Chapter 423: Life Updates!!!

The sunrise over Huanglingcun Village felt different from the cities they had visited.

There were no towers catching the first light.

No traffic.

No horns.

No endless streams of people moving through streets.

Only mountains.

Terraced fields.

Old houses resting quietly along the slopes.

And a layer of morning mist slowly disappearing beneath the sunlight.

Miles and Chloe stood together on a small viewing platform overlooking the village.

For several minutes...

Neither spoke.

Chloe took a deep breath.

The air was cold, clean and strangely refreshing.

"Somehow..."

Miles looked toward her.

"My heart feels so light here."

Miles smiled.

"Yeah."

Chloe looked around again.

"No calls."

She lifted her phone.

"No notifications."

She checked the screen.

"Actually, no service at all."

Miles chuckled.

Chloe smiled.

"I love this place."

She leaned against the wooden railing.

"I feel like leaving everything behind and settling here."

Miles raised an eyebrow.

Chloe continued dreamily,

"We grow our own food."

"Have a little house."

"Wake up with the mountains."

Miles started laughing.

Chloe immediately looked toward him.

"What’s there to laugh about?"

Miles tried to stop.

"Nothing."

"Miles."

He smiled.

"One more hour without internet..."

Chloe narrowed her eyes.

"...and you’re going to lose your mind."

"I will not."

Miles turned toward her.

"You bet?"

Chloe crossed her arms.

"Yes."

Miles pointed toward her phone.

"You’ve already checked it four times."

"That’s different."

"How?"

Chloe hesitated.

"Work."

Miles smiled.

"Of course."

She defended herself immediately.

"I was approving some art and designs."

"Work."

"Yes."

Miles nodded seriously.

"Definitely work."

Chloe stared at him.

"You don’t believe me."

"I completely believe you."

His face said otherwise.

Chloe sighed.

Then looked back toward the valley.

"My friends are also on social media."

Miles became quieter.

Chloe continued,

"They share everything."

"Work."

"Trips."

"Dating."

"Random little things."

Miles looked toward her.

"Do you want to share things too?"

Chloe shook her head.

"I’ll pass."

She smiled faintly.

"I like keeping things private."

Miles nodded.

Then after a short pause...

"You didn’t invite them to the wedding either."

Chloe became still.

Miles noticed the change immediately.

"Something happened?"

She looked down.

"I remember you had a lot of friends at school."

Chloe stayed quiet for several seconds.

Then she sighed.

"Nothing really happened."

Miles waited.

"I just..."

She searched for the right words.

"...shut myself in."

Miles didn’t interrupt.

Chloe continued,

"I stopped going out."

"Stopped answering messages."

"Stopped meeting people."

"They tried."

"Some of them tried a lot."

She smiled weakly.

"But I couldn’t respond."

"Not properly."

Miles watched her face.

"Eventually..."

Chloe looked toward the village below.

"I think they just gave up on me."

Miles spoke gently.

"Do you miss them?"

Chloe didn’t answer immediately.

Then nodded.

"I do."

A small smile returned to Miles’ face.

"That reminds me."

Chloe looked at him.

"They still owe me a treat."

She blinked.

Then remembered.

A faint laugh escaped her.

"Yes."

"I remember."

But the smile disappeared quickly.

She looked down again.

Miles leaned slightly closer.

"You can start talking to them."

Chloe sighed.

"I don’t know how."

"Simple."

She looked toward him.

"Apologize."

Chloe blinked.

"For disappearing."

"For not answering."

"You don’t have to explain everything at once."

Miles smiled.

"Just tell them you’re sorry."

Chloe thought about it.

Then slowly nodded.

"You’re right."

She looked at him.

"I should at least apologize for suddenly ghosting them."

Miles nodded.

"Hmm."

Chloe instinctively unlocked her phone again.

Then stared at the screen.

"Oh."

Miles smiled.

"What?"

"No service."

Miles laughed.

Chloe pointed at him.

"Don’t laugh."

"I’m not."

"You are."

Chloe slipped the phone back into her pocket.

"Okay."

Then another thought came.

"Wait."

Miles looked at her.

"How do we contact home if there’s no signal here?"

"I have a satellite phone."

Chloe nodded.

"For emergencies?"

"Yes."

"And the landlines work."

"That makes sense."

Miles looked toward the village.

"Come on."

"Where?"

"Wang Yi probably finished preparing breakfast."

Chloe immediately brightened.

"Breakfast?"

Miles smiled.

"Yes."

"Then let’s go."

She grabbed his hand.

Together...

They began walking back toward the village.

...

Star Harbor.

Soul Tower.

Monica stood near one of the large windows in her office, phone against her ear.

Below her...

The city moved normally.

Charles’ voice came through the call.

"We confirmed it."

Monica’s expression sharpened.

"You mean?"

"Every family connected to those dead soldiers..."

Charles paused.

"...has been receiving financial support from the same source."

Monica turned away from the window.

"All of them?"

"All the ones we’ve identified."

"Did you trace it?"

"We tried."

Charles sounded frustrated.

"The account leads offshore."

Monica frowned.

"And the company?"

"Bogus."

"Registered properly."

"Taxes filed."

"Clean enough on paper."

"But almost no real business operations."

Monica slowly sat behind her desk.

"So..."

"A shell."

"Looks like it."

Monica tapped her fingers against the table.

"Then how does a fake company earn enough money to support multiple families for years?"

Charles went quiet.

"Exactly."

Monica continued,

"Whose money is it?"

"Black money?"

"Government funds?"

"Corporate?"

Charles replied,

"That’s what we’re trying to find."

Then he sighed.

"But this is solid."

"Someone planned this very carefully."

Monica stared at the report on her screen.

Charles continued,

"Does President Maxwell know anything?"

"We don’t know."

"You didn’t ask?"

"Boss specifically told me not to approach any government authority yet."

Charles understood.

"Because whoever arranged this might still be inside."

"Exactly."

Monica leaned back.

"This isn’t something some random officer could organize."

"Fake deaths."

"State funerals."

"Financial support."

"Government photographs."

"Military records."

Charles became quiet.

"So..."

"We’re not trusting the President?"

Monica shook her head even though he couldn’t see her.

"I don’t think that’s what Boss meant."

"What then?"

"He doesn’t want to alert the person we’re searching for."

Charles thought about it.

Then nodded.

"Makes sense."

"I’ll keep tracing the account."

"Good."

Monica added,

"Keep Adam involved."

"Send him everything."

"Already preparing the packet."

"Great."

Charles paused.

"There’s something else."

Monica looked toward her screen.

"What?"

"Miss Thea was here a little while ago."

"Thea?"

"Yes."

Charles continued,

"She helped us locate several WEB bases in Norway."

Monica smiled faintly.

"Of course she did."

"She also asked me about jobs in Star Harbor."

Monica suddenly remembered.

"Oh."

She closed her eyes.

"I forgot."

Charles laughed.

Monica sighed.

"I’ve been busy arranging Ivy’s school."

"I’ll call Thea."

Charles’ tone softened.

"I thought about offering her something in Sterling Security."

"But..."

Monica understood.

"She just got out."

Charles continued,

"She spent years living inside WEB."

"Watching people."

"Following orders."

"Being used."

"Maybe she deserves something normal."

Monica smiled.

"Don’t worry."

"I’ll handle it."

Then she added,

"Trusted people are what we need most anyway."

"True."

Monica smiled.

"And Charles..."

"Yes?"

"If one day you also want a change..."

He immediately laughed.

"No."

Monica raised an eyebrow.

"I didn’t even finish."

"I know what you were going to say."

"We have plenty of positions."

"I’m good where I am, Miss Monica."

His answer was immediate.

"I like this job."

Monica chuckled.

"Figured."

Then her tone became playful.

"Just make sure your wife agrees."

Charles became silent.

Monica continued,

"I don’t want Major Charles getting scolded at home."

"Please don’t scare me."

Monica laughed.

"Talk later."

"Yes, ma’am."

The call ended.

...

Olivia’s Residence.

Near Pearl Villa.

The front door opened.

Ivy stepped inside carrying her school bag.

"Big Sis!"

Thea immediately came from the living room.

"Welcome home."

Ivy smiled brightly.

Thea took the bag from her shoulder.

"How was your first day?"

Ivy removed her shoes.

"The school is huge."

Thea laughed.

"That good or bad?"

"Good."

Ivy nodded quickly.

"I made some friends too."

Thea’s expression immediately softened.

"I’m glad."

Ivy followed her inside.

"I’m going to study hard."

Thea looked back.

"And?"

Ivy smiled proudly.

"And make you proud."

Thea stopped.

Then gently touched her sister’s hair.

"You already do."

Ivy smiled.

After a moment, Thea looked around.

"Where’s Olivia?"

Ivy stared.

"Big Sis."

"What?"

"Did you forget?"

Thea blinked.

Ivy continued,

"She’s a college professor."

"Oh."

"She’ll come back in the evening."

"Right."

Thea smiled awkwardly.

"I’m still learning everyone’s schedule."

Ivy laughed.

"Then we’re going shopping together."

"Shopping?"

"Yes."

Ivy walked toward the sofa.

"And we’re invited to dinner at Cousin Miles’ home."

Thea became slightly nervous.

"Pearl Villa?"

"Yes."

Thea nodded.

"Then behave properly."

Ivy looked offended.

"I always behave properly."

"You need to greet Uncle and Aunt properly."

"Of course."

Ivy puffed her cheeks.

"I’m all grown up now."

Thea looked at her for a moment.

Then smiled.

"Of course you are."

Ivy nodded proudly.

Thea continued,

"Somehow..."

"You still look like the little girl who used to hold my hand everywhere."

Ivy’s expression softened.

She stepped closer.

"I’m still your little sister."

Thea gently hugged her.

"Yes."

"You always will be."

After a moment...

Ivy looked up.

"I wonder how Master is doing."

Thea immediately knew who she meant.

Thea smiled.

"She went home."

"Yes."

Ivy looked a little disappointed.

Thea gently tapped her forehead.

"Don’t forget what she taught you."

Ivy straightened immediately.

"I won’t."

"I’ll train every day."

Thea smiled.

Ivy clenched her little fist.

"I’ll become strong like Cousin Miles."

Thea laughed softly.

"Of course."

...

The Atelier.

Star Harbor.

Sunday had brought another busy shift.

Every table in the main dining area was occupied.

Waiters moved continuously between the kitchen and dining hall.

Near one table...

A waitress smiled.

"Coming right up."

Daniel stood nearby, speaking with a foreign couple who had nearly finished their meal.

"How was everything?"

The man immediately smiled.

"Amazing."

His wife nodded enthusiastically.

"The food was incredible."

She lifted her phone.

"I run a travel blog."

Daniel smiled.

"Oh?"

"I’m definitely adding this place to my recommendations."

She pointed toward the empty seafood plate.

"And this..."

"I’ve never tasted seafood prepared like this before."

Daniel smiled proudly.

"We’re glad you enjoyed it."

Then he looked toward the billing tablet.

"Your meal is on the house."

Both customers looked surprised.

"What?"

Daniel smiled.

"For special guests."

The man immediately shook his head.

"You don’t need to do that."

"We insist."

The woman smiled warmly.

"Then thank you."

She searched inside her bag and pulled out a small folded note.

"Please give this to the chef."

Daniel accepted it.

"Of course."

Then he smiled.

"And don’t forget that review."

The woman laughed.

"I won’t."

"Promise."

Daniel personally walked them toward the entrance.

"Have a wonderful evening."

"You too."

Once they left...

Daniel returned to the feedback board near the hallway.

It was already filled with handwritten notes.

Thank-you cards.

Drawings from children.

Photographs.

Small messages from visitors.

Daniel unfolded the note.

He read it.

Then smiled.

He pinned it carefully onto the board.

Behind him...

Elena called from the kitchen.

"Daniel!"

"Yes?"

"Can you check the wine stock?"

She walked partly out of the kitchen.

"I think we need to bring some more up from storage."

Daniel nodded.

"Let me handle it, dear."

Elena smiled.

"Thank you."

Daniel headed toward the storage room.

Another ordinary evening at The Atelier continued.

And somehow...

He had grown to love ordinary evenings the most.

...

Pearl Villa.

Hope sat cross-legged on the living room carpet.

Asher sat opposite her.

Both looked unusually serious.

Hope whispered,

"Do you think Big Bro and Sister-in-law are having fun?"

Asher nodded.

"Yes."

Then sighed.

"But I miss them."

Hope nodded too.

"I miss them too."

She thought for a moment.

"But Mom said we shouldn’t disturb them."

Asher agreed.

"They need time together."

Hope looked toward him.

Then her eyes brightened.

"We should plan something."

"What?"

"A surprise."

Asher immediately became interested.

"For when they come back?"

"Yes."

He moved closer.

"What kind?"

Hope thought hard.

Then suddenly looked toward the couch.

"Grandpa!"

Timothy looked up from the newspaper in his hand.

"Hmm?"

Hope waved.

"Come here."

Timothy smiled.

He folded the Magazine and stood.

His movements had become much smoother now.

No assistance.

No cane.

He walked comfortably across the room and joined the twins.

"What conspiracy is happening here?"

Hope immediately whispered,

"We are planning a surprise for Big Bro."

Asher added,

"And Sister-in-law."

Timothy nodded seriously.

"I see."

Hope looked at him hopefully.

"Give us ideas."

"Yes, Grandpa."

Asher leaned closer.

Timothy thought.

Then smiled.

"How about..."

"We bake something?"

Both twins stared.

"Bake?"

Hope tilted her head.

"Grandpa..."

"Yes?"

"Do you know how to bake?"

Asher added,

"Do you even know how to cook?"

Timothy looked offended.

"Excuse me?"

The twins waited.

Timothy proudly said,

"I can bake cookies."

Hope’s eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Really."

Asher became excited.

"What kind?"

Timothy smiled mysteriously.

"Grandpa’s special cookies."

The twins immediately stood in front of him.

"Me!"

"Teach me!"

Timothy laughed.

"Alright."

He raised one finger.

"Tomorrow."

Both twins nodded.

Then Timothy lowered his voice.

"But..."

"What?"

"Don’t tell your mom."

Hope’s eyes widened.

Asher grinned.

Timothy continued,

"We surprise everyone."

The twins immediately extended their fists.

Timothy stared.

Then smiled.

He bumped both of them.

"Deal."

"Deal!"

The twins ran away excitedly, already whispering about shapes, chocolate and decorations.

Timothy remained standing in the middle of the room.

A smile stayed on his face.

Not long ago...

Walking across a room had been difficult.

His body had carried years of stillness.

Now he could walk normally.

Eat with his family.

Argue over candy.

Teach his grandchildren how to bake cookies.

Every day, his strength returned a little more.

And somehow...

He looked younger too.

Perhaps it wasn’t medicine alone.

Perhaps laughter helped.

Perhaps Hope and Asher dragging him into their little plans did more for him than any treatment could.

Once...

Timothy Sterling had built an empire almost entirely by himself.

He had spent his youth chasing success.

Building companies.

Fighting competitors.

Carrying an entire family name on his shoulders.

Now...

His biggest secret was planning cookies with two six-year-olds behind Elena’s back.

Timothy looked toward the hallway where the twins had disappeared.

Then smiled.

This new life...

Wasn’t bad at all.