Chapter 38: The Search

The four of them turned to see Qin Lang approaching. Shan Ye’s originally handsome face twisted with confusion and distress.

Before long, Qin Lang stood before them, noticing that everyone had their heads down, clearly hiding something.

“What are you all doing so early in the morning?” he asked.

Shan Ye and Captain Song exchanged glances, preparing to speak when Xiao Nan’s voice broke through, filled with tears

“Captain, Dr. Lin is missing.”

“None of us knew she didn’t come down the mountain last night.”

Qin Lang’s heart dropped painfully, causing him to bend over slightly, but he forced himself to stand upright and questioned Shan Ye, “What exactly happened? What do you mean she’s missing?”

Captain Song quickly recounted the events of the previous night. After listening, Qin Lang didn’t say anything, he dropped his luggage and dashed up the mountain.

He soon reached the area where the fire had occurred, searching frantically but finding no one. Calling out her name, he received no response.

Panic washed over Qin Lang, turning his face pale as he felt an overwhelming sense of unease. Clenching his fists, he struggled to calm himself.

“She’ll be okay,” he whispered, his gaze resolute yet anxious.

He turned to survey the surroundings, hoping to find some clue. Shan Ye and the others followed him, beginning their search.

Finally, in the southern area where the fire had occurred, they discovered a set of footprints. Following them, they noticed they were somewhat chaotic, as if left in a panic.

His concern deepened as he feared she might be in danger.

As they followed the tracks, Qin Lang sensed something was off, the footprints clearly indicated signs of someone being lost.

His heart raced, and various scenarios flooded his mind, but he dared not dwell on them and continued to trace the footsteps, hoping to find a clue.

Eventually, Qin Lang found two sets of footprints under a tree one belonging to a team member, and the other clearly belonging to Lin You. One set showed signs of injury, while the other appeared lighter, undoubtedly Lin You’s.

After a considerable effort, they discovered a cave.

However, upon entering, they found it empty. By the campfire, Qin Lang crouched down and tested the ashes with his hand, feeling a faint warmth.

This relieved him, at least it indicated she had spent the night here and hadn’t suffered any serious harm.

The group’s mood gradually lightened, and Qin Lang’s furrowed brow relaxed. Since she and the injured team member had left here, they must have moved slowly.

As long as they followed the tracks, they should be able to catch up.

Qin Lang led everyone toward the back mountain, carefully searching for her signs along the way. Finally, at the foot of the mountain, he spotted Lin You’s figure.

“Yoyo… Yoyo…” Qin Lang called out excitedly, his voice filled with joy and relief.

Hearing the call, Lin You shivered slightly and slowly turned around, meeting Qin Lang’s gaze, which was filled with infinite tenderness and love. Seeing the person she had missed so much rushing towards her, all her grievances faded away. The longing of recent days burst forth in a moment of joyful tears.

Qin Lang hurried to Lin You, unhesitatingly reaching out to tightly embrace her. He held her as if trying to merge her into himself, feeling her soft body and listening to her gentle breaths. At that moment, he realized just how deeply he missed her.

His arms tightened around her, leaving no space, as if he wanted to absorb her into himself, fearing she would never leave again. The anxieties he felt earlier were nothing compared to the fear of losing her, which was far more intense than any mission he had undertaken.

Only by holding her tightly could he ease his nervousness.

Lin You was startled by Qin Lang’s sudden action but quickly adapted, savoring the long awaited embrace and feeling his warmth and strength. Leaning against him, listening to his heartbeat and inhaling his familiar scent, she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Despite the conflicts and misunderstandings they had faced, in this moment, nothing else mattered. As long as he was by her side, everything could be resolved in time.

Realizing that others were watching them, Lin You felt a bit embarrassed.

She gently struggled, trying to break free from Qin Lang’s embrace. But he didn’t let go, instead, he tightened his hold, making it impossible for her to move.

“Don’t move,” Qin Lang whispered in her ear, his voice tinged with a hint of plea.

Lin You froze, sensing Qin Lang’s rapid heartbeat, which seemed to convey his anxiety and worry.

She gave up struggling and quietly enjoyed this long awaited embrace. Meanwhile, those around them discreetly turned away, giving them some private space.

After a while, Qin Lang finally loosened his grip, but his hands remained resting on Lin You’s shoulders, as if afraid that if he let go, she would disappear.

Gently, Qin Lang wiped away the remaining tears on Lin You’s cheeks and brushed her messy hair, his gaze lingering on her cracked lips and weary eyes, filled with tenderness and love as he softly asked, “Are you okay?”

Lin You shook her head slightly, her voice a bit hoarse. “I’m fine.”

Then, feeling a bit awkward, she looked at Captain Song and continued, “Captain, I’m so sorry for worrying everyone. Lieutenant Qiong Hua might have a fractured foot and needs to be taken to the hospital quickly.”

At this point, everyone finally realized that the injured person was Qiong Hua and hurriedly lifted her onto a stretcher to prepare for transport to the hospital.

Just then, Lu Li arrived in a vehicle, ready to take Lin You to the family quarters.

Qiong Hua was sent to the hospital.

Captain Song instructed Lin You, “Dr. Lin, remember to take a walkie talkie next time. This was also my fault. You shouldn’t work today, take a couple of days off to rest.”

Lin You nodded.

After returning home, Qin Lang held Lin You’s hand without letting go, and they stood quietly, gazing deeply into each other’s eyes, their expressions revealing endless affection, as if trying to engrave each other’s image into their souls.

Lin You was captivated by Qin Lang’s gaze, instantly lost in its depth.

At that moment, Qin Lang noticed that her clear eyes were filled with deep emotions and tenderness, no longer exhibiting the previous coldness or distance.

He felt a surge of joy and embraced her tightly again, softly asking, “Are you hungry?”

Lin You smiled slightly, her lips curving up, “I’m not hungry, just a bit thirsty, and I want to take a shower.”

Qin Lang quickly got up to pour her some water, then, while she was bathing, he hurriedly prepared a simple meal.

After eating, Qin Lang gently carried Lin You to bed, kissed her forehead softly, and whispered, “Get some rest, I need to head to the station for a bit.”

Lin You nodded obediently, understanding he had many matters to attend to after just returning.

Qin Lang leaned down to kiss her cheek again, reluctantly stepping out of the house.

Perhaps because Lin You had finally let go of her worries over the past few days, she slept particularly soundly, even through the time Qin Lang returned home.