It was late by the time the awards ceremony ended and they headed back. He Qingran and Liu Mingkun tactfully led the children ahead, while Huo Tianhao carried the tape recorder and ambled along with Xia Zhaoyun, trailing far behind.
"We're catching the bus back to the factory first thing tomorrow morning," Xia Zhaoyun said, gazing at the dim yellow glow of the streetlights. Each one only illuminated a palm-sized patch of ground, yet on a cool, tranquil night like this, they still filled those heading home with a sense of peace and longing.
Huo Tianhao nodded. "I'll see you off. Once you get your letter of introduction, we'll go register our marriage."
"Why the rush?" Xia Zhaoyun was a little surprised.
A faint smile touched Huo Tianhao's lips. "I'm worried if we move too slowly, someone will interfere. That person loves to exploit every possible opportunity to pave the way for their own future."
"If used correctly, a living hero is more valuable than a dead one."
