Chapter 267

They would go out to play together.

Occasionally visit shops.

Go out for a big meal with friends.

Eat ice cream.

They could go to so many, many places to play.

But.

Zhang Xiao year cannot.

The her now.

Is merely an orphan.

Even her sister no longer wants her.

There is no one left in the world who cares for her.

This should never have been something a child should bear.

Should have been endured.

Should have been encountered.

At the moment her mother gave birth to her.

It seemed to have already foretold this outcome.

But.

Should some people really suffer such pain?

Ning Chen tilted his head and sighed.

A sky full of blue stars fell into his eyes.

He knew the one who should be accompanying him to witness this moment was someone else.

She must have really wanted to see this firefly cave.

Ning Chen turned his head to look at Zhang Xiao year.

His gaze locked tightly onto her.

His face was expressionless.

But he extended one hand.

Placed it on the little girl's forehead.

"I already said it—your little life can't repay it!"

Zhang Xiao year's heart trembled.

"You live well. Don't give me any trouble."

Ning Chen's gaze was resolute.

"The rest of the matters, I will handle myself."

"I know the look in your eyes, what you're thinking inside, how you've always doubted whether I hate you? I want to tell you, that has no meaning. Beyond that, let it be."

Zhang Xiao year listened to his words.

A warmth.

Deep within her heart.

Rose spontaneously.

She reached out and wiped away her tears.

"Mm."

She let out a barely audible sound.

【What's this gossip? What is Brother Shiguang saying?】

【I don't know, but judging by the situation, these two seem to have some story?】

【Could this girl be Brother Shiguang's illegitimate daughter? Oh my god!】

【What are you talking about, guy upstairs?】

【Don't spread rumors—our Brother Shiguang is definitely single!】

The bamboo raft drifted along with the current.

The Waitomo Firefly Cave was nearing its end.

The water murmured softly.

The bamboo raft's speed gradually slowed.

Ning Chen stood up.

Slid his hands through the water on both sides.

When he and his girlfriend had planned to come here.

They did a lot of research.

Now there were two choices to exit.

One was to circle inside the cave.

Then return the same way.

But in that case.

They would have to swim underwater for over twenty minutes again.

Given their current condition.

It would be very hard to swim back.

So now only one choice remained.

Continue flowing forward.

At the very top of the innermost part of the cave.

There was an exit.

Under normal circumstances.

Tourists could climb down using a ladder or other means.

But now, due to seawater flooding in.

The cave mouth was likely submerged as well.

And the farther the bamboo raft drifted forward.

The more the terrain inside the cave rose.

Yet the surface terrain was descending.

Progress became increasingly difficult.

This meant Ning Chen had to paddle with force.

The husky sat upright with a serious expression.

After seeing Ning Chen's movements.

It began to imitate him in earnest.

Extending one paw to splash endlessly in the water.

Zhang Xiao also stood up.

She asked, "What are you doing?"

"Trying to find a way out," Ning Chen replied.

"I estimate the cave ahead is also flooded with seawater, and there may be no space to breathe."

Ning Chen looked at Zhang Xiao and said, "Conserve strength and oxygen."

"Good!" Zhang Xiao nodded vigorously in agreement.

Gradually.

The sound of the flowing water ceased to echo in their ears.

The space that had once allowed them to stand.

Now gradually shrank to a half-crouching posture.

The blue fireflies on the upper rock walls.

Their tails continued to emit a blue glow.

Illuminating the path for Ning Chen and the others.