Chapter 208 - 208: Meeting
Zhou Ling, seated at home, found it difficult to contain his restlessness. Rarely had he felt such frustration since joining the army. Now that he had finally learned of Liao Ning’s whereabouts, he felt an urgent need to find her as soon as possible.
Following the Su family’s investigation, it had been confirmed that Liao Ning was being held captive by the rebel army. However, the precise location remained unknown.
Su MO had exhausted all his connections, yet they only knew that Liao Ning had been taken to the rebel army base, with no information on what was transpiring inside.
After careful consideration, Zhou Ling made up his mind to personally travel to Planet Golden Rice. His objective was not only to rescue Liao Ning but also to ascertain the well-being of his brother and sister-in-law.
In order to avoid waking the two young ones, Zhou Ling swiftly packed his belongings and gathered essential provisions and potions.
“Colonel Zhou, please wait,” Olift called out.
The moment Zhou Ling stepped out of the house, Olift sensed his presence and trailed behind. “Please take me with you.”
Zhou Ling furrowed his brow, regarding him. “Do you know where I’m headed?”
“Yes, you’re going to save Miss Liao,” Olift replied earnestly, nodding vigorously. Then, taking a deep breath, he confessed, “It’s my fault she was captured. You don’t need to lie to me. I’m a mermaid. I can sense your deceit.”
Observing Zhou Ling’s silence, Olift grew anxious. “I spent some time with the rebel army, so I’m familiar with their base. Besides, your brother knows me.
You should Imow that I’m trustworthy! Mermen never lie. Trust me!”
Zhou Ling pondered for a moment, gazing at Olift, whose determination was evident in his eyes. Finally, he nodded in agreement. He recognized the value of having someone acquainted with the location.
And so, the two of them boarded the aircraft and set off for the empire.
Throughout the journey, an air of silence hung between them, and Zhou Ling drove with haste. Eventually, they arrived at the empire.
Zhou Ling had prepared forged documents, taking advantage of the empire’s growing interest in ancient delicacies. He posed as a seafood merchant who traveled across different planets, with Olift acting as his assistant. Their cover remained intact until they entered the city.
With the increasing popularity of ancient delicacies, the influx of interstellar space merchants became more frequent. Moreover, due to a new tax policy, the empire had relaxed its control over outsiders to a significant extent.
As Olift provided a brief introduction to the empire, the police on the street suddenly began cordoning off the area.
“Pay close attention to a green-haired youth accompanied by a mermaid and an elf! This youth assaulted the marquis and abducted the mermaid and elf. The marquis is offering a reward of 100,000 star coins to anyone who provides information!”
The voice recording echoed from the police car, accompanied by a photo of a young man and a couple who appeared to be his parents.
“Can’t they catch this person already? The police are getting worse.”
“Who does this Count think he is? It’s about time someone stood up to him.” “Aren’t regulations strict when it comes to mermaids? How does the earl still have them?”
“Keep your voices down. Do you want trouble?”
Hearing the discussions unfolding around him, Zhou Ling furrowed his brow.
Olift sneered. “Mermaids and elves are nothing more than playthings for the upper class. I bet this young man must have rescued someone. Good for him.” Olift’s expression soured as he recollected his near-kidnapping experience at the hands of a nobleman’s son.
At that moment, five individuals across the road observed the scene expressionlessly.
Suddenly, one of the men caught sight of someone on the opposite side of the road, and his gaze shifted. He gently nudged his wife, prompting her to look in the same direction. Her face turned pale as she covered her mouth in panic.
Mi Lu widened her eyes, observing Zhou Ye, who shook his head and signaled for her to remain silent.
Ever since the incident where he confronted the marquis, Kevin’s family had become wanted individuals. Fortunately, Davies had employed his illusionary abilities to alter the appearances of several people, allowing them to evade catastrophe.
Zhou Ye’s primary task was to monitor Xiao Chen’s every move, so he had not left the empire.
However, upon spotting Zhou Ling, Zhou Ye couldn’t contain his excitement. It was a relief to see that both brothers were alive and well.
Once the police cordon was lifted, Zhou Ye exchanged a glance with Mi Lu and instructed her to return to the temporary apartment with the mermaid and elves. He then followed Zhou Ling alongside Davies.
From the early morning, Zhou Ling had sensed the curious stares coming from the other side of the road. Without showing any signs of concern, he led Olift into an adjacent alley, with the others trailing behind.
He positioned himself in the alley, ready to ambush whoever approached. However, before he could strike, his hand was intercepted by the other person.
“Ling, it’s me..”