Xu Qian ran toward the entrance of the mechanism according to the map.
Time was of the essence; Hui Feichi was still being held inside and if he were killed, her antidote would truly be gone.
The entrance to the mechanism was on the second floor, and the mechanism itself was on the first. The map indicated the entrance was a chimney.
Xu Qian searched the second floor for a long time before finding the chimney. The men in black were all concentrated at the mechanism, so this area was unguarded.
Whether it was Xiang Jintian or not, she had to go and see.
What if... it was him...
She feared a lifetime of regret.
Xu Qian slowly climbed down the ladder. After about twenty rungs, she reached a concrete slab.
They said it was a near-death experience; it certainly wouldn't be that simple.
Xu Qian lowered her head and felt along the concrete wall, faintly sensing a button in the corner.
She narrowed her eyes, pressed it, and with a thought, entered her spatial dimension.
She only exited the space after five minutes.
Numerous bullet holes appeared in the concrete walls on both sides, and the concrete slab beneath her feet opened.
Xu Qian continued to climb down. No one was below, and the sounds of those people digging through walls echoed around.
If they weren't at this mechanism, they must be at another.
The two mechanisms were connected. If nothing went wrong, there should be a connecting door between them.
Just as she thought this, a sudden "clang" sounded.
The stone wall was moved aside, and several familiar figures appeared before her.
They held guns, and several dark muzzles were aimed directly at her.
Gu Qing's expression was tense, lacking the demeanor of a young boy from before.
Li Lili's hands began to glow with flames.
Cheng Liangqing's steps were light as he steadily held his gun.
Vines from Cheng Liangze's hands coiled toward her.
Her former lover stood by the side, motionless.
Xu Qian slightly lifted her chin and said softly, "Stop."
Her voice was light, but her tone was heavy.
Suddenly, everyone froze. The vines withdrew, the flames extinguished, and the guns lowered.
The man's expression changed dramatically as he stammered, "Xu Qian?"
The girl wore a loose black robe and a black hooded cap, revealing only a sliver of her fair chin.
She nodded, "Come with me."
Gu Qing looked as though he was about to cry. He rushed forward and grabbed her small arm.
"Sister Qian, I missed you so much."
Xu Qian patted his head and chuckled, "Mm, I missed you all too."
"Don't delay, hurry and go."
The others stood frozen, not yet comprehending.
"Cheng Liangze, go up!"
Her cold voice penetrated to the bone. Cheng Liangze instinctively responded and his body moved upward.
"Lili, your turn."
Li Lili had yet to recover from her shock. She dazedly agreed.
"Liangqing."
Cheng Liangqing stood in place, gazing at her for a long moment before climbing up.
"Gu Qing, go."
"Sister Qian, sob sob sob..."
"Be good."
Finally, Gu Qing, tearfully, climbed up.
"Jintian..."
The man's fingertips trembled as he pulled her into his embrace.
"Xixi."
Xu Qian sighed. She buried her face in his familiar chest and asked in a muffled voice, "How is the wound?"
The man's Adam's apple bobbed. After a while, he hoarsely replied, "It's nothing serious."
"That's good."
Silence fell between them.
Suddenly, a loud crashing sound echoed, and the entire wall shook violently.
"Jintian, let's go. We'll meet again."
"How long is 'again'?"
Xu Qian closed her eyes, concealing the redness within them.
"Within five years. If you can't find me after five years, then consider me dead."
"Xixi, what are you saying?"
Xiang Jintian's voice trembled. He wasn't afraid of her finding another man; in this apocalypse, life was the most important thing.
Death meant losing everything.
"Jintian, I have my mission. There are things I must do. Do you understand?"
Xiang Jintian let out a low hum. He slightly released her, gently embracing her back and holding her to his chest.
The man looked down at her.
The girl couldn't see anything. She reached to remove her hood, but the man grasped her wrist.
"Jintian..."
Those two lips, which he had yearned for day and night, parted slightly, radiating an alluring glow.
The man couldn't resist and kissed her.
The familiar kiss made Xu Qian feel incredibly comfortable. She hummed softly, causing Xiang Jintian's entire body to heat up, his face flushing red.
It had indeed been a long time...
"Xixi..."