The group marched for another three-plus kilometers under their heavy loads before finally returning to their small, temporary nest.
From a distance, Yuan Si could see Xiao Chang craning his neck to look in their direction. But the sky was too dark, and the rainy, overcast weather meant he couldn't see their party from so far away.
"Xiao Chang, we're back! Over here!" Yuan Si kindly shouted.
Xiao Chang's eyes lit up, and he hurried over to meet them. When he saw the long line of strangers behind his captain, he tensed up. But then he recognized their uniforms, knew they were on the same side, and finally lowered his guard.
"How did it go? Are you all okay?" he asked, reaching to take the several backpacks from his captain's shoulders.
"It went well. Our side is fine," Yuan Si said. "Don't bother with the packs. You wouldn't be able to lift them anyway."
Xiao Chang froze, then silently retracted his hands. He could only escort the group back toward their encampment.
