“Ethan, I've had several maintenance tasks on hold these past months—some require a supervisor to operate, others I simply can't handle. I just noticed your assignment is no longer in Kalispell. Maybe next week the company will assign you to assist with my work.”
“Sounds good. It's been ages since we worked together.”
“Did you miss me?”
“Of course. So much.”
“Haha.”
“Send me a recent photo of yourself. I'm afraid I won't recognize you anymore.”
In the photo, Casey looked thinner. Perhaps the recent workload had taken its toll. Li Haojun felt a pang of concern seeing her slightly gaunt features.
“Your hair's grown so long.”
“Yeah, I'm growing it out again. Do you like it?”
“I like it either way.”
...
On the flight to Boise, Li Haojun re-read his chat with Kasiya from days prior, a sweet smile curling his lips. The anxious heart that had ached during their months apart finally relaxed. The Kasiya he knew remained his Kasiya, and his journey ahead felt as fresh and expansive as the azure sky and sea of clouds outside the airplane window.
The entire morning was spent traveling, and it was nearly noon when he finally walked toward the factory. Late spring, early summer—the blazing sunlight filtered through the trembling, tender green leaves of the poplar trees, whispering of spring's vibrant vitality. Occasionally, rays pierced through the gaps in the foliage, backlighting Li Haojun's face. In that dazzling radiance, the colors of life seemed to overflow.
Turning the corner to reach the entrance of Eagle's factory, he spotted Kasiya waiting for him from afar. Today she wore pink skinny pencil pants and a light blue denim jacket with a collar and diagonal drawstring. She had pulled her hair back into a bun, but the strands on either side weren't quite long enough, falling naturally to frame her cheeks. She paced back and forth before the factory entrance, her white sneakers strikingly visible in the midday sun...
Suddenly, Li Haojun felt another powerful gust of wind behind him, lifting him up before the sensation of weightlessness and descent. He instinctively tensed every muscle, bracing for the impact of hitting the ground, but only a slight jolt followed.
Opening his eyes, Li Haojun found himself seated inside a landed air taxi. The cabin door swung open to the clamor of voices outside. He realized he’d been dreaming—a dream that had unfolded during his flight. Recalling his plans, he confirmed he had indeed intended to head to the Eagle Factory.
Glancing at the time, it was already afternoon. Only then did he recall having lunch onboard before falling into a deep sleep that had left him groggy. Stepping off the vehicle and surveying his surroundings, he confirmed he was indeed at the Eagle Factory's entrance plaza. Yet Kasiya wasn't there to greet him. Strangely, crowds had gathered on the surrounding streets.
A ding alert sounded. Li Haojun pulled out his terminal to find an instant message from Kasiya:
“Ethan, I see you. Please enter the factory grounds immediately. I'll be waiting for you in the control room.”
With a surge of joy, Li Haojun jogged up to the factory control room. As he was about to step through the door, he took a moment to steady his heartbeat and breathing. Feeling a touch of timidity, he peered inside.
A simple white top, light blue jeans—it was that familiar figure.
Gazing at the profile of her cheek, Li Haojun quietly stepped inside, filled with anticipation yet a touch of nervousness as he softly called her name,
“Kasia.”
She turned her head, not responding, but simply stood up and embraced Li Haojun.
All of Li Haojun's lingering hesitation and unease vanished in that instant. He held her tightly, unwilling to let go. After a long moment, Kasiya gently shook his shoulder and said,
“Ethan, you should check the situation here first.”
Hearing this, Li Haojun released her and asked,
“What's wrong?”
Kathy pointed to the outdoor surveillance feed, switching between views as she explained,
“Look, there are so many unknown individuals surrounding our factory. I've actually been here for a day and night now. It started with equipment malfunctions, so the company sent me to investigate. Since I arrived, I've noticed more and more people gathering around the factory, and the equipment damage appears to be deliberate.”
“Oh, I see. Did you call the police?” Li Haojun asked urgently.
“Yes, I did. But no officers came. So I reported the situation to the company, and that's why they sent you.”
“Oh,” Li Haojun sighed, his expression resigned. He carefully observed the movements and demeanor of the surrounding individuals before asking,
“What's the local news saying?”
“Reports indicate there's indeed unrest in Boise. It seems all police forces have been diverted there,” Casey explained.
“How much water and food do we have left?”
“That's not a concern. We have enough for several days. It's these people I'm worried about.”
“I understand. They're unknown, gathered here, and likely already damaged workshop equipment.” As he spoke, Li Haojun pulled out his terminal to request rescue services, only to find none available. He regretted not bringing weapons, but judging by the crowd outside, he'd probably need a machine gun.
“I'm sorry I left you to face this danger alone for so long.”
Hearing Li Haojun's words, Kasiya flashed a sweet smile, though he didn't notice. His attention was entirely focused on observing the chaotic crowd outside and plotting an escape route.
“Kasiya, were there many people gathered here last night?”
“Not many. But when I tried to leave this afternoon, someone approached me. I was so scared I ran back into the factory and haven't left since.”
“Why didn't you just call me?” Li Haojun's tone carried a hint of reproach. He didn't observe Kasiya's reaction either, continuing to analyze the news and surveillance footage as he spoke,
"I suspect these people might be waiting for nightfall. The news reports say the riots and destruction in Boise started after dark. After dark, facial recognition becomes difficult for both fixed cameras and police drones. Report the situation to the company. We'll prepare for evacuation. You stay here monitoring the feeds. We'll stay in contact via walkie-talkie. I'll gather supplies needed for evacuation."
“Alright,” Casey replied flatly, her eyes flickering with reluctance.
As dusk fell, Li Haojun radioed Casey to meet at Office Building Gate 5. He appeared carrying a hand-pump disinfectant sprayer on his back, four beer bottles tucked into his chest, a straight ladder in his right hand, and a shoulder bag in his left.
“Here's food and water. You take this,” Li Haojun said, handing her the shoulder bag.
“Follow me. We'll exit through the back wall.” Without looking back, he strode out of the building.
Leaning the ladder against the rear wall, Li Haojun climbed up first. Peeking over the top, he scanned left and right. Seeing no one, he said nothing, merely straddling the wall and beckoning Kasiya to climb up.
Li Haojun held the ladder against the wall. When Kaixia reached the top, he helped her sit opposite him, then pulled the ladder up and lowered it outside the wall. He let Kaixia descend first, followed by himself, before laying the ladder flat and hiding it in the grass.
By then, night had fallen completely. Li Haojun said nothing, taking Kasiya's hand as they followed the back mountain path toward a general aviation landing pad atop the peak. As they walked, he kept watch on Highway 55 to their right, where bustling streams of cars and people converged toward Eagle. Headlights and various lights illuminated the entire roadway.
Halfway up the mountain path in the evening breeze, Li Haojun unloaded the sprayer and beer bottles from his back and placed them in the roadside grass. Only then did Kasiya whisper,
“What are those?”
“Molotov cocktails and flamethrowers,” Li Haojun replied. He took the backpack from Kasiya's shoulders and hoisted it onto his own, then took her hand and continued onward, now unburdened.
Fortunately, this remote path remained untouched by the rioters, who seemed more intent on wreaking havoc in the city. In the gentle evening breeze, holding Kasiya's hand, he occasionally turned to gaze at her face and silhouette in the night, filling the void of longing he'd felt since their parting.
With light steps, they reached the aircraft landing pad on the ridge. The wind picked up slightly at the summit's height, yet it remained warm and gentle. While waiting for the air taxi, Li Haojun rested his hands on Kasiya's shoulders, studying her face, never tiring of the sight.
“Where are we going now?” " Kasiya asked softly.
Li Haojun tenderly stroked her cheek and whispered,
“Come home with me.”
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