In front of the small courtyard, a high-end shuttle stopped. Zhong Pingjiang helped his wife step out of the vehicle, while the driver took care of the luggage.

Perhaps from the flight, Yun Rong’s complexion was slightly pale. Supported by her husband, she entered the house.

“Sit down and rest for a moment. I’ll pour you a glass of water,” seeing his wife’s exhaustion, Zhong Pingjiang felt a pang of tenderness and said softly.

The driver set down the bags, offered a brief farewell, and departed.

He brought a glass of hot water from the kitchen and handed it to his wife, just as his phone rang—it was the company. He was about to reject the call, but Yun Rong, understanding, said, “Take it. I’ve already delayed a lot of business these past few days because of me.”

Everything at the company was now on track. It wasn't like the early days when they had to handle every little detail personally; daily management was entrusted to professional executives.

As the ultimate decision-maker, Zhong Pingjiang only needed to weigh in on critical matters, allowing him to step away from the tedious routine. This was why he had time to accompany his wife for relaxation trips.

Yet, the company was the lifeblood of their marriage; truly letting go made them uneasy.

Seeing his wife’s insistence, Zhong Pingjiang kissed her forehead. “Then you rest well. Call me if you need anything.”

“Mhm.”

As her husband’s silhouette vanished through the doorway, the relaxed smile on Yun Rong’s face slowly evaporated. She curled up on the sofa, hugging her shoulders, staring blankly at the cup on the table before her, wisps of white steam still rising.

The house was too quiet. The home that once felt incredibly warm now seemed as cold and desolate as a somber prison, breeding helpless loneliness.

Outside, she hadn't felt it so acutely, but stepping inside, she was instantly hit by the palpable presence of her son.

This was his favorite spot. Like his father, he lacked patience. He disliked using teacups for his drinks, preferring a large mug instead. He hated being alone. Whenever there was a movie he wanted to see, he would wait until he had free time, then pull her along to watch it with him…

Scalding tears traced paths down her cheeks, one after another. The grief in Yun Rong’s heart was unstoppable. Little Yun was so afraid of the dark. In that other world, would he be afraid?

After a long while, she managed to hold back the tears and stood up from the sofa, heading upstairs to open Zhong Yun’s room.

The furnishings inside were exactly as he had left them. Touching the surface of the desk his son had used, and sitting on his son’s bed, Yun Rong felt sorrow wash over her in a relentless tide.

Why? Why did my son have to suffer such a bitter fate? He was only seventeen! He had a beautiful future ahead of him, his life had just begun…

Yun Rong could not maintain control any longer. She collapsed onto the quilt, sobbing silently.

At the doorway, Zhong Pingjiang watched his wife weeping. His own strong heart felt as if it had been torn into countless pieces. He walked over and embraced his wife’s trembling body; in this moment, she appeared utterly helpless. He held her tightly, hoping to transmit strength to her.

After a considerable time, Yun Rong gradually calmed down. The couple held each other, feeling the beat of the other’s heart.

“Let’s move out,” Zhong Pingjiang’s voice echoed in the empty room.

“No,” Yun Rong stated unequivocally.

Zhong Pingjiang understood his wife’s conviction, realizing she couldn't bear to leave this place filled with their son’s memories. He let out a silent sigh, making no further argument.

Just then, the doorbell rang.

“Who is it?” Zhong Pingjiang looked with slight confusion at the pretty, quiet young girl standing before him.

The girl bowed politely. “Excuse me, is this Zhong Yun’s home? I am a classmate of his.”

“Little Yun’s classmate?” Zhong Pingjiang was somewhat surprised. “Come in.”

“Sorry to bother you, Uncle.”

“What is your name?” In the living room, Yun Rong had already settled onto the sofa, watching the quiet girl with a gentle expression.

“You must be Zhong Yun’s mother.” The girl seemed a bit nervous. “My name is Yu Ruo. You can just call me Xiao Ruo.”

“Xiao Ruo, would you like something to drink? Juice, or tea?” Seeing that his wife seemed quite fond of the girl named Yu Ruo, Zhong Pingjiang felt happy and hoped to keep her there to cheer his wife up.

“Oh, no need…” Xiao Ruo started to decline politely, but Zhong Pingjiang had already brought her a glass of juice. “Thank you, Uncle.”

“We never heard Zhong Yun mention you before?” Yun Rong asked, a certain misunderstanding coloring her smile.

Xiao Ruo, sharp and perceptive, naturally caught the subtle implication in her tone. Her face flushed. “Zhong Yun and I… we are just ordinary friends.”

Zhong Pingjiang couldn't help but smile faintly. He was experienced; how could a young girl’s feelings hide from his eyes? He hadn’t expected his son to attract such an outstanding girl…

Sigh—he paused internally, letting out another sigh—it was a pity he was gone now. Thinking of this, his heart grew profoundly heavy.

However, this girl named Xiao Ruo seemed unaware of the news about Xiao Yun’s accident.

Indeed, she soon asked, “Auntie, where is Zhong Yun right now? I haven’t been able to reach him at all.”

Yun Rong’s smile froze in place; her bright eyes dimmed instantly.

“Did I say something wrong?” Xiao Ruo looked helplessly at Zhong Yun’s mother, completely baffled by the sudden shift in her expression.

“Xiao Yun, he… he is gone.”

“Gone? Where did he go?” For some reason, the tone of Zhong Yun’s mother sent a chill down Xiao Ruo’s spine; an ominous premonition began to rise in her heart.

“He…”

Zhong Pingjiang sighed, about to explain. He had only spoken a single word when his phone rang again. Frowning, he picked it up. It was his most crucial assistant calling. He answered immediately.

“What—” Zhong Pingjiang shot up from his seat, his voice so loud that the gazes of the two women, one large and one small, snapped toward him. His usual composure was entirely gone, his face showing excitement that he could barely contain.

“Good—” He abruptly ended the call.

“What is it?” Yun Rong stared at her husband in shock. She rarely saw him lose control like this. Had something happened at the company? A flicker of worry crossed her mind.

Zhong Pingjiang didn't have time to speak; he first turned on the television. A stunning female anchor appeared on screen, reporting a major news item with grave seriousness: “…According to reliable sources, a survivor has emerged from the Tongguang Star vessel, which was lost five months ago. The survivor’s name and age are currently unknown…”

Clang. Yun Rong let the glass slip from her hand, shattering it.

After planting the Seed of the World Tree, Zhong Yun did not linger. He boarded the Mars heading for Davao, already burning with the desire to return home. If Little Ling hadn't insisted on making a crucial stop at Planet Qiyun, he would have already gone back with Zhang Xiao. He wouldn't have stayed this long.

The news of his spaceship’s crash must have reached his parents; how worried they must be. The thought made him desperate to be home immediately.

However, even traveling at maximum speed, the journey would take seven days.

P: My sister’s family visited today, leaving me little time to update. This is only two thousand characters; I apologize sincerely.