Love Began with the First Meeting

Tompson leaned against the wall, with his hands in his pockets. Some soldiers greeted him, but he only replied with a short, disinterested mutter. The next day was the eve of the Spring Festival, so the military camp became a bustling hive of activities. Nobody had the luxury to loaf about, as everyone was busy pasting up spring couplets, or preparing the feast and settling their friends and families who were visiting. There were a million things to do before the night of the festival, and not enough time to do them. After more than half an hour, William returned to his office in a hurry. His expression was tired and heavy with a sense of helplessness. When he saw Tompson, he beckoned him into the office.

"You stand outside," William said to his subordinate. "And keep everyone away from here."

"Yes, sir."

After his subordinate left and politely closed the door, William gestured for Tompson to sit down. He got straight to the point, and asked, "Are you coming back this time for Edgar?" Tompson nodded and answered, "It seems as if it was all in vain. I'm still too late."

William sighed helplessly and nodded. He didn't know what to say but asked, "Tell me what you know."

"I found out about it by accident," Tompson sighed slightly. "I just planned to wander around. There was no opportunity for that previously. You know, I have many friends in different fields, and most of them are abroad." He stopped for a while and his tone grew serious. "It was a coincidence. One day, I went to a pub with my friends. And there I overheard some people talking about this. I didn't think overly much about it at that time. But when I left, I thought it strange."

When Tompson and his friends had been in the pub, they had been seated near people who worked for Cain's family. These men had thought that they were in a foreign country and nobody would care about something domestic, so they had talked carelessly and had revealed much.

Tompson had heard them chatting and knew that it was not a simple matter with Cain having been invited to the homeland. He hadn't paid attention to the reasons for Cain's return earlier, because it was none of his business.

However, they had mentioned Edgar, which had caught his attention, and then he had begun to listen to the conversation in earnest.

"Tompson, what's up?" his friend, Will, had asked.

Tompson had shaken his head and said, "I'm a little tired. Let's go now."

Will had thought that he was acting strange, but didn't ask more about it. He had nodded and paid the bill, and then they had left the pub.

When they reached the car, Will had asked, "Was there something wrong with those guys who were talking?" Even though Tompson's expression had changed very little during their conversation, Will had noticed the difference in his friend. "Edgar is my friend back home," Tompson had explained simply.

Will had then burst into laughter after hearing Tompson's explanation. "Hey, dude, you are always getting me into trouble."

Tompson had shrugged and said in a light tone, "We're good friends." He had paused then before continuing with a serious expression, "I hope that I can return as quickly as possible."

"Okay!" Will had nodded and had then driven back to their hotel.

Then Will had taken quick action. It had been a simple matter for him to investigate something practically in his own backyard. Tompson had been so shocked by what Will had discovered that he hadn't known how to react.

"Yes, that's all." Will had frowned. "But that's so messy!"

Tompson had frowned uneasily and it seemed as if he couldn't believe what he had heard. "Are you sure?"

"I was also afraid that there was something wrong, so I checked it over and over again." Will had understood Tompson's concerns and had then asked, "Do I need to book a plane ticket for you?"

Tompson had nodded mutely. Whether it was true or not, if Cain was targeting Edgar in such a devious way, then Edgar would have no protection.

He couldn't believe what the last generation had done could be so ridiculous. Lots of people were involved, not only his father, but also Edgar's father, who had built such a famous reputation in the army, but also some senior-level chiefs. It was a terrible mess! After he heard Tompson's story, William's face darkened and became even more serious, while his eyes shone strangely. His face remained unreadable, as his mind raced through all the implications of the plot.

"If it involves many people," William said, looking at Tompson, "it will get harder and harder."

Too many people knew about it in their hearts already. Those senior officers would want to settle it quickly, so they might easily sacrifice one or two lower officers as their scapegoats. It had happened before, so the two men were greatly worried. "I want to meet Edgar," Tompson said, staring at William.

It was hard for William. Edgar was not allowed to meet anyone, not to mention the fact that Tompson was no longer a member of S Army. However, Tompson's determined eyes reminded him of something, so, finally, he let out a heavy sigh and nodded, "Okay!" William took him to where Edgar was imprisoned. It was lucky for Tompson to get in immediately, because Richard had gone out to discuss matters with his senior officers after the meeting with Cain.

"Don't spend much time there," William cautioned Tompson, as if he wanted him to fully understand the implications of the situation.

But Tompson merely nodded and entered the room without uttering another word. Edgar was not as anxious as they had anticipated. He calmly sat on the table, with his feet resting on the chair. He was looking out through the small window. "Did it snow heavily?" Edgar asked absently.

As Tompson entered and closed the door, Edgar briefly turned his head slightly to look at him. Edgar wasn't surprised by his visit.

"The snow is thicker than a foot," Tompson responded.

Edgar sighed, "Tomorrow is the eve of the Spring Festival, but I can't leave here. Maggie must have cried herself to death by now."

"You know her well," Tompson said while laughing. "But you are still in a good mood if you can joke. You seem well."

There was a bitter smile at the corners of Edgar's mouth. He got off the table and sat on the chair. "Have you come back for me? Despite the past..."

"Yes!" Tompson nodded and quickly told him what he had told William just now. "What are you going to do?"

"I have no clue. Guess we'll have to figure it out as we go along," Edgar said calmly. These past few days, he had thought over the whole event several times, and he had finally established some connection.

He knew something about the previous generation. He had heard about it from Molly's dad. No secret could be hidden forever in this day and age. Everyone had to pay the cost for their own actions.

Hearing Edgar's words, Tompson frowned and gently suggested, "Even if you don't care about yourself, don't you at least care about Maggie?" Tompson became angry then. "When I arrived at the airport, I saw Maggie seeing somebody off. At that time, I saw her sitting on the bench and she was continually touching her belly. Her expression was so strange. I believe..." He was making up these words in a desperate ploy to make Edgar care about his future. When he saw Edgar's gaze had changed sharply, he continued calmly, "I didn't ask her about it. But aren't you afraid that you won't have a chance to carry out your plan?"