was in turmoil. If things were as Grandpa Qin said, then he hadn't pleaded for selfish reasons. Then, what about his years of struggle and inner conflict?
He clenched his fists, the ring on his ring finger tightening around his heart, and the air seemed to grow thin.
As the matter concluded, Qin Ningyi, sitting in the corner, had his wounds re-dressed by the doctor. He moved his body and slowly walked to Huo Rou's side, gently pulling her close.
"I will find the truth."
Huo Rou looked at him steadily. "It's us."
Grandma Liu, watching Chen Long's expression soften, at Qin Ningyi's cue, invited Chen Long and the others for a casual meal.
"Go, go!" Although Grandpa Qin couldn't participate from his bed, he was in good spirits. "We must thank Chen Long properly!"
"You've taken such good care of Xiao Rou all these years, which has relieved one of our worries," Grandpa Qin said to Chen Long, his eyes falling on Huo Rou, a truly outstanding child.
Chen Long's eyelids drooped slightly at his praise.
He sighed, "I haven't done enough."
The mischievous, spirited girl who used to hide behind Huo Jinyi had become the strong, resilient woman who could stand on her own. How could this be considered taking good care of her?
He didn't even know that Huo Rou had already been aware of this matter concerning Cheng Guozhong.
Su Nianzhu thought he was being modest and playfully remarked, "A' Rou is so intelligent and capable, don't be so humble."
"I also heard from Big Brother that A' Rou's marksmanship is even better than his!"
"A son takes after his mother; An An is also cultivated to be so outstanding and sensible!" Su Nianzhu's eyes lit up even more when she mentioned An An. "Among children her age, I haven't seen another like her!"
She had completely changed her perception of Huo Rou.
Before, she had been misled by biased information. Now, without external interference, she looked at Huo Rou more closely. She was indeed an exceptionally outstanding child.
Hearing her words, Chen Long looked at Huo Rou with even more pity.
He wished Huo Rou was still that clever and charming young girl. She didn't need to be so capable or so formidable. Hiding behind him, with him as her pillar of support like a father, and always smiling would have been enough.
Her sharp skills were hard-earned, learned in country Y with all her might, risking everything. Her marksmanship was the result of tireless practice under the scorching sun and in the freezing winter...
"Children should be happy and joyful," Chen Long said, his eyes deep.
If only he had been stronger. That year in country M, he could have...
Huo Rou suddenly spoke, "Uncle Chen, let's go."
A faint smile graced her face.
Chen Long nodded with a hint of helplessness.
Huo Rou knew what Chen Long was thinking, but everything was something she had to go through, her own choices.
Children without an umbrella could choose to remain children under another's protection.
But she was unwilling.
Although she would face the wind and rain head-on, she also saw the sunshine.
"You are truly very good, and everything is my choice," Huo Rou leaned closer to Chen Long and whispered.
Under Grandma Liu's arrangement, the group headed out to the nearby Willow Family Manor for a meal.