The shuttle bus back to the military base ran only once in the morning and once in the evening, aligning with work commutes—departing at eight in the morning and returning at five-forty in the evening. After parting with her colleagues, He Zhilan walked alone, carrying her belongings towards the shuttle's stop.
Gu En's mother had arrived in the army vehicle that morning, but Lan Li drove her back in the afternoon.
In the car, Gu En's mother quietly inquired about Lan Li's life in the S Province military camp. Lan Li, though not talkative, was nonetheless willing to answer any questions posed by her aunt.
Their conversation proceeded with questions and answers, yet, as if by tacit agreement, neither mentioned Gu En at the time.
