It seemed to be in counterpoint to their mood, as lightning and thunder relentlessly crackled across the sky whenever they felt elated; and when they were in low spirits, the storm clouds gradually dissipated. Although the storm still raged outside, there were no longer any flashes of lightning in the dark clouds overhead.
Their goal unmet, everyone was enveloped in an immense sadness, parting ways without even discussing the division of spoils.
Zhuge Liuyun and Xiaolan sat in their own vehicle, evacuating from their previous command center. Zhuge Liuyun was preparing to drive back to the hotel where he was staying. Xiaolan said, "Liuyun, don't rush back just yet, there's a place we must visit now."
Zhuge Liuyun looked around, puzzled, and asked, "Xiaolan, it's almost midnight, and with this torrential rain, where do you want to go?"
Xiaolan did not answer his question, instead asking, "Liuyun, what was the task given to us by our superiors when we left China?"