Nie Yan and Xie Yao left the house and headed to the other villa. When they arrived, Wang Duo, Lin Yi, and the rest had already packed their bags and were waiting outside. They stood in rank and file, wearing formal military attire.

“Instructor Nie, Miss Yao, good morning!” they greeted in unison.

Nie Yan nodded. “At ease. We’ll be accompanying you guys to the train station.”

“Yes sir!” Wang Duo, Lin Yi, and the others had a somewhat sullen look on their faces.

“Don’t feel so down. You guys might be leaving today, but that doesn’t mean we won’t meet again someday. You’re always welcome to visit. Come on, let’s go,” Nie Yan said with a smile. Having been neighbours these last couple of months,...