# 381
Chapter 381 – Homecoming
Edge of the primordial jungle.
Abandoned tree farm.
A flash of white light erupted, and Lin Qiye’s five figures materialized in front of the farm.
Cao Yuan looked around and exhaled in relief. “We’re finally out of the underground, and the Tianzun even dropped us right at the forest edge…”
Baili Pangpang pinched the soft white flesh of his belly, face crumpled, and turned to Lin Qiye.
“Qiye, tell me… the Tianzun didn’t really give me a baby, right?!”
Lin Qiye’s mouth twitched. “Shouldn’t think so—that falls under Guanyin’s department.”
“…But why is my stomach so much bigger?!” Baili Pangpang wailed.
Cao Yuan rolled his eyes. “It’s always been that big—don’t you know yourself?”
Baili Pangpang jiggled his round belly, as if struck by a thought, then swiveled toward Lin Qiye and declared righteously:
“Qiye, if you hadn’t led us into Fengdu, I wouldn’t be pregnant. Anyway… if this kid is really born, you’re taking responsibility!”
Lin Qiye: …
An Qingyu pondered a moment. “If that day comes, I can perform the C-section.”
Lin Qiye fought down the urge to draw his blade and murder the pair, drew a deep breath instead. “Let’s just get out of here first.”
Cao Yuan stepped beside him and, pointing at Jialan, whispered, “What about her?”
Lin Qiye turned. Jialan stood behind him, gazing quietly. When their eyes met, her autumn-mirror eyes blinked, thoughts unreadable.
Lin Qiye mused, “Special by-product uncovered during the mission. We’ll file a report back home and hand her over to the state.”
Jialan: …
Cao Yuan blinked. “But she’s a person—how can she be a—”
Before he finished, Baili Pangpang clapped his shoulder and sighed, “Old Cao, I never thought even you’d be more clued-in than Qiye… I overestimated him.”
Chatting as they walked, the five left the jungle. With no urgent danger, they slowed to enjoy the scenery.
By the time they emerged it was dusk.
They halted together at the forest-ranger station gate.
“Qiye…” Baili Pangpang hesitated. “Are we really doing this?”
Lin Qiye was silent, then nodded.
He raised both hands and slowly pushed open the station door…
…
Darkness gathered; the yellow sunset spilled over a squat, dilapidated building. A cold wind howled across the desolate ground, rattling windows.
Frost coated the sill, pale in the dying light. Behind the window, an even paler little face watched.
The girl, wrapped in an overcoat, stood trembling as icy drafts seeped through cracks. Behind her the glow of a stove flickered on the glass, yet she stubbornly stared at the shut gate.
“Tingting…” An old man rose slowly from the stove, eyes clouded with heartache. He came behind her and took her hand.
“Let’s step away from the window, all right? The wind’s fierce.”
Her gaze fixed on the door; she shook her head without a word.
“Tingting, you can still see from beside the fire. It’s too cold here—you just came out of the forest. Your body can’t take it.” He tugged gently.
She yanked her hand free and stayed put. “No! If I go in, I won’t see Daddy!”
The old man stood helpless. Chen Han walked over, crouched, and spoke softly:
“Good girl, your dad will be fine. He’ll be back soon…”
“Liar! You’re all liars!” The girl spun, eyes scarlet, lips quivering.
“You said we’d go first and Dad would follow! Why? Why hasn’t he come back all day?
You promised… why does no one keep promises…”
Her voice cracked, fading to a tremor. Despite her fight, tears streamed down.
Finally she gave in and sobbed, a ten-year-old who had lost everything.
The old man’s hands shook as he drew her in, tears carving his weathered cheeks.
His son had said: if he wasn’t back in three days, call the police…
Today was the fourth.
“Good Tingting, don’t cry, don’t cry…” He wiped his own tears.
“But there are monsters in the forest! What if they caught Daddy? I don’t want Daddy to die!” she wept.
Chen Han’s lips tightened; he glanced at his watch, fist clenching—
BANG!
The worn door burst open.
A freezing gale roared in, scattering the stove’s warmth and toppling furniture.
Tear-streaked, the girl lifted her head—and froze.
Five figures stood outside.
Three were the big brothers she’d met in the woods, plus a beautiful stranger…
And in front of them, framed by the roaring wind, a tall, broad man.
Unshaven, face lined and resolute, hair tousled by the wind, he wore a greasy old army coat that flapped like a flag.
His eyes found the red-eyed girl; he opened his arms, smile gentle as never before.
“Tingting, Daddy’s home.”
The old man froze at the familiar voice.
The girl’s tear-filled eyes curved into crescents. She dashed forward, throwing herself into strong, warm arms.
He lifted her; rough beard brushed her wet cheeks. This time she didn’t shy away—she laughed, pressed close, arms circling his neck as though embracing the whole world.
“Daddy.” She beamed through her tears. “Welcome back!”