Rescue finally arrived.

The good thing was that they didn’t have to face the risk of being crushed beneath the ruined house; the bad thing was that now they had no cover at all. The two of them rolled across the ground and came to rest by a low wall.

Sitting there, Xiao wiped the sweat from her brow, smiling mischievously. “It’s been ages since I’ve felt such a thrill!”

It was hardly the right moment for such words! Yu’s face darkened, veins bulging on his forehead as frustration welled up inside him. If only the circumstances were different, he’d surely have unleashed a string of curses right then. Why couldn’t she ever act normal? He silently raged, the icy mask he wore cracking at the edges. In a fit of release, Yu raised his pistol and fired at the gunman. Xiao watched him, finding his reaction both amusing and exasperating. Honestly, he was just the same as ever—utterly lacking in humor.

The standoff persisted between the two sides. At last, Yu’s pistol clicked empty—he was out of bullets. He glanced down at the weapon, feeling his frustration grow heavier.

Suddenly, the rapid thrum of helicopter blades overhead signaled the arrival of several choppers. Around them, squads of uniformed soldiers began to appear, encircling the gunman. In no time, the threat was neutralized, and Xiao and Yu were finally safe.

Xiao watched the rescue unfold, hands folded behind her head as she lay on the ground, rolling her eyes. “So they show up now! If we’d relied on them, who knows how many times we’d be dead already.” With that, she lay there without a care, unmoving. She was truly exhausted—after all, she’d been running nonstop, and her strength had been depleted completely. There was simply no energy left for anything else.

Yu looked down at Xiao, who had slipped back into sleep. He knew she was utterly worn out. Without a word, he bent down and lifted her from the ground, following behind the instructor.

The instructor looked at the sleeping Xiao, feeling utterly helpless. This girl was truly impossible to set one’s mind at ease about. In the midst of such danger, she’d dared to ask for a hail of bullets, even a headshot! To provoke the enemy with actions in such peril—based on his years in the military district, this child was recklessly bold. Ah, children these days really are a cause for concern.

Boldness was good, but to act so without anyone to protect her was tantamount to courting disaster. Fortunately, she possessed not only extraordinary courage but also remarkable agility and speed. That was how she’d managed to escape such dire straits without support.

He couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat for the two of them. The other students were already being loaded onto vehicles. Normally, they’d be sent off to the military district each year, but this year was different—a rare exception. It seemed that this year would be filled with unusual events. Perhaps that wasn’t so bad; at least it wouldn’t be as dull. It looked like these children might bring plenty of excitement.

Xiao slept quietly in Ouyang Qianyu’s arms, and Yu, for once, gazed at her with rare tenderness. His eyes brimmed with love for her.

Love is a poison—a toxin that once contracted, can never be let go. He believed he’d been infected by the poison Xiao had left behind. Even though there was no promise of a future, he still threw himself forward without hesitation to try.

Like a moth drawn to flame, knowing the fire would burn but still pressing onward. Love, in truth, is but a single word, yet within it are countless days and nights of longing, innumerable worries, all ultimately distilled into “love.”

Some lovers find their way to each other; others can only suffer in silence. Regardless of the outcome, love always begins with good intent. If you truly love someone, you should let her be happy. Love is never about harm.

After settling Xiao in the lounge, Yu sat quietly nearby, watching over her. Perhaps no one else could understand, but he had his own conviction. His conviction was to ensure that Xiao would always smile in happiness.

The sound of footsteps drew Ouyang Qianyu’s attention. He turned to see today’s instructor approaching.

----

Please add to your collections! Send flowers!
Kiss kiss!