Chapter 247: Truly Can’t Be Found!
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Upon hearing the voice on the phone, Lu Hao’s mood took a nosedive, but he felt powerless to change the situation.
“You guys can go back and get some rest,” Lu Hao instructed.
“Okay.”
After ending the call, Lu Hao contemplated for a moment. He suddenly rose, picked up his phone and car keys, and left the study.
After driving out of the military compound, Lu Hao headed straight for Chengyang Road.
At the intersection of the alley, Lu Hao parked the car on the side of the road, stepped out, and ventured into the narrow alley.
This alley was nestled amidst the middle-class residences of Ancheng City, characterized by its narrow lanes and poor sanitation. The people going about their business, as well as the shop owners and employees in the vicinity, dressed unassumingly.
Seeing a tall man in uniform drew curious and surprised looks from the alley’s residents.
“Wow, this good man is so handsome.”
“Look at that physique. Is he a soldier?”
“He’s incredibly good-looking. I want a picture!”
The women in the alley were already gossiping among themselves.
Lu Hao overheard their conversations but chose to ignore them. He pressed on with every step, his mind filled with memories of Lin Wan’s childhood.
The alley had undergone significant changes. Many houses had been torn down and rebuilt.
Lu Hao’s eyes fell upon a tree a short distance away, and he was suddenly transported back in time.
He recalled a summer evening when a young boy and girl sat beneath that tree. The boy offered the girl a lollipop he had purchased.
“Lu Hao, thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me, Wanwan. As long as you’re happy.” The boy looked at the girl with eyes filled with adoration, his gaze reflecting the girl’s beauty.
“Yes, the lollipop is so sweet. I’m very happy.”
“Wanwan. Can we make a pact?” The boy’s tone grew more serious. He gazed deeply into the girl’s eyes and made a solemn promise.
“Of course. What kind of pact do you want?” The girl had already unwrapped the lollipop and popped it into her mouth, savoring its sweetness.
“When 1 grow up, let me take care of you and protect you, okay?” the boy asked earnestly.
“Okay!” The girl responded with childlike innocence. “That’s fine, Lu Hao. 1 need someone to protect me.”
In the alley, boys often fought and bullied girls. Wang Ziqi wanted Lu Hao to watch out for her and offer protection because she had recently been the target of bullying by a boy. Be it now or in the future, she desired it.
The little girl had her reasons for this request. Lu Hao still commanded a level of respect in the alley. Many boys were wary of him and didn’t dare to confront him. Therefore, it seemed appropriate for him to be her protector.
This was what the little girl thought at the time.
When the boy heard her answer, he nodded enthusiastically. Watching the girl’s cute reaction, his heart was filled with warmth.
After a long while, Lu Hao snapped back from his reminiscences and continued. This time, his emotions were vastly different from earlier.
His heart was aching, and he felt an immense sense of discomfort, as if his heart was being wrung out.
The young girl from his memories was now nowhere to be found, and he was filled with deep despair.
Upon exiting the alley, it was already past three in the afternoon. Lu Hao returned to the military compound, and en route, he received a call from Xiao Yichen.
“See you at Qinling villa at 6.00 pm,” Xiao Yichen reminded Lu Hao about their brothers’ gathering, where he would introduce Wan’er to them..