Jasper Xiao was asking for help—now that was a first. From teaming up to fight alien threats, to risking his life during the Pacific Void collapse, and even recently sending Paladin over to show support, Jasper had always been the loyal big brother, going all out to help them. He’d never once asked for anything in return. Especially during the Shanghai disaster and the Mind Demon incident, he was there for them, no questions asked.
Yang Qi knew this all too well. She and Professor Yang were tied together by fate, and she already owed him a bunch of favors.
Of course, between friends, there’s no point talking about who owes what—otherwise, how would you ever have a proper chat? Way too uptight. But still, if your brother’s in trouble, helping out is just what you do.
So, Yang Qi started getting everything ready right away.
"Hey, Bobby, the results are in: we’re going with Plan B, urgency level: Three." Before coming to Jiping City, Paladin had already explained everything—just waiting for Jasper Xiao’s call. So, before Yang Qi left Hong Kong, the backup plan was already set.
"Plan B, urgency level: Three? Got it." Bobby was calm—he’d just been waiting for the word. "Don’t worry, when you get back, everything’ll be ready. All we’ll need is a lucky break."
"Great. Oh, and push up the schedule for the telecom company—Eternal Night needs its own communications company, with a secure network. I swear, even talking to you on my phone, I feel like someone’s always eavesdropping. Also, let your boss know I’ll be bringing a few 'relatives' over, so he should be ready—yeah, just tell him exactly that. He’ll get it."
Beep. She hung up and strode home, dialing another number: "Hey, kiddo, it’s me—come hang out at my place for a few days! Yep, already cleared it with Uncle! He’s busy at work, Auntie’s staying to look after him, so it’ll be just my folks, you, and me—the four of us! Don’t worry, everything’s covered: food, stay, fun—all inclusive! Sound good? Great, it’s settled. Pack your bags, we’re heading to Hong Kong tomorrow—yeah, Hong Kong, what’s up… What? No visa, can’t go?"
Visa issues? Seriously? Please. Don’t you know you never mention problems that money and power can solve in front of a nouveau riche? If cash or clout can fix it, it’s not even a real problem.
What’s a nouveau riche, you ask? A year ago, I was working overtime for Old Ghost. Now, I’m about to rule Hong Kong. That’s what you call nouveau riche—super nouveau riche! And if you’re nouveau riche, how could you not show off?
Especially for Mom and Dad, the pressure of sending their child off into danger just days after she came home is something most people couldn’t handle. So before I rush to help Jasper Xiao, I have to take care of this first—otherwise, I’d be a pretty lousy daughter. Oh, and for my cousin Jonathan, there’s also something I need to kickstart.
Early the next morning, before sunrise, a car pulled up outside Jill Young’s building. Charlie himself had come. He took off his sunglasses and quietly looked up at the one room with its light still on, not honking or rushing anyone.
Inside the small apartment, three people stood at the doorway, taking one last look around. It wasn’t fancy, but it carried weight. Jill Young now owned countless luxury homes, but to her, those were just sandcastles—she wouldn’t care if they were lost or destroyed. Only this little apartment could anchor her heart, representing what 'home' truly means.
Susan Morrow glanced around, just like any mom doing a final checklist before heading out: 'Phone, keys, wallet, charger, change of clothes—everyone check if you’ve got everything. Turn off the power, tighten the gas. And make sure the windows are shut tight, or if it rains, the wood floor will get soaked. Oh, and double-check the water and heating pipes, because if there’s a leak, we—we…' Her voice caught. 'We won’t be able to come back… come back to turn off the faucet…'
'Mom.' Jill Young reached out, hugging Susan Morrow’s shoulders and whispered gently in her ear, 'Don’t worry, it’s just temporary over there. We can come back whenever we want. Plus, next we’ll bring Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Little Geng, Adele, and Aunt over to visit too. You’re the advance team, Mom—you’ll help them pick out a place.'
Cang Cang zipped up onto Susan Morrow’s shoulder, chirping and sticking out its tongue to lick her cheek.
Susan Morrow took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. She reached up to touch Jill’s face and gave Cang Cang a little tickle, managing a tired but graceful smile: 'It’s fine, you’re right—we can come back anytime we want. And that kid you mentioned, I’m really looking forward to meeting him.'
In just a moment, the Queen Susan was back to her usual self—decisive and brisk: 'Alright, since you say everything’s ready over there, we don’t need to bring much luggage. What do you think, boss?'
John Yang took one last look around the home, then, as head of the family, gave the order: 'Let’s go!'
The three headed downstairs. Charlie bowed his head and opened the door, and they nodded to each other before getting in the car and setting off. The luxury car swung by Uncle’s place to pick up Kathy Yang. By the time Jill and her family arrived, Kathy was already dressed in her force robe, laser sword at her waist, backpack slung over her shoulder, ready for action.
John Yang and Quentin Yang shook hands firmly, while Susan Morrow and Auntie shared a heartfelt hug. Saying goodbye, sending their daughter south—no matter how much was said, some feelings just couldn’t be calmed. Jill Young’s job was to wave Kathy Yang onto the car, keeping her from seeing this emotional scene. Otherwise, with her sensitivity, she’d definitely sense something was up.
'Ugh... I’m stuffed...' Kathy Yang collapsed into her seat, clutching her belly, her face full of distress. 'Mom made way too much breakfast today, and kept urging me to eat, like she was afraid I’d starve.'
'Ha ha, that’s just Auntie doting on you. Eat up and behave. By the way, you can call this grumpy-looking guy Uncle Charlie. He’s got all sorts of skills—we’ll be relying on him for the whole trip.'
Kathy Yang immediately perked up and called out sweetly, 'Hi, Uncle Charlie!'
Charlie, sitting in the driver’s seat, turned around at the greeting, tugged at the corner of his mouth in an awkward attempt at a smile—like a beast baring its teeth. But Jill Young knew he was really trying his best to be friendly.
Outside, the parents’ brief goodbyes were coming to an end.
'Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Kathy,' John Yang said, gripping Quentin Yang’s hand tightly. 'Brother, I’ll head out first. Once you’re free, come join us. Things are getting messier here—take care of yourself and your family.'
Quentin Yang squeezed John Yang’s hand back. 'You and Susan take care—really, take care.'
The car pulled away, quickly putting distance behind them. Kathy Yang twisted around to look out the rear window—her parents stood at the top of the stairs, smiling and waving from afar. Suddenly, Kathy was overcome by a strange impulse; she rolled down the window, leaned out, and waved back with all her might, shouting, 'I’m off!' until they were out of sight.
As the sun rose, a sleek black private jet roared up from Jiping City Airport, breaking through the clouds and heading south.
Of course, farewell and reunion are twin siblings—see one, and the other is never far behind.
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, Jonathan was up at the crack of dawn—he couldn’t sleep at all. Ever since he got that message from Bobby, he couldn’t think about anything else.
At breakfast, he’d ask, 'Where are they now?'
While going through paperwork, he’d wonder, 'What are they up to?'
Cutting his steak at lunch, he’d suddenly put down his knife and fork: 'Are they having fun? Settling in okay?'
After working a bit in the afternoon, Jonathan tossed all his tasks aside. Nope, couldn’t focus. He grabbed his tablet and opened the files. Bobby had been tagging along all day, snapping tons of photos and videos. These files were shared instantly, and when Jonathan opened them, they were all images and clips of Jill Young’s group of four.
He watched every single one, over and over, until he practically had them memorized.
But even after seeing their smiling faces, Jonathan still couldn’t shake off the worry in his heart.
He wandered around his apartment, restless, glancing at the clock every few minutes.
Finally, when he couldn’t stand it anymore, Jonathan grabbed his coat and headed out the door.
He hailed a cab and told the driver, 'Jiping City Airport, please—and step on it.'
On the way, Jonathan stared out the window, lost in thought, replaying every scene from the videos in his mind.
He could hardly believe it—Jill Young, Susan Morrow, John Yang, Kathy Yang... all coming to Hong Kong. It felt unreal.
Jonathan thought, 'I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before.'
But he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Maybe, just maybe, he’d find the answer today.
And so, with the city waking up around him, Jonathan’s day—and maybe his fate—was about to change.