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墨書 Inktalez
As night fell, the sea breeze howled, bringing a refreshing chill.
Xu Qingyuan stood at the bow of the ship, gripping the railing tightly, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. As the vessel moved forward, the once-clear coastline gradually blurred and eventually disappeared from view.
Their destination was the Pacific Fleet Headquarters. Departing from Comor Bay, this journey would take a full two days and nights.
Ansheng was not suited to stay in Comor City; returning it to the Pacific Fleet Headquarters was an order from above. Even though Xu Qingyuan felt reluctant, there was nothing he could change.
The waves continuously crashed against the hull, producing a series of crisp and pleasant sounds, as if nature were playing a wonderful melody.
These sounds acted like a bond, stirring up memories buried deep within Xu Qingyuan's heart.
He listened quietly, his thoughts drifting far away.
As night deepened, the sea became pitch black, illuminated only by faint moonlight that barely lit the path ahead.
Xu Qingyuan slowly turned around and walked heavily back to his cabin.
He lay on the narrow bed, turning to gaze out at the endless darkness outside.
The pitch-black room felt particularly empty, and a wave of loneliness surged over him.
Xu Qingyuan couldn't help but recall that night many years ago—the scene of his parents' departure vividly replayed in his mind.
That night, like today, the sea breeze brushed against his face, bringing a chill.
Now, a similar feeling washed over him once again.
"Far away, what do you think of this? This is a brooch designed by M Country's famous designer Dahlmoric. Doesn't Mom look stunning wearing it today?"
Madam Xu twirled in front of Xu Qingyuan, dressed in an elegant green velvet evening gown.
Madam Xu wore a dazzling jewelry brooch on her chest, shaped like a Peace Dove holding a branch with three green leaves in its beak. To highlight the lifelike appearance of the dove, the jewels on the brooch were arranged meticulously, creating a three-dimensional effect. Under the light, it emitted brilliant rays from every angle.
Eighteen-year-old Xu Qingyuan was neatly dressed in a suit from a high-end luxury brand, with a handsome face.
The young man's face was beaming with a smile as he looked at Madam Xu, resting his chin on his hand and glancing up and down at her. He commented, "Not that impressive. It's not as good-looking as that one we bought when I took you shopping in Paris."
Madam Xu pouted and said, "You and your tasteless father have the same poor judgment!"
There was no doubt about it; Xu Qingyuan was Madam Xu's biological son.
"Alright, Mom, I was just joking. You look absolutely stunning today; you must be the most eye-catching presence on the ship," Xu Qingyuan quickly apologized, helping Madam Xu sit down on the sofa.
Only then did Madam Xu calm down. She playfully glanced at Xu Qingyuan and said, "Oh, I really don't know which young lady you'll be looking at tonight. My son, whom I've raised for eighteen years, is going to be taken by someone else."
"Mom, what are you talking about?" Xu Qingyuan blushed around his ears, still young and unable to handle such teasing.
"Haha, don't be shy! Your mother met your father when she was your age. If you can find a girl here today, it would fulfill my wish," Madam Xu said while gently ruffling Xu Qingyuan's hair.
"You used to be interested in everything as a child; you liked to get involved in everything and were friendly with everyone. But now that you're in your teenage years, you don't make friends with either boys or girls. I've been worried something might be wrong with you. Did you suffer any grievances at school?"
Seeing Madam Xu's loving gaze, Xu Qingyuan shivered slightly and said, "Mom, don't overthink it. Today is my coming-of-age ceremony; you've invited so many uncles and friends. We should go greet them!"
Xu Qingyuan stood up and walked toward the hall without looking back at Madam Xu, fearing she would cling to him.
Madam Xu was kind-hearted and warm-hearted.
Her husband, Xu Zehua, was a businessman. They took this opportunity to host Xu Qingyuan's eighteenth birthday celebration to invite industry friends to discuss the establishment of the Glacial Era Research Institute.
In recent years, global environmental conditions have worsened significantly; some inland areas have even become no-go zones. Humanity has lost much of its habitable territory. Even though underwater city construction technology has matured, many people still find themselves homeless and without options.
"Mr. Xu, what do you think of our plan? We can set up several experimental bases in Country Z to study these new species emerging from nature and then profit from selling them. If these new species do not bring us as much profit as we expect, we can halt the plan in time so we won't incur too much loss."
Raising his wine glass high in front of Xu Zehua, Kristin waited for his response.
Xu Zehua smiled gracefully, gently clinking his glass against Kristin's before downing the drink in one go.
"Mr. Kristin, my son has arrived. I need to go speak with him for a moment. As for what you mentioned, I'll think it over and get back to you."
Not far away at the dining table sat Xu Qingyuan, who had just escaped from Madam Xu. He sat at the table, his eyes vacant and staring blankly at the empty glass in front of him that he was nervously fiddling with.
Kristin stood behind them, watching Xu Zehua walk toward Xu Qingyuan, a strange smile creeping onto his lips.
He took a sip from his glass, placed it on the tray of a passing waiter, and turned to leave.
"What's wrong? What are you thinking about?"
Hearing the voice, Xu Qingyuan looked up and saw Xu Zehua sitting next to him.
"Nothing," Xu Qingyuan shook his head.
Xu Zehua said, "Today is your coming-of-age ceremony, but your mom and I invited a bunch of uncles and aunties you don't know. You’re not upset about that, are you?"
The corners of Xu Qingyuan's mouth curled slightly as he raised an eyebrow and asked, "If I were upset, what would you do to make it up to me?"
Xu Zehua laughed and replied, "Say whatever you want; as long as it's something Dad can do, I'll make it up to you."
Xu Qingyuan's eyes sparkled as ideas quickly formed in his mind. Looking at Xu Zehua with excitement, he said, "Dad, can you build a base for the Ice Age project you're working on with Uncle Kristin in the Pacific Ocean? I love the sea! It should be on that island you gave me two years ago. I love those unknown creatures; just thinking about raising them as pets sounds amazing."
"And those glowing jellyfish! If we put them in a glass tank, we won't even need to turn on the lights at night to see them..."
As he spoke enthusiastically, Xu Qingyuan animatedly gestured with his hands. Xu Zehua smiled quietly, watching his silly son talk non-stop.
"Hey, what are you two discussing so passionately?"
The person who arrived was Madam Xu. She stretched out her hands, placing one on Xu Zehua's shoulder and the other on Xu Qingyuan's head, giving it a gentle pat.
"Mom, stop touching my head; I won't grow taller," Xu Qingyuan said, turning his neck to escape her grasp, easily shaking off Madam Xu's hand.
Xu Zehua smiled silently, standing up to hold Madam Xu's hand, helping her adjust her skirt before guiding her to sit down.
Xu Qingyuan had already moved to the other side of Madam Xu. He took out his optical brain from his pocket, adjusted the angle, slightly crouched down, and selected the burst mode for three consecutive shots.
With a proud smile on his face, Xu Qingyuan declared, "It's my birthday today, so you all have to make it up to me. It's been a long time since our family took a photo together. Come on, let's start the three-shot sequence."
In the first shot, the frame focused on the three of them. Xu Zehua stood beside Madam Xu, gazing deeply into her eyes, while the single dog, Xu Qingyuan, looked at the camera and flashed a peace sign.
In the second shot, Xu Zehua gently wrapped his arm around Madam Xu's shoulder. They leaned in close together, and the brief moment reflected on the screen made Xu Qingyuan roll his eyes in exasperation.
In the third shot, before he could bring his mouth close to Madam Xu's ear, a mischievous grin appeared on Xu Qingyuan's face as he intruded between them. Madam Xu covered her mouth with a smile while Xu Zehua was pushed aside by Xu Qingyuan's large hand, half of his body leaving the frame but still turning back with a smile toward the camera.
As Xu Qingyuan watched the screen unlock with their family photo displayed on his optical brain, his thoughts returned to the moment.
This third photo was their last family picture together and also the final time they all looked at the camera as one.
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