The jeep bumped along the potholed mountain road for a full four or five hours.
At first, you could still see some scattered villages and the occasional commune member carrying farm tools.
The further you go in, the fewer people there are, and the more difficult the road becomes.
The trees on both sides gradually become denser, eventually resembling a primeval forest.
Su Tang was so shaken around that she felt dizzy and disoriented. If it weren't for Qin Ye's excellent driving skills, she felt she would have thrown up her breakfast sooner or later.
"Commander Qin, are you sure this road is for people to walk on, and not for wild boars to dig up?" Su Tang asked weakly, clinging to the car window.
Qin Ye glanced at her in the rearview mirror, a slight smile unconsciously appearing on his lips.
"We're almost there, just hang in there a little longer."
His voice was steady, like a pillar of strength on this rugged mountain road.
Su Tang only complained a little, but she was actually quite interested in this kind of pristine scenery.
In my past life, I went on missions and encountered all sorts of remote and dangerous places, so this little bit of bumpy ride is nothing.
About half an hour later, the jeep wound its way through the mountains and finally entered a very secluded ravine.
The surrounding area is steep mountain walls, with only one narrow passage.
Qin Ye parked the car steadily next to a relatively flat boulder.
"Alright, honey, this is the best the car can go." He turned off the engine and jumped out of the car.
Su Tang also came down, stretched out her arms and legs, and loosened her stiff muscles.
The air in this mountain valley is unbelievably fresh, carrying the sweet, earthy scent of grass, trees, and damp soil.
Qin Ye opened the trunk and began unloading the items.
Various sizes of military canvas bags, and some miscellaneous equipment.
He worked quickly, and in no time, the items were piled up into a small mountain next to the car.
Su Tang's small backpack was among them.
Qin Ye quickly gathered most of the supplies into a huge marching backpack, tested its weight, and then stuffed some more inside.
Then he patted the backpack, which was almost half his height, and said to Su Tang, "I'll carry these."
He then pointed to Su Tang's small backpack: "Just carry your little bag and follow behind me."
Su Tang raised an eyebrow: "Commander Qin, you underestimate me too much. I am, after all..."
"You are my wife," Qin Ye interrupted her, his tone leaving no room for argument.
He slung the enormous backpack over his shoulder and stood firmly.
Su Tang estimated that it must weigh at least seventy or eighty pounds.
"Okay, you're the leader, you're in charge." Su Tang shrugged, but felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
Being treated like a porcelain doll and protected is actually not so bad.
Seeing that she didn't insist anymore, Qin Ye nodded in satisfaction and took the lead in walking towards the only path deep in the mountain valley.
Su Tang slung her small bag over her shoulder and followed briskly.
Her bag ostensibly contained some changes of clothes and daily necessities, but in reality, the entire space served as her logistical warehouse.
The two walked one after the other into the primeval forest covered with a thin layer of snow in winter.
Towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, cutting the sunlight into tiny, scattered spots that sporadically fell through the forest.
The light suddenly dimmed, and all around was quiet except for the soft rustling of footsteps on withered branches, fallen leaves, and thin snow.
Occasionally, a few clear bird calls or the whispers of unknown wild animals in the distance could be heard, adding a touch of mystery to this deep forest.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
