Chapter 45

...

Huan Liuli woke up from her daze, only to see the rippling seawater and the scorching sunlight.

A sea breeze that could tan one's skin kept blowing by.

And she was lying on a plastic board.

Huan Liuli: "???"

"Am I dreaming? Wasn't I spanking Ye Xiao? How did I end up in the sea? It seems that these days, Ye Xiao has been too harsh on me, making me wash clothes, mop the floor, and guard the door all day. I'm not a dog! Who ever heard of a cat guarding a house? What about the dog?

Sigh! Forget it, I'll just sleep a bit more."

Closing her eyes, Huan Liuli was about to drift off to sleep when suddenly, with a splash, a wave hit her, drenching her like a wet cat.

Huan Liuli woke up completely, her hair standing on end.

"Meow—! Did I really end up in the sea? Where's Ye Xiao? Where's the sofa? Meow meow meow! Help! I can't swim!"

...

After resting for a night, Ye Xiao received a WeChat message from Gu Hai.

"Old Ye, I'm back. I'm getting checked at the Second Hospital, no need to worry."

Ye Xiao wasn't overly surprised. He already knew that Gu Hai was fine.

The library's work group sent a message, announcing a three-day closure for repairs.

It was drizzling outside. Ye Xiao went out for breakfast, bought some fruits and milk, and headed straight to the Second Hospital.

The returning guards were each in separate rooms, with other guards standing watch outside 24/7 to prevent any abnormalities. They would only be released after being checked and confirmed to be safe.

When Ye Xiao arrived at Gu Hai's room, Qin Yuyan and Lu Wanwan were there. Gu Hai, in a hospital gown, was comforting Lu Wanwan, whose eyes were red from crying.

"Wife, I'm really fine. Look at me, all my parts are intact, not a hair is missing. Don't cry, be a good girl~."

Ye Xiao walked in, and Lu Wanwan, feeling a bit embarrassed, turned her head and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

Qin Yuyan gently pushed her hair behind her ear, smiled, and greeted him.

"You're here too."

Ye Xiao nodded.

He placed the fruits and milk on the side.

"How are you? Any injuries?"

"No injuries, I'm fine. I'm eating well, and the doctor said I'm fine, but Wanwan still doesn't believe it and keeps crying."

"She's just worried about you. But you, going on a mission without a word, not even a call home."

"I wanted to call, but I lost my phone during the fight, and later, all electronic devices were blocked. I couldn't contact anyone."

Ye Xiao's expression didn't change, and he didn't mention the text message. He simply said:

"I told you before, don't be reckless. If the situation is wrong, run. And you still lost your phone."

"How was I supposed to know it would be so dangerous? But this time, we owe it to a high-level expert from Jianghai City. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have made it back."

"You were lucky."

At this moment, Lu Wanwan felt a bit nauseous, and Qin Yuyan said worriedly:

"I'll take Wanwan downstairs to check. You two can chat."

"Okay!"

After the two women left, Gu Hai said mysteriously:

"Old Ye, I couldn't say this in front of them. Guess what I heard when I was on the brink of death?"

Ye Xiao shook his head.

"I don't know."

"It will shock you, your voice!"

"Are you kidding me?"

Ye Xiao was speechless, while Gu Hai chuckled.

"Really! My mental energy was infected, and I was delirious! But I didn't hear anyone else's voice, not even Wanwan's, my parents', or even Hong Langman Ali's. I only heard yours!

What does that mean? It means I have deep brotherly feelings for you, deeper than the sea. Anyway, you're closer to me than my own brother!"

"Don't be so sappy, it's disgusting."

"Fear not, Brother Hai is straight. I could hug you to sleep without touching you."

"Get lost."

"Ha ha ha..."

After laughing for a bit, Gu Hai's tone became somber, and his eyes reddened.

"Old Ye, don't be mad. I've been holding it in. If I don't say something silly to lighten the mood, I might break down."

Ye Xiao didn't say much. He knew the immense pressure Gu Hai was under. The exaggerated behavior was just a cover.

After all, he had not only faced death but also lost several teammates.

"Do you have a cigarette?"

"I hid two packs of Zhonghua in the fruit bag I just bought for you."

"You know me well. You knew the hospital wouldn't let me smoke, so you brought them."

Gu Hai took out the cigarette pack but, after a moment's thought, put it back.

"Old Li liked to smoke. He protected me and was torn apart by the tiger and the star beast. Smoking would make me feel guilty."

He wiped his eyes and continued:

"Don't laugh at me, but I wet my pants back then.

Before the mission, I thought it would be like what I saw on TV. But when I faced it, I realized how dangerous it was.

I thought to myself, if I hadn't wasted so much time and had trained harder, my cultivation would have been a few levels higher. In battle, I could have protected at least one or two teammates instead of being a burden and holding them back.

But the reality is, I'm useless. I didn't contribute much and even got Old Li killed.

The one who should have died is me."

"Being alive is good."

Ye Xiao tried to comfort him, but Gu Hai shook his head, blew his nose, and his eyes showed a maturity Ye Xiao had never seen before.

"I used to wonder why people keep joining the guard teams despite the constant deaths. What's the point?

But now, I understand.

The guard teams are born to protect.

Because of the guard teams, the people can live in peace, and our loved ones and future generations can continue to thrive.

I'm over twenty, and I can't waste my life anymore.

Old Ye, I'm going to apply for the special training camp. I want to train hard and be a real man who protects the country!"

"The special training camp is very tough."

"I have to do it! I have a wife and a child. I need to contribute to this world. Only if we men do our best can our wives and children live in peace!"

Ye Xiao nodded.

"Since you have this resolve, I wish you success."

"Thanks. But don't tell Wanwan yet. I'm afraid she won't agree."

"Don't worry."

They chatted a bit more, and when Qin Yuyan and Lu Wanwan returned, Ye Xiao bid farewell and left.

Walking out of the hospital, the drizzle continued. Ye Xiao didn't use his spiritual energy to protect himself, and he walked slowly, letting the rain soak his clothes.

Gu Hai's words had somehow loosened the bottleneck that had prevented him from advancing to the Great Master level.

What is the meaning of martial arts?

Why become stronger?

For fun?

For fame?

To show off one's power and make everyone bow?

No!

None of these.

An indescribable wave of energy began to spread from Ye Xiao's body...