Chapter 1969 Under the Same Sky Once More (1)
The old man on the screen was none other than Zhu Tianlong. His gaze fixated on Yun Lintian's face in the Nantian Fengyu livestream.
He zoomed in a few times, his certainty solidifying with each attempt. Coupled with Lynn's presence, there was no room for doubt that it was Yun Lintian.
"How?" Zhu Tianlong muttered in confusion.
The middle-aged man, Qu Yin, spoke quickly. "Our men were unable to approach his grave. It seems General Li is behind this."
"Li Zong?" Zhu Tianlong frowned immediately. "Why is that old man meddling again?"
"I'm afraid it's because he learned about Yun Lintian," Qu Yin said with a serious expression. "News also arrived that he's on his way here."
Zhu Tianlong set the tablet down, leaning back in his chair as he tapped his finger rhythmically.
"This is not a good sign, Sir," Qu Yin said cautiously. "General Li seems quite determined. It will be difficult to move our people."
"He needs to be eliminated," Zhu Tianlong declared coldly.
Yun Lintian represented a critical threat to the Zhu family. While Zhu Tianlong doubted Yun Lintian's current ability to cause significant disruption, the Zhu family would never have achieved true peace with him around.
"Inform the Crimson Guard to mobilize. They have my permission to utilize all available resources," Zhu Tianlong decided firmly.
Qu Yin was surprised. "Sir, the timing is far from ideal…" he said cautiously.
Zhu Tianlong dismissed his concerns with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry about it. I have this under control. Now go."
"Yes, sir," Qu Yin complied.
"Right. Don't tell Ding'er to prevent him from doing stupid things again." Zhu Tianlong added.
"Understood, Sir." Qu Yin replied promptly and left.
Zhu Tianlong returned his gaze to the tablet screen, muttering, "Let's see how you are going to deceive everyone this time."
***
Inside the Yang family manor, a man in his early thirties, with a posture reflecting his years of military training, entered an isolated courtyard at the back.
"Sister," he called out softly as he pushed the door open.
A haggard woman sat by the window. Her hair, cut short like a man's, framed an emaciated body, nearly skeletal. This was Yang Ningchang. It was unimaginable how much her appearance had deteriorated in just one year.
The man, Yang Zicheng, looked at the woman once known as Beijing's most dazzling pearl with a pain in his heart.
He gripped the tablet in his hand, hesitation etched on his face. Earlier today, he had spotted Yun Lintian and Lynn in a livestream.
Initially unsure, Yang Zicheng had sent someone to verify the situation at Yun Lintian's villa. The results left him bewildered. Since yesterday, numerous people had seen Yun Lintian's group, confirming he was alive and well – a stark contrast to what Yang Zicheng himself had witnessed.
He had been one of those who checked Yun Lintian's body and was certain of his demise. How could he be alive now?
"What troubles you?" Yang Ningchang turned to face her brother, her voice calm despite the emptiness in her eyes. In her current state, she resembled a living corpse.
Taking a deep breath, Yang Zicheng approached her and showed her the video on the tablet.
Yang Ningchang's body trembled visibly at the sight of the tablet. As if grasping at a lifeline, her strength surged momentarily, allowing her to snatch the device from his hand.
"He must be real," Yang Zicheng confirmed. "I already investigated – I don't know how he managed to fake his death."
A flicker of joy played across his face at his sister's regained energy.
"It's him," Yang Ningchang whispered, her voice trembling. Yun Lintian, the man she dreamt of night and day, was unmistakable.
"Sister, would you like to go to Hangzhou? I'll do everything I can to facilitate your trip," Yang Zicheng offered with a serious expression.
The Yang family was in a precarious situation. If Yang Ningchang's absence were discovered, the Zhu family would undoubtedly retaliate.
The first brunt of their anger would certainly fall upon Yang Shen, their father, who held a position in the national defense ministry.
Despite the risk, Yang Zicheng was willing to do anything for his sister's happiness.
Yang Ningchang seemed lost in a trance, her gaze fixed on Yun Lintian in the video without blinking, as if fearing he would vanish the moment she looked away.
"Sister..." Yang Zicheng prompted gently.
Yang Ningchang shook her head, snapping out of her daze. "No, I can't get him involved."
Yang Zicheng held back a retort. Deep down, he harbored resentment towards Yun Lintian for his role in his sister's condition. However, he was powerless in this situation.
With Yun Lintian's reappearance, Yang Zicheng believed his sister would eventually recover.
"As long as he's well," Yang Ningchang murmured, her touch lingering gently on Yun Lintian's image on the tablet. Her eyes overflowed with tenderness.
Yang Zicheng watched his sister for a moment, letting out a heavy sigh. "At the very least, sister, you should eat something."
"Bring me food," Yang Ningchang replied with a hint of life in her voice.
"Really? That's fantastic! I'll get it right away," Yang Zicheng exclaimed, his spirits lifted. He hurried out of the room.
Yang Ningchang redirected her attention to the tablet and whispered, "It's good that you're safe."
Tears welled up in her sunken eyes, spilling down her cheeks as she spoke.
Outside the courtyard, Yun Lintian and Lynn observed the scene silently. After making his decision, Yun Lintian resolved to meet Yang Ningchang. However, he hadn't anticipated encountering this sight first.
"Her devotion is unparalleled," Lynn murmured, her gaze fixed on Yang Ningchang.
The sacrifices Lynn had made over the past year seemed insignificant in comparison.
"Go on," Lynn said, nudging Yun Lintian towards the room.
Yun Lintian took a deep breath and deactivated his concealment before entering the room.
Sensing a presence, Yang Ningchang assumed it was her younger brother. But as she lifted her head to greet the newcomer, her body seized, locking her in place.
The world around them faded away, devoid of color and sound. Only their reflections remained, locked in each other's eyes, a scene more ethereal than a dream.
Yun Lintian and Yang Ningchang spoke in unison, their voices echoing the year of yearning that separated them.
Yang Ningchang rose, her skeletal hand reaching out to trace the contours of his face. The warmth of his skin felt more real than anything else, a stark contrast to the emptiness that had consumed her.
"You're alive," she whispered, the words a trembling sigh of relief.
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