Chapter 136

Xiao Jie asked again, "So, who do you plan to take with you?"

Zhou Yu thought for a moment and replied, "Haozi and Xiaohu, plus a few soldiers."

"And once you get there, what do you intend to do?" Xiao Jie inquired.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Zhou Yu’s mouth. "If they’re willing to talk things over like civilized people, then everything is negotiable. But if they want to play hardball with me... hmph."

Nian Yu suddenly interjected, "Be sensible. My aunt and uncle are there, after all. You might not be afraid, but they don’t have your abilities. Besides, no matter how skilled you are, can you dodge a bullet?"

Zhou Yu smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know what I’m doing."

A loud bang echoed as the villa door was pushed open. Zhou Yu frowned, turning to see Xiao Zhi rushing in, breathless.

"Old man," Zhou Yu said, "how old are you now? Can’t you be a little more composed? You’re acting like a headless chicken."

Xiao Zhi was stunned by the remark. He gave an awkward laugh and said, "Heh, I’m just a bit anxious. I mean, I just heard that Old Yan is still alive!"

"Are you going?" Zhou Yu asked.

"Of course I’m going," Xiao Zhi replied. "It’s been so many years since I last saw Old Yan. I wonder how the old rascal is doing these days."

Zhou Yu chuckled, "Didn't you say you talk on the phone all the time?"

Xiao Zhi retorted, "Are you dense? Talking on the phone isn't the same as seeing someone in person!"

Zhou Yu was left feeling rather awkward by that retort. Indeed, in those days, video calling wasn't exactly widespread.

"Alright," Zhou Yu said. "If you’re coming, go get ready."

Xiao Zhi grunted an acknowledgment and hurried out again. The three women, Xiao Jie, Nian Yu, and the others, couldn't help but chuckle as they watched him rush away. Zhou Yu shook his head and stepped outside, instructing a soldier at the gate to summon Wang Kui and Zhao Yan.

Returning to the room, Zhou Yu said, "I’ll head out today. The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll be back."

Nian Yu walked over and whispered, "My dear, make sure you take some high-quality gear with you."

"I don't need much," Zhou Yu replied. "The Xia Xia Longque and the Heart-Breaker sword will suffice."

"That won't do," Nian Yu insisted. "At the very least, take a gun. You can never be too careful."

"Fine," Zhou Yu agreed. "I’m off to find Haozi and Xiaohu now."

The three women nodded. Zhou Yu went to find Wang Hao and Liu Hu, telling them to pick a few soldiers with solid combat skills. By noon, Zhou Yu and his group stood before the military district gate, bidding farewell to Nian Yu and the others before setting off in a grand procession.

Zhou Yu had actually been scolded quite thoroughly by Nian Yu at midday. He had wanted to travel exclusively in armored vehicles, but Nian Yu had adamantly refused, insisting he take a recreational vehicle instead.

Her reasoning was that she didn't want her aunt and uncle to suffer any discomfort. Resigned, Zhou Yu ended up taking two armored vehicles and one RV. Zhao Yan and Xiaohu, accompanied by two soldiers, led the way in the first armored vehicle. Zhou Yu and Xiao Zhi sat in the RV in the middle with one soldier, while Wang Hao and Wang Kui brought up the rear with two more soldiers in the final armored vehicle.

They sped toward Qi City, aiming to reach the Qi City military sub-district before dusk. SH City was a three-hour drive from Qi City. It is worth noting that when Wang Kui and Zhao Yan heard they were going to see Yan Qing, they were overcome with emotion. When Zhou Yu added that they might be bringing Yan Qing back with them, their excitement reached a fever pitch—they had been urging everyone to leave since noon.

Inside the RV, Xiao Zhi and Zhou Yu chatted about daily life. Occasionally, Zhou Yu glanced out the window, his own heart filled with a mix of anxiety and anticipation.