Chapter 690: Homecoming Echoes

Eight’s palm was warm and powerful, just like that of a living person.

Lu Xin clasped his hand with Eight’s, and as he met his friend’s beaming smile, a flicker of disbelief washed over him.

It was as if they were merely children growing up side by side in the orphanage, now separated by the twists of fate.

On a business trip, Lu Xin remembered an old friend still in the city and tracked him down, sharing a heartfelt embrace with the one who had been his companion during their loneliest, most fragile days—a long-awaited reunion filled with nostalgia…

…if only the orphanage hadn’t bid such a tragic farewell back then.

…

“Yeah, it’s been too long,” someone remarked.

Lu Xin paused before returning the smile, saying, “Eight, you’ve really grown up.”

“I now have a name—it’s Xu Jing,” came the reply.

Eight grinned warmly at Lu Xin and said, “Just as you now have a name, Lu Xin.”

“Let’s stick to names. Those old codenames bring back nothing but bitter memories!”

“…”

At the mention of ‘memories,’ Teacher Xiao Lu, sitting nearby, tensed noticeably.

But Eight merely shrugged and complained, “These kids’ basics are really lacking. I’ve run tests in Chinese, Math, Physics, and even Philosophy over the past few days. Aside from a smidgen of talent in Chinese, everything else is a total disaster. What kind of teachers are they under?”

Teacher Xiao Lu was momentarily stunned, a hint of guilt appearing on her face.

Realizing this, Eight patted his head and added, “I almost forgot—you didn’t exactly ace your grades back then either.”

Lu Xin frowned and countered, “Teacher Xiao Lu taught them well…”

He knew very well these children were her pupils and that her academic prowess wasn’t particularly strong.

Perhaps she wasn’t even as capable as him—after all, he had at least finished high school…

Yet, Teacher Xiao Lu’s contributions to the orphanage were not up for debate here…

Listening to his defense, Eight frowned and looked at Lu Xin, saying, “Your exam results back then weren’t stellar either, were they?”

“…”

Lu Xin was suddenly at a loss for words.

Admitting that his exam scores were poor didn’t quite capture the truth…

In reality, he often left his papers completely blank.

No one ever dared to collect his homework anyway.

But seeing Eight’s smug look, he almost retorted, “You’re just great…”

Yet the remark died on his lips.

He remembered that Eight used to be the top of the class, scoring full marks every time.

Moreover, he was unfailingly obedient, always reporting classmates for fighting, stealing, or even early romances.

That, unsurprisingly, often got him beaten up in return…

“So, what brings you back this time?”

Lu Xin quickly shifted the topic, casting a questioning glance at Eight.

“Business—and I figured I’d drop by to see you all,” Eight explained.

Xu Jing replied with a natural smile, “Hasn’t Teacher Xiao Lu mentioned it to you yet?”

Lu Xin frowned slightly…

Eight’s gaze was open and honest, as if he had nothing to hide.

Could it be that Lu Xin was simply overthinking?

…

“Hey, when does lunch start?”

While Teacher Xiao Lu appeared anxious and Lu Xin was filled with uncertainty, Xu Jing seemed utterly at ease.

After a few words, he glanced toward the courtyard where children, finally free, played happily, and chuckled, “I’m starving too. Let’s dine early. Afterward, I’ll even make up half an hour of Math class for them.”

“This…”

At the mention of academics, Teacher Xiao Lu hesitated before pushing her wheelchair toward the kitchen, saying, “I’ll go check it out…”

…

“No need,” came the soft interjection.

Watching Eight move as comfortably as if he were at home, Teacher Xiao Lu looked uneasy—a sentiment Lu Xin quickly addressed.

“Hm?”

Eight, Teacher Xiao Lu, and the Old Security Guard all turned to look at him.

One pair of eyes held puzzled concern, another brimmed with worry, and the third looked slightly tense.

Meeting their gazes, Lu Xin suddenly smiled and said, “Since you rarely come back, you can’t be eating in the cafeteria!”

“Let’s go out to eat,” he suggested.

“…”

Since Eight had returned as an old friend visiting Qinggang, Lu Xin decided to set aside his doubts and welcome him like the old pal he was.

As his host, it was only fitting to treat an old friend to a proper meal.

“In that case…”

Eight hesitated briefly, then turned to Teacher Xiao Lu and asked, “Wanna join us?”

Teacher Xiao Lu lowered her eyes and, steeling herself, replied, “Alright, I’ll come along.”

Seeing her agree, Lu Xin said nothing further.

Deep down, he even hoped that Eight had returned purely as an old friend.

After all, for once, the three of them—former orphans—sharing a meal together felt perfectly natural.

It was a strange feeling indeed.

If he had known where Eight was, he would have sought him out long ago.

Yet, since Eight came to him, worry was inevitable…

…

…

Eight picked up his black suitcase and, along with Lu Xin and Teacher Xiao Lu, left the Elementary School.

On a deserted street, Lu Xin pushed Teacher Xiao Lu’s wheelchair as they strolled slowly with Eight.

Every shop was closed, and no pedestrian was in sight.

It felt as if only the three of them remained in this city, silently moving forward.

“I never imagined you’d live in such a big place—a villa in the upscale district,” Eight remarked.

After a short walk, he laughed, “But there are plenty of issues too, like being so remote that even a restaurant is hard to find.”

Teacher Xiao Lu bit her lip and glanced back at Lu Xin.

Normally, restaurants are plenty, but with several streets empty, it does feel a bit isolated.

Lu Xin said little, lightly adjusting his glasses as he murmured, “The restaurant will open.”

From the left side of his glasses, an in-ear headset carried Han Bing’s voice: “Turn left at the upcoming intersection.”

Lu Xin nodded, then without a hint of hesitation, pushed the wheelchair and headed to the intersection with Eight.

Turning the corner, they discovered a small, tidy shop—a clean, unpretentious diner.

The place featured a full array of counters and menus, just like any regular eatery.

The only standout was the waiter—a tall, short-haired woman with a sharp, efficient demeanor, sporting a brand-new apron…

…Lu Xin couldn’t believe Chen Jing also worked there part-time.

…

“What do we feel like eating?”

The chef peeked out from inside; Gecko, wearing a tall chef’s hat, looked exceptionally professional.

If it weren’t for the oversized sunglasses on his face, his professionalism would have shone through even more.

“Just stir-fry a few dishes, that’ll do…”

Lu Xin smiled at Gecko. Preoccupied with his thoughts, he left the order up to the chef.

“Coming right up…”

Gecko flashed an ‘OK’ sign with a smile, then retreated as the clatter of pots and pans filled the kitchen.

Chen Jing efficiently brought over bowls, chopsticks, cups, and plates—even a pot of complimentary tea.

It was a gift.

Eight looked around the cozy diner with heartfelt admiration, his face alight with praise and joy.

Then his gaze fell on Lu Xin, and he remarked, “Being back this time, so much feels different.”

“Maybe it’s the sensation of returning to your hometown after years away—everything seems familiar, yet nothing is quite as it was. Like a beggar becoming an emperor, an emperor turning into a servant, or even a once terrifying monster…”

His eyes lingered on Lu Xin’s face, but he left the thought unfinished.

“Yes, things have changed.”

Teacher Xiao Lu added, “But many things have also improved.”

Eight glanced at her and simply smiled.

Remarkably, Chef Gecko’s dishes were served with impressive speed.

Soon enough, Chen Jing personally brought several plates to the table.

There was a plate of Lobster Mapo Tofu, a dish of Stir-Fried Fat Intestines with East Star Grouper, a plate of Stir-Fried Broccoli with Lamb, and a dish of Marinated Salmon with Preserved Egg.

They even served a bowl of Seaweed Egg and Lamb Offal Soup, along with a basin of Stinky Tofu Braised Noodles as the main course…

Lu Xin frowned persistently as he surveyed the feast before him.

Lobster and East Star Grouper together—it must have cost a fortune…

Eight, with an insatiable appetite, didn’t waste time being polite; once the food arrived, he grabbed a small bowl and dug in heartily, devouring nearly half the meal like a whirlwind.

Finally, he ordered a bottle of beer and, with Lu Xin, laughed, “After years of constant business trips, I haven’t had a proper meal in ages.”

Lu Xin and Teacher Xiao Lu ate very little, mostly watching Eight eat while lost in thought.

Only once Eight finished did Lu Xin thoughtfully ask, “What line of work are you in now?”

“Honestly, I know you’re all worried,” Eight began.

Instead of a straight answer, he lit one of Lu Xin’s cigarettes, took a gentle drag, and said, “After all, a lot happened at that orphanage. I’m still alive—and I was able to come back. That might seem abnormal to you all.”

“Also…”

He slowed his tone and laughed, “You probably wonder if I have some ulterior motive for returning…”

Glancing slowly between Lu Xin and Teacher Xiao Lu, he continued, “This time, I do have business to attend to.”

“…”

Teacher Xiao Lu immediately tensed up, while Lu Xin instinctively looked at him.

Even the waiter behind the counter in the kitchen, who was reading a newspaper, seemed to perk up her ears.

Eight looked at them, then let out a derisive chuckle, “But what I’m about to do has nothing to do with you.”

As he spoke, he pulled a pocket watch from his pocket, glanced at it, and said, “Time’s almost up.”

“Tonight, I have a job around Qinggang City.”

Glancing at Lu Xin with a grin, he added, “Interested in coming along to check it out?”