That evening, Shen Qingqiu came home from work.
The two of them worked in the kitchen for a while, then brought the food to the table.
Sitting at the table, Jiang Lan looked at Shen Qingqiu and said,
"Aunt, I have another mission tomorrow. It'll probably take three to five days."
Shen Qingqiu looked up at Jiang Lan. "The Wilderness Zone again?"
"Yes." Jiang Lan briefly went over what had been discussed at the meeting that day, then added, "A Divine Strength Realm martial artist will be leading us this time. It's safer than last time, so don't worry."
Shen Qingqiu had grown used to it and asked no further questions. He simply nodded and said,
"Stay safe."
Compared to the previous few times, Shen Qingqiu sounded much calmer.
But Jiang Lan knew it wasn't that he wasn't worried. He simply no longer showed that worry on his face.
After dinner, the two sat on the sofa for a while.
As evening deepened, Jiang Lan planted a kiss on Shen Qingqiu's forehead before saying softly,
"Aunt, wait for me to come home."
Shen Qingqiu's cheeks flushed slightly, but after so long, he had grown used to Jiang Lan getting handsy. He didn't resist, merely replying quietly,
"All right."
Early the next morning.
Jiang Lan shouldered his gear and crept downstairs.
But Shen Qingqiu was already waiting for him below.
Looking at Jiang Lan as he came down, Shen Qingqiu asked,
"So early?"
"Yes," Jiang Lan said. "I need to get there early."
"Come home soon."
"I will."
Jiang Lan opened the front door and took Shen Qingqiu's hand.
"Wait for me."
"All right..."
Jiang Lan stepped outside. Across from his house, the car arranged by the Academy was already waiting.
A little later, at the city gate.
All twelve