12dz Chapter 312 There was really no choice in this matter.
Chapter 312 There was really no choice in this matter.
Looking around to make sure no one was nearby, Li Xiangyang lowered his voice and said, "Actually, there was no choice in this matter. Didn't you hear what Director Zhao said? If something unexpected happens, they'll posthumously award him the title of martyr and make arrangements for his family. To put it bluntly, they've already decided on the nature of this."
Wang Ergou frowned: "So, they came to see us just to go through the motions?"
“Not entirely,” Li Xiangyang shook his head. “They really need help, and they genuinely believe we can solve the problem.”
"But if I refuse, at best it will be seen as a lack of firm stance and low ideological awareness; at worst it will be seen as a lack of class consciousness."
"Once this is defined, not only will one's personal future be affected, but one's family will also be implicated."
"So I have to go this time, but as you've seen, they don't care whether you go or not, because Old Zhou doesn't know your abilities..."
Wang Ergou was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Then you go, I won't go."
Li Xiangyang paused for a moment, realizing he was joking, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Okay, then I'll go alone. What if something really happens to me..."
"Nonsense!" Wang Ergou suddenly roared, grabbing Li Xiangyang by the collar. "What do you mean, 'You go but I won't'? What kind of relationship do we have? Besides, putting aside all positions, if I don't go, won't people gossip about me for the rest of my life?"
Seeing Wang Ergou's excited expression, Li Xiangyang quickly said, "Stop, stop, stop! I was just kidding, just teasing you."
"Don't give me that crap," Wang Ergou released his grip, still looking displeased. "You go? Fine, I'll go. Even the Heavenly King himself couldn't stop me. We'll die together, we'll live together, it's settled!"
Li Xiangyang patted Wang Ergou on the shoulder: "Good brother, go home and talk to your family."
Wang Ergou nodded: "Absolutely. Besides, they've already given quite a lot. Being posthumously recognized as a martyr ensures your family will be properly resettled, including urban residency, jobs, and housing. How many people would give anything for that?"
The two walked for a while longer, and then Wang Ergou suddenly said, "What kind of thing do you think is in those mountains that could scare someone crazy?"
Li Xiangyang shook his head: "I don't know. But I'm sure it's not some ghost. It's most likely a wild animal or man-made. As you said, they actually gave quite a lot. Listen to what Director Zhao said, 'Provide all necessary equipment and support,' which translates to: 'Brother, your chance to make a fortune has arrived; the equipment is yours once it's in your hands.'"
"Hey!" Wang Ergou slapped his thigh. "So, I need to make a list: binoculars, a knife for self-defense, bullets, a flashlight, and a few grenades..."
"You wish," Li Xiangyang couldn't help but chuckle. "Do you think the Forestry Bureau is an arsenal?"
The two chatted and laughed as they went home.
Back home, Li Xiaoyun was mending clothes under the lamp. Seeing Li Xiangyang return, her face immediately lit up with a smile: "You're back? What did you catch?"
"I hunted a deer." Li Xiangyang put down his share of meat, sat down next to Li Xiaoyun, and gently stroked her lower abdomen: "Are you feeling unwell today?"
Li Xiaoyun shook her head: "I'm fine. What's wrong? You don't look well."
Li Xiangyang took a deep breath and told her everything about the Forestry Bureau's visit.
Upon hearing this, Li Xiaoyun's expression changed, and she unconsciously covered her abdomen with her hands: "Can't we not go? It's such a dangerous place. Even if you don't consider me, you have to consider this unborn child..."
Li Xiangyang was silent for a moment, then slowly revealed the truth: "Xiaoyun, there was really no choice in this matter. Director Zhao came personally and made it so clear that if I refused, you can imagine the consequences."
Li Xiaoyun was stunned, her eyes filled with reluctance and worry: "Then...what about Er Gou? Is he going too?"
“Yes, he insisted on going with me.” Li Xiangyang nodded. “I told him to stay behind, but he got really angry. Actually, I feel guilty, knowing it's dangerous, yet he still risked his life with me. But to be honest, with him there, our chances of coming back alive are much greater.”
Li Xiaoyun lowered her head, tears silently streaming down her face.
Li Xiangyang hugged her tightly, his heart aching. "Don't be afraid, I'll be careful and come back safely."
"You promise?" Li Xiaoyun looked up with tearful eyes.
“I promise,” Li Xiangyang said firmly. “I want you to promise me too that you’ll take good care of yourself and the child while I’m away. Don’t worry, don’t overthink, eat on time, rest on time, and absolutely don’t let your mind wander.”
Li Xiaoyun nodded, wiping away her tears: "I promise you. But you must come back as soon as possible. I'm just worried about you. Every time you go out, I can't help but wonder if you're cold, hungry, or scared..."
"Hey, you're underestimating your man," Li Xiangyang said with a forced smile. "Besides, we have Er Gou too. Together, we could take down a tiger."
Li Xiaoyun gripped Li Xiangyang's hand tightly: "I know, but this isn't a tiger. Even the fiercest tiger is still visible..."
“Don’t worry, there are no demons or monsters in this world,” Li Xiangyang said firmly. “For you, for our child, I will definitely return safely.”
The two slept in each other's arms, but neither of them fell asleep.
As dawn broke, Li Xiangyang quietly got up, afraid of waking Li Xiaoyun.
He dressed, packed his bags, took one last look at his sleeping wife, and gently kissed her forehead.
“I’m leaving. Wait for me to come back,” he said softly.
Li Xiaoyun suddenly opened her eyes. She wasn't asleep; she was just afraid she would cry.
Fighting back tears, she got up and straightened Li Xiangyang's collar: "I'll go make you breakfast."
"No need, you should rest a bit more." Li Xiangyang held her hand.
Li Xiaoyun shook her head: "No, if you go, who knows how many days you'll get a hot meal? I have to cook you a good meal."
As she spoke, she got up, dressed, and headed to the kitchen.
Li Xiangyang watched his wife's busy figure, his heart filled with mixed feelings.
He knew that Li Xiaoyun was holding back her tears because she didn't want him to worry.
Breakfast was simple, but Li Xiaoyun made it with extra care: a bowl of hot egg noodles and a few pickled vegetables.
"Eat more. We have some dry food with us on the road. Eat whenever you get hungry." Li Xiaoyun said as she stuffed some flatbread and dried meat into Li Xiangyang's bag.
Li Xiangyang grabbed her hand: "That's enough, that's enough. You need to eat well and take good care of yourself and the baby."
After finishing breakfast, it was already late, and Li Xiangyang had to set off.
He picked up his luggage and stood at the door. Li Xiaoyun helped him straighten his clothes, her eyes slightly red, but she didn't shed a tear.
"Don't tell Xiaohua and Xiaoying where I went, so they won't worry," Li Xiangyang instructed.
Li Xiaoyun nodded: "I know."