Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

"What? You're not interested? Getting into 'Dark Night' is extremely difficult; the selection process is incredibly rigorous. This unit is generally directly led and commanded by the highest military command authority, and in a few countries, by the Ministry of Defense or a specific branch of the armed forces. They are highly skilled, well-equipped, well-trained, and have exceptional combat capabilities. Those who carry out special missions are practically gods. Back in the day, I wanted to get in but couldn't," Du Hongxue exclaimed.

"Hmph, that's because you're not capable. If it were me, no, my master, he could have gotten in anytime he wanted."

"Your master is so powerful, is it possible that he's a member of 'Dark Night'? Can I ask him tomorrow?" Du Hongxue had also heard about Gao Haoran's exploits.

"Go ask yourself if you're not afraid of getting beaten up."

"No way, your master is really fierce?"

"No, that's not true. My master is very nice. He's only strict with you."

……

The two, more than ten years apart in age, started bickering late at night while chatting. Du Hongxue was about the same age as Tingnan's older brother, Zheng Xiangqian. But he was a pampered young master, and their family backgrounds, experiences, and educations were all different. Tingnan didn't indulge him. She missed her older brother, her younger brother!

My brother Zheng Ruidong wrote to me. My older brother asked him and my mother to come over before the Lunar New Year because Zheng Xiangqian is planning to build a brick factory after the New Year. He will be even busier then, and Song Xiuying's return to her parents' home will be a long way off.

After receiving the letter, Tingnan only told Song Wanli, not Qian Shuzhen. She didn't tell Qian Shuzhen because Zheng Ruidong's tone sounded uncertain, and she didn't want to disappoint the old lady again.

Zheng Ruidong was really looking forward to visiting his maternal grandmother's house. He missed his younger sister and wanted to ask Zuo Jinyue a lot of questions before she returned to Shanghai, including questions about clothing and foreign language learning.

The next day, after breakfast, Zuo's parents, dressed neatly and carrying gifts, went to Gao Haoran's house under Ting Nan's guidance.

Zuo's father was even more excited, as Gao Haoran was not only his teacher and friend, but also his benefactor.

When Ting Nan and the others arrived, Gao Haoran was practicing his martial arts. Having not seen each other for many years, he didn't stand on ceremony and immediately attacked with his fists.

Zuo's father hurriedly responded, using the same moves he had been taught years ago. Fortunately, he had that experience and knew he had to be able to protect his wife and daughters. He hadn't missed a single day of these moves over the years.

"Not bad, not bad, Ah Xin!" Gao Haoran greeted him warmly. "Sister-in-law, Jin Yue, come in quickly. And who is this young man?"

"Ah Huo, this is Xiaoyue's boyfriend, Du Hongxue," Zuo Renxin, the father of the Zuo family, introduced.

"Hmm, Du Hongxue, you look like you've practiced before. Would you like to spar with me?" Gao Haoran was very interested when he saw A Xin.

"Uncle Ah Huo, let's just forget about my skills. I sparred with Ting Nan last night and we only managed a draw." Du Hongxue was still very humble in front of his elders, addressing Jin Yue as Uncle Ah Huo.

Although Zuo Renxin and his family already knew Gao Haoran's real name, they still habitually called him Ah Huo, Uncle Ah Huo. It was a mark of their years of sharing life and death, and they couldn't bear to erase it.

"Uncle Ah Huo, I'm going back in a few days. I'll really miss you all," Zuo Jinyue said, her eyes reddening.

"Good child, you've worked hard all these years. It's time for you to go back and spend some quality time with your parents." Gao Haoran also doted on Zuo Jinyue. "Don't be sad, Xiaoyue, we'll meet again."

"Ah Huo, let Xiao Yue and I cook you another meal!" Zuo's mother, Yang Sumei, was a very gentle woman. She didn't talk much and always stayed quietly by his side.

"Great! Great! I haven't tasted your cooking in years." Gao Haoran readily agreed and beckoned Ting Nan over. "Sister-in-law, Ting Nan knows my house well. Ask her if you need anything. Ah Xin and I will go to the room to chat."