Stars In His Eyes
Chapter 649: Back to Hometown 3_1

Chapter 649: Chapter 649: Back to Hometown 3_1

It was not until late the night before she was due to depart when He Teng went particularly to the guest house to visit her. He was alone, seeming to have saved all the words he had not said in the past two days.

"You’ll be on your own on a long train ride, always be alert towards pickpockets and thieves. If you encounter them, as a girl, call out for help instead of trying to fight them. Even though you know some self-defence, you never know if they carry knives. Don’t risk your life for your belongings. Once you get off the train, your father and Dongxue will pick you up. After you three get home..." He Teng initially intended to ask He Zhilan to call him as a safety measure but then remembered that he would be in the mountains for special training and unable to receive calls.

Pausing for a moment, he then suggested, "You dial the Political Commissar’s wife, if something comes up, tell her. It will set my mind at ease. When you go to C Province, be extremely cautious as a girl. Before leaving, give me a phone call, mentioning the city you’re heading to. Once you reach C Province, where you’ll be staying, and descriptions of some people, also call..."

"He Teng." He Zhilan looked at him with a smile, she curtly voiced his full name, raised an eyebrow and asked, "Have you noticed that you’ve become increasingly nagging?"

He Teng glanced at He Zhilan and stopped speaking, "Check your tone and remember every single word I’m telling you!"

Zhilan only wanted to tease He Teng a bit, but he was as serious as if he was in a meeting.

She straighten up, standing tall and nodded, expressing an understanding to Teng with her eyes, promising that she would take his words seriously.

The things He Teng cautioned about were many ’what ifs’ scenarios and how to handle them. He spoke very seriously, his expression was stern as well because he was genuinely worried about her. At such moments, he especially hoped that He Zhilan will take in all of his teachings.

"Brother, don’t worry, I will go and return safely! Once I’m there, I will keep in touch with you and the family!" He Zhilan responded seriously, her tone devoid of any superficiality.

Upon seeing this, He Teng nodded and advised her to rest early before finally leaving the guest house.

Early the next morning, He Teng and the soldiers participating in special training departed the troop before dawn. By the time He Zhilan woke up, the troop was much quieter than usual.

At noon, under the arrangement of the army, He Zhilan left the troop and boarded the train back home. The long journey was a bit tough for her alone, and because she carried a considerable amount of money, throughout the entire journey, she dared not fall into a deep sleep and remained vigilant.

Luckily, the journey was uneventful throughout.

A county train station is much more desolate than a big city’s train station. She didn’t need to look around; as soon as He Zhilan disembarked from the train, she spotted her father, He Zhongguo, and her sister He Dongxue looking up expectantly in the crowd.

After an entire year of absence, He Zhilan felt tears welling up at the sight of them from afar, "Dad, Dongxue!"

Choking up, she called out to the two not far away, waving at them. Once they heard, they turned their heads, their anxious faces quickly turning joyful. They then quickly walked towards her.

"You’re back at last! It’s been a year since we last saw each other, your father missed you so much!" He Zhongguo stopped in front of He Zhilan, carefully examining her, "Has our Zhilan grown taller? She seems to have lost some weight too?"