Reborn in the 80s: The Smart Wife with a Secret Space Chapter 1216: Setting Out to Search for Someone

After a prolonged absence, the two old acquaintances found themselves with a great deal to recount.

Yet, Mr. Wei was aware of his old friend’s underlying objective and steered the conversation towards the main point: "Yiwen, you must stay the night. Tomorrow, I will personally escort you on this expedition."

Mr. Gu's excitement for the critical matter was palpable: "Boyang, I gratefully accept your generous offer, but I cannot linger here. My eagerness to depart is too great. Had I not intended to see you, I would have already set out to find them."

Mr. Wei empathized with his urgency: "Very well, then I shall have Wei Zi accompany you."

Despite two decades passing by, their lifelong companionship meant they intimately understood each other's disposition and nature.

Their ages were merely days apart, and they had addressed each other by their given names since childhood. Wei Zi was the familiar moniker for Wei Fengyuan, a name the older generation consistently used.

Mr. Gu regarded Wei Fengyuan: "Wei Zi, I fear I am imposing upon you for this undertaking."

Wei Fengyuan quickly demurred: "Uncle Gu, your politeness is excessive. Had I not been occupied with business trips recently, I would have arrived much sooner.

Upon learning of this situation a few days prior, I had planned to request leave for a visit. However, my father advised me to conclude my current work first, ensuring I could accompany you without distraction."

Mr. Gu readily grasped his old friend's considerate intentions: "Your father is truly thoughtful. And you are no longer young, so you mustn't act rashly."

Wei Fengyuan affirmed: "Indeed, I have secured my leave in advance for this purpose, awaiting your arrival."

The journey from Chongqing to their destination would span over ten hours by vehicle, causing Mr. Wei's wife some apprehension: "Despite your haste, safety must be paramount. You absolutely cannot drive through the night."

Xinyan acknowledged their concern: "Auntie, I am quite proficient at driving, and I will share the duty with Uncle Wei. Please be assured, our utmost priority is safety."

Chen Shifang recognized her words might be perceived as out of place at that moment, but she understood her husband's deep-seated emotions all too well. If his father hadn't intervened, insisting he attend to his duties before accompanying Uncle Gu, he would have abandoned everything to search for them immediately.

Her current fear was that he might drive recklessly through the night, driven solely by the desire to reach them sooner. Given the perilous mountain routes, her worry was genuine, and she was fortunate that Miss Xinyan was such an understanding individual.

Consequently, they didn't even have the opportunity for a meal at the Wei residence. They simply gathered provisions and departed without delay.

Their plan was to halt in the next county, secure lodging for the night, and resume their travels at first light the following morning.

With each passing mile closer to their destination, Mr. Gu's anxiety intensified. He remained unaware of his son's circumstances or the reason for his presence in such a remote locale.

As darkness descended, they reached the county town that lay along their route.

Xinyan suggested to Wei Fengyuan, who was at the wheel: "Uncle Wei, let's find accommodation first. We can seek out dinner afterward."

Wei Fengyuan was familiar with this particular county town, and thus they swiftly arrived at the local inn: "Comrade, we require two rooms, please."

The establishment’s attendant gave them a discerning look before, upon inspection of their work permits and introduction letters, presenting them with two keys: "Rooms 203 and 204 are available upstairs."

Mr. Gu felt a distinct lack of appetite: "Wei Zi, please take Yanyan for dinner. I have little desire to eat and will forgo the meal."

Xinyan gently clasped Mr. Gu's arm: "Grandpa, what did you promise Grandma before you departed? You vowed to heed my counsel in all matters. If you do not eat properly, how can your body endure? We cannot cause the family further worry, can we?

Moreover, you have positively identified the photograph; it is indeed Second Uncle. He has been residing there all these years, and surely something has transpired. If you are not in good health, how can we possibly bring Second Uncle back to the Capital?"

Mr. Gu nodded, swayed by Xinyan's words: "Yes, you speak the truth. Let us go, Grandpa will dine with you."

Seeing that Grandpa was receptive to her advice, Xinyan finally exhaled a breath of relief.

There was a dining establishment located beneath the county inn, yet none of them possessed the inclination to praise the dishes. They mechanically consumed their food before returning to the inn promptly to freshen up and retire for the night.

The subsequent day, long before the sun’s ascent, all three individuals were awake.

Upon descending for breakfast, they found the dining area unoccupied by other guests. After their meal, Xinyan packed some vegetable buns for their journey, anticipating they might serve as a convenient sustenance if hunger struck.

Xinyan took the helm of driving today. Initially, Wei Fengyuan harbored concerns, fearing Xinyan might struggle with the unfamiliar road conditions. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find the young lady navigated the roads with a skill comparable to his own, which swiftly eased his mind.