He Returns from the Green Light

Qi Mu, Qi Mu: choose a good tree to roost in. Before this, Shen Qimu understood the phrase only that way.

Then she met Lu Chao'an, and the name suddenly took on another meaning.

It came to represent hope, and the unwavering love between her and Lu Chao'an. If two people love each other for the long haul, what does it matter if they can't be together every day?

Looking at his handsome face as he slept beside her, Shen Qimu could hardly believe it was real.

Thinking of everything they'd been through, she was overcome by an indescribable sense of grievance. She leaned over and bit the man's shoulder.

He woke with a start, his voice low and hoarse with sleep. “Mumu, I'm sorry.”

At his apology, Shen Qimu was already in tears. What was he apologizing for? It seemed he owed her nothing, and yet he seemed to owe her so, so much.

Choking back sobs, she asked, “What are you sorry for?”

He said, “I'm sorry I couldn't bear to let you go back then, and made you wait so long for me.”

“Before I met you, I thought I'd give my whole life to the army, even my life itself. After I met you, I wanted to give you the rest of it.”

“But, Mumu, if the army needs me, I...”

“Shh, don't say it. I know.”

Two soft little voices came from under the covers. “Mom, Dad, what are you doing?”

“Your dad and I are deciding where to take you today.”

“Yay, that's great! But isn't Dad an alien? Isn't he going back to his planet?”

The two exchanged a smile. “He's not going back. From now on, Dad will protect Mom and you. How does that sound?”

“Yay, that's great!”

Outside the window, the blazing sun was slowly rising.