Chapter 144: Regret and Rejoice

Yu Xiangnian was speechless.

She wanted to lead the team herself because she was gambling that once she entered a certain area, she would see that blue-yellow halo. She only dreamed of Cheng Jingmo’s surroundings, but identifying the location on a map was beyond her capability.

“Dad, let me go. I promise I’ll bring them back,” she pleaded again.

Yu Jiashun had already started walking, “Let you go? My soldiers can get there in three days. With you, it would take at least a week!”

Yu Xiangnian was led into the office by Yu Jiashun, where Zhao had already spread out a map on the desk.

It was an old topographical map of the forest, with some numbers marked on it. It was clear that Yu Jiashun and his team often studied this map.

Yu Xiangnian was overjoyed. Her dream was true; Cheng Jingmo was indeed in the forest.

Standing in front of the map, she pretended to study it. In reality, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and prayed silently:

“Cheng Jingmo, tell me where you are. If you come back, I’ll sleep with you. If you don’t come back, or even if you do, I won’t stay with you.”

Three, two, one…

When she slowly opened her eyes, a blue-yellow halo appeared in her vision.

With tears of excitement in her eyes, she pointed to the area marked with the number 156. “They’re here!”

Yu Jiashun scrutinized her, incredulous. “Are you sure?”

“Dad, really! They’re right here! Quickly send people to find them; they’re in great trouble!”

When Yu Jiashun returned to the meeting room, more than ten minutes had passed. Everyone was puzzled, wondering why the usually punctual commander was late today.

Yu Jiashun spoke solemnly, “We’ve just received information confirming Deputy Commander Cheng and his team’s location. Area 156. Proceed according to the original plan.”

Everyone was shocked, all thinking the same thing: They’re still alive?!

Yu Jiashun continued, “Deputy Commander Lu, lead your team immediately and reach Area 156 as quickly as possible. Before entering the mountain, leave two people behind to guard.”

He suspected that Cheng Jingmo’s team’s mishap might have been due to inadvertently exposing their location.

After a brief pause, he added, “Also, take monitoring equipment. If you can detect signals, you’ll find them faster.”

Lu Guofa stood up and saluted, “Understood! I guarantee the mission will be completed!”

According to the original plan, Cheng Jingmo’s team was the advance squad responsible for scouting the area. Once the situation was clear, they would send a message back to headquarters, and Lu Guofa would lead a team of twenty into the mountains to rendezvous with them and eliminate the criminal group.

Lu Guofa left the meeting room to assemble his team and set off.

Hao Yi was the first to react and asked, “Commander, did they send a telegram back?”

Yu Jiashun couldn’t reveal that Cheng Jingmo had appeared in a dream, so he vaguely replied, “Information from higher up.”

“Oh…” Everyone understood.

The higher-ups were impressive! Even after such a long time, they managed to establish contact!

Meanwhile, it was the night before the scheduled operation with Yu Xiangyang.

The moonlight was beautiful, with a half-moon hanging in the sky, its light filtering through the trees and casting a soft glow on the ground. Occasionally, the chirping of insects could be heard.

The wind rustled through the forest, like whispers of longing.

Cheng Jingmo and his comrades checked their weapons and ammunition, ensuring everything was in order.

Finally, Cheng Jingmo left the remaining food with Zhu Xiaohu, along with a gun.

“Zhu Xiaohu, you’re not participating in tomorrow’s operation. You have a different task.”

He handed over a letter from his pocket, “If we don’t make it back, you’re responsible for delivering this letter to my loved one.”

Fan Lei and Lou Wujun also took out letters from their pockets and placed them in front of Zhu Xiaohu.

Zhu Xiaohu choked up, “Deputy Commander Cheng, let me join the operation. I’ve let everyone down; it’s my fault…”

Cheng Jingmo interrupted him, “There’s no such thing as dragging someone down among comrades! We all share a common goal, and accidents are unpredictable. The task on your shoulders is heavy, and I hope you can complete it.”

Zhu Xiaohu couldn’t hold back his tears, wiping his face roughly with his hands.

They all knew that tomorrow would be perilous.

The enemy had overwhelming manpower and formidable firepower, and their chances of victory were slim.

But they couldn’t back down!

A soldier’s mission and duty are to serve the country and its people. Even knowing they might sacrifice themselves, they must charge forward without hesitation.

Cheng Jingmo continued, “Headquarters won’t abandon us. Keep the radio on; this place is vast, but they will find you eventually. The food is for you. If we come back, we’ll take you with us. If we don’t, ration it wisely and hold on until headquarters finds you.”

“Fan Lei, Lou Wujun, do you have anything else for Zhu Xiaohu to relay or deliver?”

Fan Lei removed a small silver Buddha from his neck. “Zhu Xiaohu, tell my mother to give this back to my fiancée. Tell her I’m sorry for delaying her and that I hope she finds a good man to spend her life with.”

Lou Wujun said, “I never had a girlfriend, which I regret. Just tell my parents I didn’t let them down and to take care of themselves.”

Zhu Xiaohu looked at Cheng Jingmo, waiting for his instructions.

Cheng Jingmo said, “Everything I need to say is in the letter.”

Wiping his tears, Zhu Xiaohu said, “Don’t worry. I’ll remember everything you said and will relay it all. Even if I have to crawl back, I’ll deliver your messages and items.”

Cheng Jingmo said, “Alright, everyone rest. We leave in the morning.”

Cheng Jingmo closed his eyes, picturing the day he left, holding Yu Xiangnian’s face in his hands.

Her delicate features were vivid before him, her long eyelashes fluttering, her red lips slightly parted with a mix of pride and sadness, making him yearn to kiss her.

Of course, he had regrets. He wanted a future with Yu Xiangnian, to fulfill his ambitions, to see Xiao Jie grow up…

Despite his regrets, Cheng Jingmo felt some relief. That day, he had said everything he needed to say.

After secretly admiring Yu Xiangnian for so many years, he had finally mustered the courage to confess his feelings.

He was also relieved that they hadn’t become an actual couple yet, so her future husband wouldn’t resent her.

If he could go back…

He wanted to truly be with Yu Xiangnian!

But, of course, that would depend on her consent.