Looking at the three strongest men from Huaihai College standing before him, Lin Hai realized there was no way he could take Smith away today.
"Very well, I hope you won't regret this!"
With a flick of his sleeves, Lin Hai turned and left angrily with his men.
"Old Lin, don't forget to withdraw your troops. Otherwise, the ferocious monsters lurking nearby might devour them all," Wang Daochuan called out loudly.
Lin Hai paused for a moment but said nothing. Then, he continued walking until his figure disappeared completely.
"Alright, let's head back," Wang Daochuan said to the group.
Xi Yan turned around silently and began walking toward Huaihai City.
Jiang Lei pulled Smith up and patted him on the shoulder. "Son, let's go home."
"Okay."
The three old men walked ahead, with Smith quietly following behind. Along the way, he remained silent.
When they returned to Huaihai City and stood before the familiar city gates, a wave of emotion washed over Smith. Though he had been gone for less than half a year, it felt like a reunion after ages. A trace of melancholy lingered in his heart.
Inside the city, many residents had been alarmed by the earlier commotion. Now, seeing Wang Daochuan, Xi Yan, and Jiang Lei together was surprising enough, but spotting Smith among them caused a stir.
"Isn't that Smith? He's back?"
"Did Jinghai College release him?"
"The noise outside the city must've been a confrontation between our leaders and the people from Jinghai College."
"I thought Smith would never return."
"How could that happen? He's Minister Jiang's son. Of course, Minister Jiang would do something about it."
People murmured among themselves, surprised and moved by Smith's return. Though most weren't aware of the full story, many had heard enough to piece together what had happened. They knew Jinghai College had made the first move, lacking ethics, and that Smith had been forced to retaliate.
Being part of Huaihai College, the majority naturally sided with Smith. After all, if their own principal trusted him, then they would too.
...
At the Jiang residence.
"Master, you've finally returned."
The housekeeper, Uncle Chen, had been standing at the entrance. Upon seeing Smith and Jiang Lei return, a joyful smile broke across his aged face.
"Yes, I'm back. Uncle Chen, it's been a while," Smith said warmly.
In just half a year, Uncle Chen appeared to have aged a bit more.
"Son, today's a special day. I'll make whatever dish you like," Jiang Lei offered with enthusiasm as soon as they stepped into the house.
"I like everything you make, Dad."
"Haha! You still know me well. Just wait and see."
Jiang Lei tied on an apron and headed into the kitchen to cook the meal himself.
Meanwhile, Smith went to take a well-deserved bath. After traveling so far, he felt grimy and worn out.
By the time he finished showering and changed into clean clothes, Jiang Lei had nearly completed the meal and was laying it out on the table.
"You're done? Come and eat. I've made all your favorite dishes!"
Jiang Lei brought the final plates of sweet and sour spare ribs and sweet and sour carp to the table.
Eight dishes in total, filling the table with delicious aromas.
The familiar scent made Smith's appetite soar. He quickly sat down, eager to eat.
Jiang Lei didn't start eating right away. He just looked at Smith quietly, a faint expression of relief on his face.
"Dad, why aren't you eating?" Smith asked, looking up.
"Eat, of course! The food's for you."
Only then did Jiang Lei begin eating, and he picked up some food for Smith as well.
"Eat more. You've lost weight."
Smith observed him carefully. In just six months, Jiang Lei seemed noticeably more haggard. The once-sharp face now bore deeper wrinkles, and strands of white had appeared in his hair.
He must have been overwhelmed and exhausted worrying about Smith.
"Dad, I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble," Smith said, his voice low.
While on the run, everything had felt manageable. But seeing how his father had aged made his heart ache.
If only he hadn't been so impulsive at the start. Then his father wouldn't have suffered so much because of him.
"What are you apologizing for? You're my son. A father's role is to solve the problems his child causes," Jiang Lei said gently.
In that moment, he wasn't the head of the executive department—just a loving father. No matter what trouble his son caused, he would always be there.
Smith's nose began to sting, and he bit his lip, holding back his emotions. He wanted to say something, but a lump formed in his throat.
Some feelings remain hidden during everyday life. Only after experiencing hardships do they truly emerge.
During his time on the run, Smith had borne everything silently. But now that he was home, safe, and with his father beside him, the emotions poured in. He felt vulnerable and wanted to pour his heart out.
Yet, he held it in and changed the subject instead:
"Dad, does this mean our college is officially cutting ties with Jinghai College now?"
"Of course. It's their fault. Even if we're not as strong as they are, we won't let them push us around," Jiang Lei said firmly. Noticing Smith's concern, he added,
"Don't worry. Your principal and Xi Yan are backing you now. They won't hand you over."
Smith had been forced to flee Jinghai College, so quickly that Jiang Lei and Wang Daochuan hadn't even gotten a chance to help.
From there, Smith had escaped all the way from Dark City to Tai'an City. Neither Jinghai College nor Jiang Lei could track him down.
But if Huaihai College had truly given up on him, they wouldn't have fought to bring him back.
"Dad, there's something really important I need to tell you." Smith put down his chopsticks, his expression turning serious. "The Great Beast Tide has been moved up. It'll be here in two or three months at most. We don't have six months anymore."
Surprisingly, Jiang Lei wasn't shocked. He nodded calmly. "I know. That's why Jinghai College won't make any reckless moves right now—they need to focus on preparing for the tide. We don't need to worry too much about them for the moment. Let's focus on defending Huaihai."
Smith was about to ask how he knew, but then realized Huaihai City had contacts in other regions. News of the advancing tide must have spread.
"This time, we'll face the beast tide with no outside help. It's all up to us now," Jiang Lei said seriously. "I've heard about your strength while being pursued by Jinghai College. So, this time, you and I will fight side by side."
"Yes!" Smith nodded solemnly.
"Tomorrow, you'll officially return to the Executive Department. Your codename will be 'Phoenix'—reborn from the ashes!"
...
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