Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

The boat docked in the afternoon.

It wasn't the port we departed from; it was a small private dock that Xie Yuchen had arranged in advance.

It was secluded and quiet, with inconspicuous police tape around it.

Several black minivans were waiting on the shore, their windows tinted with dark film.

Captain Chen brought the boat to a stop, and before the mooring lines were even properly secured, Fatty Wang was the first to leap ashore carrying his precious insulated box.

He turned around and reached out to catch the person behind him, muttering to himself:

"Slow down, slow down, watch your step! Hey buddy, over here!"

Zhang Qiling and Zhang Qiling came ashore very quietly.

There is almost no sound when you step on the cement floor.

They stopped, their gaze sweeping over the unfamiliar dock, vehicles, and distant, rolling hills covered in the withered yellow of winter grass.

The sunlight was dazzling, a bright, unobstructed light unseen for ten years.

The air smelled of diesel fuel, the fishy smell of the sea, and the faint, distant fumes of cooking oil.

It felt unfamiliar, yet it carried a kind of vivid, long-forgotten quality.

Wu Xie followed them ashore. As his feet touched solid ground, the thing that had been hanging over him for ten years finally settled down.

He took a deep breath of the air on the shore and turned to look at the two people beside him.

He wanted to say something, but felt there was no need to say anything, so he just grinned.

Her eyes were still a little red, but her smile was bright.

Xie Yuchen, Huo Xiuxiu, A Ning, and Jiang Xungu came ashore one after another, their movements swift and efficient.

Black Bear was the last to sway up, his hands in his pockets, his eyes behind his sunglasses squinting as if adjusting to the overly bright afternoon light.

"Let's go back to my place first," Xie Yuchen said.

His voice carried the weariness of a long voyage, but even more so, a sense of relief.

"Everything is arranged. Take a good rest; there's no rush for anything else."

No one objected.

The group silently got into the car, the doors closed, and the engine started.

The convoy smoothly drove away from the dock, leaving the sea and the island that had been isolated for ten years completely behind.

The car was quiet.

Wu Xie, Fatty, Xie Yuchen, Huo Xiuxiu, A Ning, and Jiang Xun Gu rode in one car.

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" were moved to the middle car.

Black Bear followed with a grin and took the passenger seat.

The car's air conditioning was on full blast, and the warm air was blowing.

Black Bear took a bottle of water from the storage compartment, unscrewed it, and took two gulps.

Then look in the rearview mirror at the two people sitting side by side in the back seat.

"How's it going, you mute?" His voice was a mix of teasing and seriousness. "Isn't the air outside better than the rotten mushroom smell in your stone house?"

Zhang Qiling watched the street scene outside the window rushing past, a scene he hadn't seen in ten years—

High-rise buildings, GG license plates, traffic, pedestrians, and unmelted snow piled up in the green belt.

Sunlight refracted into shimmering spots on the glass window.

He didn't turn around, but simply gave a faint "hmm".

Zhang Qiling sat on the other side of the window, also looking outside.

His profile appears exceptionally clear and aloof in the light and shadow.

He replied with a single word:

"Quarrel."

Black Bear was amused and put the water bottle back.

"That's what makes it lively. This is where people should be. I'll take you guys out to eat later, that'll be real fun."

As the car drove into the city, the street scene became increasingly bustling and vibrant.

Red light, traffic stopped.

A huge bus sped past, its body bearing the logo of a beverage brand endorsed by a celebrity; the colors were vibrant and eye-catching.

Pedestrians hurried along the sidewalk, wearing thick winter clothes and exhaling white breath.

Zhang Qiling's gaze lingered on the huge GG sign for a moment before moving away.

Ten years have passed. The world outside the door seems to have changed somewhat, yet it also seems unchanged.

A slow, distant understanding flowed gently in his calm eyes.

The car eventually drove into a quiet villa area.

We stopped in front of a familiar building.

The osmanthus trees in the yard have lost all their leaves, and their branches stretch out their silent lines under the winter sky.

Got home.

The car door opened, and a rush of cool air filled the car.

Aning was the first to get off the bus and quickly walked to the gate to enter the password.

The door opened with a soft "click".

The group filed in.

The living room was bright and clean, and a warm feeling filled the air.

Everything was pretty much the same as I remembered, except for the added traces of daily life.

A knitted cardigan by Huo Xiuxiu was draped over the armrest of the sofa.

Several books that Xie Yuchen had half-read were laid out on the coffee table.

A tall celadon vase, about half a person's height, has appeared in the corner, with several dried lotus pods inserted in it.

The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, coffee, and sun-dried fabrics.

It tastes like "home".

Ten years have passed without change, yet because of the long separation, it feels exceptionally clear and comforting.

As soon as Fatty Wang walked in, he started shouting:

"Finally back! My old bones were practically falling apart on that boat!"

He placed the insulated box on the kitchen island, put his hands on his hips, looked around the familiar living room, and sighed contentedly.

Then, looking at "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling," he waved his hand:

"Hey buddy, and this buddy too, don't be shy, make yourselves at home! Sit down, look around!"

"Ah Ning, hurry up and boil some water to make tea! Tianzhen, what are you standing there for? Get the guys some slippers!"

Wu Xie was brought back to his senses from that dazed, unreal feeling of returning home when he was called out.

He quickly bent down and took out two brand-new, identical dark gray cotton slippers from the shoe cabinet, placing them in front of "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling".

"Wear this, it'll keep you warm."

Zhang Qiling looked down at his slippers, then at Wu Xie.

Wu Xie was also looking at him, his eyes filled with a barely perceptible cautiousness, and an overflowing joy that was almost bursting out.

Zhang Qiling didn't say anything, but bent down and untied the laces of his high-top boots, which were covered in seawater and mud and had worn edges.

The movements were a little slow and unsteady, but very steady.

He changed into cotton slippers and stood up straight.

The soft down enveloped my feet, insulating them from the slight chill of the floor.

"Zhang Qiling" changed his shoes, just like him.

It was a very ordinary action, but it made Fatty Wang, who was watching from the side, feel a lump in his throat again.

He quickly turned and scurried into the kitchen, shouting:

"Let me see what's in the fridge. We have to cook something really substantial tonight! A welcome-back feast! I, Fatty, will be in charge of the cooking!"

Xie Yuchen took off his coat and hung it up, then said gently to the two of them:

"The rooms upstairs are all cleaned up, just like before. Go wash up and rest, and change your clothes. We'll call you when dinner is ready."

Huo Xiuxiu had already started brewing tea with great skill.

Aning checked the doors, windows, and heating system.

Jiang Xun Gu carried several bags of personal equipment upstairs, clearly to arrange security.

Hei Xiazi plopped down on the sofa, stretching out his long legs.

He plucked a grape from the fruit bowl on the coffee table, popped it into his mouth, and mumbled:

"It's still more comfortable here. Dumb guy, you two go and wash up. You smell like the sea and stones, don't piss me off."

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" exchanged a glance, ignoring Hei Xiazi's teasing.

He turned and walked towards the stairs.

They seemed familiar with the layout of the house and went straight to the two adjacent rooms on the second floor that had once belonged to them.

Wu Xie watched their figures disappear around the corner of the stairs before finally letting out a long, complete sigh of relief.

She felt as if all her strength had been drained, and slowly slid down onto the sofa, hugging a cushion and burying her face in it.

His shoulders shrugged slightly.

Huo Xiuxiu gently placed the brewed tea on the coffee table in front of him, without saying a word, but simply patted his shoulder.

The levitating live-streaming ball has been quietly suspended above the decorative shelf in the corner of the living room since we entered the room.

The camera captured the initial chaos and warmth of returning home.

The comments in the live stream chat became exceptionally gentle at this moment.

"I'm home..."

"Looking at Wu Xie, I feel so sorry for him and I want to cry."

"The fat guy switches to home mode in a second"

"Blackie is still as cheeky as ever, but it all feels so natural."

"Xiaohua and Xiuxiu are so thoughtful."

"Sister Ning and Brother Jiang work quietly and diligently."

"The two guys weren't talking, but they seemed relaxed."

upstairs.

Zhang Qiling pushed open the door to his room.

The room was almost exactly the same as when he left.

Clean, tidy, without any unnecessary decorations.

The sheets and duvet cover are new and have a sun-dried smell.

The desk was spotless, and even an old county gazetteer that he had casually placed on the corner of the desk was still in its original position, though the edges of the pages were slightly curled.

The window was ajar, and a cool breeze blew in, stirring the light gray curtains.

He walked to the window and looked outside.

The courtyard, the neighbor's rooftop, and the blurred skyline of the city further away.

The setting sun is slanting westward, framing the clouds with golden-red edges.

It's very quiet.

There was no pulsation of the stone pillars, no murmur of the cracks, no dim red light.

Only the sound of the wind and the faint sounds of the city in the distance.

Faint sounds could be heard coming from downstairs, from Fatty Wang's clattering and clanging in the kitchen.

There was also the sound of the fat man yelling at Wu Xie to peel garlic.

A kind of luxurious, spacious tranquility.

Zhang Qiling stood by the window for a long time until the sun had completely set, leaving only a dark purple hue on the horizon.

Then, he turned and walked towards the room's ensuite bathroom.

Warm water poured down from the showerhead.

Wash away the dust and grime accumulated on your body over the past ten years inside the bronze gate, dust that even seawater couldn't completely cleanse.

The water flows over the skin, bringing a real, living touch.

He closed his eyes and let the water wash over him.

Downstairs, the kitchen was bustling with activity.

Wang Pangzi, wearing an apron with a cartoon pig printed on it, brandished a spatula, looking every bit the chef.

Wu Xie was kept running around like a headless chicken, peeling garlic, washing vegetables, and chopping ginger, all in a flurry of activity.

"Tianzhen, how did you peel that garlic? It looks like a dog chewed it! Do it again!"

"Hey Fatty, keep your voice down! The guys are resting upstairs!"

"No need to rest, they'll come down by themselves when they smell the aroma! Hurry, give me the scallions!"

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu were organizing the documents they had brought back in the living room.

Aning is inspecting the latest security measures inside and outside the villa.

Jiang Xun Gu came downstairs and nodded to A Ning, indicating that everything was normal.

Hei Xiazi slumped on the sofa, idly pressing the TV remote.

After switching channels, I finally stopped at a channel that was showing the old version of "Journey to the West" and started watching it with great interest.

An hour later, the rich aroma of food filled the entire first floor.

Fatty Wang carried the last plate of squirrel-shaped mandarin fish out of the kitchen.

With his back ramrod straight and his face glistening with oil, he loudly announced:

"Everyone's ready! Let's eat!"

The long dining table was piled high with food.

The braised pork belly looked glistening and tempting.

The steamed fish has a wonderfully fresh and fragrant aroma.

Blanched bok choy hearts are bright green and tender.

The braised prawns are reddish-brown and plump.

The yam and pork rib soup is milky white and rich.

There was also a large plate of plump, white dumplings, and the spicy stir-fried baby crabs that the fat man claimed to be his "secret recipe".

There were also several bottles of good wine placed in the middle.

Everyone was already seated.

Wu Xie deliberately arranged for "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" to sit between himself and Xie Yuchen.

The two changed into clean pajamas, which Aning had prepared in advance.

The simple dark cotton clothes they wore made them look less cold and aloof, and more relaxed and homey.

But that calm, unapproachable aura still lingers.

"Come on, fill it all up!"

Fatty Wang poured wine or beverage into the cup in front of each person.

Then he picked up his glass of baijiu, his face flushed from the heat of the kitchen and his excitement, and spoke in a loud voice:

"This first drink, I won't say anything else, it's just for the two guys to come out safe and sound!"

"For the sake of all of us, not one less, sitting here again! Cheers!"

"Dry!"

Everyone raised their glasses, even Huo Xiuxiu and A Ning, who don't drink alcohol, picked up their juices.

Zhang Qiling looked at the wine glass in front of him; it contained a clear liquid.

He picked up the glass, followed the example of the others, clinked glasses, and then brought it to his lips, taking a sip.

Spicy and burning, it burns down the throat, bringing a strange and intense sensation.

He frowned slightly, but swallowed it down.

Zhang Qiling also drank it, and his reaction was similar to his, but he didn't frown.

He simply put down the cup, staring at the swirling liquid inside, his gaze somewhat deep.

"Eat the vegetables, eat the vegetables!"

Fatty Wang couldn't wait to start serving the dishes.

A piece of braised pork was placed into Zhang Qiling's bowl with his chopsticks.

Another piece of fish maw was placed on "Zhang Qiling" with chopsticks.

"Try it, my cooking! Ten years have passed, and I've been waiting for you guys to come out for this meal!"

Zhang Qiling stared at the trembling, glistening red pork belly coated in thick sauce in the bowl.

Pick it up with chopsticks and put it in your mouth.

The fatty meat melts in your mouth, the lean meat is tender and juicy, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the saltiness and sweetness are perfectly balanced.

The richness of the fat and the satisfaction of the meat exploded in my mouth instantly.

Unlike the mushrooms of the past decade that were purely for providing energy, these are completely different, offering a vibrant and flavorful experience.

He chewed and swallowed slowly.

Then, he nodded to Fatty Wang, who was staring at him expectantly, and said two words:

"very good."

Fatty Wang immediately beamed with joy, even happier than if he had eaten it himself.

Zhang Qiling tasted the fish and nodded.

This was like a signal, and the atmosphere at the dinner table became completely lively.

Wu Xie kept serving food to the two of them, introducing what this was and what that was.

He went on and on about which shops had closed down and which streets had been renovated over the past ten years, as if trying to fill in all the gaps from those ten years.

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu chatted about trivial matters.

Huo Xiuxiu mentioned that she started learning traditional Chinese painting last year, and Xie Yuchen laughed at her, saying that the tiger she painted looked like a cat.

Ah Ning ate quietly, occasionally adding a comment.

Jiang Xun is the least talkative, but he drinks very readily.

While eating, Hei Xiazi complained about the TV programs, making Wang Pangzi almost spit out his food several times.

The levitating live-streaming ball hovered slowly above the dining table.

This fully presents the lively, warm, and joyful welcome banquet.

In the live stream, the audience felt as if they were also enjoying a family reunion dinner.

"It's making me hungry..."

"This fat guy's cooking skills are good enough to open a shop."

"Wu Xie is like a mother hen, constantly putting food on people's plates and nagging."

"The two guys were eating so quietly, but they seemed to be really enjoying their food."

"Blackie and Fatty are performing a comedy routine."

"Xiaohua and Xiuxiu are so sweet."

"Sister Ning and Brother Jiang silently protect each other."

"This is life!"

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" spent most of their time listening and eating.

They ate slowly but attentively, carefully savoring every flavor.

I drink less alcohol and more water.

Wu Xie's rambling, Fatty's boasting, and Hei Xiazi's teasing.

Xie Yuchen's gentle words, Huo Xiuxiu's faint smile.

A Ning occasionally struck up a conversation, while Jiang Xun Gu silently accompanied her.

All these sounds, lights, smells, and scents intertwine to form a fine and warm net, gently enveloping them.

Ten years of solitude were gradually dispelled and filled by the bustling world of human life.

Night has fallen, and the banquet is about to end.

Fatty Wang had drunk a bit too much. Holding "Zhang Qiling's" hand, he slurred:

"Brother, from now on... don't go anywhere else! Just stay here, and I'll cook you delicious food every day! We... we'll be together!"

Wu Xie's eyes were also shining from drinking. He looked at "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling," just smiling and repeating:

"It's so good to be back..."

Zhang Qiling looked at Fatty Wang, then at Wu Xie.

Then, he nodded slightly again.

"Um."

As the night deepened, the villa returned to silence.

They all went back to their rooms to rest.

Zhang Qiling lay on the soft, dry bed.

Covered by a fluffy, warm down comforter, and resting my head on a fragrant pillow.

Outside the window is the city's night sky, a sky that never truly darkens, a sky filled with shimmering light.

There was no pulsation of the stone pillars, no absolute darkness.

He closed his eyes.

In my mind, the system was silent, like a deep, still ocean.

But he knew that every day from now on, he would wake up to this noisy, warm world, filled with trivial troubles and immense happiness.

world.