Chapter 105 : The Progressive Sea Level

Xu Zhigang never expected Shen Zheng to completely disregard his attempt to save face.  

As a factory director, his position wasn’t too high, but he still had a reputation to protect. Despite being rebuffed, he and Zhao Lihong had no intention of leaving without achieving their goal.  

Shen Zheng casually placed his arm on Xu Zhigang’s shoulder, rolling up his left sleeve to reveal a scar. He pointed to it and asked, “Director Xu, recognize this?”  

Xu Zhigang, though not particularly experienced in such matters, could tell it was a gunshot wound. “This… Captain Shen, you’ve been injured before?”  

Shen Zheng replied indifferently, “A bullet wound. A clean-through shot. Want to know what it feels like?”

Xu Zhigang and Zhao Lihong shuddered.  

Then Shen Zheng extended his right hand, showing them the hardened calluses on his palm. “See these? Too much time handling guns will leave its mark… and the more you handle them, the likelier you are to take lives.”  

His low, chilling tone struck fear into them, as though they were hearing the voice of the Grim Reaper himself.  

Zhao Lihong jumped to her feet. “Xiaoluo, we’ll let you finish your meal in peace. Let’s talk another time.”

The two left hastily, their earlier arrogance gone.  

Once they were out of sight, Fang Xiaoluo turned to Shen Zheng with a smile. “What did you say to scare them off like that?”  

Shen Zheng casually placed a piece of pork rib into her bowl. “Oh, nothing much. Just that if they didn’t leave, I’d feel like giving them a beating.”  

—

After their meal, Fang Xiaoluo packed up the leftovers and even ordered extra portions of the salt-and-pepper spare ribs and dry-fried pork tenderloin to bring back for Shen Haifeng and Zheng Lanhua.  

As they stepped out of Dongfeng Hotel, Shen Jinxia looked up eagerly. “Mom, are we going to the zoo now?”  

“Yes,” Fang Xiaoluo said. “Now that we’re full, let’s go to the zoo and enjoy ourselves. We’ll head home after we’ve had enough fun.”  

Shen Jinxia jumped up in excitement. “Yay! I’ve never been to a zoo before!”  

The family of four boarded a bus and headed straight to Jiangcheng Zoo.  

—

Since it wasn’t a weekend, the zoo wasn’t crowded.  

At the entrance, Shen Zheng bought tickets and noticed a cotton candy stand nearby. He returned with three fluffy pink clouds of sweetness.  

Handing one each to Shen Jinxia and Shen Haiping, he offered the last one to Fang Xiaoluo.  

She hesitated. “Why are you giving me one? Cotton candy is for kids.”  

Shen Zheng chuckled. “You’re a kid too.”  

Shen Jinxia took a lick of her cotton candy, the sugary fluff melting instantly on her tongue. “Mom, it’s so sweet! Try some!”  

Taking a small bite, Fang Xiaoluo nodded in agreement. “Mm, it’s really sweet.”  

Beside her, Shen Haiping quietly ate his candy, a subtle smile playing on his lips.  

Shen Jinxia caught sight of it and exclaimed, “Wow, second brother, you’re smiling! You think it’s sweet too, right? Sweet and delicious!”  

Blushing slightly, Shen Haiping offered his cotton candy to her.  

She took a bite and grinned. “Yup, your cotton candy is just as sweet!”  

Shen Haiping smiled again, shy but happy.  

Fang Xiaoluo and Shen Zheng exchanged a pleased look. Shen Haiping’s progress was truly heartening.  

Hand in hand, they strolled leisurely through the zoo.  

The children were thrilled by the small animals they encountered rabbits, squirrels, peacocks, and monkeys. On a bridge, they stopped to watch gracefull swans and mandarin ducks swimming below. Further ahead, they marveled at larger animals like hippos, leopards, and lions.  

Shen Jinxia was brimming with excitement, frequently turning back to pull Shen Haiping along as they explored.  

The two children ran ahead, laughing and pointing at the animals, while their parents followed behind, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.  

By the time all three cotton candies had been devoured, Shen Zheng walked over to dispose of the sticks. When he returned, he found that Fang Xiaoluo had bought two carrots for the children, who were now feeding the friendly sika deer.  

Shen Haiping smiled shyly again as Shen Jinxia giggled, the two of them immersed in the simple joy of the moment. For their parents, the scene was as sweet as the cotton candy they had shared.

The scene before them was heartwarming. Shen Jinxia’s smile was bright, and even the corners of Shen Haiping’s mouth curled up into a shy grin.  

The little sika deer nudged its soft head against Shen Haiping’s palm, and his eyes glimmered with a lively light.  

For Shen Zheng, it had been a long time since he had seen such radiance in Shen Haiping’s eyes. The last time was during the previous Chinese New Year, back when his sister had been well. She had brought her children to visit relatives at the military compound, and at that time, Haiping was still his cheerful self.  

He never imagined that the next time he would see Haiping, the boy would be so utterly changed.  

Now, seeing this transformation was thanks to Fang Xiaoluo, the woman who had become a life-changing benefactor to his family.  

Shen Haiping gently petted the little deer’s head and let out a soft laugh.  

“Big sister, it’s so cute.”  

Fang Xiaoluo crouched down and hugged Shen Haiping warmly. “Haiping, who’s cuter, me or the little deer?”  

Shen Haiping tilted his head thoughtfully before answering, “Big sister is cuter.”  

Fang Xiaoluo smiled, tapping his forehead affectionately. “Haiping, you’re the sweetest. That’s a perfect answer!”  

Shen Jinxia skipped over with a hopeful look. “Second brother, am I a little cute too?”  

Haiping pondered for a moment and then nodded earnestly. “Yeah.”  

Afterward, he turned his attention back to the little deer.  

Even though these were just small, simple responses, for the family, they were monumental.  

This progress in Shen Haiping’s recovery filled them with joy and pride.  

—

Standing up, Fang Xiaoluo turned to Shen Zheng. “It seems we should take Haiping out more often. It’s really good for him.”  

Shen Zheng nodded sincerely. “Thank you.”  

Fang Xiaoluo shot him a side glance. “Just ‘thank you’? That’s it?”  

If they weren’t in public, Shen Zheng would have pulled her into his arms right then. Instead, he leaned in and whispered, “I’ll thank you with my entire self.”  

Fang Xiaoluo playfully pinched his side. “Fine, bring it on. Let’s fight for 800 rounds!”  

Shen Zheng coughed lightly, clenching his fists theatrically. “In that case, I’d better keep myself in peak condition.”  

Shen Jinxia suddenly hugged his legs, looking up innocently. “Dad, what are you going to fix?”  

Shen Zheng grinned. “My socks. They’re full of holes.”  

“Oh!” Shen Jinxia piped up. “Dad, my socks have holes too. Can you fix them when we get home?”  

Shen Zheng chuckled. “Sure. I’ll patch them up for you when we’re home.”  

—

Jiangcheng Zoo was quite expansive, and the family spent a good two hours exploring its various exhibits before stepping out.  

Noticing how hot and tired they looked, Shen Zheng pointed to a stone bench near the entrance. “Why don’t you and the kids sit here for a bit? I’ll grab us some sodas.”  

Shen Jinxia, full of energy, tugged at his hand. “Dad, can I come with you?”  

Shen Zheng smiled and took her hand. “Let’s go.”  

While they went to get drinks, Fang Xiaoluo spotted a toy stand nearby.  

She thought about how she couldn’t bring marshmallows for Shen Haifeng, so she decided a toy would make a good substitute.  

Turning to Shen Haiping, she asked, “Haiping, want to come pick out some toys?”  

He nodded silently and followed her.  

At the stand, they crouched down to look. There weren’t many toys to choose from, but a few caught her eye.

“Haiping, do you like this tin frog or this water gun?”  

Haiping pointed to the tin frog without hesitation.  

Smiling, Fang Xiaoluo decided to buy two tin frogs and two water guns, one set for Haiping and one for Haifeng. Although the boys never fought over toys, she wanted them to feel equally loved.  

She also purchased a special doll for Shen Jinxia, the kind that closed its eyes automatically when laid down.  

As she paid, she imagined Jinxia’s delighted smile and how the little girl would cling to her, chirping excitedly, ‘Mommy, you’re the best. I love it so much!’  

That warm image in her mind made Fang Xiaoluo’s heart brim with happiness.