# 239
**Chapter 239 – Green Otherworld Blossom**
“In the early hours of this morning, a powerful typhoon made landfall along the East Sea coast. Wave heights have already reached 30 meters. Overnight, vast amounts of public property along the shore were destroyed. Experts predict that within 24 hours, the waves could exceed 40 meters—potentially the worst maritime disaster in twenty years. The Meteorological Bureau has issued a red alert. Coastal residents are urged to stay away from the shoreline and prioritize personal safety and property…”
The TV screen suddenly switched to the currently popular talk show *Soundscape Interview*. Wu Xiangnan’s face stiffened as he turned to look at Hongying, who was holding the remote.
“What are you looking at me for?” Hongying snapped.
“Change it back. I was watching the news.”
“What’s so interesting about the news? Isn’t it better to watch this handsome host interview Uncle Chenglong? He’s Great Xia’s best action star!” Hongying planted her hands on her hips, righteous and unyielding.
“I don’t want to watch some talk show. Change it back!”
“No!”
“You—”
Nearby, Leng Xuan was expressionlessly maintaining his firearms. Si Xiaonan lay sprawled on the table, yawning. Wen Qimo and Lin Qiye sat beside a birdcage, tossing in food.
No one even glanced at the two bickering. They were used to it.
“So this is the [Disaster Crow]?” Lin Qiye studied the pitch-black raven inside the cage, puzzled.
At first glance, it looked no different from an ordinary crow—just darker feathers. But a closer look revealed pale, pupil-less eyes, nothing but whites.
“That’s right.” Wen Qimo nodded. “As a living forbidden artifact, it’s extremely rare in Great Xia. Supposedly, only major cities like Shangjing, Guangzhou, and Huaihai have [Disaster Crows] stationed in their Night Watch branches.”
Lin Qiye blinked. “Then why does Cangnan have one? It’s just a regular tier-two city.”
“No idea. Rumor says the captain brought it when he was transferred here.” Wen Qimo tossed more birdseed in and clapped his hands. “This little thing can predict a city’s short-term fate. If some extreme calamity is coming, it’ll screech in warning ahead of time.”
“Has it ever cried?”
“No. At least not since I arrived in Cangnan. Better if it never does…”
Just then, Chen Muye pushed open the office door, gaze sweeping across everyone.
“Bored?”
They exchanged glances, puzzled, but nodded slightly—Hongying nodding like a woodpecker.
“Pack up.” Chen Muye’s lips curled. “We haven’t had a team-building outing in ages…”
…
Cangnan City Park.
On wide, soft green lawn lay a big red-and-white checkered picnic blanket. Hongying flopped onto it, instantly relaxing with a happy sigh.
“It’s been forever since we last camped… I missed this.”
Lin Qiye sat beside her, watching children romp in the distance. “Hongying, did you guys used to do team events often?”
“Yep. We’re only busy a few days a year; when bored, I dragged them out. Not just camping—fishing, barbeques, movies, mahjong…”
“Wait, you can play mahjong in the office too.”
“You don’t get it—the parlor atmosphere is unbeatable!”
“…Right.”
Lin Qiye glanced over. At the nearby grill, Chen Muye wore an apron, focused on rotating skewers, sprinkling cumin and chili like a seasoned pit master. Wu Xiangnan sat beside him, threading meat onto metal sticks and handing them over—perfect coordination.
Soon Chen Muye carried several plates of grilled skewers to the blanket, puzzled. “Where’re Wen Qimo and Xiaonan?”
“They went to buy drinks; should be back soon.” Hongying stared at the fragrant meat, swallowing.
“And Leng Xuan… forget it, he always vanishes; he’ll wander back.” Chen Muye shrugged.
“Let’s eat.” He set the aromatic plates down. Hongying snatched a skewer, chomped viciously—then her eyes curved into crescents. “Captain, your craft is divine.”
Wen Qimo arrived hauling two big bags of drinks, Si Xiaonan behind him holding a green flower.
They sat. The bloom in Si Xiaonan’s hand caught Hongying’s eye.
“Huh? What flower is this? Never seen it.”
“It’s Lycoris radiata—the otherworld blossom,” Wu Xiangnan answered, giving her a you-really-don’t-know look.
“Aren’t those red?” Hongying pointed at the green bloom. “This one’s green!”
“Who says they can’t be green?” Wu Xiangnan explained patiently. “They come in many colors. Red means longing, memories, the beauty of death. Blue is sorrow and parting. Black is unpredictable darkness, death, wandering love…”
“And green?”
“Green…” Wu Xiangnan pondered. “Its meaning is endless, thriving hope.”
Chen Muye raised an eyebrow. “Nice symbolism.”
A gentle breeze carried the scent of grass and grilled meat into everyone’s noses, whetting appetites.
They sat in a circle, munching skewers and chatting. Hongying, fired up, regaled Lin Qiye with everyone’s embarrassing stories, making Si Xiaonan giggle nonstop.
After eating his fill, Lin Qiye lay back, watching clouds drift lazily overhead, more relaxed than ever.
All worries seemed to evaporate.
Chen Muye wiped his mouth, set down his skewer, took a deep breath, and spoke.
“This time, I have an announcement.”
Everyone quieted, waiting.
Chen Muye hesitated, then said slowly, “This morning I received notice: the Shangjing City garrison team has invited Squad 136 for an observation tour. After today’s outing, go pack. We leave for Shangjing tomorrow morning.”
They blinked.
Hongying burst out, “We’re going to Shangjing? Awesome! I’ve always wanted to!”
Wu Xiangnan frowned. “But what about Cangnan? If a Mystery appears…”
“I’ll stay and hold the fort. Don’t worry.” Chen Muye’s voice was calm. Then he looked at Lin Qiye. “Qiye, you stay with me. Any objections?”