Chapter 297: You

Under the guidance of Qin Feng's new model, the coordinate analysis progressed rapidly. The previously chaotic energy signals and spatial parameters were swiftly clarified through the new topological mapping method, ultimately pinpointing a complex mountainous region on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, remote and uninhabited. The terrain was treacherous, the magnetic field anomalous, and conventional detection methods nearly useless—no wonder no signs had been detected before.

The exploration plan was swiftly prioritized. Given the potential unknown risks in the target area and the possible supernatural elements tied to "Jing Yi" and the "Lock," this mission was not a large-scale scientific expedition but a lean team. Members included experienced tactical experts, geologists and environmental scientists, and the core figure—Xia Wan. Qin Feng, as the only person who might understand and respond to matters related to "Jing Yi," was naturally the team's anchor.

Before departure, Xia Wan returned home.

Xia Tian had recovered well; he could now walk slowly around the house, and his complexion had grown much rosier. Xia Madam was busy in the kitchen preparing dishes Xia Wan loved before her trip. Nannan, seeing her sister return, rushed over like a happy little bird, hugging Xia Wan's legs and cuddling.

The warm atmosphere of home washed over Xia Wan, slightly relaxing her taut nerves. She spent time talking with her father, checked his recovery, then went to the kitchen to help her mother, listening to her mother's endless reminders—"It's cold there, wear more layers," "They say the altitude is high, don't overexert yourself," "Are the foods still palatable? I packed some of your favorite pickles…"

At dinner, the mood was warm. Though Xia Tian spoke little, his gaze toward his daughter was filled with concern and a faint, barely noticeable worry. He knew his daughter's mission was extraordinary, but he chose to trust her—and also trust Qin Feng, the man who had pulled him back from the brink of death.

After dinner, Xia Wan packed her gear in her room. Nannan followed like a little tail, curiously touching this, peering at that.

"Sister, are you going far away?" Nannan asked, looking up with her small face.

"Yes, sister has to go somewhere to handle some business," Xia Wan knelt down and stroked her sister's soft hair.

"Is it far? Is it dangerous?" Nannan's big eyes revealed a hint of unease. Though the family had tried to hide the changes from her, children's instincts were sharp—she sensed the difference in atmosphere.

Xia Wan's heart softened; she pulled her sister into her arms and said gently, "It's not dangerous. Sister will be careful. And…" She paused, trying to explain in a way her sister could understand, "Sister isn't going alone. A very powerful person will go with me."

Nannan blinked, as if remembering something, then lowered her voice, speaking in a secretive, conspiratorial tone: "Sister, is it that… really handsome brother?"

Xia Wan froze, then realized Nannan meant Qin Feng. Nannan had met him once when he came to treat their father. Children's memories were strange—she seemed to remember only that Qin Feng was "very handsome."

"Yes, it's him," Xia Wan nodded, slightly amused.

Nannan's face immediately relaxed; she nodded vigorously: "Then I'm not worried! That brother is so powerful! Dad woke up because of him!" In a child's simple, pure logic, someone who could wake up Dad was the most powerful person in the world—and could surely protect Sister.

Looking at her sister's trusting gaze, Xia Wan felt a warm surge in her chest. She was about to say more when Nannan blurted out another unexpected line:

"Sister," Nannan leaned closer, cupping her small hands around her mouth and whispering in a voice she thought was barely audible, "are you bringing a man home?"

"Puh—cough, cough, cough!" Xia Wan choked on her own saliva, her face instantly flushing crimson with shame and embarrassment—she wanted to crawl into a crack in the floor! "Nannan! You… what are you talking about! Who taught you these words!"

Where on earth had this little girl learned such phrases!

Nannan was startled by her sister's reaction, shrinking her neck and pouting aggrievedly: "It's what Wang Granny downstairs said… She said she saw you come back with a man who looked especially handsome, and she said… she said 'Wanwan's got ambition now, bringing men home!'…"

Xia Wan: "…"

She felt a vein throbbing on her forehead. Wang Granny was the neighborhood's notorious gossip hub, always chattering about the Lis and the Wangs—she never expected her own life to become gossip, and now Nannan had heard it!

"Don't talk nonsense!" Xia Wan sternly said, trying to maintain her sisterly authority. "Mr. Qin is… someone very important. He came to treat Dad's illness! Not… not that kind of relationship!" The more she explained, the redder her face became.

Nannan stared at her sister's flushed cheeks, tilting her head: "Oh… but your face is so red, like Mom's boiled shrimp!"

Xia Wan: "…Shut up, go tidy your toys!"

She practically fumbled to push Nannan, still muttering "But it really is red!", out of the room, slammed the door, and leaned back against it, her heart still pounding.

Bringing a man home…

What even is that?

Her and Mr. Qin? That kind of relationship?

Merely imagining it filled her with inexplicable panic… and absurdity.

To her, Mr. Qin was an unfathomable guide, a savior in moments of crisis, a towering presence to be revered. She felt awe, gratitude toward him, perhaps even a dependency she herself had never clearly recognized—but not a single trace of romantic feeling.

She shook her head, trying to dispel those chaotic thoughts. Now was not the time for this. Finding "Jing Yi," obtaining the "Lock," passing the Trial, growing stronger—these were the only things she should focus on.

Yet the faint ripple stirred by her sister's innocent words lingered, refusing to fully subside.

The next morning, the departure assembly point.

The lean Exploration Squad had assembled; vehicles and equipment were ready. Xia Wan wore a field-appropriate combat suit, posture straight, gaze calm—the small incident at home the night before left no trace.

Qin Feng wore his usual simple clothes, standing aside, seemingly out of place amid the bustling preparations, yet existing in his own isolated world.

Lei Dong came to see them off, reiterating the priority of safety, and temporarily handed command to the most experienced Tactics Captain—though everyone knew the true core and final decision-maker was the seemingly detached Mr. Qin.

"When you're ready, depart," Lei Dong said gravely.

Xia Wan took a deep breath, double-checked her gear, and fixed her gaze firmly toward the unknown mountain range.

"Depart."

The convoy's engines roared, carrying the team's hopes and the mission to uncover ancient secrets, leaving the New Era Base behind, racing toward the vast, mysterious land of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.