The beam of light moved away, and the ceremony continued as commendations for other meritorious individuals were read out.
But the atmosphere seemed even heavier than before.
The faint glimmer of the Morning Star could ultimately not illuminate all the passing darkness.
The ceremony ended, and the crowd, carrying a heavy mood, slowly dispersed like a receding tide.
Fang Qingyu pushed Lin Kang's wheelchair, walking silently with Duan Ling, Qin Hui, and others towards the special elevator.
Jiang Wei followed quietly beside them.
"Qingzi, let's take Captain Lin back to the ward first," Duan Ling said softly to Fang Qingyu, signaling with her eyes that he could attend to his own matters.
Qin Hui and the others also nodded.
Fang Qingyu gave a soft "mm" in acknowledgment, handing the wheelchair over to Duan Ling.
Lin Kang sat in the wheelchair with his eyes closed, looking somewhat fatigued, not saying anything further.
The elevator doors closed behind them.
