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Before leaving the Forrest Gump instance world, Su Ning went to see his descendants one last time.

However, they did not show up. As long as they are doing well, I am at ease.

"Afu, retrieve the information on my descendants."

"Master, what specific information do we need to retrieve?" Afu's voice rang out in the study.

“The current situation of my children,” Su Ning said, sitting by the window of her Shanghai apartment. “I’ll go through them one by one, in order of age.”

120 different windows appeared sequentially on the screen, each corresponding to a child's real-time monitoring screen.

This is a system that Suning secretly deployed many years ago...

Without infringing on privacy, we only need to know the basic information.

Eldest son, Suan, 27 years old, New York.

In the footage, Su An is presiding over a meeting at her law firm in Manhattan.

He was wearing a custom-made suit, his hair neatly combed, and he was explaining case strategies to his team members.

“Su An was promoted to senior partner this year.” Afu pulled up the file. “He specializes in cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and his annual income is about $280 million. His wife is a professor at Columbia University, and their two children are very healthy and adorable. They recently bought a beachfront villa on Long Island.”

Looking at her eldest son's expression, which resembled her own, Su Ning nodded slightly: "How much of the trust fund left by his mother Anna has he used?"

“It has never been touched. His trust fund currently has a balance of about $1.2 million, with interest automatically rolled over annually,” Afu added. “He seems unaware of the existence of this money—the account is managed directly by a Swiss bank, which only sends encrypted reports to his safe deposit box once a year.”

"Very good." Su Ning moved on to the next one.

Second daughter, Su Yuwei, 26 years old, from San Francisco.

Yuwei is talking with several entrepreneurs in her venture capital firm office in Silicon Valley.

She was dressed in simple business attire, and her gestures were efficient.

“Yuwei’s fund primarily invests in medical technology and manages $8 million,” Afu reported. “Her personal assets are approximately $6000 million, of which $3000 million comes from the trust you set up. Marital status: single.”

In the scene, after seeing the entrepreneur off, Yuwei rubbed her temples wearily, then took out a photo frame from a drawer. Inside was a photo of Su Ning and her when she was ten years old.

Su Ning paused for a moment, then asked, "How is she feeling?"

"Your health is good!" Afu pulled up the medical records.

"We should pay more attention to her romantic relationships in the future," Su Ning said.

“It has been recorded.”

The third son, Su Wenhao, is 26 years old and lives in London.

In the VIP room of the auction house, Wenhao raised his paddle to bid on an Impressionist painting.

It was eventually sold for £1200 million.

“Wenhao is now a well-known art dealer in Europe,” Afu explained. “His gallery has branches in London, Paris, and Geneva. His personal collection is estimated at around £2 million. Interestingly, he has a large collection of modern and contemporary Chinese art, especially those cultural relics that have been scattered overseas.”

"He bought it with money from a trust fund?"

“Partially. His trust fund has already withdrawn about $8000 million for art investment, with a good return.” Afu paused. “In addition, he anonymously donated £300 million last year to fund the British Museum’s Chinese artifact restoration project.”

Su Ning rarely smiled: "This kid is interesting."

The fourth daughter, Su Jingyi, is 25 years old and lives in Singapore.

Jingyi, wearing a white lab coat, is observing cell samples through a microscope in her laboratory at the National University of Singapore.

“Jingyi is a professor of molecular biology, specializing in early cancer screening technology.” Afu pulled up the academic records, “Her team published an important paper in Nature last year. She has a simple personal life and is unmarried.”

How much trust did she use?

“Approximately $120 million was used solely for donations to education and healthcare. The remaining funds are still accumulating in the account,” Afu added. “She doesn’t seem interested in wealth; she even turned down a job offer from Harvard last year, saying that ‘the lab in Singapore is sufficient.’”

Suning nodded: "That's good."

Read on.

Su Zhixuan, the fifth son, is 25 years old and from Hong Kong.

Zhixuan was yelling into the phone in his office in Central: "I said the bottom line is 5.2%, not a single point less!"

"Zhixuan's hedge fund has a size of about $15 billion, and its annualized returns are among the best in the industry," Afu reported. "But his personal life is rather... eventful. Three relationships, currently single, and frequently appears in entertainment news."

"What about his trust fund?"

“The withdrawals are frequent, mainly for the purchase of luxury goods such as mansions, yachts, and private jets.” Afu pulled up the data, “Currently, there is about $3000 million remaining. At this rate, the principal may be exhausted within five years.”

Su Ning frowned: "His investment skills are good, so why did he touch the trust's money?"

“It seems to be a problem with his spending habits,” Afu analyzed. “His fund charges a 2% management fee and a 20% performance fee, generating an annual income of about $4000 million, but it is still not enough to cover his expenses.”

“I’d like to remind the trust manager,” Suning said after thinking for a moment, “that starting next quarter, his trust will be changed to provide a fixed monthly living allowance, and large withdrawals will require approval.”

Is this too much intervention?

“It’s better than him squandering all his money by the time he’s thirty,” Su Ning said. “We can wait until he’s forty and more mature before he regains his autonomy.”

Sixth daughter, Su Xiaowen, 24 years old, from Sydney.

Xiaowen is bandaging an injured kangaroo on a farm in Australia.

She was wearing overalls, her hands were covered in mud, and she had a bright smile.

“Xiaowen runs one of the largest organic farms in Australia, exporting its products to Asia,” Afu explained. “She has also established a wildlife rescue center, investing about $200 million annually. Her personal assets mainly come from investment returns from trust funds; she hardly touches her principal.”

In the video, after bandaging the kangaroo, Xiaowen sits on the grass drinking water, looking up at the sky with a calm and content expression.

Su Ning looked at her for a long time and said, "She looks most like her mother."

Su Tianyu, the seventh son, is 24 years old and lives in Vancouver.

Tianyu, wearing a safety helmet, is discussing blueprints with an engineer at a construction site.

“Tianyu’s construction company specializes in green building and has won several awards in Canada and Northern Europe,” Afu said. “His trust fund was mainly used for company expansion loans, and 60% has been repaid so far. He has a happy marriage, one child, and often takes his family hiking and camping on weekends.”

Eighth daughter, Su Xinran, 23 years old, from Berlin.

Xinran was backstage at the concert hall, tuning her violin.

She has a solo recital tonight.

“Xinran is the principal violinist of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and also a composer.” Afu pulled up the performance record. “Her trust fund is mainly used to sponsor young musicians’ projects and has helped 27 music students from developing countries.”

Su Junjie, the ninth son, is 23 years old and lives in Tokyo.

Junjie is testing the latest industrial robot in the technology company's laboratory.

His team consists of young people, and the atmosphere is lively.

“Jun Jie’s startup focuses on service robots and received investment from SoftBank last year,” Afu reported. “He has never touched the trust fund and may even have forgotten about its existence—the account’s contact email has not been checked for three years.”

Su Yating, 23 years old, from Shanghai.

Ya-ting is playing games with the children at a kindergarten in Pudong.

She is the founder of this international kindergarten.

“Yating used part of the trust fund to found this kindergarten, which focuses on education for children with special needs,” Afu said. “She is currently unmarried and devotes all her energy to her career. Last year, she was named an outstanding young entrepreneur in Shanghai.”

Upon seeing this, Su Ning leaned forward slightly.

Is she safe in Shanghai?

“A security team has been arranged to protect her covertly, but she herself is unaware of it,” Afu confirmed. “In addition, her kindergarten received an ‘anonymous donation’ last year for the expansion of special education facilities—which actually came from a charitable foundation controlled by you.”

Suning nodded: "Continue."

Eleventh son, Su Zhehan, 22 years old, Boston.

Zhehan lectured in a classroom at MIT, where the blackboard was covered with complex physics formulas.

“Zhehan is one of MIT’s youngest tenured professors, and his research focuses on quantum computing.” Afu listed his academic achievements. “His trust fund has never been touched, and the account balance has grown to $1.8 million. He seems to have no concept of wealth and still lives in an apartment near the school and drives a used Honda.”

Su Yutong, the 12th girl, is 21 years old and lives in Nairobi, Kenya.

The final scene: Yu Tong vaccinating local children at a medical camp in Africa.

She was tanned dark, but her smile was bright.

“Yutong is a member of Doctors Without Borders and has been working in Africa for five years,” Afu reported. “Her trust fund automatically donates $200 million to the organization annually, but she only receives a basic living allowance. She is currently single and has no plans to settle down.”

"Africa is very chaotic! We must ensure that the security department provides adequate protection."

“It has been recorded.”

……

After seeing the current situation of his 120 children, Su Ning leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

After a long pause, he said, "They're all doing well."

“Yes, Master. Everyone has found their own path, living a worry-free life and achieving success in their careers.” Afu concluded, “As you arranged, they are unaware of your current situation, nor do they know the size of the trust funds they each possess.”

“This is for the best.” Su Ning opened her eyes. “Too much wealth is a burden. As it is now, it’s enough for them to pursue the life they want without bringing trouble.”

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the Shanghai night view.

"Afu, shut down all monitoring systems. From today onwards, stop actively seeking their information."

"Confirm shutdown? In case of emergency..."

“If there is an emergency, the trustee will handle it,” Su Ning said. “I should let go. They should live their own lives.”

"Understood. The monitoring system will be shut down at midnight."

Suning took one last look at the screen, and deep down he was still very reluctant to part with it.

……

In April 2017, two weeks after confirming the withdrawal of U.S. intelligence agencies from Greentown.

In a motel in Mobile, Alabama, Su Ning watched the surveillance footage on his computer screen...

That was a live street view of the area around Forrest Gump's house; footage from six hidden cameras showed everything was calm.

Afu's voice came through the earpiece: "Master, no suspicious signals have been detected in the past 48 hours. The CIA's surveillance equipment was removed two weeks ago, and local police patrols have returned to normal."

"Where is that Chinese student, Robert Chen?"

"Safety confirmed. He is currently in Shanghai, his identity has changed, he does not know your real information, and he only completed a single delivery mission." Afu paused, "As planned, he received a 'mission completed' notification and his final payment this morning, and his related memories will be blurred within a week."

Suning turned off the computer and looked in the mirror.

The man in the mirror was an Asian man who looked to be about sixty years old, with gray hair, slightly hunched over, wearing frameless glasses and an ordinary suit jacket—he bore only a slight resemblance to the original Suning.

This is a disguise he created using technology from the spatial world; the effect can last for three months.

"Is authentication ready?"

“Shen Wenxuan’s French passport and Alabama entry record are ready,” Afu said. “You will enter the country on the grounds of ‘visiting relatives and friends’ and will stay for no more than 72 hours, which meets the visa-free requirements.”

"Transportation?"

“A 2005 Ford pickup truck has been rented, registered under the name of a car rental company in Mobile, and payment was made using a prepaid card.” Afu pulled up the vehicle information, “The license plate, dashcam, and GPS have all been checked, and there are no tracking devices.”

Suning nodded, picked up an old canvas bag, and went out.

The pickup truck was parked in the hotel's backyard, with a few changes of clothes, two cases of bottled water, and a bag of fishing gear typical of Alabama inside—perfect camouflage.

We set off at 3 p.m., heading east along Highway 10, and turned onto country roads two hours later.

Greenfield Town is getting closer.

Suning's heart started racing.

It wasn't nervousness, it was a complex emotion...

This was the small town where he, Jenny, and Forrest Gump had lived since childhood. At six o'clock in the evening, the pickup truck slowly drove into the town.

The town remained the same: a main street, a few shops, and the church spire gleaming in the setting sun.

Not much has changed, it's just gotten a bit older.

Instead of going directly to Forrest Gump's house, he parked his car by the woods outside town and waited until dark.

At eight o'clock in the evening, it was completely dark.

Suning, carrying a canvas bag, walked towards the east end of the town.

Instead of taking the main road, he walked through a familiar grove of trees, a route he and Forrest Gump often took when they were children to return from Jenny's house.

The lights were on in Forrest Gump's house.

The living room curtains weren't fully drawn, and you could see the flickering light from the TV.

Jenny sat on the sofa watching TV, while Forrest Gump tidied up in the kitchen.

Suning stood in the shadow of the trees across the street for ten minutes to confirm that there was nothing unusual.

Then he crossed the street and gently knocked on the back door—three times, paused, then knocked twice more.

This was their secret code when they were kids. You see, when they were little, Jenny would sneak over and sleep with Forrest.

Forrest Gump stopped moving in the kitchen.

Jenny peeked out from the living room: "Forrest, is someone knocking?"

Forrest Gump didn't say anything, walked to the back door, and looked outside through the glass.

The light was dim, and he couldn't see the person's face clearly.

"Who is it?" he asked.

“It’s me,” Su Ning said in a normal voice. “Fores, open the door.”

Forrest Gump paused for two seconds, then suddenly pulled open the door.

Eyes facing each other.

Forrest Gump's eyes widened, his lips moved, but no sound came out.

"Aren't you going to invite me in?" Su Ning smiled.

Agan quickly stepped aside: "Brother, come in quickly..."

Su Ning slipped into the house, and A Gan immediately closed and locked the door.

Jenny had already reached the kitchen doorway when she saw Su Ning. She covered her mouth, and tears welled up instantly.

“Su…” Her voice choked with emotion.

“Jenny, it’s been a long time,” Su Ning said softly.

Jenny rushed over and hugged him tightly, her thin shoulders trembling.

Forrest Gump stood to the side, blinking hard.

After a while, Jenny finally let go of Su Ning's hand and looked her up and down: "Su, are you alright? The news said..."

“I’m fine.” Su Ning patted her hand. “Those news reports are all fake. I had already sensed that the capital wanted to take action against me, so I made arrangements in advance.”

The three of them walked into the living room.

Jenny drew all the curtains, and Forrest turned off the TV.

"Brother, when did you get back?" Agan asked, his voice a little hoarse.

"Today," Su Ning sat down on the old sofa, "I came here specifically to see you all, so you wouldn't worry about me being in danger."

“It’s too dangerous!” Jenny said anxiously. “We were being monitored by a lot of government people for months… and they only recently left.”

“I know,” Su Ning nodded, “that’s why I waited until they left before coming.”

Agan sat down in the chair opposite him and looked closely at Su Ning's face: "Brother, you look... different."

"I made some changes." Su Ning touched her face. "It's safer this way."

Over the next half hour, Suning briefly recounted what had happened...

Of course, the parts about space, AI, and real wealth are omitted.

He only said that he had to leave for political reasons and is now living in a safe place overseas.

"Then what will you do in the future?" Jenny asked worriedly. "Can't you go back to America?"

"Not for now," Su Ning said. "But I'm doing very well abroad, so you don't need to worry."

Forrest Gump had been silent until he suddenly asked, "Brother, is there anything you need us to do?"

Looking at him, Su Ning felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

Forrest Gump has always said the same thing all these years...

Don't ask why, don't ask about the risks, just ask what can be done.

“I don’t need anything,” Su Ning said earnestly. “I came here to let you know I’m safe and so you don’t have to worry about me.”

Then he took two envelopes out of his canvas bag.

“This is for you.” He placed the envelope on the coffee table. “Inside are some…souvenirs. Open them after I leave.”

Jenny tried to decline, but Su Ning raised her hand to stop her: "Take it. It's a small token of my appreciation. I'll feel at ease if you accept it."

Agan looked at the envelope, then at Su Ning: "Brother, will you come back in the future?"

Suning paused for a moment: "Maybe not. This is the last time."

The living room fell silent.

Jenny started crying again, and Forrest lowered his head, his hands clasped together.

"Don't say that," Su Ning said softly. "We're all alive and well, and that's the best outcome."

He stood up and took a small box from deep inside his canvas bag: "And this is for your grandson, Little Forrest."

Inside the box was an old-fashioned pocket watch, with a line of small characters engraved on the inside of the cover: "Keep it simple, keep it kind. — Sue"

“Give it to him when he gets married,” Su Ning said. “Just say it was a gift from his great-grandfather.”

Forrest Gump took the box and gripped it tightly.

It's getting late.

Suning glanced at his watch: "I should go."

"So soon?" Jenny stood up. "At least eat something..."

"No," Su Ning shook his head. "The longer I stay here, the more dangerous it will be for you."

He hugged Jenny, then turned to Forrest Gump.

Two elderly people, both over seventy, stood facing each other.

Forrest Gump reached out his hand, Suning took it, and then the two embraced tightly.

"Take care, Forrest," Suning said.

“You too, brother.” Forrest’s voice choked with emotion.

That's all.

Suning slung his canvas bag over his shoulder and headed towards the back door.

At the doorway, he turned back for one last look...

Jenny and Forrest stood side by side, tears in their eyes, but relieved smiles on their faces.

He nodded, pushed open the door, and disappeared into the night.

Back in the pickup truck by the woods, Suning didn't drive off immediately.

He sat in the driver's seat, looking at the lights of Forrest Gump's house in the distance for a long time.

Through the earpiece, Afu asked, "Master, are we leaving?"

"Wait a little longer," Su Ning said.

Five minutes later, Forrest Gump's back door opened again.

Forrest Gump came out with a flashlight in his hand, but he didn't turn it on.

He walked to the center of the courtyard, facing the direction of Su Ning, raised his right hand, and waved gently.

This was how they said goodbye to Jenny when they were children.

Suning raised his hand in the car, even though he knew Agan couldn't see.

Then Forrest Gump turned and went back into the house, and the lights went out...

They were asleep, or pretended to be asleep, to put his mind at ease before he left.

Suning started the engine, and the pickup truck slowly drove away.

As he drove out of the town, he took one last look in the rearview mirror.

Greentown slept peacefully in the night, the outline of the church steeple clearly visible in the moonlight.

This is the small town he first came to and lived in when he was seven years old, and these are the relatives and friends he has spent more than half a century with.

Bye now.

The pickup truck drove onto the highway, accelerated, and disappeared into the night.

Three o'clock in the morning, at an abandoned farm on the outskirts of Mobile.

Su Ning stopped the car and said to Afu beside him.

"Afu, initiate the regression procedure."

"Return coordinates confirmed: Main world, time flow calibration complete." Afu's voice came through. "Master, this instance world has lasted 67 years and 7 months, and the Main world's time flow is estimated to be 67 days. Confirm return?"

Suning took one last look at the American night sky.

"confirm."

Immediately afterwards, a blue light curtain unfolded, enveloping him and the entire pickup truck.

Three seconds later, the farm was empty again.

Only the faint tire tracks on the grass proved that someone had been there.

And these tire tracks will disappear in the next rain.

It was as if he had never been here.

But Jenny and Forrest didn't sleep in that white bungalow in Greenfield.

They sat in the dark living room, with two open envelopes on the coffee table.

Inside each envelope was a bearer bond with a face value of one hundred million US dollars.

There was also a handwritten note:
"To dear Jenny and Forrest: This is a guarantee for you and your descendants. Live well and take care of yourselves. —Your forever brother"

Jenny leaned on Forrest's shoulder and whispered, "Forrest, will he be safe?"

Forrest Gump held the note and slowly nodded: "Yes, he will. My brother always knows what he's doing, and those idiots will never catch him."

Outside the window, the Alabama night sky is dotted with stars.

...(End of chapter)