“Don’t cry, don’t cry.” Bai Wu’s sobbing tugged at Xu Lan’s heartstrings, so he went over to hug and console Bai Wu, just like old times.

“I think I’ve gotten used to the void. If something similar happens in the future, you must tell me, okay? You don’t know how much suffering I had to go through to find you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Papa. I was scared… I was scared that the same thing would happen again. I… Hic.”

Like a whip adorned with barbs, those words struck Xu Lan hard. It was true! He did in fact, do such a thing before.

Bai Wu slowly and carefully circled Xu Lan in vain. Looking at those broad shoulders and warm chest, Bai Wu could no longer be as unrestrained as before. If Xu Lan did not chase after him, he would likely have kept his thoughts to himself for the rest of his life.

Then, however, all he could do was quietly restrain himself and plan things out slowly.

Having gotten Bai Wu’s promise, Xu Lan was very much relieved. Previously, all he could do was watch as his son became more and more distant while he was left unable to stop it. It was a result of Bai Wu wanting things which he was unable to give. Now that he could breathe a sigh of relief, it seemed as though he once again had a reason for letting Bai Wu stay beside him.

He has not been able to get used to Bai Wu’s departure and he wished that Bai Wu would not leave him too quickly.

The cramped-up bed had to contain two grown-up men as well as a blanket to separate them both. Bai Wu insisted on the separation, which made Xu Lan happy, so Xu Lan let Bai Wu do as he pleased.

Recent days had seen Xu Lan busy and exhausted. When he finally had the time to relax, he drifted into dreamland almost immediately. When Bai Wu saw Xu Lan’s defenseless sleeping face, he smiled bitterly, ‘How long would I have to endure lying and keeping all my real thoughts to myself?’ If Bai Wu revealed his true intentions, what expression would appear on Xu Lan’s face?

“Papa…” Bai Wu sighed softly, then lightly kissed Xu Lan’s forehead and went to sleep.

At the first glimmer of light, an ear-piercing alarm rang through the sky.

When Bai Wu blinked and opened his eyes, he looked to his side with urgency and dread. His heart felt as though it was stuck in his throat. After finally calming himself down, he realized it was no dream!

“Hey, Papa, time to get up.” Bai Wu pushed Xu Lan lightly. At some point in the night, Xu Lan tucked himself into the blanket and slept spread-eagled on his back.

“Hm? Bai Wu?” Puzzled, Xu Lan opened his eyes and called out instinctively.

“I’m here.” Bai Wu’s lips curled slightly. “Papa, we need to get up. The mission will be announced soon.”

When Xu Lan was about to collapse back on the bed, Bai Wu caught him and told him softly.

A good night’s sleep was hard to come by for Xu Lan, so when he was finally able to have some, the unforgiving noise came as a rude awakening. Feeling rather unhappy, he looked at Bai Wu indifferently as the latter tidied up everything. Only after Bai Wu finished did Xu Lan slowly get himself in order. Bai Wu did not make a fuss out of it and merely looked at Xu Lan with a smile.

“What are you smiling for? Time to go.” Xu Lan patted Bai Wu on the shoulder and chided.

“No reason. Let’s go, then.” Bai Wu continued smiling.

Both men walked out of the room. The surrounding empty area was completely encircled by participants who looked tired, both mentally and physically. The soft rays of light enabled Xu Lan to see the surroundings clearly.

The ruins of two Western-style cottages were just up ahead, while two mud-brick houses were behind the cottages. In between, there was a low perimeter wall that linked the four houses together. The front part of each house was taller than its rear part – they looked like coffins that were raised up. Firmament-like trees touched the clouds and enclosed the area – they hid the sky and covered the earth, making it appear as though the participants were really in a coffin buried under the ground.

In the middle of the empty area, there was a well. A line of graceful Han words drifted up and floated just above it. Each person had a solemn expression on their face as they stared attentively at the dark-red font of that almost-lifelike writing. It contained the mission that they must complete within the day.

What cruel game was in store for them?