Chapter 62 1/2

Cen Wei: “Today, our two families officially meet, have dinner together, and fulfil Cen Lang’s wish.”

Jiang Wanlan: “Uncle Cen, it’s been a long time. I should have visited earlier. Sorry, I only came today.”

Cen Wei: “It’s good that you came. Please, have a seat.”

A round table accommodated five people, plus the unborn child, making it a total of six. Everyone present had never experienced such a large family reunion dinner, each person a loved one.

Jiang Wanlan had experienced family gatherings before marriage, but they were filled with praise and criticism, making a quiet meal challenging.

Cen Wei teared up, realising it had been a long time since it was this lively. He looked forward to Cen Lang’s return, hoping to add three more chairs. Jiang whispered to himself, “Dad, it feels like Chinese New Year.”

Jiang Wanlan felt a pang of sadness. His child had never had a good New Year—bullied in the orphanage during childhood and spent it alone in the lab as an adult.

Cen Wei said, “Uncle Cen doesn’t mind. We’ll have meals like this even during the New Year.”

As night fell, they chatted downstairs for a while, and upstairs, Cen Lang packed his bags. Time flew by, and it was already eleven o’clock. Cen Lang said, “You go shower. I’ll sleep as soon as I leave.” He was concerned about leaving Jiang Li alone in the bathroom.

Jiang Li took his clothes, saying, “Okay.”

In the bathroom, Cen Lang asked, “Can I take this clothing?”

Jiang Li: “Which one?”

Cen Lang smiled and said, “The one you’re wearing.”

Jiang Li hesitated. “I’ve been wearing it all day.”

Cen Lang teased, “Dr. Xiao Jiang is a clean freak; he can’t understand our quirks.”

After helping him undress, Cen Lang kissed his forehead and said, “Go wash up.”

Jiang Li heard Cen Lang leaving with his shirt and later said, “Didn’t wash.” “Your clothes are clean.”

This was Jiang Li’s quickest shower. He saw Cen Lang sealing the clothes in a heat-sealed bag at the edge. Jiang Li joked, “I’ve given you my pheromones.”

Cen Lang sniffed the collar, teasing, “Dr. Xiao Jiang smells good.”

Jiang Li didn’t wash off the shower gel completely, something he used to do. Cen Lang chuckled. “You have a cleanliness obsession; you probably won’t want my clothes.”

Jiang Li looked down, and as Cen Lang changed into a fresh suit, he asked, “Are you not coming back?”

Cen Lang hesitated. “Failing to get the desired address, he decided to propose after returning.

Closing the suitcase, Cen Lang held Jiang Li, and the spacecraft landed in Cen’s yard. Cen Lang put down his luggage in the corridor and hugged Jiang Li, saying, “Take care of yourself, darling.”

Then, he embraced his grandfather, recalling when his parents disappeared; he was five, and Cen Wei, younger at that time, comforted the young Cen Lang.

After Cen Lang developed the storm syndrome, he refrained from letting his grandfather hug him. Over the years, physical contact was rare.

“Grandpa, I’m leaving.”

Jiang Li said, “No need to hurry back; take your time.”

Cen Lang agreed and walked towards the central spacecraft with large steps. In a flight suit, he looked imposing.

Before departure, Cen Lang had the chance to go with him, switching to another warship. He declined, fearing that if something happened, Jiang Li would lose two important people.

The spacecraft emitted a bright blue light as it hovered above and then swiftly disappeared in a certain direction.

Moments later, countless fireworks soared into the sky, forming golden waterfalls and blocking the distant view. Above the Milky Way waterfall, light purple, pink, and golden green fireworks bloomed, creating a dazzling display. Jiang Li watched, his eyes shimmering.

Was it because he mentioned it was like New Year’s Eve at the dinner table? Or was it to prevent him from seeing the spacecraft’s tail? Did they think fireworks would make him forget his low mood?

Jiang Li blinked, a tear rolling down his cheek like a star from a firework.

Wang Wang stared in amazement as Mr. Cen came thunderously. His eyes reddened as the spacecraft left the ground for a second.

For many years, witnessing Mr. being tortured by the storm syndrome, when did he see him shed tears?

Wang Wang wanted to record this precious moment for their wedding but hesitated.

Never offend an Alpha who can’t live without his wife; it would be a losing proposition.

As the fireworks ended, Cen Lang also left Earth and reached the transfer point. His confidant had thoroughly inspected the warship, and everything was ready.

Cen Lang’s military deputy, Meng Ru, personally came to the transfer point to report: “The escort ship was selected by me, publicly claiming to be on a cruise mission.”

The escort ship’s pilots were all top-notch Alpha brothers of Cen Lang. At this moment, they were already wearing protective gear and standing in a row, as if waiting for their leader’s review.

Cen Lang smiled, instructing, “Meng Ru, after I leave, closely monitor public opinion to prevent anyone targeting Jiang Li.”

Meng Ru nodded. “Understood.”

Cen Lang asked the Alphas, “If anyone troubles my wife, do you know what to do?”

Top-notch Alphas in unison: “Rest assured, boss, we’ll take care of our sister-in-law.”

Cen Lang kicked one of them: “You’re daydreaming!”

A top-notch Alpha earnestly said, “Sister-in-law’s stance is our stance.”

Cen Lang had nothing more to say. He didn’t even need to write a will; all his property would go to his grandfather. His grandfather would take care of the little one, Jiang Li, and Jiang Li probably wouldn’t accept it. Jiang Wanlan and Lu Jing also had money.

He wasn’t going to die, but he had to be fully prepared.

“Depart,” Cen Lang ordered, and both the escort ship and the White Flame warship took off, heading towards the signal ship’s signal. After flying for a day and a night, they reached the third boundary line. The White Flame warship left the formation, heading alone into the depths of space.

The other escort ships flew around the third boundary line for a few hours, encountering no foolish pirate ships, and could only regretfully return.

The White Flame warship had two pilots in total: Cen Lang and a retired warship test pilot, Chen Ping, skilled in piloting various types of warships, even damaged ones.

Forty-five-year-old Chen Ping had extensive experience. He volunteered, having received favours from Cen Lang’s father. Importantly, he had dealt with the missing ship of Cen Lang’s parents and had a good understanding of its interior.