I was a rookie reporter in the 00s

Chapter 356 Farewell

Chapter 356 Farewell

As the day of her time travel drew closer, Zhang Wanqing's emotions grew increasingly complex. She knew she was about to leave the world she had lived in for so many years and return to the Tang Dynasty. Although it was her hometown, she had many concerns there, especially her family.

That evening, the family gathered around the dining table, which was filled with steamed buns made by her mother. Zhang Wanqing looked at her parents' familiar faces, and a wave of sadness welled up in her heart. She knew this conversation might shock her parents, but she didn't want to leave with any regrets.

After dinner, Zhang Wanqing took a deep breath and whispered, "Dad, Mom, I have something important to tell you." Dad and Mom looked at each other, their faces showing concern. Zhang Wanqing hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell them everything.

"Dad, Mom, Chenchen, you all knew a long time ago that I'm not the real Zhang Wanqing. I'm Su Qimeng from the Tang Dynasty." She spoke slowly, her voice trembling. "For years, I've been trying to find a way back, but I've failed many times. This time, with seven planets aligned, which only occurs once every 77 years, it might be the perfect opportunity for me to travel back. I...maybe I'll never come back..."

Zhang Beichen and Zhang Chen were both stunned and didn't know what to say for a moment.

The mother hugged Zhang Wanqing and cried as she said, "Little Baozi, we don't want you to go back! Although we all know that you are not our real child, we also have deep feelings for you. What we have experienced together, mother will never forget it!"

Zhang Beichen was silent for a moment, then gently held her hand and said, "Wanqing, no matter where you go, you are our daughter. We support your decision as long as you are safe."

The mother's eyes were red, and she choked up and said, "My child, you must take care of yourself. I will miss you."

"Sister, don't worry, I will take good care of mom and dad. I...I will always be your little brother!" Zhang Chen also shed tears sadly.

Zhang Wanqing couldn't hold back any longer and threw herself into her mother's arms, bursting into tears. At that moment, she felt the warmth and strength of home.

Dad patted her back gently and said, "Wanqing, you are a brave child. No matter where you are, you must take good care of yourself."

Zhang Chen is still a graduate student and is usually busy with his studies. However, when he heard that his sister was leaving, he put down his work and stayed with her for a few days. Zhang Wanqing was relieved to see her brother gradually mature. She took Zhang Chen's hand and said seriously: "Chenchen, after your sister leaves, you must take good care of yourself and your parents."

Zhang Chen nodded, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Sister, I will."

That night, the brother and sister sat on the balcony, gazing at the starry sky. Zhang Wanqing said softly, "Chenchen, you've grown up. I'm so proud of you. From now on, you should spend more time with your parents. They're old and need someone to take care of them."

Zhang Chen smiled and patted her shoulder: "Sister, don't worry. I will take good care of them. You should also take good care of yourself and don't let us worry."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, her heart filled with warmth. She knew that no matter where she was, her family would always be in her thoughts.

Li Wei and Lin Yue are good friends of Zhang Wanqing. When they learned that Zhang Wanqing was leaving, Li Wei and Lin Yue were very sad, but they also understood that this was Zhang Wanqing's choice.

Lin Yue took out an exquisite little box and handed it to Zhang Wanqing: "This is my gift to you. It is a handmade aromatherapy that I made myself. I hope you can also smell the familiar scent in the Tang Dynasty."

Zhang Wanqing did not say goodbye to her colleagues at the newspaper because she did not want her story to be known to everyone. Because when she returned to the Tang Dynasty, the real Zhang Wanqing in the modern era would have to go back to work and continue her work.

As the day of the Seven Planets Conjunction draws closer, Zhang Wanqing's mood becomes more complicated.

To bring this journey to a successful conclusion, she decided to spend an unforgettable evening with Fu Siyuan and Li Wei. They were not only her best friends, but also her longtime partners. At the newspaper, they were known as the "Iron Triangle," and together they had solved countless difficult cases and weathered countless hardships.

In the evening, Zhang Wanqing arrived early at the tavern they often visited. Located in a corner of the city, the tavern had simple decor and hung on the wall a photo they had taken together—a photo of them solving their first major case, with the three of them smiling brightly. The tavern owner was an old friend of theirs, and upon seeing Zhang Wanqing arrive, he immediately greeted her warmly, "Wanqing, why are you here so early today?"

"We have an important guest today, so we need to prepare early." Zhang Wanqing smiled slightly, with a hint of reluctance in her eyes. The boss nodded and turned to prepare the best ingredients.

Not long after, Fu Siyuan and Li Wei also arrived. Seeing Zhang Wanqing, they both smiled familiarly, as if everything was normal. But Zhang Wanqing could see something strange in their eyes. They both knew that this was a special gathering.

"Wanqing, it's your treat today, just tell me what you want!" Li Wei sat down carelessly and patted the table. Zhang Wanqing smiled and said, "Today, we won't talk about the case, but only about memories."

The lights in the pub were dim and warm, and the table was filled with sumptuous dishes: roast duck, boiled fish, braised pork... these were their favorite foods.

Zhang Wanqing raised her glass and said softly, "Siyuan, Li Wei, today is the final gathering of our 'iron triangle'. I want to thank you for your companionship and support over the years."

Li Wei patted Zhang Wanqing on the shoulder and said, "Wanqing, you are the soul of our 'iron triangle'. What will we do if you leave?"

Zhang Wanqing smiled and said, "You two are so capable, there will definitely be no problem."

Fu Siyuan and Li Wei exchanged a glance, a complex emotion flashing in their eyes. Fu Siyuan raised his glass: "Wanqing, we are friends and comrades-in-arms. We have been through so much together over the years, and these memories will remain in my heart forever."

Zhang Wanqing nodded, her heart filled with gratitude: "Thank you, my comrades."

Li Wei pulled out a thick notebook from his bag and handed it to Zhang Wanqing. "This is the note I kept of the cases we solved together over the years. Take it home and read it. It might give you some inspiration. It can also be used to pass the time when you're bored."

Zhang Wanqing took the notebook, feeling warm in her heart: "Thank you, I will keep it well."

Fu Siyuan seemed to be hesitant to speak. His inner thoughts were always his inner thoughts and would never be spoken. At this moment, Zhang Wanqing still didn't know whether Fu Siyuan would be sad about her leaving. She didn't dare to guess, for fear of being wrong. She glanced at Fu Siyuan, and the two of them looked at each other, tears welling up in Zhang Wanqing's eyes.

Li Wei raised his glass: "Wanqing, remember this, no matter where you go, we will always be the 'iron triangle'."