Two Trump Cards

Luo Yan did not answer.

In fact, he doesn't like kites.

Bai said that there is a string at the bottom of the kite, which can tighten the kite and prevent it from flying far away.

Ke Luo Yan didn't like being pulled along by this string; he preferred to be an eagle.

The Eagle Strike Soaring Through the Sky, where can't it go amidst the vastness of the heavens and the boundless earth?

It can fly whenever it wants, and stop whenever it wants—isn't that more free than a kite?

But he didn't say it aloud, because Bai liked kites.

Bai didn't press the matter further; the girl's attention seemed to have wandered elsewhere. She pulled out bags of potato chips from her backpack and let Luo Yan choose for himself.

Luo Yan chose the barbecue flavor, which had a slightly smoky taste that he really liked.

The two of them munched on potato chips, ignoring the varied and meaningful glances cast at them by other passengers on the bus.

Squeak~

The bus stopped; we had arrived at Wanli Lake.

Bai took out a small notebook and flipped through it, saying, "I've already done my research. The internet says there are six or seven attractions worth visiting at Wanli Lake."

"Let's take pictures at the main gate first; it's a must-visit spot for tourists."

"Next, we'll go to the main lake of Wanli Lake, where a large number of koi are raised. When the fish come to the surface to feed, the scene is spectacular."

"There are also Penglai Valley, Dragon Fish Island, and Shuiyue Bay to visit."

"We'll have lunch at Longmen Bridge, where they have fresh carp available every day. Dishes include grilled fish, sweet and sour carp, sour soup carp, as well as braised and steamed fish!"

Bai's words made Luo Yan's appetite whetted, and he began to crave fish.

The two got out of the car and followed the signs until they soon saw the gate of Wanli Lake.

The main gate of this scenic area is actually a stone archway with a classical design. The three large golden characters "Wanli Lake" Dragon Soars on the horizontal plaque above it in a vigorous and elegant style.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, the scenic area has been decorated, with large red lanterns hanging from the archway, creating a very festive atmosphere from afar.

Bai ran to the gate and asked Luo Yan to take a picture of her with her phone.

After taking several photos, the two entered the scenic area.

Coming from the main gate, there is a blue brick avenue with swaying tree shadows on both sides.

Normally, the scenic area would be quite crowded at this time, but because a major battle has just ended, there aren't many people here today.

Red lanterns and decorative firecrackers were hung on the trees on both sides, and music with a strong New Year's atmosphere was playing in the scenic area, so the air was already faintly filled with the spirit of the New Year.

Luo Yan's mind went blank for a moment.

Thinking back to before the ' Giant Beast Calamity,' around this time of year, I should have already returned to my hometown to prepare for the holidays.

Red walls, yellow tiles, white snow, lanterns, firecrackers, and lucky money.

Those things that were once taken for granted are now only memories to savor.

"Classmate Luo, look! There are so many fish in the lake!"

As they walked and stopped, they arrived at the main lake of the scenic area. Thousands of fish swam in the Great Lake, with schools of koi of Xiao Xiao constantly surfacing and splashing the water, a truly spectacular sight.

On the lakeshore, Bai's eyebrows relaxed, and he laughed heartily.

At that moment, the girl's clear eyes and innocent expression were imprinted in Luo Yan's mind.

Bai took out the feed he had prepared earlier and threw a handful into the lake. The lake water immediately seemed to boil, and fish swarmed over, crowding the lake shore.

Bai excitedly ran over and shoved a handful of feed into Luo Yan's hand. "You try throwing a handful too."

Not wanting to spoil her fun, Luo Yan nodded and, with a little effort, scattered the feed onto the lake surface.

Instantly, the handful of feed scattered, landing all around the Great Lake. Fish scrambled for it, splashing water everywhere, eliciting gasps and laughter from many tourists on the shore.

While Luo Yan and his companion were boating on the lake, a figure appeared at the entrance of an alley in the Undercity.

Wang Hui, a soldier from the Changping City Surface Legion, carrying large and small bags of New Year's goods and a children's bicycle, hesitated to enter the alley with a complicated expression.

The alley is winding and narrow, and the ground is uneven.

Some parts are high, some parts are low.

Above the alley, crisscrossing power lines are randomly distributed, resembling a net that traps the people below.

The walls on both sides of the alley are mottled, with moss growing at the base. Various small advertisements are pasted on the walls. Sparrows hop and jump on the walls, then suddenly take flight and disappear above the low buildings.

Ahead, three or five children were laughing and jumping around, chasing each other.

Occasionally, a man in worn-out clothes would ride out of the alley slowly, a cigarette dangling from his lips, riding a bicycle.

Wang Hui took a deep breath, tightened his grip on the New Year's goods and bicycle, and finally took a step into the alley.

They then went inside, deep into the alley, and arrived at the door of a house deep inside.

The house had its gate wide open, with white lanterns hanging on either side, each bearing a black character for "offering sacrifice".

The words written in black and white on white paper are shocking.

Wang Hui's eyes suddenly reddened; this was the home of his fallen comrade, Old Tian.

Old Tian's funeral was held a few days ago, but the white lanterns on the door have not been taken down yet.

Even before entering the courtyard, Wang Hui could feel the invisible yet heavy sorrow emanating from inside the gate.

Right at the doorway, an elderly man with gray hair sat leaning against the doorframe, his eyes vacant, holding a cigarette in his hand, but the cigarette burned quietly without him taking a single puff.

That was Old Tian's father.

Old Tian's wife died in the ' Giant Beast Calamity ', only his son and father survived.

But now, the elderly are burying their children.

Only the grandfather and grandson remained in the house.

Wang Hui coughed lightly. "Uncle, it's cold outside, come inside and sit down."

The old man raised his head, and his cloudy eyes finally moved, then gradually regained focus. He tried to put on a smile, but it looked more like a grimace.

"It's Xiao Wang."

"Come in, have a seat."

The two entered the house and saw Old Tian's seven-year-old son standing in front of his father's black and white photograph.

Hearing footsteps, the little boy turned around and stared blankly at Wang Hui.

"Uncle Wang, when is my dad coming back?"

Upon hearing the child's question, Wang Hui was immediately overcome with tears. He bit his lower lip so hard that it bled, trying not to let himself cry.

"Xiao Feng, your father went to a very, very far place."

"I can't come back for the time being."

"Look, he asked me to buy you a bicycle. In a few steps, Uncle will come and teach you how to ride it, okay?"

The little boy looked at his father in the photo and asked, "Will Dad come back when I learn to ride a bike?"

Wang Hui hesitated for a moment before nodding.

the next day.

In an office, an officer looked at Wang Hui and asked, "Why do you want to be transferred to the Mecha Legion?"

Wang Hui clenched his fist, looked at the officer, and answered loudly.

"I want to learn how to pilot a mech."

"I want to kill all the giant beasts, kill all those beasts, sir!"

The officer stared into his eyes for a moment, then stamped the application form with a red seal.

There are two large characters on it.

Agree!