Forbidden Zone

  I immediately added, "We have a relative living near Ximen River, it's been many years since we went there, just don't know the way."

  Fat Auntie's face was shocked again, and she smiled awkwardly in the end, "Oh, I thought you were going to Ximen River."

  I also forced out a smile at Auntie Wang.

  She pointed ahead with her hand, "If you're going to walk, it might take some time. Taking a ride over isn't far, the masters all know."

  I and Uncle Ah said goodbye to Auntie Huan, the taxi driver heard that we were going to Ximen River and was also puzzled. I stared at Uncle Ah's profile, wanting to ask for clarification, but Uncle Ah had a calm face.

  The taxi driver stopped the car fifty meters away from Ximen River and asked us to get off, I wanted to reason with the driver, isn't there still a distance to go?

  The driver stuck his head out and said, "Miss, this is your first time in Wengan, right? The road by Ximen River was closed six years ago, the car can't get in." As the taxi left, I seemed to hear another sentence, "Even if it could get in, no one dares to go in."

  As I walked closer to the Ximen River, the autumn river wind blew against my face, feeling somewhat cold. It seems that the Ximen River really can't be entered. The river isn't big, but it's surrounded by barbed wire all around, making it impossible for people to enter.

  I looked up at Uncle Ah, who stood with his hands behind him by the riverbank. "Uncle Ah, this place... even in broad daylight it feels a bit gloomy, could it be..."

  "Uncle looked at me with a smile, 'What's wrong, are you scared?'"

  I glanced around the river, pretending to be calm. "Ha, I'm not afraid of anything. What's there to be afraid of? With Uncle here, how could I be scared?" Besides me and Uncle, there was no one else. The sound was as soft as a mosquito. "However, standing here makes my back feel chilly."

  Uncle didn't look at me either, his gaze fixed on the calm river surface. "This is because you wear too few clothes."

  I had wanted to make excuses, but I didn't listen to Uncle's words, and as it turned out, the warm clothes that could be taken were indeed brought in small quantities.

  He turned around and walked away, "This is still a forbidden place after all. It's not good to come in during the day. I'll go buy you some clothes and come back tonight."

  A surge of warmth in my heart, Uncle is still so concerned about me.

  Keeping pace with Uncle, we put our luggage in the hotel and strolled hand in hand with Uncle on the pedestrian street. The Wengan City ten years later was also as prosperous as this.

  "Uncle said, 'There are two pieces of clothing I think suit you.'"

  I pulled Uncle forward, "Take a closer look, although Uncle has money, it's still good to compare prices."

  Uncle tapped on the tip of my nose and said I was too clever for my own good.

  Actually, I didn't want to just buy that piece of clothing and then go back to the hotel, each returning to their own room. I wanted to spend more time with Uncle and enjoy this virtual lover's life.

  Until my legs were weak, I went back to buy the two clothes that Uncle said looked good, exhausted, after dinner, I returned to the hotel and fell asleep as soon as I lay down.

  Uncle came to wake me up at twelve o'clock and said we had to go to Ximen River at this time.

  I really want to sleep for a while, but I have to listen to Uncle's words and don't want to stay here alone. Wherever Uncle goes, I'll go with him.

  The entrance of Ximen River has been sealed off, with something yellowish hanging vaguely on it, which can't be seen clearly. I'm preparing to turn on the flashlight in my hand to take a closer look.

  Uncle pressed down on my hand, "Don't open it."

  The uncle's voice was somewhat low and subdued, as if he feared startling something.

  I leaned forward and whispered in Uncle's ear, "But I couldn't see."

  Soft and warm lips pressed against my eyelids, a faint airflow spreading from the corners of my eyes. I felt his even breathing, my whole body trembling, my chest pounding wildly... Uncle, did uncle kiss me?