Chapter 97: Encountering Teammates on the Way Back

The speed was quite fast. What was going on? The engine power of that kayak seemed even stronger than hers.

If this continued, it would probably overtake her.

If they followed her into the neighborhood, that would be a real problem.

Noticing an abandoned building nearby, Jiang Yuan had a quick idea. She immediately changed direction and paddled over.

The massive structure completely blocked her and her kayak from view.

Still feeling a little uneasy, she pulled out her high-powered binoculars to scout for potential threats.

As the kayak got closer, her heart started pounding faster—it was the same anxiety she’d felt when she encountered that other group before.

“What’s going on?”

Behind the main kayak, there were two smaller ones in tow.

The way they maneuvered was way too familiar—was that her dad’s group?

But it was still too far. She couldn’t see anyone clearly, and the raindrops on the lens made the image even blurrier.

Still, the feeling was strong—it really looked like them!

Even if she couldn’t see the people, she could still recognize her own kayak.

That SpongeBob SquarePants design stood out like a sore thumb in the otherwise gray, gloomy world.

Song Yi’s motor was definitely modified. Hers had already cost a fortune—the outdoor gear store owner had told her it was the best available—but it still didn’t match his in speed.

So now, there was no way she could catch up.

She could only try her best to follow behind, hoping to arrive at the same time.

It seemed like the group in front had noticed someone behind them because they sped up even more.

In less than five minutes, she was left in the dust.

Seriously? Who leaves a teammate behind like that?

Fortunately, the neighborhood wasn’t far off. Whether she went alone or not didn’t really matter at that point.

About ten minutes later, she also arrived. It was around six in the morning.

Everyone was still asleep, not a single soul in sight.

She didn’t know if it was the rain or the winter cold, but it was still pitch black outside.

When she reached Building 13, she immediately saw the kayaks—yep, no doubt it was them.

Jiang Yuan ran over happily, but just as she got close, someone approached her with a paddle.

They looked quite hostile, and she was bundled up tightly—her rain poncho even had a hood that completely covered her face.

She shut off her motor. The sudden silence drew attention.

Across from her stood the cautious Zhang Kaiyang. She lifted her hood, and Song Yi came out as well.

He must’ve heard the noise and came over to back up his teammate.

“Jiang Yuan! Hurry…”

The moment Song Yi saw her, he recognized her instantly and rushed over to help pull her kayak in.

Then he reached out and helped her aboard.

“Yuan-jie, why were you behind us?”

“Long story. Where’s my dad?”

“Uncle went upstairs to change his clothes…”

She knew it. Everything was fine. Song Yi’s engine was nothing like the others.

He was definitely some kind of big boss. Later, she’d fill him in on some of the hidden threats she’d come across.

Maybe he could help analyze the situation and give some advice—or even lend a hand.

“Yuan-jie, you’re finally back! I was so worried!”

Ye Mianmian ran over with red eyes and hugged her tightly.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m back safe and sound—no need to worry.”

She gently patted the girl’s back, feeling a warmth she hadn’t in a long time.

“Let’s move the supplies first—daylight’s coming soon.”

Song Yi’s words were law, and everyone immediately sprang into action.

Three kayaks full of supplies, all tightly packed. Just looking at those gas canisters, Jiang Yuan figured—they must have hit up the flower market too.

That must be it. But everyone was too busy to talk.

From the 7th floor to the 20th floor—those stairs were no joke.

Not only did they have to carry the stuff, they had to move as quietly as possible—no sound allowed.

And they had to do it fast. It was exhausting.

Jiang Yuan was stationed at the unloading point with Ye Mianmian. The two of them carried items from the kayaks and stacked them in the stairwell.

They didn’t dare move too much at once, afraid someone might come and try to snatch it.

“Mianmian, come here first. I’ll go put away the last kayak.”

“Got it!”

She packed up her kayak first. The three-in-one configuration took up a lot of space—if someone approached from behind, it could be dangerous.

With it still dark out, they didn’t dare use lights. Especially outside—they stuck close to the walls, which made it riskier.

Jiang Yuan thought it over and untied the tarp on the last kayak.

She moved the supplies from the back to the front, so she could put the kayak away sooner.

This way, it would draw less attention and they’d all be safer.

Ye Mianmian saw her carry over two bags and immediately understood what she was doing.

“Yuan-jie, you take a break. I’ll finish up over here.

Oh, and… maybe explain things to Uncle later—I couldn’t keep it a secret.”

She looked a little guilty just as Jiang Xingyuan came downstairs.

When he saw his daughter, his eyes turned red.

Jiang Yuan rushed over and called out cheerfully, “Dad!”

“Mm. You okay?”

“Totally fine!”

Seeing she was safe, Jiang Xingyuan finally relaxed and began helping with the supplies.

Jiang Yuan and Ye Mianmian also went back to moving things. Song Yi even brought down Little Dot to keep watch at the front.

With just the two of them, they moved a bit faster. Once the front was full, they put away the third kayak.

That one was Jiang Yuan’s—bright colors and patterns, nothing like Song Yi’s all-black, low-profile one.

“Mianmian, let’s move the rest of this too.”

“Okay!”

Ye Mianmian was obedient and worked well with Jiang Yuan. The two of them were quite the efficient team.

They were even faster than the others carrying stuff upstairs.

Soon, there was no space left in the front.

Half the last kayak’s supplies were still onboard.

Jiang Yuan left Ye Mianmian and Little Dot there, then went to help carry the rest.

On the fifth round, they could switch—Mianmian could rest while someone else took a turn.

The three men were clearly in a hurry and didn’t rest.

Daybreak was approaching. No one could afford to be careless.

Around 7:10 AM, they finally finished moving everything. Jiang Yuan helped Song Yi pack up the kayak.

He looked at her, face serious.

“Jiang Yuan, don’t go out alone again.”

“I was just worried about you guys—that’s why I went out to check.”

“I told you we’d be back safely. You don’t trust me?”

His eyes narrowed, as if testing her.

Is this what authority feels like? Totally unchallengeable.

This guy was definitely a leader in the past. Even retired, he still exuded pressure.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you. I really was worried. By the way, why are you guys only getting back now?”