"But, Dad, what about us?"

"Alright, enough with the buts. Remember, in front of outsiders, don't easily mention who your father is, not even your master's or your Uncle Li's names."

It's important to understand that once this gets back to others, it might not always be a good thing.

"Yes, Dad, I understand."

"Now that you know, let's pack up first. Once your mom has finished packing, we need to go see Mianmian. I wonder how she's doing all by herself in that place in Northeast China."

Fortunately, this child has never been fussy; otherwise, I'm really afraid she wouldn't have been able to stay in that rural area.

"Dad, don't worry! Mianmian is very adaptable, so you and Mom don't need to worry."

"How can I not worry? This child has grown up by my side since he was little, and he's no different from my own child."

Things were finally getting a little better, but alas! There's nothing we can do about it.

Once you put on these clothes, your life is no longer your own, and for those who are still alive, the days ahead will be difficult.

Third brother, if you have the chance later, you should keep in touch with Mianmian more often.

Even if she only writes a letter now and then, it lets others know that Mianmian is not someone that anyone can bully.

Even though her parents are gone, there will still be people who can support her.

"Dad, don't worry, I know what to do."

"That's good. I'll tell your eldest brother, second sister, and fourth brother later."

Don't be fooled by the fact that you are five children; you are not brothers or sisters from the same family.

But ultimately, Mianmian is still your junior sister. Now that your master is gone, you, as her senior brothers and sisters, should take good care of her.

"Dad, don't worry, I know what to do. As long as I have the ability and strength, I won't let anyone bully Mianmian."

However, even when I have the ability, it will still be a few years. What should I do during those years?

"Don't worry about that. I don't know what will happen in the long run, but within three to five years, I'd say I'll still protect Mianmian."

In three to five years, both you and your older brother will have grown up.

By then, even if you are just a lowly deputy company commander in the army, that will be enough to support Mianmian in that rural area.

If a suitable opportunity arises and the time is right, you can try to arrange for Mianmian to work in the city.

"Alright! We'll do it your way!"

And just like that, Shen Xi never expected that after taking a holiday, before she even had a proper rest, she would be on a train to the Northeast again.

Even though I didn't want to suffer this ordeal, the thought of my younger sister, whom I had grown up with, being alone in such a faraway place made me grit my teeth and go see her. Otherwise, I just couldn't rest easy.

Over the years, from childhood to adulthood, the only reason we've been apart for so long is because he was studying in another city.

But he never expected that they would be so far apart in such a short time, leaving him speechless.

Another thing is, I just can't understand why they would leave the city and go to such a remote rural area.

This is because he knew that things weren't very stable in the city right now; otherwise, he would have definitely taught the little girl a lesson.

Since you dared to go to the countryside alone, don't you know how dangerous it is to be alone in an unfamiliar place?

But when they saw where Mianmian lived, to be honest...

All I could think about was feeling sorry for her; I didn't even have time to think about disciplining her.

After a brief reunion, he learned about his sister's strength and abilities, which put his mind at ease for the time being.

However, he also saw his own shortcomings, which made him realize that he still had a long way to go in terms of effort.

Fortunately, he is still young and has plenty of opportunities to strive and fight for his goals.

After returning from Northeast China, he did not go into the mountains with his classmates, but stayed at home listening to his father talk about the current situation.

Normally, he doesn't understand politics very well, but at this time, even if he doesn't understand, he has to remember it, otherwise he will be doomed.

"You two remember this: after you return to school this time, don't call home unless you have to, and don't come back during holidays."

If there's a task you feel you can complete without getting hurt, then accept it.

Fortunately, the information provided when filling out the forms wasn't very detailed, so even if something happens in the Economic Development Zone, it won't involve you.

"Dad, we're not home. What are you and Mom going to do?"

"Is there really no way you can do this?"

"There is a way? It's not that there isn't, but we won't take that step unless absolutely necessary."

"Dad, you still don't want it?"

"Third Brother, what do you mean by that? What is Dad going to do?"

"Alright, you two, what are you thinking? Do you think your dad is the kind of person who gives in easily?"

Besides, we've finally stopped fighting. I've been through countless battles and never lost my life. How could I possibly give it up so easily?

"Then, Dad, what was that step you just mentioned?"

"What is it? It's going to the countryside, of course!"

"Going to the countryside? Dad, you're going to go with Mom to find Mianmian?"

"How could that be? Dad probably means that when the time comes, we'll go with the flow and choose to be sent to the countryside. But Dad, can the location of the relocation be arranged in advance?"

"Dad, won't this be difficult to handle?"

"Is it really not going to be handled properly? But fortunately, there is still time. If we operate carefully, there shouldn't be any problems."

"So, Dad, where do you plan to go then?"

"I haven't figured it out yet. This matter requires finding a reliable person, so I really don't know."

"Dad, won't it be too late?"

"It shouldn't be a big problem. I'm telling you now just so you two brothers are aware of the situation and don't panic when you hear about something happening at home."

"But Dad?"

"There are no 'buts'. This is the best arrangement. No matter where you are sent down, don't ask about it."

"Dad, do you mean you're worried about someone watching us?"

"It's hard to say. The only thing I can tell you right now is to be extra careful from now on."

Also, when you graduate and are assigned to your units, try to choose the units of these people.

Even if your dad has spent a considerable amount of time with them, he knows they are good people and treat their soldiers like their own children.

"By staying by their side, even if something happens in the future, at least they can protect you to some extent."

And so, when Shen Xi learned of his parents' whereabouts again, it was from a letter sent by Mianmian.

He never expected this girl to be so bold; he really didn't know what to say.