Chapter Seventeen: I'm Just Glad You're Safe!

Qin Feng began to speak, "A long, long time ago, there were two young people, a man and a woman deeply in love. However, there was a villain in their village who set his sights on the young woman. Determined to have her, he schemed and plotted in every possible way. One day, he came up with an idea: he would plant a piece of gold in the young man's backyard and then claim it as his own, using it as a pretext to have the young man arrested.

The young man suffered tremendous torment, and the villain seized the opportunity to try to take the young woman for himself. But the young man refused to give in. While imprisoned, he managed to escape. Returning home, he began to dig in his backyard, and to his astonishment, he unearthed a great deal of gold. After selling it, he became the richest man in the area. He found a way to punish the villain, and in the end, he married the young woman. Together, they lived happily ever after…”

At this point in his story, Qin Feng glanced at Su Yun and noticed she showed little reaction. He gave an awkward smile, feeling that it was a beautiful love story.

"Your story is wonderful—it really does make one happy. It’s just that I—" Su Yun apologized softly. Listening to Qin Feng’s tale had stirred something inside her. Perhaps Qin Feng understood her feelings; he had told a beautiful story of love, and she, too, longed for such a story… She turned her face away, her expression tinged with loneliness and sorrow.

Qin Feng thought Su Yun’s perpetual coldness and stern demeanor seemed a little off, but since they didn’t know each other well, he didn’t feel it was his place to ask more. Seeing her in tears, he looked apologetic and said, "Are you alright? I’m sorry, I—"

"I’m fine. Actually, I should be the one apologizing. My emotions got the better of me. You’re very kind—thank you." Su Yun discreetly wiped away her tears, careful not to let it show, but she still didn’t dare meet Qin Feng’s eyes.

"As long as you’re alright." Qin Feng grinned sheepishly, looking a bit foolish.

"Silly boy." Su Yun was amused and looked at Qin Feng seriously. "Remember what I’ve told you: work hard, discover your potential, keep improving. Don’t let me down, understand?"

"Uh?" Qin Feng was unexpectedly moved by her words. He realized she had high hopes for him. After a moment’s thought, he replied earnestly, "I understand. I’ll remember your words. I won’t let you down. One day, I’ll become strong."

"Good. I’ll give you three years. In that time, I want you to join the special forces. Can you do it?" Su Yun suddenly turned to face him, looking at Qin Feng with anticipation in her usually icy eyes. She held great expectations for him.

"Uh?" Qin Feng felt something was different about Su Yun, but couldn't quite say what. The look of hope in her eyes made him unwilling to let her down. He knew such a woman deserved to be cherished. Straightening his face, he nodded firmly and declared solemnly, "Yes, I promise you. Don’t worry—I won’t let you down."

"Alright, remember our three-year promise. If you fail, I won’t let you off so easily," Su Yun said seriously. When she saw Qin Feng’s determined nod, the icy expression on her face melted away, as if winter frost had given way to spring. Her lips curled into a gentle smile, radiant and unburdened, as if flowers had blossomed in springtime—so beautiful, serene, and enchanting that one’s heart could not help but be moved.

Qin Feng found himself staring, dazed by her beauty. He wondered why someone so lovely kept her face so stern all the time—her smile was truly captivating. That was the thought lingering in his mind.

“Am I really so beautiful?” Su Yun suddenly asked. She didn’t know why she said it—perhaps Qin Feng’s obvious admiration made her happy enough that the words escaped her lips.

"Beautiful, incredibly beautiful. You’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen," Qin Feng said sincerely, straight from the heart. No amount of dust or grime could hide her beauty; her clear, lively eyes seemed almost to speak, and even her oversized uniform could not conceal her proud, graceful figure. She was like a celestial maiden in the mortal world—surpassing any beauty he had ever known. How could she not be beautiful?

"Remember our promise—don’t forget it," Su Yun said, turning her face away, her cheeks flushing red. Her heart pounded like a startled fawn, and she thought to herself, “So, he does understand my feelings after all—he’s not just a blockhead.”

"Uh, sure." Qin Feng wasn’t sure what the promise had to do with her beauty, but he agreed quickly. As he thought about it, sudden joy welled up in his heart. He had just told a love story about a young couple, and now he felt as if he understood something new. What young woman doesn't yearn for love? What young man isn't full of longing? Perhaps this was what love was. He resolved to train hard, and when three years had passed, he would not disappoint Su Yun.

At that moment, a delicious aroma wafted through the air, and Qin Feng suddenly remembered, "The roast chicken is almost ready." He looked over and saw the chicken had turned golden brown in most places, though some spots that hadn’t been turned were a bit burnt. Still, it didn’t affect the flavor.

"It’s a little charred, but it won’t affect the taste—it still smells delicious." Qin Feng picked up the roast chicken and examined it. Most of it was cooked through and gave off a mouthwatering scent that made one’s appetite stir.

"It smells wonderful," Su Yun said. She, too, caught the aroma. This was the best roast chicken she had ever seen.

"Come on, let’s eat some roast chicken. It smells amazing," Qin Feng said, tearing off a large drumstick and handing it to Su Yun. She accepted it without hesitation and began to eat, praising Qin Feng’s roasting skills between bites. Qin Feng was delighted to see her enjoying it so much.

About three minutes later, they finished the chicken. Both were in high spirits as they put out the campfire and rested for a while. Then Su Yun began teaching Qin Feng hand signals for tactics, combat techniques, jungle survival skills, and other operational abilities. Qin Feng studied earnestly, determined not to let down Su Yun’s high hopes for him.