Free Web NovelChapter 298: Departing (2)
Four days passed quickly, and it was finally the day of departure.
"I was sad thinking we’d have to say goodbye so soon, but I still can’t believe we got the chance to travel with Sister Nan and Sister Baoyin’s group!" Zhao Lin squealed.
"If it’s Sister Nan and Sister Baoyin, don’t be shy to ask me for treatment. I won’t charge you anything." Dai Yun patted her chest proudly. "Though I hardly think you’ll ever get injured with your skills. But if it happens, Dao Yin will cross mountains for you—humph!"
Dai Run quickly dragged his sister away.
After the birthday party ended, Luo Gang and the others came to speak with Nanzhi’s group. They hoped to travel together and relocate to the Military Base in Jade City.
Traveling in greater numbers had its advantages, and if it was with Nanzhi’s group, they felt even more reassured.
Nanzhi and her friends had no obligation to escort them, so they were deeply grateful when Nanzhi’s group agreed.
"Thank you so much for letting us travel with you. We owe you another big favor."
"Regarding tasks and arrangements like night watch, patrol, reconnaissance, and subjugation, be sure to tell us."
From the original four members, the Iron Gale Squad had now grown to eight with the addition of Luo Gang, the Zhao siblings, and Wu Hao. After the tide, their powers had improved significantly.
"Regarding the arrangements you mentioned, I’ll take you up on your offer," Nanzhi said as she distributed the walkie-talkies, spare lithium batteries, and hand-drawn maps.
There was indeed one task where she needed their help the most.
Nanzhi’s gaze lingered on the Qiande Bridge marked on the map.
The Iron Gale Squad was once again impressed by Nanzhi’s group.
Woah! Since when did they prepare this? they thought as they looked at the detailed map showing the route to Jade City, including the distribution of alien beasts along the way.
They gulped upon seeing the numerous alien beast nests.
"A good amount of time has passed. The information on the map may no longer be completely accurate," Nanzhi explained.
The Iron Gale Squad was still immensely grateful.
"Regardless, thank you so much. This will save us a lot of trouble." The squad leader gently rolled up the map, treating it like some priceless treasure.
If it had been another group, Nanzhi would have refused on the spot. But since her Master was with them, she agreed immediately.
In retrospect, she had been thinking of ways to persuade her Master to go to Jade City. This saved her a lot of effort.
Plus, during the time they had spent together, the Iron Gale Squad had earned a small degree of her trust.
Weihao also had no objections to Nanzhi’s decision. During the days they were with Luo Gang’s group, he could tell that Nanzhi had a special fondness for the person called Grandpa Meng.
Baoyin and the rest agreed as well. Traveling would be more pleasant, especially with good company.
And more importantly, with this many people around, Nanzhi probably wouldn’t have time to "train" them.
Smiles slowly bloomed on their lips.
For some reason, Baoyin, Feng Ran, Bingwen, and Hei Qian suddenly felt a chilling stare directed at them. When they searched for its source, they met Nanzhi’s exceptionally sharp gaze.
Without a word being spoken, they could tell exactly what she was thinking.
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With the presence of those mysterious robe-clad people, things were bound to become more chaotic, Nanzhi thought.
The four flinched, their scalps going numb.
Does she have mind-reading abilities now?
The two sides chatted for a few more minutes before hearing a voice.
From the doorway, Grandpa Wang and Grandpa Meng appeared. Behind them were the two uncles, Tao’er, and the children carrying trays.
"What smells so good?" Baoyin sniffed the air.
"Xiao Nan, have you and your friends eaten yet? We made soup and dumplings."
No wonder it smelled so good!
The five gulped.
No matter how thick-skinned Nanzhi was, they naturally couldn’t eat Grandpa Wang’s family’s rations.
"No need, Grandpa Wang. We already ate breakfast."
"We prepared extra portions. If we leave them, they’ll spoil." Wang Ziqing appeared behind her father-in-law.
"My wife helped make those dumplings, so I can assure you they’re delicious." Wang Bo’s hearty laughter echoed as he appeared beside his wife, cradling his baby in his arms.
Ziqing’s cheeks turned red, and she lightly pinched her husband’s arm.
"What kind of nonsense are you saying in front of them? You’re embarrassing me."
Wang Bo scratched his head shyly.
"But it’s true..."
"Enough, you lovebirds! Go get a room!" Grandpa Wang interrupted. "Here are the dumplings, Xiao Nan. Make sure to finish them all!"
In the end, they couldn’t refuse.
Out of the corner of her eye, Nanzhi noticed her Master sitting by the window.
"Why is your grandfather looking like that?" Grandpa Wang asked after noticing his friend looking sullen.
Tao’er sighed.
"Grandpa is sulking because the Jade Merchants left..."
Their conversation made Nanzhi recall what had happened the day before.
"Make me your disciple!" Grandpa Meng said earnestly, his eyes shining as he grabbed both of her hands.
"What?" Nanzhi was so speechless she almost replied in her unaltered voice.
"In the span of our short interaction, I could tell your knowledge of apothecary surpasses mine. I want to learn from you. Please be my teacher! I assure you that you won’t regret this decision!"
"I already brought the tea for the ceremony..."
She knew the stubbornness and persistence her Master possessed.
If not for Uncle Luo Gang, Grandpa Meng would have already become part of the Jade Merchants.
One could never underestimate a person’s passion for their craft.
Though Nanzhi could understand her Master’s excitement. After all, the quality of the herbs produced by the virtual farm was exceptional—something impossible to achieve in the current era.
Furthermore, the amazing benefits of the special plants...
"Goodness! How can you behave like that at your age?" Grandpa Wang couldn’t hold back his laughter.
Grandpa Meng crossed his arms and softly snorted.
"What do you know? In front of passion and the pursuit of knowledge, age and dignity don’t matter. It’s a pity I couldn’t become a disciple in the end..."
He shook his head regretfully.
Hearing this, Tao’er said,
"Didn’t they say the Jade Merchants often appear in Jade City? Maybe you can meet them again, Grandpa!"
The gloom surrounding Grandpa Meng instantly vanished.
"Oh! Tao’er is right! If that time comes, I must seize the opportunity!"
Nanzhi almost choked on her dumpling.
Half an hour later, the survivors gathered outside, watching Nanzhi, her friends, the Iron Gale Squad, as well as Grandpa Wang and his large family board the vehicles.
They were saddened to hear they were leaving.
As the vehicle wheels rolled forward, the survivors waved reluctantly, seeing them off.
"Safe travels, Sister Baoyin! If we meet again someday, we’ll treat you to a meal!" the workers from the early department cried out.
"Don’t forget your promise!" Baoyin shouted back.
"CEO Feng, may we be blessed by your face again!" the fangirls screamed.
Feng Ran raked a hand through his hair and winked at them.
Ugh.
Baoyin’s face scrunched up.
"Be careful on the road, especially you punks! Don’t die, okay? We still want to learn more from you!" shouted those who had taken firearms and fought alongside Bingwen and Hei Qian.
After the tide, many had approached the two for marksmanship lessons and gained valuable knowledge, such as learning the alien beasts’ vital spots.
Bingwen and Hei Qian smiled and waved.
"Though our time together was short, we’ll never forget you! Miss Lu and Sir Lin, take care! Thank you for everything!"
From the car window, Nanzhi watched the warm scene, so different from the gruesome dream she had days ago.
Unconsciously, she raised her hand and waved back.
Cho Jin, who stood among the crowd, waved as well.
Zhao Lin, Wu Hao, I hope you both have a safe journey, he silently wished.
The survivors remained there until the vehicles disappeared into the distance.
