The hovercraft continued through the night on DT-3. Its engine purred quietly, as though unwilling to disturb the silence of the city that had only just escaped the chaos. Shen Xixuan looked at the five children sleeping peacefully in their seats, his heart filled with a mixture of happiness and the responsibility that had only just settled upon him.
Xiaoming looked at him through the rearview mirror, his gaze gentle.
"Looks like the kids trust you now, A-Xuan. It's not easy for children who've been through something like this to trust a stranger."
Shen Xixuan smiled faintly and stroked Xiaohu's head as the child rested peacefully against his arm.
"I'm surprised too... But I'll prove to them that I'll never abandon them. I promise."
"That's good... These kids need someone who'll sincerely take care of them. They've been through so much lately. Pirates raided and destroyed their village, and many parents went missing. A lot of children became orphans, just like these little ones."
Shen Xixuan let out a deep sigh. He looked outside and saw the soft lights of a few homes that were still lit amid the darkness of the night.
"Things have gotten this bad here? Couldn't the authorities help at all?"
"DT-3 is a remote frontier planet, far from the Federation's reach. There aren't many officials, but the area is enormous. The pirates know that weakness well. They attack often and flee before the military can arrive in time. It's truly unfortunate."
Shen Xixuan lowered his head, his heart growing heavier for the children who had been forced to survive under these conditions for so long.
After a while, the hovercraft entered a relatively peaceful neighborhood and stopped in front of a small but sturdy house. It had an advanced-looking security system that was cleverly concealed.
"We're here, A-Xuan. This is my house. It's not in the best shape, but it's safe enough to spend the night."
Shen Xixuan gently woke the children one by one.
"Wake up, kids... We're here at the place we'll be staying."
The children slowly opened their eyes, still sleepy and a little confused. But when they saw Shen Xixuan's face, they immediately looked more at ease. Xiaoyan, the youngest, rubbed his eyes and gripped Shen Xixuan's shirt tightly.
"Uh... Where are we?"
"This is Xiaoming's house, Xiaoyan—the person who helped me. You kids can stay here tonight. Tomorrow, we'll travel back to our new home."
Xiaoming opened the door and invited everyone inside. The house was clean and tidy. Though it wasn't large, it felt warm and welcoming. An automatic climate-control system kept the air inside fresh, and the whole place was quiet and peaceful.
"Come on in, everyone. I've prepared a room for you. The kids must be exhausted."
Shen Xixuan led the children into the house, helping them set down their bags and get comfortable. Xiaoming went into the kitchen and returned a short while later with drinking water and some light snacks.
"I've only got water and packaged snacks. They're not nearly as tasty as what you made, A-Xuan, but they'll keep everyone from getting hungry during the night."
Shen Xixuan thanked him and handed out the food to all the children. Xiaochao, one of the black-haired twins, picked up a snack and quietly complained.
"It's so bland... I want more of the snacks you made earlier, Uncle."
Shen Xixuan chuckled softly and gently patted his head.
"When we get home tomorrow, I'll make delicious snacks for you little ones every day. I promise."
All the children's eyes went wide with excitement. Xiaofeng, the little girl with small bird wings, fluttered them lightly in delight.
"Really, Uncle? I want something sweet!"
"Really, Xiaofeng. I'll make anything you want to eat."
The rest of the night passed peacefully. Xiaoming showed them the various rooms, then left them to rest. Shen Xixuan helped the children bathe and change into clean clothes before taking them to the bedroom that had been prepared for them.
The bedroom had a bed large enough for all five children, along with soft blankets and brightly colored throw pillows. The children happily scrambled onto the bed, their joy only just beginning to bloom.
"The bed is so soft, Uncle! It's been so long since I've slept in a soft bed like this," Xiaoyan said excitedly, hugging a pillow tightly.
Shen Xixuan stood watching them with love in his heart, then slowly sat down beside the bed.
"Get some good rest, little ones. Tomorrow, we have another long journey ahead of us to get back to our new home. There's a big garden there. Maybe we can grow vegetables and fruit for you kids to eat fresh every day."
"There's a garden, Uncle? I want to help plant flowers!" Xiaolong, the white-haired twin, said excitedly. His gentle, adorable face lit up.
"Of course, Xiaolong. I'll let you kids help with the garden every day."
The children chatted excitedly for a while, but soon their exhaustion returned. Shen Xixuan sat beside the bed and sang softly for them, a song he'd heard in the old era with a gentle rhythm perfect for lulling children to sleep.
Slowly, one by one, the children fell asleep. At last, all five were sleeping peacefully on the large bed, their breathing even and their faces much more relaxed than when he'd first found them in the dark warehouse.
Shen Xixuan rose as quietly as possible and left the bedroom, closing the door until only a narrow gap remained. Then he went to find Xiaoming, who was sitting at the dining table drinking water.
"Are all the kids asleep, A-Xuan?"
"All of them... They really must have been exhausted."
Xiaoming sighed and shook his head slightly.
"They've been through so much over the past few weeks. They had to hide, find food for themselves, and survive without any adults looking after them... It's such a shame. But things are better now that you're here to care for them."
Shen Xixuan sat down beside him, staring at the glass in his hand, his thoughts in turmoil.
"I really have to thank you, Xiaoming, for helping us all this time. If it weren't for you, I never would've found the kids."
"You don't have to thank me... It's my duty. Uncle Chen helped me a lot in the past, so I'm just repaying the favor."
Xiaoming paused for a moment, then looked Shen Xixuan in the eye with a serious expression.
"But listen, A-Xuan... The trip back to AG-1 may not go smoothly. The situation here is still dangerous, and there may be strict inspections when we board the ship. You need to take very good care of yourself and the kids."
"I understand... I'll be as careful as possible and make sure nothing happens to the little ones."
"Good... We'll leave early tomorrow morning so we can reach the spaceport on time. You should get some rest now, too. You've been on your feet all day."
Shen Xixuan thanked him again, then went to the room that had been prepared for him. He sat down on the bed, looked at the Star Bear on his wrist, and opened a small holographic display to check various details.
He checked the travel tickets, his documents, and the money remaining in his account. Then he thought of Uncle Chen, who was still waiting for him to return to AG-1.
Uncle Chen... I've found all five children. They're so cute and healthy. Tomorrow, I'll finally be able to bring them home.
He shut off the holographic display and lay down on the bed. He tried to sleep, but his mind remained restless. He thought about the long journey he had to make again tomorrow, and about the new life waiting for them on AG-1.
Now he had all five children... He had a family. He would have to work hard and take the best possible care of them. He would build them a warm, happy home.
With that promise to himself, he slowly closed his eyes and finally fell asleep amid the peaceful night on DT-3.