Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 971 - 972 Hidden

Chapter 971: Chapter 972 Hidden

Hearing Song Xiaodong’s voice, not just Xiao Yingying, but everyone in the family couldn’t help but burst into tears, pouring out all the worry and anxiety they had been suppressing over these past few days through the phone.

Li Sijie, Shui Qingyue, Lin Su’er, Song Xiaoru, Xiao Yingying, and even Sun Ziyun—all of them took turns expressing their emotions from these days.

At this moment, Song Xiaodong was equally emotional. Being together with them, it had always felt ordinary, as if nothing was particularly noteworthy. But now, he truly understood the meaning of being loved by someone.

That meaning lay in the genuine sense of worry and fear that emerged when something happened, the intense hope and anticipation, and the overwhelming joy upon knowing the other person was safe and sound.

The conversation went on for more than an hour before everyone’s emotions gradually calmed down.

"By the way, how are things at home now?" Song Xiaodong asked.

"The Su Family is fine, and so is the Sun family; there hasn’t been much change. But the other families do seem somewhat restless. They’ve all been in a state of observation, probably waiting for news to confirm if you’re really... and only then deciding what actions to take," someone replied.

Song Xiaodong said, "Then there’s no rush to announce my return. Previously, since I was there, many issues had been suppressed and didn’t come to the surface. This is a good opportunity to let those problems reveal themselves and resolve them all at once."

Song Xiaoru said, "But won’t that be difficult? After all, the news that your plane crashed has attracted immense media attention. Soon a swarm of reporters will be rushing to your ship. When that happens, the fact that you’re alive will certainly become public knowledge immediately."

Song Xiaodong replied, "I’ll handle this matter. I’ll make sure the news of my return won’t be leaked to the media."

Xiao Yingying quickly interjected, "Doesn’t that mean you won’t be coming back right away?"

Song Xiaodong responded, "That’s certain, but it won’t take too long. I think I’ll be back in about ten days."

In truth, what Song Xiaodong needed to do most was to return to that special cave from last time to restore his True Qi and heal his injuries. His strength held significant authority within the family. Without it, those harboring thoughts of rebellion would likely grow bolder.

After ending the call, Song Xiaodong immediately called Lu Lang. As soon as the call connected, Lu Lang was overjoyed. After a few words of concern, Song Xiaodong conveyed his plan to him.

Lu Lang felt the idea was excellent and readily agreed. Additionally, the navy vessel that had rescued them belonged to a nation with good relations with China, so handling this matter wouldn’t be difficult at all.

If the warship had belonged to the USA, things likely wouldn’t have been so easily resolved.

"What about Wu Xiaoya?" Miao Qingqing asked once Song Xiaodong had finished the arrangements.

After a moment of hesitation, Song Xiaodong said, "Let’s talk to her and see what she thinks."

Miao Xuanxuan immediately went to fetch Wu Xiaoya, and the three explained their intention to hide their survival from the public.

Wu Xiaoya was stunned after hearing it all and blurted out, "Can this even be kept secret?"

Song Xiaodong said, "We’ve already coordinated with the military here, so there won’t be any problems with this."

"Military coordination... Who exactly are you people?" Wu Xiaoya asked nervously, clearly frightened.

Miao Xuanxuan chuckled softly and said, "Just know that our husband is an exceptionally extraordinary person. Now, will you stay hidden with us, or will you step into the public’s view?"

Wu Xiaoya cracked a nervous grin and replied, "I can’t avoid it. The airline will definitely investigate this incident. As a flight attendant, I have a duty to provide an account of what happened."

Song Xiaodong frowned and said, "That won’t do. If you reveal the truth, I’m afraid Li Fangding won’t let you off the hook."

Wu Xiaoya, however, firmly stated, "Truth is truth—I must speak it as it is."

After a moment of hesitation, Song Xiaodong said, "Here’s my suggestion: if you must speak up, it’s better to do so to foreign media. If you speak up domestically, it’s likely to be suppressed, and it’ll also put you at significant risk."

"Our airline will protect me," Wu Xiaoya replied confidently.

"Alright, since you’ve made your decision, we won’t stop you. But if you encounter any trouble, I’ll certainly help you. You can call my family at any time."

Song Xiaodong gave Wu Xiaoya the Su Family’s phone number.

"Thank you," Wu Xiaoya said with a nod, adding, "Don’t worry, I won’t reveal anything about you."

Miao Xuanxuan held Wu Xiaoya’s hand and said sincerely, "We’ve been through thick and thin together, so no matter what difficulties you face, remember to come to us, and Dongzi will take care of it for you."

"Alright!" Wu Xiaoya nodded firmly, then gave them a deep, lingering look before quietly leaving.

After more than a day of sailing, the warship arrived at a port city. A large number of reporters were already awaiting them, eager to publish the first reports on the plane crash incident.

Li Fangding quickly stepped forward as the spokesperson for the crash survivors.

He narrated how he expertly led the group in self-rescue, enduring countless hardships until they were finally cast away on a deserted island.

The men who had been rescued alongside Li Fangding supported his narrative. Enticed by the benefits he promised and their own guilt for unspeakable actions on the island, they all maintained a unified front.

The women, though subjected to humiliation on the island, were unwilling to speak of it. Revealing such a truth would invite public criticism, disrupt their family and social lives, and damage their reputations.

Additionally, Li Fangding promised them many benefits. Moreover, they feared his authority—he was a deputy mayor, and none of them felt their personal power could challenge his.

So with both benefits and face-saving preservation, and even the possibility of aligning themselves with Li Fangding, these women also stood on his side.

Soon, in various reports, Li Fangding was portrayed as the savior of the plane crash—credited with saving more than twenty lives.

As soon as Wu Xiaoya disembarked the warship, she was taken away by representatives from the airline. They had no desire to let her speak with reporters and possibly say anything detrimental to the company. Wu Xiaoya had no opportunity to interact with the media.

This slightly reassured Li Fangding. Later, he could pressure the airline, reducing his concerns about Wu Xiaoya for the moment.

What unsettled him most now was how Song Xiaodong and the other two had vanished without a trace. Even the official count of people rescued by the warship didn’t include these three individuals, leaving him completely puzzled.