Soon, the old lady returned, and the family enjoyed a happy meal together.

After dinner, Li Dapeng and Wei Jiaguo insisted on washing the dishes, while Luo Qingyuan and the old lady could only tidy up the house a little.

In the study were Duan Renji and Duan Ye.

Duan Renji: "I'm sure you know many things without me having to say them. I have to take them back tonight. Your sister-in-law will stay in Kyoto for a while. If you have any questions, just contact her."

Duan Ye smiled and nodded: "I understand, don't worry."

Duan Renji: "Remember to call me if anything happens."

With that, Duan Renji stood up: "Your sister-in-law is still waiting for me downstairs, so I'll be leaving now."

Duan Ye: "Huh? When did your sister-in-law arrive? Why didn't you call her up?"

Duan Renji chuckled, "I just arrived. You're just giving me a ride, since we might not see each other again after this separation."

Duan Ye sighed: "Then I'll take you."

Duan Renji nodded and left the study.

Just as he stepped out of the study, Li Dapeng and Wei Jiaguo also came out of the kitchen.

Duan Renji: "Let's go once we're all packed up."

Li Dapeng and Duan Ye quickly followed.

Luo Qingyuan walked over, and Duan Ye took her hand in the process: "Come with me to see my brother off."

Luo Qingyuan nodded: "Okay."

So, the group of five went downstairs.

Liang Mo was dressed in plain clothes, with her hair tied in a high ponytail, leaning against the car. When she saw them get out, her eyes softened considerably.

Li Dapeng and Wei Jiaguo happily greeted, "Hello, sister-in-law!"

Liang Mo smiled and greeted them, "Hello."

Duan Ye and Luo Qingyuan also greeted her, "Sister-in-law."

Liang Mo nodded, then walked over to Duan Renji and straightened his clothes as she did so: "You're leaving so soon? Can't you stay another day?"

Duan Renji: "Military orders are absolute. Please keep a close eye on Kyoto, my wife."

Liang Mo's eyes were a little red. She had been married to Duan Renji for so many years, but she had only met him a handful of times.

But there's nothing they can do; they all have their own responsibilities.

Seeing this, Duan Renji felt uneasy. Despite Liang Mo's decisive and efficient manner in official matters, he was quite clingy in private.

For the first time, Duan Renji hugged Liang Mo, whose eyes were red, in front of his subordinates.

"I promise you, whenever I have a vacation, I'll go straight home, okay?"

Li Dapeng and Wei Jiaguo exchanged a glance and silently turned away.

They dared not look, fearing they would be punished when they returned.

Duan Ye and Luo Qingyuan silently turned their heads, holding hands. At times like this, it was better to play dumb.

They simply held hands even tighter, a moment that made them cherish each other even more.

Liang Mo buried his head in Duan Renji's broad chest and said in a muffled voice, "Okay, I'll wait for you to come back."

Duan Renji wanted to let go of her, but Liang Mo held her even tighter with affection: "Come back safely. Whether it's an exercise or a mission, whatever you do, you must come home safely."

Duan Renji smiled brightly and replied in a low voice, "Okay."

He has worked his way up to his current position by risking his life. The only reason he has been able to persevere, besides his family, is Liang Mo.

The two hugged for a while before reluctantly parting.

Liang Mo got into the driver's seat first.

Duan Renji glanced at the group of four with their heads down, their backs to them, and said in a strong voice, "Let's go!"

Li Dapeng and Wei Jiaguo quickly responded, turned around, and ran to the car.

Duan Ye and Luo Qingyuan also looked at Duan Renji.

My eldest cousin's departure means it might really be several years before we see each other again.

Even Duan Ye, a grown man, had tears in his eyes.

Duan Renji laughed and said, "Alright, Xiao Ye, what's with all the crying? Just live a good life with your wife. I'm leaving now."

After saying that, Duan Renji waved and got into the passenger seat.

Duan Ye: "Big brother, come back safe and sound."

Duan Renji nodded, and then Liang Mo drove off.

Luo Qingyuan leaned on Duan Ye's shoulder, watching them gradually disappear into the distance.

"Where is my older cousin's unit? If you miss him, can we go visit him?"

Duan Ye shook his head: "I can't watch it."

Luo Qingyuan was somewhat shocked: "Huh? Why? Can't we visit relatives?"

Duan Ye: "No, all his whereabouts are kept secret, secret from all of us, not even my sister-in-law knows."

"And my second cousin, we know nothing about him except that he works at sea."

Luo Qingyuan's heart seemed to be churning with turbulent waves.

She seemed to understand why her brother had suffered such a crushing defeat against Duan Renji.

But Luo Qingyuan didn't understand why Duan Ye hadn't served in the military since the Duan family had been in the military for generations.

Duan Ye glanced at Luo Qingyuan and guessed what she was thinking, and couldn't help but smile.

Then she calmly stated the truth: "Because my grandfather originally had seven brothers, but in the end, only my grandfather survived."

"I heard from my grandma that many years ago, my grandpa was wounded in battle and was in a vegetative state for several years before he finally regained consciousness..."

My uncle also lost an eye while on duty. Although he is still working, the lesson he learned was unforgettable.

The Duan family must have descendants.

Grandpa was terrified.

My uncle's family all joined the army, so my grandfather ordered his father to take a different path.

Since his eldest and second cousins ​​had followed the same paths as his grandfather and uncle, he and Duan Ze had no choice but to take a different route.

My second cousin... has never been home since he joined the army.

In his memory, his second cousin was still that naive young man, but in fact, his second cousin was about to turn twenty-seven.

Nobody knows if there will be another chance to see them.

Luo Qingyuan felt complicated after hearing Duan Ye's words.

In the end, she simply turned around and hugged Duan Ye.

"Thank you for everything, Grandpa and Grandma, your brothers and sisters-in-law... and you and your parents..."

Duan Ye had tears in his eyes, but he still hugged Luo Qingyuan back and said, "It's okay. In this world, there are always people who choose a different path."

Besides, isn't he also studying in the engineering department?

In a few years, perhaps he can follow Duan Sheng to research other, more powerful weapons.

Despite its low profile, Jinhe Company never leaks company secrets.

Luo Qingyuan sighed, "Everyone thinks you're the one who's lucky to be with me, but now I feel like I'm the one who's lucky to be with you?"

Duan Ye was taken aback for a moment, then smiled, his hand caressing the soft flesh of Luo Qingyuan's waist as he whispered in her ear, "Actually... I'm the lucky one. Both I and little Duan Ye are very happy~"

Luo Qingyuan's face instantly turned red, and she couldn't help but reach out and pinch Duan Ye's flesh, making Duan Ye howl in pain.

"You can't even say three serious sentences, can you?"

Duan Ye chuckled and grabbed Luo Qingyuan's slender fingers: "Nonsense! You clearly said three sentences..."

Luo Qingyuan was both amused and exasperated: "I'm truly speechless..."