Tomb raiding live stream: Starting as the mute Zhang

It rained all night long.

It wasn't the kind of torrential downpour you see in summer.

It was the kind of fine, lingering, bone-chilling cold rain that falls in late autumn and early winter.

It tapped on the windowpane, making a soft, rustling sound.

Like countless silkworms munching on mulberry leaves.

It's like the sound of time itself slowly passing by in the darkness.

Zhang Qiling woke up at 3:17 a.m.

I didn't dream.

It's just a clear scale on my biological clock in the quiet rainy night.

His eyes were open.

In absolute darkness.

Listening to the sound of rain.

I could hear a very faint "clunk" sound occasionally coming from the heating pipes downstairs.

Listen to the house breathing steadily and slowly in its slumber.

Six months.

More than 180 days.

The osmanthus trees bloomed and faded enough.

Fatty has developed and eliminated three versions of the "secret barbecue sauce".

Wu Xie then brought in two more boxes of "secondhand goods," some genuine and some fake.

This was enough for Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu to work together to clarify the authenticity of a Tang Dynasty Dunhuang manuscript fragment.

It's enough for Aning to upgrade the villa's security system to the fifth generation.

Jiang Xun Gu had enough time to quietly deal with three groups of small fry who had somehow emerged from some unknown corner and still harbored some interest in the "Eye Island Incident."

That was enough time for Hei Xiazi to explore all the bars, noodle shops, and billiard halls in the city that he thought were "okay."

Life is like jade soaking in lukewarm water.

It was caressed repeatedly.

It gradually reveals a warm and understated luster.

It's good.

It is the peaceful and tranquil life that many people yearn for.

Zhang Qiling lay there quietly.

He slightly bent his fingers at his side.

Then it slowly straightened up.

He could clearly feel the dormant power within his body.

Like a dragon lurking in a deep pool.

Quiet.

Yet it exudes an overwhelming presence, as if it could burst forth from the water at any moment.

This power has been present over the past six months.

Sunlight, food, and a peaceful, undisturbed daily life.

And the vibrant energy of the people around me.

It nourishes more thoroughly and subtly.

And... I have become more clearly aware of the invisible chasm called "time" between myself and this "daily life".

He turned his head in the darkness.

Although it is invisible.

But you can clearly sense the room next door.

Zhang Qiling also woke up at the same time.

In the same manner.

On the same rainy night.

Listening to the same silence.

There was no communication.

But a kind of synchronized, icy resolve.

Under the cover of the sound of rain.

It flows silently between the two of them, confirming their connection.

It's time to go.

It's not about leaving this house, it's about these people.

Instead, they headed towards that earlier, perhaps even before stepping through the bronze gate of the Eye-shaped Island, the true and final "gate" belonging to the name "Zhang Qiling," a gate they may have vaguely known beforehand.

Changbai Mountain.

Bronze door.

That is the inevitable end of his side story in this story.

Ten years of waiting on an isolated island.

In exchange, they gained this luxurious six-month break.

It is already an extra gift from fate.

And now, the time for this gift is almost up.

The "departure" of "Zhang Qiling" is another matter.

His journey home does not end here.

Behind the "door" we came through.

We travel together for a while, but eventually we must part ways.

"Zhang Qiling" is in the darkness.

He slowly sat up.

He didn't turn on the light.

My bare feet felt cool on the floor.

Walked to the wardrobe and opened it.

They were neatly hung inside.

In addition to the comfortable and soft loungewear that Aning prepared.

There are two other sets of clothes.

The fabric is thick.

The color is dark black.

The design is so simple it's almost stereotypical.

It was the outfit they wore when they returned from the island six months ago.

Aning carefully washed, ironed, and repaired it.

Hang it here.

Like two silent suits of armor.

Waiting for the moment to be adorned again.

He stretched out his hand.

Fingertips brushed against the cool fabric, which carried the fresh scent of detergent.

then.

I took them off the hanger.

The process of getting dressed is very slow.

It carried an almost ritualistic solemnity.

First, there's the innermost black tight-fitting quick-drying top and pants.

Close-fitting.

It outlines lean and smooth muscle lines.

Then there are cargo pants.

Thick and durable fabric.

The trouser legs were neatly tapered.

Tucked into the shaft of a high-top Doc Martens.

The boots were polished until they were jet black and shiny.

The shoelaces were tied meticulously.

At last.

It's that hoodie.

Pure black.

There are no signs.

The hat was very big.

The zipper can be zipped all the way up to the chin.

He put it on.

The zipper was pulled up to the chest area.

Then slowly pull the hat up and put it on.

The shadow cast by the brim of the hat.

It covered half of her face perfectly.

Only her sharply defined jawline and pale, thin lips were visible.

The reflection of a person in the mirror.

In an instant, the faint gentleness that had been tinged with the warmth of everyday life over the past six months vanished.

He became cold, silent, and unapproachable again.

Like a peerless, deadly blade housed in the simplest leather sheath.

It has withdrawn all its light.

All that remains is the pure, chilling "existence" itself.

He straightened his cuffs.

Ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

Then turn around.

Open the door.

He went outside.

Almost at the same moment.

The door to the room opposite also opened silently.

"Zhang Qiling" came out.

The same outfit.

The same silence.

Like a parallel, even colder shadow.

The two exchanged a glance in the dimly lit corridor.

No words were spoken.

They walked downstairs side by side.

Only one floor lamp was turned on in the corner of the living room.

The light was dim and warm.

Jiang Xun Gu, who was on night duty, sat on the sofa.

He was holding a military magazine in his hand.

I heard very faint footsteps.

Look up immediately.

I saw two people coming down the stairs.

And their long-lost, iconic black attire.

His pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

But there was no surprise on his face.

I simply closed the magazine.

Stand up.

Facing the two of them.

He nodded very slightly.

It is clear.

It's an inquiry.

It was also a silent "I understand, I will arrange it".

Zhang Qiling nodded slightly to him.

Heading towards the kitchen.

He opened the refrigerator.

Take out the milk.

I poured two glasses.

Heat it in the microwave.

During the tens of seconds of waiting.

He leaned against the kitchen counter.

My gaze swept calmly across the night outside the window, blurred by the raindrops.

Zhang Qiling stood a step away from him.

He was also looking out the window.

【Ding. 】

The system's voice rang in Zhang Qiling's mind.

It's no longer the lighthearted, teasing tone of the past.

Rather, it is a calm, almost solemn, tranquility.

[Host, have you made your decision?]

"Um."

Changbai Mountain, Bronze Gate. The last stretch of the road.

"Um."

[Shouldn't you tell them?]

Zhang Qiling's gaze fell on the numbers flashing on the microwave oven.

"No need."

I know, but it only adds to the trouble.

Let's just leave it at that, like every time we've "gone out" in the past.

This time, however, he might not be able to come back.

Or, when they return, they will be in a different "existence".

The system remained silent for a moment.

That's fine too.

"Then... be careful on the road."

[If you need anything, just let me know.]

Although I think they probably won't need me.

"Thanks."

"Zhang Qiling" said in his heart.

It was light, but very serious.

The microwave went "ding," and it was ready.

He took out the milk.

He handed a cup to "Zhang Qiling".

He held a cup by himself.

Drink it slowly.

The warm liquid slid into my stomach.

It brings a touch of warmth.

Outside the window, the rain seemed to have lessened a bit.

The sky was a somber, grayish-white tinged with the approaching dawn.

Faint noises began to come from upstairs.

Wang Pangzi let out a thunderous yawn.

The sound of Wu Xie slipping on his slippers and walking towards the bathroom.

A faint cough could be heard from Xie Yuchen's room...

A new day has begun.

It was also the last day of this long period of "leisure".

At the breakfast table, the atmosphere was subtly different.

Fatty Wang brought out a large pot of freshly cooked millet porridge.

They saw "Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" dressed in black already sitting at the table.

My hand paused for a moment.

Then he put the pot down.

He rubbed his hands together.

He grinned, but the smile looked a little unnatural.

"Hey buddy, that outfit...going out?"

Wu Xie came down the stairs.

They were stunned when they saw the two of them.

The eyes behind the glasses blinked.

My footsteps stopped on the last step.

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu walked over from the direction of the study.

Seeing this, they exchanged a glance but said nothing.

Aning came in from the backyard.

He was also holding a humidity meter.

His gaze swept over the two of them, and he pursed his lips.

Black bear appeared out of nowhere.

He had a piece of toast in his mouth.

Leaning against the restaurant door frame.

The eyes behind the sunglasses revealed no emotion.

He just slowly chewed his bread.

Zhang Qiling picked up the bowl.

The porridge was served.

The tone was so flat, it was as if he were just saying the weather was nice today:

"Let's go somewhere."

"Where to?"

Wu Xie walked over and sat down.

Her gaze was fixed on him.

Zhang Qiling took a sip of porridge.

She then looked up at him.

The gaze beneath the brim of the hat was calm and unwavering.

Changbai Mountain.

There was a moment of silence at the dining table.

"Changbai Mountain?"

Fatty Wang raised his voice.

"What are you going there for? It's freezing cold! To see the snow?"

"Something came up."

The name "Zhang Qiling" is concise and to the point, with no intention of explanation.

Two words were added to "Zhang Qiling":

"have a look."

Have a look.

This reason is too vague.

That's so much like Zhang Qiling!

It makes it impossible to ask further questions, yet it also makes one feel uneasy.

Wu Xie frowned.

He looked at "Zhang Qiling".

Let's take another look at "Zhang Qiling".

His lips moved.

In the end, they didn't get any information about "what happened".

Instead, it means:

"How long will we be gone? When will we leave? We..."

"Zhang Qiling" interrupted him.

His tone remained largely flat:

"Soon. Today."

"today?!"

Fatty Wang almost jumped up.

"So rushed?!"

Xie Yuchen gently put down his chopsticks.

Speak in a gentle voice:

"What needs to be prepared? Equipment, route, backup..."

"Need not."

Zhang Qiling shook his head.

"Just looking."

A Ning looked at Jiang Xun Gu.

Jiang Xun Gu shook his head almost imperceptibly at her.

This indicates that he didn't know the specifics either.

But I support this decision.

Black Bear swallowed the last bite of toast.

He patted the crumbs off his hands.

He opened his mouth lazily:

"Changbai Mountain..."

"Shouldn't the mountains be snowbound by now?"

"The scenery is quite nice."

"What's wrong, Zhang the Mute? Feeling restless after being so still? Want to stretch your muscles?"

Zhang Qiling ignored his teasing.

She simply finished eating the porridge in her bowl quietly.

Then put down your bowl and chopsticks.

Looking at everyone:

Let's go together.

It's not a question, it's a statement.

But this sentence.

Surprisingly, it eased the tense atmosphere at the dinner table somewhat.

together.

This means that you are not facing any unknown dangers alone.

At least, we can still be together.

Wu Xie visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

He immediately said:

"Of course, together!"

"Fatty, hurry up and pack your things!"

"Ah Ning, check the weather and road conditions!"

"Little Flower, get your gear ready!"

Wang Pangzi still had a lot of questions.

But then I heard "Let's go together".

His enthusiasm immediately surged:

"Alright!"

"Changbai Mountain, right?"

"I've never been there in winter before!"

"I've heard that the stewed dishes in that iron pot and the wild game there are absolutely amazing!"

"Wait a minute, I'll make the list right away!"

The sorrow of parting that might have spread was gone.

The phrase "let's go together" overshadowed the meaning.

It quickly transformed into a temporary, dynamic group travel plan.

Everyone sprang into action.

Make a phone call.

Those who need to look up information should do so.

Packing up equipment.

The villa was instantly filled with the familiar, bustling atmosphere of preparation for "action".

The floating live-streaming sphere seemed to sense the change in atmosphere.

Activate from standby mode.

It began to move slowly in the air.

The camera captured the busy figures of the crowd.

In the live stream, the audience was both excited and puzzled by this sudden development.

"Changbai Mountain? In winter?"

"These two guys suddenly changed their gear, they look amazing!"

"I sense something's wrong, but they won't say what it is."

Wu Xie looks so nervous.

"The fat guy has already entered purchasing mode."

"Blackie seems to know something."

"Never mind, teamwork is what matters!"

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" stood up.

We left the noisy restaurant.

Back in the room upstairs.

They really don't need to prepare anything.

Apart from their respective knives that they never parted with.

Zhang Qiling picked up the wooden carving standing side by side from the bedside table.

My fingertips traced the four small characters "Return is imminent" on the base once more.

I watched for a moment.

He carefully put the wooden carving back in its original place.

He turned and went out.

downstairs.

Fatty Wang has already prepared a long list of supplies.

He was directing Wu Xie and A Ning to confirm the details separately.

Xie Yuchen and Huo Xiuxiu are reviewing the latest meteorological and geological data for the Changbai Mountain area.

Jiang Xun Gu is inspecting the vehicle.

Black Bear was lounging on the sofa.

Looking something up on my phone.

A subtle, enigmatic smile played at the corners of his lips.

all.

It was the same as countless times before I set off.

Tense, yet orderly.

With a mix of excitement and certainty about the unknown.

Nobody realized it.

This might be all of them.

For the last time, in this capacity and with these feelings, we gather together and embark on the same journey.

No one saw it.

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" standing in the shadows at the corner of the stairs.

Those two pairs of eyes, hidden under the brim of their hats, were like deep pools and ancient wells.

It reflects the vibrant and bustling scene downstairs.

Deep in the depths of the eyes.

That fleeting, extremely faint moment.

A faint light, similar to "longing".

The convoy departed in the afternoon.

Three modified off-road vehicles.

We walked through the gradually stopping cold rain.

Drive out of the city.

Facing north.

That ancient and mysterious mountain range covered in ice and snow.

They sped away.

"Zhang Qiling" and "Zhang Qiling" sat in the back seat of the middle car.

Still silent.

The scenery outside the window rushed past.

The city recedes into the distance.

The wilderness is vast.

The distant mountains are like dark eyebrows.

His black clothes were icy cold.

The scabbard was close to the side of the waist.

way forward.

It was snow and wind in Changbai Mountain.

A massive bronze gate.

And a silent farewell that had been predetermined.

But at the moment.

The wheels keep turning.

The engine growled.

My companion is by my side.

Journey.

Still going on.