The man’s deep, dark eyes remained fixed on a distant stretch of mountain path.

“Oh, got it!”

Behind him, the team members dispersed, each finding a spot to sit and rest. Exploration team breaks were casual, and no one thought much of it.

White Yichen stood like a statue on the mountain peak. The wind ruffled his sharp brows and blew the stray strands of his hair into a slightly messy yet captivating look. His eyes never left that stretch of mountain path, a quiet intensity lingering in his gaze.

Finally, as the cigarette between his fingers burned to its last ember, a small figure appeared on the distant path. Carrying a cloth bag and moving quickly as if racing the morning light, the figure soon vanished into the trail.

A subtle, fleeting smile tugged at the corners of Bai Yichen’s stern lips, gone as quickly as it came. His gaze softened momentarily as he watched the figure disappear, then he brought the cigarette to his lips, taking a final drag. Flicking the cigarette stub in a smooth arc, it landed precisely on the grass nearby.

“Everyone, let’s move!” he bellowed to the team behind him.

“Ok, Captain!” came the enthusiastic response as the team scrambled to their feet, quickly falling in line behind him.

As they watched their tall, commanding captain lead the way with long strides, the team couldn’t help but tease.

“Hey, Captain! Last night must’ve been quite the workout, huh? Look at you still walking so fast—strong back, strong kidneys, eh?”

“Of course! Just look at him—tall, built, and bursting with energy. Must’ve had a fantastic night!”

“Pfft, you’re probably right! Bet the bride’s too pretty to resist. I wouldn’t be walking straight if I were him!”

The group burst into hearty laughter.

After all, they had all seen the new bride yesterday—a true beauty. With her alluring curves and delicate features, she was the kind of woman that could make any man weak in the knees. Their captain had certainly hit the jackpot.

“Haha, yeah! Strong back, strong everything!”

“Totally!”

Despite the playful jabs, Bai Yichen remained stoic at the front, his expression unreadable.

While he was, in fact, strong and healthy, last night had been anything but eventful. Nothing had happened between him and his new bride. If anything, the tension had left him more frustrated than anything else. But this wasn’t something he’d share, so he let them assume what they liked, keeping his thoughts to himself.

Trailing at the back of the group, Wang Aiguo added his own cheeky commentary.

“You guys don’t get it. The Captain’s wife looks so delicate and sweet; of course, he’d be gentle with her. Probably didn’t even get enough!”

The group burst into laughter again.

“If it were me,” Wang Aiguo continued, “faced with such a gorgeous bride, my legs would’ve given out! I wouldn’t even make it to work today.”

Another team member chimed in.

“Oh, look at you, Mr. Expert. Didn’t know someone without a girlfriend could know so much about women!”

“Exactly! Acting all knowledgeable when you’ve never even held a girl’s hand!”

“Haha, come on, tell us what you know about the Captain and his bride last night!”

Amid the laughter and banter, Bai Yichen, still walking ahead, finally spoke in his usual calm but commanding tone.

“Enough with the jokes. If you’re so capable, go find girlfriends of your own instead of gossiping all day.”

His sharp words silenced the group momentarily before someone dared to retort.

“Captain, not all of us are as lucky as you, getting married so easily and to such a beauty. How about this—once you’re settled, let your wife introduce us to some of the lovely girls from her village, huh?”

The men chuckled, their spirits high despite the Captain’s earlier scolding.

“That’s a great idea! I saw a lot of pretty girls in the village. Like that bridesmaid from yesterday—she was stunning!”

“Wow, you’ve got quite an eye! Already targeting the bridesmaid, huh?”

“She’s called Dongmei, right? The Captain’s wife’s best friend? Better tread carefully, boys. Don’t want to stir up trouble!”

Wang Aiguo spoke up again, his tone slightly cautious.

“Listen, Dongmei’s the bride’s closest friend. You don’t want to mess that up. Besides, our sister-in-law may look sweet, but she’s no pushover.”

He vividly remembered the wedding the day before. When someone made things difficult for Bai Yichen, the bride had boldly stepped forward. She’d downed a full mug of strong liquor without hesitation, her confidence leaving everyone speechless.

Even Bai Yichen had been taken aback, though he’d matched her drink-for-drink, maintaining the team’s honor. That moment had proven to Wang Aiguo that their new sister-in-law was no ordinary woman.

“Hey, Wang Aiguo, seems like you’ve done your research. Already got your sights on her friend, huh?” someone teased.

“Pfft, get lost! Who needs a wife? Being single is the life!” Wang Aiguo shot back.

“Oh, yeah? Let’s see you stay single forever, then!”

Ahead of the group, Bai Yichen reached a vantage point and turned to face his men. His voice was firm and authoritative.

“Listen up! Today’s task is to survey the eastern and western ridges of Shan Feng Ling. Split into two teams—one with nine members, the other with eight. Everyone will regroup here by six o’clock.”

He glanced at his watch, noting the time.

“It’s 8:50 AM. Let’s get moving.”