Chapter 98: Her Father

However, generous as Zhong Xiao was, she did not stoop to argue with Song Tingshen. Instead, she spoke openly, “Let’s go to Baiyun Mountain before it gets dark.” With that, she strode to the door, pulled it open, and stepped outside.

Song Tingshen glanced at her carefree figure, then rose and followed her out. Yet, deep down, his composure was a mere façade.

[This is bad. Does Xiao Xiao believe me or not?]
[My mouth really gets me in trouble. If she truly doesn’t believe me, what will I do?]
[I might as well let the enemy blow me speechless with a cannon.]

Hearing Song Tingshen mutter this, Zhong Xiao couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She suddenly halted and turned back. Song Tingshen, caught off guard, nearly collided with her. He lifted his gaze and saw Zhong Xiao standing ahead, her smile gentle, lips curved in a subtle arc, the dimples on her cheeks faintly visible, her eyes soft.

She said, “Captain Song, I trust you.”

Though her words were abrupt, Song Tingshen understood.

She believed him.

Far in the sky, the sunset withdrew its last rays. The orange heavens were gradually enveloped by the gray curtain of night; the streetlamp at the entrance of the residential area had not yet lit. Everything in his sight seemed to dim and blur, leaving only the person before him.

Her eyes sparkled, her skin was pale, her smile faint yet radiant, her presence fresh and alluring. Her voice was tender, so pleasant to hear.

She said she trusted him.

Those four simple words became the most moving sound Song Tingshen had ever heard.

He stared at Zhong Xiao in a daze until her soft laughter snapped him out of it and she turned away, continuing onward. He stood rooted to the spot, her words echoing in his ears, his heart pounding uncontrollably, his face flushed.

He reached up to touch his own ear.

It was burning hot.

All he could do was pray that Zhong Xiao wouldn’t turn around, wouldn’t see how flustered he looked.

Yet, in the privacy of his heart, he hoped she would look back—just once. To see him moved by her, to see how she had unsettled him and stolen his breath.

Song Tingshen took a deep breath.

The air was tinged with sweetness.

-

Arriving at the foot of Baiyun Mountain, Zhong Xiao finally turned around and asked Song Tingshen, “Is this the place?”

By then, Song Tingshen had regained his composure. He paused, then replied, “Yes. I’ll walk ahead—the path up the mountain is tricky, I’ll lead the way.”

Zhong Xiao nodded.

As they ascended, she obediently followed behind Song Tingshen, matching his steps one by one. Because it had rained the night before, the dirt path was still slippery. Despite her caution, she stepped wrong and let out a small, startled cry, falling backward.

Fortunately, Song Tingshen had been watching her intently. As she teetered, he swiftly caught her wrist, pulled her into his arms, and steadied her with a hand on her shoulder, bringing her safely into his embrace.

It was a close call.

After a dizzy moment, Zhong Xiao found herself wrapped in warmth and strength. Song Tingshen’s chest was firmer than she’d imagined, his broad frame enveloping her completely. At her ear, she could clearly hear the vigorous beating of his heart—a sound all the more distinct on the quiet, wind-swept mountain.

Both stood frozen, motionless in a pose both awkward and heart-stirring.

It was Zhong Xiao who recovered first, bracing herself against Song Tingshen’s chest to stand upright. He released her wrist in turn.

Her voice was barely above a whisper, “Thank you, Captain Song.”

Song Tingshen replied evenly, “It’s nothing.”

[I’m dying. I can’t breathe. My heart’s about to leap out of my chest.]

Zhong Xiao pressed her lips together, casting a quick glance at Song Tingshen’s chest.

He hadn’t seemed particularly flustered just a moment ago.

Song Tingshen noticed her look.

[I’ve been neglecting my training lately—my chest muscles aren’t as defined as before. Is Xiao Xiao dissatisfied? Tomorrow, I’ll add a weighted five-kilometer run and another hour of weights.]

Zhong Xiao couldn’t help but cough, afraid she might laugh aloud, and hurriedly changed the subject. “Captain Song, let’s go.”

Song Tingshen murmured his assent and continued up the mountain.

The path grew easier, and both relaxed somewhat. The silence lingered between them until Song Tingshen, for once, took the initiative to start a conversation.

“Have you ever seen Uncle Nie’s photograph?”

Zhong Xiao paused, shook her head, and said, “No. I didn’t even know he was my biological father. I only found out recently that Du Huacheng wasn’t my father.”

Just imagining the hardships Zhong Xiao must have endured made Song Tingshen’s heart ache. A young woman, mother deceased, father with no blood relation, not a single relative to protect her, a stepmother and other children, a vast inheritance—how many people must have sought to harm her?

That she had managed to escape to Taizhou Island unscathed, who knew how many plans she’d made?

His heart grew heavy, as if he’d made a silent vow.

After a while, Song Tingshen finally stopped before a gravestone.

Zhong Xiao halted beside him and followed his gaze.

Sure enough, it was Nie Yunfeng’s grave.

There was no photograph, only a line of simple, powerful words:

Tomb of Heroic Martyr Nie Yunfeng.

At that moment, a breeze swept past from nearby, rustling the branches, threading through the leaves, and teasing the wisps of hair at Zhong Xiao’s temple.

Her whole body trembled.

That sudden gust, warm and gentle, felt like a father’s hand softly brushing his daughter’s cheek.

For just an instant, tears silently fell.

She had never met her father, was merely standing quietly here. There was nothing—not even warmth from the cold stone of the grave.

Yet her eyes brimmed with tears, and she suddenly, desperately wanted to cry.

Father.

Was this her father?

Father, Zhong Xiao silently murmured in her heart, I am Xiao Xiao. I have come to see you.