The country entrusted me to buy an aircraft carrier, Hou Liangping, do you dare to investigate?

"Feipeng, do you really believe we can escape?" Xiaoshan finally couldn't help but ask, her voice filled with an undisguised despair.

Huang Feipeng remained silent for a moment. He understood Xiaoshan's unease and fear; at one point, he too had doubts about the future. But he had to remain strong; at least in front of Xiaoshan, he couldn't show any sign of backing down. Even as the doubts and helplessness deep within him surged like a tide, he forcefully suppressed them, hiding that vulnerability deep within his heart.

He reached out and took Xiaoshan's hand, feeling her cold fingers trembling slightly, and a wave of sorrow washed over him. He whispered, "Xiaoshan, believe me, we will definitely escape. As long as I'm here, I will never let anything happen to you."

Xiao Shan looked into his eyes and seemed to see a vulnerability he never showed to others, as well as a deep-seated determination. She nodded gently. Although she didn't completely believe him, Huang Feipeng was her only support. She had no choice but to follow in his footsteps, no matter how arduous the road ahead.

"I will follow you, no matter where we go," Xiaoshan said softly, her tone revealing a faint but firm resolve, as if she had already disregarded life and death.

Huang Feipeng's heart tightened, and a complex emotion welled up within him. He knew that Xiao Shan might not have realized the weight of her words, but to him, it was a heavy promise, an unbearable responsibility.

He gripped Xiaoshan's hand tightly, quickening his pace as he led her through the darkness. The buildings lining the street cast massive shadows, and unknown threats lurked within the darkness; it seemed as if enemies might be lying in wait in every corner. He had to be fully focused, constantly alert to any movement.

"We'll be safe for a while after we walk a little further," Huang Feipeng said in a low voice, even though he knew in his heart that this was only a brief respite.

Xiao Shan nodded slightly, still staying close to him. The two silently walked through a small alley, Huang Feipeng looking around, trying to find a temporary place to stay. Finally, he spotted an abandoned hut ahead and quickly led Xiao Shan there.

Pushing open the rusty iron gate, the two cautiously entered the small hut. The interior was dark and damp, filled with a musty, musty smell, but at least there were no other odors. Huang Feipeng breathed a sigh of relief and settled Xiao Shan in a dry corner so she could rest for a while.

"Sit down for a while and rest," Huang Feipeng said softly, his tone gentle. He knew Xiaoshan was exhausted, and this little time would be enough for her to recover.

Xiao Shan didn't say much, obediently sitting down against the wall, her face pale and exhausted. She closed her eyes and took a soft breath, seemingly trying to calm herself down. However, the anxiety and fear in her heart could not be truly shaken off, as if an invisible pressure was tightly binding her, making her feel suffocated.

Huang Feipeng stood quietly to the side, gazing at her face, a pang of pity rising in his heart. He knew he couldn't provide her with a truly stable life; instead, he had dragged her into crisis along with him. Waves of guilt surged within him, but he knew now was not the time for repentance. They had to survive, no matter the cost.

"Xiao Shan," he called softly, his tone filled with gentle concern.

Xiao Shan slowly opened her eyes, looked up at him, and a hint of doubt appeared in her eyes. Huang Feipeng lowered his eyes, remained silent for a moment, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately chose to hold back. He gently shook his head and whispered, "Don't worry, I will always be with you."

These words sent a shiver down Xiao Shan's spine, and a complex emotion flickered in her eyes. She knew Huang Feipeng's personality; he was always taciturn and rarely showed his emotions. Yet, on this very night, she felt a warmth in his words, a deep-seated tenderness that eased some of the fear in her heart.

She smiled slightly and said softly, "Feipeng, I'm not afraid. As long as I'm with you, I'm willing to walk any road, no matter how difficult."

Looking at her smile, Huang Feipeng felt a mix of emotions. Even though he knew the road ahead was full of unknowns and dangers, he seemed to see a glimmer of hope in Xiao Shan's determined gaze. That unconditional trust, that determination to walk together, gradually melted the ice in his heart. He suddenly realized that he was not alone, that this responsibility no longer belonged solely to him, but that there was someone willing to give everything for him.

“Okay, let’s walk together.” He replied softly, his tone firm yet gentle.

Xiao Shan nodded slightly, raised her hand and gently grasped his fingers. The warm touch brought them both a sense of comfort. Although the darkness outside was still oppressive and heavy, at this moment, their hearts seemed to be closer.

Just then, a faint sound of footsteps came from outside, and Huang Feipeng's nerves instantly tensed. He quickly released Xiaoshan's hand and made a shushing gesture, signaling her to be quiet. The two held their breath, listening intently to the sounds outside, as if the slightest noise could determine their life or death.

Huang Feipeng stood on the quiet street, gazing at the starlight in the night sky, a sense of unease settling in his mind. He had planned to spend the night quietly with Xiaoshan, but this matter kept nagging at him. A few days ago, on the court, he had promised his friend Adong that he would participate in next week's match, but he hadn't yet prepared everything he needed. At this moment, the intense scenes of the match, the moments of sweat pouring down his face, and the encouraging cheers from his friends in the stands flashed through his mind. He took a deep breath and decided to go home and prepare his racket properly, using the upcoming match as a way to release his emotions and temporarily escape these mental turmoil.

Back home, Huang Feipeng gently pushed open the door. The room was dimly lit, with only a single, dim nightlight. Xiao Shan was already asleep. He entered the living room, trying to make no sound, and quietly went to the cupboard in the corner. He knew Xiao Shan didn't like him participating in these amateur competitions with no reward; she was always worried about him getting injured, and even felt that these competitions were just pointless waste of energy. But for Huang Feipeng, these competitions and these sports were not just entertainment; they were a way for him to vent and relax, and more importantly, they were his rare moments of freedom, carrying a purity that needed no pretense or concealment.

On the cabinet sits his beloved racket, which he bought a few years ago after saving up his savings for a long time.