CHAPTER 529: CHAPTER 281: TOMORROW, SHE CAN CONTINUE!

As the 8 new NPCs quickly settled into their new lives in Hope Village, Hope Village was steadily executing its own plans.

When night fell, the entire territory’s "streetlights" also lit up, and under the glow of the "lights," a warm atmosphere permeated the area.

Most of the residents of Hope Village and the visitors were concentrated within the territory, with human figures filling every corner like a beautiful tapestry.

"Nightlife, it’s been so long since I’ve had a nightlife."

"This place is really bustling!"

"Nightlife and gourmet food make a great match."

"Yes, you won’t find this feeling in any other territory."

"Hope Village is like a mini Capital of Gourmet now!"

"I used to think there were too few people in the territory, but now it suddenly seems too crowded."

"Hope Village still lacks some large activity centers!"

"There will be, the Resort is under construction, and there will be many more common buildings to come!"

"How do you know that?"

"I’m part of the construction team, of course!"

"No wonder, what kind of buildings will be constructed?"

"Lots, just wait and see."

"That’s great! Ever since the territory’s promotion, every day has been one of drastic change! It feels a bit overwhelming."

"I feel that way too."

"It’ll get even better, it’s only been two days!"

"..."

The crowd discussed among themselves, filled with hope for the future.

The liveliness of the territory continued.

It lasted until the "streetlights" burned out, and the residents and visitors within the territory gradually dispersed, and the whole territory unknowingly quieted down.

And under this night sky, a team of over a hundred people had assembled and then, under the cover of darkness, quickly left Hope Village.

At the city gate.

"Dad, be careful out there!" Zhou Bai, looking at her father Zhou Zhengping who was personally leading the team, couldn’t help but advise.

As a daughter, she only hoped her father would grow under the protection of the territory.

But as the Lord, she knew that letting her father lead the team was unquestionably the right choice.

Of course, this was also something strongly requested by Zhou Zhengping himself.

The matter involved an important project for the future of Hope Village, and leaving it in the hands of one’s own people was the most reassuring.

"Don’t worry! I’ll be cautious, this isn’t my first mission," Zhou Zhengping said reassuringly, and then turned to look at Ding Qiurou, who had come along, "Don’t worry about me, take good care of yourself."

"Mm," Ding Qiurou nodded.

Bayer, who was responsible for selecting and appointing personnel, silently stood by and watched.

He felt quite embarrassed!

He had always known that this family had a close relationship, especially Zhou Zhengping and Ding Qiurou, and no matter how formidable the Lord was, in their eyes, she was still their pampered child. So, for the Lord, her parents were also her Achilles’ heel.

When he suggested to the Lord that Zhou Zhengping should take charge, he was a bit worried that the Lord wouldn’t agree.

After all, the destination was completely unknown territory, and the whole mission was not something that could be accomplished in a day or two—it might take ten days, half a month, or even longer.

No one knew what might happen during that time.

As Bayer was immersed in his thoughts, Zhou Bai and her family had already said their heartfelt goodbyes. Zhou Bai glanced at Bayer before turning her attention to the other team leaders, Alike and Mills.

The Undead Squad mobilized forty people this time, essentially all the undead NPCs from Hope Village.

Their presence could already be said to dominate the entire team in terms of combat power.

They served as a double safeguard for this expedition, for they were bound by contract to Hope Village and the least likely to betray.

As for the fifty-plus Goblin tribesmen, they were the main labor force.

Among them were Victor and Denglop.

It could be said that the Goblin Clan sending so many of its people on this mission was a complete act of trust in Hope Village.

This was exceedingly rare.

Thinking of this, Zhou Bai felt the weight of her responsibility.

She hoped the Goddess of Luck would continue to favor her, letting everything go smoothly!

After praying in her heart, Zhou Bai spoke up, "I will wait for your return."

"Yes, we guarantee to complete the mission." Alike responded without thinking, as one of the earliest undead to join Hope Village, his reaction was completely instinctive.

Mills, seeing this, quickly echoed the sentiment.

Hope Village had provided a haven for the Goblin Clan, and this mission was also tied to their entire clan’s future, so he naturally would give it his all.

"Farewell! Take care!" Zhou Bai continued.

Then, under Zhou Bai’s watchful gaze, with Zhou Zhengping, Alike, and Mills leading, the team headed out, and within moments had disappeared into the thickening twilight.

Once they were out of sight, Zhou Bai turned to Ding Qiurou, still staring, "Mom, let’s go back!"

"...Yes." Ding Qiurou replied.

The next moment, Zhou Bai looked at Bayer, "Bayer, you should go back too! You’ve worked hard these past few days as well."

She had a lot to do, and so did Bayer; he had followed several Intermediate Professionals with special Skills throughout the whole territory today, and she understood his thoughts.

"It’s my duty," Bayer said, somewhat moved. As an undead, he had much more stamina than a human, something the Lord knew, but when he heard such considerate words, he was still deeply touched.

"It’s not a matter of duty or not, thank you!" Zhou Bai said with a smile, her tone much lighter.

Bayer smiled, accepting this "thank you," and replied in a good mood, "You’re welcome."

After this exchange of pleasantries, Bayer quickened his pace and left first.

Watching Bayer’s departing figure, Zhou Bai took Ding Qiurou’s arm directly.

"Are you worried, Mom?"

"Of course, I am worried. Your dad and I have been married for so many years, and we have hardly ever been apart. The moment he leaves, I really miss him," Ding Qiurou said helplessly.

"It’s all for me," Zhou Bai pursed her lips.

"You are the treasure of both of us, who else would we do it for but you?" Ding Qiurou hummed, "Don’t overthink it. Your dad is quite happy about this mission, said he could get to know more Demon Beasts and earn more Experience Points. By the time he returns, he aims to surpass your Level."

Listening, Zhou Bai’s lips curled slightly, "I’ll try not to let Dad surpass me."

"It’s for you and your dad to sort out. I’m not getting involved," Ding Qiurou also smiled.

After this conversation, they looked around to find a profound silence.

"The nights at Hope Village are really tranquil," Ding Qiurou remarked, "I just hope this peace can last."

Ding Qiurou knew Zhou Bai, knew that every Resident of Hope Village was working hard for the peace and stability of the village, and she only hoped that this would continue.

"Yes! It’s been a long time since we, mother and daughter, have walked the streets hand in hand," Zhou Bai also sounded a bit wistful.

"There’s a first time for everything, and a second, a third, an nth time. As long as you wish, Mom will always hold your hand," Ding Qiurou grasped Zhou Bai’s hand tighter, and they walked towards home in the moonlight, their shadows elongated by the light.

"Okay." Zhou Bai felt the warmth in the palm of her hand and readily agreed.

Having family by her side was truly wonderful! Whenever she was tired, just the thought of them filled her with energy!

Tomorrow, she would continue to forge ahead!