Chen Guochao looked at Huo Rou, who was standing beside Qin Ningyi, and his brows furrowed.
He decided not to go to the Qin family's residence.
"Perhaps not," he politely refused. "I am currently on duty and it's not appropriate for personal reunions. We can catch up after the project team's work is finished."
Qin Feiwan narrowed her eyes. "Isn't Huo Rou someone you're supposed to protect?"
"Yes," Chen Guochao replied matter-of-factly.
*You are too.*
He added silently to himself.
Hearing Chen Guochao's answer, Qin Feiwan took a breath. "Huo Rou is going home now, shouldn't you escort her all the way?"
"Yes."
"Then let's go."
Qin Feiwan's words left no room for refusal. As she spoke, she tugged at Chen Guochao's sleeve.
Just like when she used to drag him home as a child, Qin Feiwan, with a stern face, her short hair flying in the wind.
She walked quickly, and Chen Guochao trailed behind her at a leisurely pace, pulled along by her gentle force.
It felt like returning to their childhood. Back then, he loved watching Qin Feiwan's hair drift in the air from behind, so neat and flamboyant.
It was beautiful.
The night wind was cool, attempting to awaken anyone who was lost in intoxication.
Fine, I'll escort her one more time.
Chen Guochao looked up at the dark sky, indulging his thoughts.
The four of them fit perfectly in one car. As the light flickered, Qin Feiwan glanced at Chen Guochao sitting beside her, her hand still firmly gripping his sleeve.
She didn't want to let go. She was already this old, and her younger brother was about to get married with a girlfriend and a child.
Thinking this, Qin Feiwan looked at Huo Rou's back in the passenger seat. "Sister A'rou, how did you learn to fight?"
Qin Ningyi chuckled and corrected her, shaking his head, "Sister, that's close-quarters combat."
Qin Feiwan didn't care whether it was "fighting" or "combat." All she knew was that Huo Rou had opened her eyes today.
"A'rou was also at Fenghuo before," Qin Ningyi explained for Huo Rou. "I hadn't joined yet when she left."
Envy was almost spilling from Qin Feiwan's eyes. "Oh my god, you got into Fenghuo? The requirements there are so high! You're amazing!"
"I always wanted to join Fenghuo," Qin Feiwan declared earnestly, her face full of longing.
Huo Rou was amused by her exaggerated tone. "Sister Qin, aren't you afraid anymore?"
She genuinely didn't mean to tease, but the comfortable atmosphere made her a little "bold."
Qin Feiwan hadn't expected that the usually calm and serene Huo Rou could also be so sharp-tongued.
In the warm air conditioning of the car, she blurted out, "The way you retort reminds me so much of Little Radish when he was little."
Hearing this, Chen Guochao seemed to recall childhood memories as well. He lightly pursed his lips, and a small dimple appeared on his cheek.
Seeing this familiar dimple, Qin Feiwan, on an impulse, reached out her index finger.
She used to poke it all the time when they were little.
Just as she was about to touch Chen Guochao, he suddenly adjusted his clothes, and Qin Feiwan's hand missed.
She came to her senses and quickly withdrew her hand.
Huo Rou turned back, smiling. "Who is Little Radish?"
Qin Feiwan, worried that Huo Rou might see her momentary lapse, her eyes darted away in a flustered manner.
"Just... just him,"
She pointed at Chen Guochao. "We grew up in the same compound since we were kids. He was like a little radish when he was young, so I've always called him that."
Huo Rou sized up Chen Guochao with a half-smile and said no more.
Journeys, however long, always reach their destination.
Chen Guochao stood outside the gate and waved goodbye to them. "I've delivered them. I won't come in."
"Come in and sit for a while. You're already at the door."
Qin Feiwan had been preparing what to say all night, wanting to keep him for a little longer.
She had a feeling that if she didn't keep Chen Guochao today, he would disappear again tomorrow, just like before, and be impossible to find.
"No, thank you."
Qin Ningyi also noticed Qin Feiwan's unusual behavior tonight and also extended an invitation.
They used to be very close, great brothers and companions. But at some point, Chen Guochao gradually reduced his contact with the siblings.
Even when he joined the army, he specifically chose the Special Police Corps, not Fenghuo, which he would have joined with them.
Even though Chen Guochao's childhood dream was Fenghuo.
But when two opportunities presented themselves, he chose the Special Police Corps...