On the way, Dean suddenly received news from the branch headquarters.
“Commander, there is news from Lyge City's secret headquarters.”
Alen asked without a glance. “What news?”
Dean read. "We found Miss Viana in the Lyge City area today."
Alen subconsciously frowned. “Why is she there?”
Dean shook his head. No one knew Viana's purpose for coming there.
Alen sighed and gave Dean an order. “Find out.”
Doctor Mike, who had been quietly listening, smiled. “Mr. Alen rarely cares about people, let alone a woman. Who grabbed your attention this time that you want to follow her?”
Alen replied lazily. “None of your business.”
Mike grinned and took a position, leaning on the car seat. “Viana... Viana... It seems like a familiar name, as if I've heard it before.”
Alen said flatly. “There are many Viana names in this world. The name you hear is not necessarily the person you think it is.”
Mike ignored him. “In the capital, isn't there a famous girl? Her name is Viana. She comes from the Harvey family.”
Alen frowned. “She died half a year ago. You were also in the capital all this time. There's no way you don't know the news.”
Mike shrugged. “Who knows?”
“Don't guess at random,” Alen cut in unhappily. “That's not the Viana I'm talking about.”
Mike smiled. “Alright, well, I won't bring it up again. Eventually, I'm bound to find out who this girl is who's captured our commander's attention.”
Alen remained silent.
***
Towards noon in Atna Village...
“That's it, Grandmother. I've told you everything throughout the night. My condition is like that,” said Viana, sitting in a low chair.
Grandmother Martha's eyes were puffy with tears. “Who in the Harvey family would dare do all this? My little daughter Viana is really suffering,” she said as she stroked Viana's head.
Grandma Martha was a close neighbor who was very kind to her late mother. When Viana was little, Grandma Martha loved her like her own daughter. She often made her cakes, clothes, and fruits when Viana visited the village. Martha's grandmother had been a widow for a long time when she was middle-aged. She has always lived alone.
Viana shook her head and smiled in response to Grandma Martha's question. “I can't make a definite guess yet, Grandma. I also don't have strong evidence to catch the perpetrator. Right now, I'm weak and have no one to support me. If my identity is revealed at this time, they will kill me again.”
Grandma Martha looked angry and protective. “Stay here from now on. This village is secluded. They won't find you here. You can stay safe.”
Viana smiled and nodded. “Alright, from now on I'll accompany Grandma.”
Ellie, who had been busy in the kitchen all morning, suddenly appeared. “Grandma, Sister Viana. The food is ready. Let's eat together.”
Viana nodded and helped Martha's grandma up. Then the three of them ate in the small room.
As they ate, Viana suddenly asked. “Grandma, is my mother's house still there?”
Viana had left the village a long time ago. She didn't know what had happened to her late mother's house.
Grandma Martha replied, “Of course it's still there. Grandma takes care of it sometimes. Do you want to go there?”
Viana nodded. “I do. Before my father died, he told me to visit my mother's house. I don't know what he wanted.”
“Then we'll go there. Grandma will accompany you.”
Viana hurriedly shook her head. “No need, Grandma. I'm just going to mom's house. Mom's house is close to here, and I still remember the way. I don't want you to get tired because of me,” she said gently.
Grandma Martha smiled. Viana needed some time alone to reminisce at her mother's house. So it was better not to disturb her. “Okay.”
Ellie was intrigued. “What about me? Can I come?”
Viana shook her head. “You stay here and look after Grandma Martha. While we're here, don't let Grandma have any trouble on her own.”
Ellie pouted and nodded.
***
In the afternoon, Alen's group arrived in Lyge City. Lyge City was next to the location of the landslide. That was the mission's aim—the Matna area. Alen wanted to continue to get there. However, something nags at his heart.
“Dean, is there no update on the girl?” Alen asked.
“Uh, there is,” Dean replied, reading from his cell phone. “She's now in Atna Village, a village at the southern end of Lyge City.”
Alen's forehead wrinkled. He knew Viana was going somewhere. But why this area? Was there a special purpose? And during the trip, was she recognized by anyone?
Alen felt wrong inside. Why was he suddenly worried about Viana?
Viana's parting words from that time rang again in his mind.
“For your kindness, Viana Harvey expresses her deepest gratitude. Hopefully, someday, there will be an opportunity for me to repay you.”
Alen sighed, giving in to his thoughts. “Since it's already evening, we'll take a rest at the Lyge City branch of the secret base. Tomorrow, we will continue our journey to the landslide site.”
The group of cars moved towards the Lyge City branch headquarters.
After they arrived at the headquarters, a subordinate suddenly reported to Alen.
“Commander! Our members in charge of watching the girl in Atna Village saw some unnatural newcomers! They're even carrying firearms!”
Alen's expression instantly changed. He immediately issued an order.
“Bring some men and weapons! We're heading straight to Atna Village!”
***
As Viana had planned, she went alone to visit her mother's house.
Viana deliberately chose the time of the afternoon because it was quieter for her to find the meaning of her father's request.
The day had faded. Viana continued to walk through the forest. Her mother's house was a little remote from the surrounding houses. Since this was a remote village in the mountains, the settlement pattern has been spread out.
Viana continued to force her brain to remember the way. The closer she got to her mother's house, the more chaotic her heart felt.
When she saw the wooden house that was about to collapse in front of her, she suddenly heard grass scraping behind her. Viana was immediately alerted.
Bang!
A bullet came without warning and headed for Viana's leg. Fortunately, Viana had been moving since she heard grass scraping. So the bullet missed and only grazed her leg. However, the wound was still deep enough to cause searing pain. Viana immediately fell to the ground.
Sensing danger, Viana insisted on getting up to escape. This time, the shot rang out again, and a sharp bullet grazed her arm.
“Sister Viana, don't run away from me.”