Chapter Seven: Memories

Outside the 798 Fortress, the War Axe group had no intention of launching another attack just yet, as they were in the process of setting up a nuclear missile launcher. Onizuka was fully confident in the destructive power of the nuclear bomb, certain that breaking through the main gate was only a matter of time. Victory, he felt, was within reach; once the heavily fortified gate was breached, none of those inside would be a match for him.

His unshakable confidence came from War Axe’s global intelligence network. He knew that his opponent was merely a thirty-third level King of Essence—a mere two levels below him. Yet, in a clash between masters, a two-level advantage was more than enough to determine the outcome.

Meanwhile, in a brief moment of tenderness, Hua Feng and Yun Meng reminisced about the past: a snowy dusk many years ago, when he had been surrounded by a group of street thugs who were about to give him a beating.

Suddenly, the chaotic crowd was parted by a pretty girl with a ponytail, about his height, who stepped forward. Unfazed by the scornful glares of the three or four thugs, she stood before them like a plum blossom defying the cold, her brows knitted in defiance as she shielded him behind her. Snowflakes clung to her white down jacket, still unmelted.

To his surprise, under the weight of her gaze, the thugs dispersed sullenly. She then escorted him all the way home.

Later, when he asked why she’d helped, she simply replied that she couldn’t stand bullies picking on the weak. At the time, he had not yet learned martial arts, whereas Yun Meng was already a master of Jeet Kune Do.

Outside, the snow continued to fall. Gazing at Yun Meng’s familiar, delicate features, Hua Feng’s mind played these memories like a cherished old film.

The story began ten years ago. She was only fifteen then, a year younger than him. As they grew closer over time, he learned her name was Shangguan Yun Meng. Since they attended the same school, they were often together, with Hua Feng usually trailing after Yun Meng like a loyal shadow.

He didn’t know why, but back then he just wanted to be around her every day. During those school days, everyone assumed they were a couple—until a handsome boy began appearing at Yun Meng’s side, doting on her with gentle care and thoughtful concern.

A few days later, in an uncharacteristic move, Hua Feng began openly pursuing the class beauty. The two of them would be seen together on the playground, in the cafeteria, entering and leaving everywhere in high spirits. After evening study sessions, he’d often be spotted bidding farewell beneath the girls’ dormitory, as if parting from a lover at death’s door.

It was as if he were acting out of spite; whenever he encountered Yun Meng in the cafeteria or on the playground, he would avoid her from afar or pass by without a word. Neither was willing to make the first move, though the reason for this silent feud was unclear even to them.

Two months later, one afternoon, Hua Feng finally lost his composure and sent her a message: “Tonight, at the entrance to Wutong Park. I’ll be waiting—I want to talk to you.”

A few seconds later, her reply arrived: “What for? You say meet and we meet, you say talk and we talk—who do you think you are?”

The heat of her anger came surging through the phone screen. Hua Feng shut off his phone and sat in silence for a long while, then sighed.

At the entrance to Wutong Park, it felt as if they both knew the other would come. When Hua Feng arrived, he saw Yun Meng pacing back and forth, blowing on her hands for warmth. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her fitted beige down jacket looked especially thin on her in the bitter seven-below-zero winter night.

Hua Feng strode over, unzipped his own jacket, and without a word wrapped Yun Meng in his arms, warming her with his own body heat—the girl he loved so deeply.

Then, like someone suffering the greatest grievance in the world, Yun Meng buried her face in his chest and wept uncontrollably, as if she needed to cry out all the sorrow of the past two months before she could stop. He had never seen her cry so bitterly before, so heedless of her own composure.

He could only keep patting her gently on the back, murmuring softly, “It’s alright now, it’s all over. I’m here, I’m right here. I’ll never sulk again, I’ll never ignore you again. It was all my fault, my fault. There, there now, don’t cry… please, be good.”

After more than ten minutes, Yun Meng finally stopped crying. With an innocent face, she wiped her tears and nose on Hua Feng’s jacket, completely ignoring his pained protest: “This was brand new, cost me several hundred bucks.” In truth, he didn’t care about the jacket at all—as long as she was happy, nothing else mattered.

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These unforgettable, indelible memories were the fragments of their past, the best testament to the companionship, understanding, and support they had given each other along the way.

As they recounted these days together, it felt as if they were meeting again after a long separation. They both became more certain that, so long as they faced the future together, nothing would be insurmountable.

“Xiao Meng, let’s go find Wang Yue and the others. They must be getting worried,” Hua Feng said, rising and taking Yun Meng’s hand, ready to leave.

Just then the door opened, and Shuang Ning appeared, spotting their joined hands and teasing, “Not hiding it anymore? Aren’t you afraid of getting disciplined? Haha…” Seeing their embarrassment, she put on a serious face: “Alright, I’ll stop teasing. Major Lin Chong has urgent business and needs to see you both. And Captain, you’re finally awake. Let’s head to the conference room!”

Hearing Shuang Ning’s jest, Hua Feng replied naturally, “Let’s go. I have some questions for Major Lin Chong myself.”

Yun Meng followed him toward the conference room.