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Everyone turned to look, and saw Qian Xing, dressed in a crisp olive-green military uniform, carrying a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor) as he entered the courtyard.

Tang Shengkai stood up first, "Xingzi, come here quickly, we've been waiting for you."

"Hey, Third Brother. I brought a bottle of wine."

Tang Shengkai's expression turned serious. "You've only been in the army a couple of times, and you've already learned to squander money. You don't need to be so polite when you come to my house in the future."

Qian Xing smiled shyly, "Okay, Third Brother, I'll remember." His gaze met Tang Yue's immediately, and he smiled at her, revealing a mouthful of bright white teeth. "Yueyue's back."

Tang Yue nodded, "Uncle Qian, please sit down." Qian Xing sat down and handed the bottle of baijiu to Tang Yue. Tang Yue reached out to take it, but Tang Dong took it from her. He glared at Tang Yue, "Little sister, girls shouldn't drink alcohol. Let your third brother take it."

Tang Yue laughed. Was her third brother afraid that there was something fishy about the bottle?

However, Tang Dong's worries were unnecessary; the bottle of wine was just ordinary baijiu, and he hadn't tampered with it at all. Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lin Cuicui hurriedly brought out the dishes, and Tang Bei and Tang Nan went to help.

Qian Xing looked at the group and realized that he was the most suitable person to help among those sitting in the courtyard. He stood up somewhat shyly and said, "I... I'll help too." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, whether from embarrassment or nervousness.

"Hey, those few are enough. You train hard all the time, take a break," Tang Shengkai said casually while coaxing the child.

Qian Xing felt a little embarrassed, but still turned around and went to the kitchen. Just then, Lin Cuicui came out in front, carrying two plates in her hands, while Tang Bei and Tang Nan followed behind, each carrying a plate in their hands.

"Hey, Xingzi, what brings you here? The kitchen is a mess."

"Sister-in-law, I've come over to help serve the dishes."

"Hey, don't be so polite with us. Okay, there are two more dishes on the table inside. Xingzi, you can bring them over. I'll serve them rice outside."

"Okay, I'll do it."

Lin Cuicui and the others walked out of the kitchen, and Qian Xing went in. He looked back to make sure no one was outside, and with trembling right hand, he pulled a white paper package from his pants pocket. He glanced outside while his hands trembled as he opened the package.

Seeing that Lin Cuicui and Tang Bei and Tang Nan didn't come in, he walked to the water vat. Staring at the white powder in the paper packet, he knew that if he poured this into the water vat, his task would be complete.

But then, his third brother's entire family would have no way to survive. Qian Xing closed his eyes in anguish, the image of Xixi's chubby little face smiling at him lingering in his mind. Did he really have to do this?

Should he become a traitor? Should he kill an entire family for his own? Qian Xing was conflicted. He had received this mission almost two months ago, but he hadn't taken action yet.

He used to be able to convince himself that Tang Yue wasn't home, and he couldn't kill the whole family in one go. But now that Tang Yue is back, can he really bring himself to do it?

His recent training in the military had taught him many lessons. Although no one showed it openly, he had a feeling that Tang Yue was very important to the military. He couldn't bring himself to do it.

Tang Shengkai kept his eyes fixed on his daughter. Tang Bei, Tang Nan, and Tang Dong all looked rather grim, as if they were waiting for something. Tang Yue held Xixi's little hand, teasing her every now and then. Although it was only two minutes, it felt like an eternity to everyone.

Qian Xing walked out of the kitchen with a plate in each hand, smiling broadly. Xu Zhiwei complained, "Uncle Qian, why are you so slow?"

Qian Xing chuckled sheepishly, "I was feeling a bit thirsty, so I found a bowl to drink some water."

Tang Shengkai glanced at Tang Yue, who smiled and shook her head almost imperceptibly. Tang Bei and the others noticed Tang Yue's action, while Lin Cuicui merely glanced at her before everyone resumed their meal as if nothing had happened.

"Second Uncle, how are you feeling here? Has anyone come to see you for medical treatment?"

Before Uncle Xu could answer, Xu Zhiwei quickly exclaimed, "My grandpa is amazing! Now, everyone around us comes to him for help with any ailments. He says he earns more than he did in Qiligou."

Tang Shengkai was surprised and delighted. "Really? That's great! Second Uncle, have you ever thought about bringing your family here to live?"

Uncle Xu was stunned for a moment. He put down his chopsticks and looked at Tang Shengkai. "This, is it okay? If it weren't for your uncle giving me a letter of introduction for such a long period of time, I wouldn't have been able to come out for so long at all."

Tang Shengkai hadn't thought that much about it; he just asked because it came to mind. But now that it's been brought up, he realizes there are still quite a few issues to resolve.

Xu Zhiwei was somewhat displeased. "What are we doing here? I heard it's unbearably hot here in the summer; we northerners simply can't stand it. Also, the mosquitoes here are awful; their bites are so itchy."

I don't like staying here. I want to go back to Qiligou.

Uncle Xu looked down at his grandson. Hadn't they worked their whole lives for their children? Actually, he had been quite tempted just now, especially with things back home. Sigh!

"No matter how good this place is, it's not our home. I'll take Zhiwei back after winter."

Tang Shengkai couldn't bring himself to say anything to persuade him to stay; he genuinely didn't know what the situation was.

After the meal, Uncle Xu and Old Li drank quite a bit of alcohol. Tang Shengkai was worried that it wouldn't be safe for them to go back like this, so he and Qian Xing helped them into Tang Bei's house.

Tang Yue followed behind, carrying two cups. As soon as she helped him lie down, Tang Yue handed Tang Shengkai a cup of water. "Dad, give Master Xu some water. He'll be thirsty if he drinks too much."

Tang Shengkai took the cup, and Tang Yue handed the other cup to Qian Xing, saying, "Uncle Qian, you should have some too."

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