Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 161: Finally Found Him

Fei Jin, however, was already on high alert.

He gripped the dagger in his hand, his knuckles white. His body sank slightly, ready to counterattack at any moment.

The moonlight washed over the scene.

A familiar figure emerged from behind the broken wall, their steps hesitant yet firm.

Song Qingya saw him too. Her eyes instantly reddened, and her nose tingled.

Her lips trembled slightly, but she fought back the urge to cry out loud.

Fei Jin strode forward and pulled her into his arms.

"Qingya? How did you find this place?"

Song Qingya was held so tightly her chest felt constricted, making it hard to breathe, but she didn’t struggle.

Instead, she quietly closed her eyes, her hands subconsciously wrapping around his waist.

At that moment, she finally felt at ease.

"Do you have any idea how much you scared me?"

Her voice was choked with sobs. "Everyone back home is going crazy with worry!"

It was only then that Fei Jin realized how difficult it must have been for her. A young woman, leaving the camp alone in the dead of night, crossing the wilderness, and risking discovery by the enemy all the way here.

She could have waited until dawn to act, but she hadn’t.

She had chosen the most dangerous and fastest way to find him.

He asked softly, "It’s so late, and it’s not safe out here. How could you come out alone? It’s too dangerous! Where are the others? Where are Cheng Peng and the rest?"

He sounded like he was scolding her, but he was actually worried sick.

He knew that Song Qingya would never have taken such a risk on her own if she wasn’t worried about him.

But for that very reason, he was even more terrified of something happening to her.

Song Qingya didn’t dare to look directly into his eyes, which were filled with concern. She stammered, "I slipped out by myself. I didn’t tell Cheng Peng or the others."

She paused, lowering her voice even more. "A larger group makes more noise and is easier to spot. Besides..."

She deliberately drew out her words, feigning annoyance. "Cheng Peng watches me all day long like a foreman. It’s so annoying."

Hearing this, Fei Jin was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head in resignation.

He knew Cheng Peng all too well. The guy was a bit rough around the edges, but he was completely dedicated and responsible.

Looking at her, safe and sound, he finally felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Though he could sympathize with her feelings, he couldn’t help but mutter, "That was too reckless. You should have waited for me at home. Didn’t I tell you when I left? I said I’d come back safe and sound."

Song Qingya didn’t want to hear his reasoning. "If I had just waited obediently at home, it would’ve been too late. Besides, I knew I could help you. I wouldn’t have come otherwise."

"Stop bringing up my pregnancy. Even if I’m carrying a child, I’m not made of glass. I’m not that fragile. I know what I’m doing, and I know how to prioritize. Your current situation is very dangerous. It’ll be hard for you to get out of this unscathed on your own. The fact that I’m here means I’ve already considered the consequences and I’m prepared to deal with them."

Seeing her defiant expression, Fei Jin quickly lowered his voice. "Alright, alright, I get it. From now on, I’ll never treat you like some delicate maiden. I know better than to cross you."

The two exchanged a few more hurried words before quietly returning to the camp under the cover of darkness.

Cheng Peng had been waiting outside the tent, pacing back and forth and occasionally glancing outside.

He had been waiting for hours, and with still no sign of them, he was practically fuming with anxiety.

"Village Chief! Ma’am! You’re finally back! Are you two alright? My heart was about to leap out of my throat!"

Fei Jin reacted swiftly, grabbing his arm and reminding him in a low voice, "Keep it down. Now’s not the time to relax. There might still be people watching nearby. We have to stay vigilant."

Cheng Peng immediately understood and nodded vigorously. "Right, I get it. I’ll shut my mouth. I won’t say another word."

"Village Chief, Ma’am, you’re not hurt, are you? I was worried sick!"

He lowered his voice, but the worry in his eyes was still plain to see.

Fei Jin patted his shoulder reassuringly. "We’re fine. Everything went smoothly. We’ve taken care of what needed to be done. We’re safe for now."

Song Qingya also smiled. "Cheng Peng, thank you for waiting here all this time. You must be exhausted, staying up so late."

Cheng Peng scratched his head and grinned. "Not tired at all! It’s what I should be doing. You two are out there fighting for the whole team, so what’s a little night watch? Besides, Ma’am, you came too. How could I dare to slack off?"

After a brief exchange, Fei Jin scanned their surroundings to confirm it was safe before finally walking over to the table and sitting down.

He grabbed a canteen, poured a cup of water, and downed it in one gulp.

After traveling all night and getting into a fight, he was dying of thirst.

Cheng Peng stood nearby, his face showing unconcealed excitement. He looked like he was bursting with questions but held his tongue.

Fei Jin put down his cup and glanced at him. "How’s that thing I asked you to do?"

Cheng Peng immediately straightened up and reported in a low voice, "Village Chief, it’s all taken care of! Just as you instructed, I’ve spread the word that you’re still out on a mission and won’t be back anytime soon. I had a few people spread the message separately to make sure it reaches the enemy’s ears. I also had Old Liu pretend to be drunk at the market and blabber about you leading a team to the northern front."

He paused, then added, "Everyone thinks you’re not in the camp, so no one should suspect that you’ve returned. This way, they won’t make a move on us right away."

Fei Jin nodded, giving him a satisfied look. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and a hint of approval showed in his eyes. "Good work. The intelligence was timely, and you handled it well."

Cheng Peng was a little embarrassed by the praise. "You’re too kind, Village Chief. It was my duty."

Fei Jin pondered for a moment, his brow twitching slightly. "There are a few more things I need you to arrange. Time is short, so we can’t afford any more mistakes."

"Just give the order, Village Chief! I’ll get it done!"

Cheng Peng immediately puffed out his chest and stood at attention.

"I want to personally meet the man who’s trying to replace me."

Fei Jin’s gaze darkened, his eyes as sharp as blades.

Cheng Peng froze, then it dawned on him. "You mean... Wang Kang? Isn’t... isn’t that too dangerous? He’s been making a lot of moves lately, and he definitely has backing. Shouldn’t we investigate him first? If you show yourself rashly, you might walk into an ambush."

Fei Jin shook his head. "We can’t delay any longer. He’s already made his move. Every day we wait, the situation gets more complicated. I need to find out what he’s up to right now."

’The longer I wait, the more variables will emerge. The enemy is in the shadows while I’m in the light; I can’t just sit back passively and let them set the board.’

’Taking the initiative, even with its risks, is better than waiting to be slaughtered.’

Song Qingya listened quietly from the side, her expression calm, but she couldn’t hide the trace of worry in her eyes.

Just then, she spoke softly, "Ajin, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to show yourself right now. This Wang Kang... his methods are vicious, and he’s a meticulous schemer. I’m worried... I’m afraid he might already have Song Chenglu under his control."

Fei Jin’s brow tightened instantly, and a shadow passed over his eyes.

’That woman... she’s meddled time and time again, always interfering at the most critical moments.’

’What in the world is she trying to do?’

’What is she scheming now?’

He immediately whipped his head around to face Song Qingya, his voice rising unconsciously. "Qingya, are you alright? Did Song Chenglu hurt you? She’s always been ruthless. I’m afraid she’ll use you as a bargaining chip."