Wang Bo’s voice cracked.
"Ziqing? Dad?"
The serving spoon slipped from Wang Ziqing’s hand and clattered onto the table.
She turned slowly toward the door, as if afraid the voice was just a hallucination born from exhaustion.
But when she saw Wang Bo standing there, wearing the sa expression of disbelief and worry she had, she called out, her voice on the verge of tears, "Husband...?"
Uncle Wang beside her squinted toward the doorway. For a second, he didn’t move. Then his lips trembled. "You brat... you’re still alive?"
Wang Bo froze.
For hours, he had roared orders and shielded others from alien beasts with his own body. But now, facing his family, he suddenly didn’t know how to move.
It wasn’t until Uncle Wang and Wang Ziqing started moving toward him that strength returned to his legs. He closed the distance quickly and pulled Wang Ziqing into his embrace.
"Ziqing, I’m sorry for not coming sooner..." The man who had never cried in the face of death now succumbed to his emotions in front of his family.
"You brat... it’s good that you’re alive..." Uncle Wang patted Wang Bo’s shoulder. His face was a wrinkled ss from crying. "You brat... we’ve been waiting for you for so long..."
"I’m sorry... I’m sorry..." Wang Bo murmured. He knew it was his fault.
Wang Ziqing buried her face in Wang Bo’s chest, crying as well. Her hands balled into fists and gently pounded on his chest, complaining, "Where were you, huh? Don’t you know how hard it was for to carry your child?" Even in her complaint, there was no reproach. She understood the hardships he must have faced too.
"I know. I know. From this mont on, I will not leave your side." Wang Bo nodded, tears streaming down his face.
mbers of the Iron Gale Squad looked away awkwardly, so rubbing their noses.
Even those lined up, Uncle Wang and the four children serving als sniffled at the scene.
Monts later, Wang Ziqing and Uncle Wang returned with Wang Bo, who had washed himself and changed into Uncle Wang’s extra-clean clothes that Nanzhi had given him days before. The two had also sanitized themselves before entering.
At this, the rest of the group followed behind.
Hei Qian had been watching the child in Wang Ziqing’s stead. Seeing them return, he gently handed the baby to the mother.
"Thank you, young man." Uncle Wang smiled gratefully.
Wang Ziqing and Wang Bo gave a small bow to Hei Qian as well.
"This is our child. I haven’t nad him yet. I was waiting for you."
As if sensing his father’s presence, the baby opened his mouth in a smile, lting the hearts of all three.
"Isn’t he beautiful? Husband, do you want to hold him?" Wang Ziqing asked, noticing her husband’s longing gaze.
"He’s beautiful," Wang Bo nodded. "He got your smile." He reached to touch his child but froze mid-air, afraid his hands might accidentally harm the tiny, fragile boy.
Uncle Wang and Wang Ziqing chuckled softly. "Don’t be nervous. Let teach you."
After a few instructions, the nervous Wang Bo finally cradled the baby in his arms.
A flood of indescribable emotion filled him. Is this what being a father feels like?
The Iron Gale Squad, Zhao Lin, Zhao Mo, Wu Hao, Luo Gang, and Tao’er remained outside, covered in dust, sewer stench, and alien beast blood. It wasn’t safe for them to approach the baby.
Watching Wang Bo tenderly hold his child, no longer his usual grumpy self, left them both amused and heartened.
"Co on, let’s give Brother Wang and his family so alone ti," Liu Ming said before leaving.
Hei Qian glanced out the window. In the past, he had envied this scene, but over ti, the feeling had dulled.
As he turned, an arm wrapped around his shoulders—it was Bingwen.
"Hei Qian! There you are! I’m exhausted. After I wash up, let’s ask Sister-in-law for so drinks and food."
On their way, they bumped into Feng Ran and Baoyin.
"I rember Sister Nan still owes desserts. What should I ask for?"
Feng Ran gulped. "Hey, Bonnie girl, share your blessings too."
Bingwen laughed. Hei Qian smiled.
After spending so ti with his baby, Wang Bo rembered sothing. "Father, in the Base I t an old man around your age, surna ng. He treated my injuries. After learning my surna was Wang, he said he knew you and your good friend. He ca with us."
"An old man nad ng? Quick, tell where he is now!"
Monts later, inside the temporary infirmary where Grandpa ng was, an elderly man barged in unannounced, startling patients, doctors, and nurses alike.
"ng Si! You old coot! My son told you were here!" Uncle Wang laughed boisterously. "So he wasn’t lying after all! You’re really alive!"
"Brother Wang?" Grandpa ng was in absolute shock, disbelief written across his face. He set down the tongs and cotton swab on the tray.
Uncle Wang rushed forward as fast as his legs would carry him.
In the middle of the room, the two old friends hugged, sobbing like pals who hadn’t seen each other in decades.
At that mont, Luo Gang and his son entered the infirmary.
"Grandpa," Tao’er called, looking toward Uncle Wang.
"Grandpa?" Uncle Wang raised his brows and asked Grandpa ng, "You have a grandson? Aren’t you single? When did you remarry?"
Grandpa ng shook his head, explaining and introducing Luo Gang and his son to his friend.
"Oh, that’s good. You’ve found company. It always bothered that you were alone." Uncle Wang bobbed his head approvingly. Then he turned to Luo Gang. "Thank you for taking care of this old friend of mine."
"It’s alright," Luo Gang smiled.
Uncle Wang then turned to Tao’er. "So your na is Tao’er? I’m a friend of your Grandpa. You can call Grandpa Wang. If you need anything, find near the feeding station. Co to think of it, this is perfect. My grandchild has also been born. When he grows up, he can be Tao’er’s playmate."
Grandpa ng was surprised. "That’s great news. Congratulations."
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