Ephemeral clouds and works

Chapter 626: Taking a Desperate Gamble

    

st, the Eaglewing spoke.“Tomorrow, we'll gather information first. This includes blueprints of the Research Building, the specific locations of the equipment we need, and if anyone has ever come back...Zi Juan was very perceptive and immediately served up dried fruits, snacks, and tea. Then she left the space to her young mistress and Master Zhang.

"Ripple, what do you want to tell me"

Zhang Xuetao smiled and asked.

"My father discussed with me, saying that after my engagement to you, he would send me to a bride school in Country Y to study how to be a qualified housewife. He said once I finish studying and return, we will get married."

At first, I was reluctant. I didn't want to be apart from you for so long, but my father said that after we are engaged, there will definitely be many forces who disapprove of us and try every means to break us up.

"I can handle the messages for now, but if these people push their boundaries and come at me directly, I, as a weak woman, will be in danger. More importantly, it will hold you back. It's better to avoid them temporarily, which would allow you to establish your authority in front of Duan Jiajun. What do you think"

Zhang Xuetao was somewhat surprised that Duan Lianyi said these things to him, but after thinking about it, he could understand. This was a kind of protection that Duan Dashuai had for his own daughter. After all, Xia Guo was still in chaos now and not as peaceful as it seemed.

He figured it out, and said with a smile:

"My uncle is doing this for our own good. I'm fine, but it must be hard for you to study alone away from home. If I have the chance, I'll go see you."

"You said it yourself, don't go back on your word! But I'm not naive either, I know you men prioritize your careers. I'll write to you often, and please be sure to write back to me!"

Of course, you're my fiancée!

"What are you talking about We haven't even had an engagement ceremony yet! I'm not your fiancée!"

With a coy glance at Zhang Xuetao, Lian Yi said,

Then her face flushed, and her bright eyes were full of expectation, which instantly improved Zhang Xuetao's mood.

When Zhang Xuetao and his father got into the car to return home, he recounted Lian Ri's words to Zhang Fenglin.

Zhang Fenglin was not surprised at all. He nodded approvingly:

"Tao'er, you've done well. Duan Zongqing was injured in battle and this is his only daughter for life. As long as you love and respect his daughter enough, and Lianyi stands by your side, don't worry that he won't hand over his power to you."

I understand why he did this. After you got engaged, we became allies. There will be some big moves coming up, this is a good way to test you and establish your authority on both sides.

But a girl would not be suitable to stay in the country, as she would easily attract unwanted attention. Once captured by these individuals, they would threaten Duan Zongqing using ripples.

Duang Zongqing would do anything for his daughter. Just look at how these years he hasn't even married a wife, all because he's afraid she'll be wronged. At that point, we'd be passive instead. It's better to send her out, that way it's good for both families.

I will tell Duan Zongqing about this tomorrow. First, it shows that we respect their family's decision. Second, it also shows that we don't want to use his daughter for our own purposes.

Zhang Fenglin was a cunning old fox; he immediately grasped the key to the situation.

"Father, I understand. I've always been careful around Lianyi and never overstepped boundaries. She just wants to be a good wife now."

In this regard, Zhang Xuetao is still very confident.

"Okay, I'm Zhang Fenglin's seed, keep it up."

Zhang Dashao was extremely pleased with his son.

The heads of the Duan and Zhang families met and discussed the engagement date. Next, they need to prepare for the ceremony and invite prominent people from NN city. Therefore, the engagement date was set ten days later.

Although the schedule was a bit tight, Zhang Fenglin couldn't stay away from his post in the north for too long. Duan Zongqing understood this, so after the date was set, everyone got busy. Lianyi was also busy trying on wedding dresses, so she hadn't seen Zhang Xuetuo recently.

That evening, Yun Siyu arrived at the hospital on time, carrying a portable medicine box. She told the on-duty nurse at the church hospital that she was going to change the dressing for a patient who couldn't afford a doctor and would be back late.

Since she frequently does this and buys the medical supplies herself, it enhances the reputation of the church hospital. The doctors at the hospital fully support her because a good reputation brings more patients.

"Siyu, please be mindful of the time and don't stay out too late. Those back alleys are unsafe at night."

The on-duty nurse kindly reminded.

"Thank you for the reminder, I'm familiar with that place and won't be delayed too long."

After finishing his words, he slung his medicine chest across his body and walked away.

Yun Siyu went out at this time because she had seen a record of a major event, which was about Zhang Xuedao, the national father.

He was assassinated by a foreign force three days before his engagement to Duan Lianyi. The incident occurred near Nanning Port, and he was saved by a doctor who happened to be there. Otherwise, there would be no future Father of the Nation.

Since the exact date of the engagement had been published in Nanning newspapers, she could figure out the specific time by working backward. She also knew the location of the incident. She decided to take a risk and intercept the doctor's credit, deepening the bond between the two. By saving her life, she hoped their future interactions would be more open and honest.

After arriving at Nanning Port, Yun Siyu found a place with a wider view and started waiting for opportunities.

An hour later, Yun Si Yu faintly heard gunshots. Though they were intermittent, they immediately caught her attention. She looked around, trying to pinpoint the source of the gunfire.

The moon was very bright that night, illuminating the entire harbor, but it would be intermittently obscured by passing clouds. So the whole Nanning Harbor was flickering on and off. A moment later, thunder and lightning began to strike, as if it were about to rain.

Under the moonlight, Yun Si Yu discovered Zhang Xue Tao and his group hiding. The assassins outnumbered those protecting him, and within moments, two more people fell.

Yun Si Yu gritted her teeth. She didn't rush forward immediately. She was unarmed and didn't want to die before she even started. She waited until she was sure that everyone around Zhang Xue Tao was down, and he himself had been shot, before she took action.

At the same time, raindrops began to fall from the sky. In less than five minutes, the light rain turned into a moderate downpour, washing over the scene and temporarily concealing Zhang Xuetao's whereabouts.

Yun Si Yu took a shortcut and intercepted Zhang Xue Tao who was injured and trying to escape.

Because the rain was heavy, Zhang Xuetao didn't recognize Yun Siyu at first and directly pointed a gun at her forehead.

"Young Master Zhang, it's me! Siyu!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhang Xuetao did not relax, but asked:

"How are you here"

"I was changing a patient's dressings and was running late. Just as I was about to head back, I heard gunshots over here. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I came to investigate, and it turns out it was you."

Yunsi, at the edge of the raincloud, patted the medicine chest on her back and exclaimed in a hushed voice:

"You're hurt!"

Zhang Xuetao lowered his gun, just about to speak, when a voice came from not far behind him:

“Hurry! He’s the only one left, don’t let him get away!”

"This way! Over here!"

At that time, the clouds and rain pulled Zhang Xuetao into an alley.r, perhaps someone curious might take my veil. This kind of thing is hard to guard against, so we still need to be careful. I know you worry that the scar on my face will affect my marriage prospects....