Chapter 111 - 111: Following
After Mili had calmed down, Zhou Ling introduced Liao Ning and Liao Nai to her.
“This is my girlfriend, Liao Ning. You can call her Little Aunt from now on,” he said, gesturing towards Liao Ning. Then, he pointed at Liao Nai and introduced him to Mili. “And this is Liao Nai, Little Aunt’s nephew. He’s a smart and sensible child, just like you. You two should get along well in the future.”
“I understand.” Mili smiled and greeted Liao Ning and Liao Nai. “Hello, Auntie.
Hello, Brother Liao Nai!”
Liao Ning smiled and replied, “Mili, you’re such a well-behaved child!”
This was the first time Liao Nai had witnessed such a radiant smile on his cunning friend’s face. He was momentarily stunned before regaining his composure and presenting the beautifully wrapped gift in his hand. “Mili, this is a gift for you. I carefully picked it out. I hope you like it!”
“Thank you!” Mili knew that Liao Nai was her good friend from Star Web, so
she beamed at him.
“You’re welcome,” Liao Nai said with a bashful blush as he rubbed the back of his head.
Zhou Ling expressed his gratitude to Ping Ye and his parents, bowing respectfully and offering them a box adorned with the Zhou family’s emblem. “Thank you for taking care of me during this time. Please accept this small token of appreciation.”
Ping Ye was inwardly shocked when he saw the box. He knew that this was the highest form of gratitude the Zhou family bestowed upon those who had helped them. The items within the box could be exchanged for unconditional assistance from the Zhou family. Whatever one desired, the Zhou family would obtain it, regardless of the cost.
“Sir, I can’t accept this,” Ping Ye quickly protested, pushing the box back.
Zhou Ling looked at him with a disapproving gaze and insisted, “Just accept it when I tell you to. Your Ping family safeguards the sole bloodline of the Zhou family’s head. You deserve this gratitude from the Zhou family.”
Ping Ye still wanted to decline, but Zhou Ling interrupted him. “Don’t tell me you think the Zhou family’s heir isn’t deserving of such gratitude?”
‘ Ping Ye was momentarily speechless. He knew that the value of the Zhou family’s heir far exceeded this token of appreciation. Realizing that his refusal was futile, Ping Ye reluctantly chose to accept it. “Thank you!”
“We should leave now,” Zhou Ling bid a polite farewell to Ping Ye’s parents and carried Mili into the flying car.
As Mili glanced back at the loving grandparents from the Ping family, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of reluctance. After all, since the disappearance of her parents and uncle, Ping Ye’s family had treated her with utmost care. “Grandma Ping, Grandpa Ping, I’ll come back to visit you!”
Under the sorrowful gaze of the elderly couple, Mili settled into the flying car, and slowly, they vanished from the street.
Zhou Ling and the others encountered no ambushes on their way. However, shortly after leaving the Ping family with Mili, they noticed a few unmarked black flying cars quietly tailing them.
“We’re being followed,” Liao Ning alerted Zhou Ling, who was at the wheel.
Zhou Ling had already noticed their presence. He calmly instructed everyone to hold on tight and suddenly accelerated, attempting to create distance between them and the pursuers. However, the black cars behind them matched their speed, relentlessly tailing Zhou Ling’s vehicle. No matter how hard Zhou Ling tried, he couldn’t shake them off.
Liao Ning grew increasingly anxious. She didn’t know the intentions of those following them. “What should we do?”
The cars behind them maintained a close pursuit, yet showed no signs of initiating an attack. Zhou Ling hesitated for a moment, unable to make a decision. “The city is crowded with people and vehicles right now. We can’t recklessly engage in combat.”
“Should we fly out of the city, then?” Liao Ning’s concern for the safety of the children made her suggest the idea, albeit realizing its flaws.
Amused by her sudden naivety, Zhou Ling couldn’t help but chuckle. “No, they have their reasons for staying within the city and haven’t made a move yet. However, they have a significant presence in the suburbs. It’s unlikely that we can overpower them.”
“…..” Liao Ning fell silent, realizing the impracticality of her proposal.
Zhou Ling reassured her, “Don’t worry too much. They might just be verifying whether we’ve brought Mili back to the Zhou family or not. They don’t seem to have any intention of attacking us.”
“Okay, I’ll try not to worry,” Liao Ning replied, feeling somewhat relieved.
In the backseat, Liao Nai and Mili exchanged glances and used the subconscious space of the Al to communicate.
Mili: [If we do get attacked, remember to stay behind me for protection.]
Liao Nai: [Don’t worry, I can take care of you now. Just stay close to me at all times!]
Observing tne WOlt cub, wno nad grown considerably stronger, Mill nodded, expressing her trust in him.
Seeing Mili’s response, Liao Nai smiled with satisfaction. He was delighted that his good friend had faith in him..