A little after six the next morning, Li Yichen was woken by a call from Ouyang Hai.
"Hello, Xiao Li. It's time to head out. Come downstairs for breakfast."
Li Yichen rolled out of bed and looked out the window. To his surprise, it was still pitch-black outside.
When he reached the dining room, Ouyang Hai was already eating. He picked up an empty plate, selected a few things he liked, and sat down opposite him.
"Uncle Ouyang, why is it still so dark outside at this hour?" Li Yichen asked curiously as he peeled an egg.
"Heh... you didn't know about that, did you?" Ouyang Hai glanced at him with a smile. "Our country is vast. There's roughly a two-time-zone difference between here and where we live. It won't get light until around seven thirty."
"Oh, so that's why." Realization dawned on Li Yichen, and he couldn't help remarking, "Travel really does teach you more than books."
It had already been dark when their plane landed yesterday, so he hadn't noticed.
By the time they reached the departure lounge, Atamu was already waiting for them.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Yichen casually asked, "How's Bayan?"
"Bayan is doing wonderfully." Atamu's face lit up at the mention of her. "She didn't have any more nightmares, and when she woke up, she was full of energy. I don't even know how to repay you, my friend."
As he spoke, he took a piece of jade about the size of a thumb from his pocket and offered it to Li Yichen. "This is the finest piece of Seed Jade I've ever dug up. I hope you'll accept it."
Though small, the jade was translucent and smoothly rounded. Its surface seemed to give off a soft glow, making it look exquisitely beautiful.