Natural Disaster: Back to the End of the World

Part 14

The morning forest was still shrouded in mist, with sunlight filtering through the treetops, creating a dreamy, surreal atmosphere.

This was a common natural phenomenon in the mountain forests, so Yao Ziqing didn't think much of it. After all, he had grown up in these mountains and was used to such scenes.

But today, he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he thought he saw a thin white line within the mist. When he focused on it, there was nothing there.

He had been on morning runs for the past two days since returning home, but this was the first time he noticed anything like this. As they ran, Lei Xiao noticed that Yao Ziqing's pace was slowing down, so he gradually stopped and turned to wait for him.

Yao Ziqing, lost in thought about the strange sight that morning, didn't notice Lei Xiao had stopped and bumped right into him.

Luckily, they weren't running fast, and Lei Xiao had been watching him, so he caught him in time.

Yao Ziqing snapped back to reality and looked up at him in confusion.

"Second brother? What's wrong? Why did you suddenly stop?"

Lei Xiao examined him carefully but didn't notice anything unusual. Still a bit concerned, he said, "If something's bothering you, just say it. Don't keep it to yourself."

Yao Ziqing felt a bit guilty under his brother's gaze, like he couldn't hide anything.

But he didn't plan to tell his brother about the strange sight he just noticed. His brother's reaction to his secret space had already been beyond his expectations.

Though it was unexpected, it made sense in a way.

His second brother was calm and composed, the kind of person who could stay steady even if the sky were falling. That's why Yao Ziqing had confidently told him about the space without worrying that he wouldn't be able to accept it.

However, his brother's caution toward the space, more than a desire to use it, had been surprising. But given how much he valued family, it made sense.

Thinking about how the ring had mysteriously turned into a mark, Yao Ziqing couldn't help but feel a bit regretful.

If he told his brother about what he just saw, and if that thin white mist line was something only he could see, his brother would definitely connect it to the space.

If his brother could see it, he would notice it without needing Yao Ziqing to say anything.

Yao Ziqing smiled and said, "Nothing's wrong, I just got a bit distracted while running."

Before Lei Xiao could respond, Yao Ziqing pushed him gently.

"Alright, let's keep running. We'll have breakfast after, and we still need to catch the bus this morning."

Seeing that his brother didn't press further, Yao Ziqing felt relieved.

By the time they finished their morning run, most of the mist in the forest had dissipated.

Yao Ziqing had been paying close attention along the way and realized that the mist line wasn't just a trick of the eye or his imagination. But it didn't happen often—he only saw it three times that morning.

He made a mental note to investigate it further when he had the chance.

After breakfast, they packed up their things and prepared to head back.

Yao Ziqing hugged his grandmother, feeling reluctant to leave. "I'll take good care of myself, Grandma. You take care too. If you need anything, just let me know. Don't hold back on eating well or dressing warmly."