"Alright then."
"Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday."
Tang Luochuan raised his teacup first, smiling gently.
"Of course."
"We..."
"will all have a fantastic break—"
The group responded in unison with cheerful laughter.
The next day.
Outside the Shrek Outer Courtyard, in front of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda headquarters.
Tang Luochuan and Na'er stood there, their purpose none other than bidding farewell to Gu Yue before them.
This holiday, Na'er would be returning to East Sea City with him, while Gu Yue, remaining at the Spirit Transfer Pagoda headquarters, would naturally be separated from them—hence the parting.
"During this break..."
"don't neglect your training, alright?"
Gu Yue spoke softly as she gazed at the young man and girl before her. She knew full well they wouldn't do anything they shouldn't, but...
They'd probably slack off a little in their cultivation.
"We know, we know."
"Gu Yue-jie, we're heading off now."
Na'er couldn't help murmuring, her eyes lingering on Gu Yue with reluctance. As her sworn sister, Gu Yue was undoubtedly one of the most important people in her life—though, of course, there was someone even more significant standing beside her...
Her gaze drifted unconsciously toward Tang Luochuan, a fleeting sense of loss flashing through her heart. Heh, that would be Luo Chuan-gege!
"Na'er, no need to be too sad."
"The holiday won't actually be that long. Still, I hope you have a wonderful time in East Sea City."
Gu Yue stepped forward with a gentle smile, though a trace of resignation flickered in her bright eyes. She had a feeling Na'er wouldn't miss her all that much.
"Then we'll see each other again soon. I hope you accomplish everything you've planned for this break."
Beside them, Tang Luochuan grinned as he spoke, leaning in to pull her into an embrace and pressing a light kiss to her lips.
"Mhm."
"Don't worry, I will."
A faint blush warmed Gu Yue's cheeks for just a moment before her expression softened.
"I'll miss you."
Tang Luochuan's voice was tender.
"Me too."
"But if I want to see you, or you want to see me..."
"It's not like meeting will be difficult."
Gu Yue returned the embrace lightly, her smile serene. If they wished, the three of them could reunite anytime.
After all, they had the Dragon Valley—their very own Small World!
"That's true."
"In that case, we won't have to wait too long to see Gu Yue-jie again..."
Na'er nodded idly from the side. If that was the case, she wouldn't have to go without her beloved older sister. Though, well...
Heh, she wasn't actually that concerned about Gu Yue-jie.
What really mattered was spending the entire holiday with Luo Chuan-gege—and this time, as his girlfriend, no less!
Honestly, could she be any happier? For a moment, she felt like she might float away from sheer joy.
"Heh..."
Watching Na'er's silly, beaming expression, Gu Yue chuckled knowingly. Did this girl really think she couldn't read her? This little Na'er...
Was utterly a case of "chasing the river and forgetting the moon"!
Not far from the group, Tang Wulin stood waiting somewhat impatiently for Tang Luochuan and Gu Yue.
Honestly, he never should've come along in the first place.
No wonder Mu Xi-jie, Xiao Yan, and Xie Xie all refused to come along—they must have foreseen this situation.
Now, here he was, stuck playing the third wheel.
"But once I get back..."
"I'll get to see Zi Xin again..."
At this thought, Tang Wulin's previously dull eyes instantly sparkled with renewed brightness, his spirits lifting high.
"Wu Lin."
"Let's go."
At that moment, Tang Luochuan and Na'er approached Tang Wulin, the former speaking softly.
But the way his little brother looked right now...
"Wu Lin."
"Is it because we're almost home, and your lovesickness has flared up again?"
A faint smile played on Tang Luochuan's lips as he realized what must be going through his brother's mind. The only person who could evoke such a reaction from him was none other than Ouyang Zixin...
Who else could it be?
"..."
"Luo Chuan, Na'er, and everyone else..."
"Have a safe trip!"
Upon arriving at the Soul Guidance Train Station, it was time for the group to part ways.
Each of them was heading to different cities—Wei Xiaofeng was visiting relatives, Wu Siduo was going elsewhere...
Meanwhile, Tang Luochuan, Na'er, Xu Xiaoyan, Mu Xi, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Wang Jinxi, and Zhang Yangzi were all returning to Eastsea City together, forming the largest traveling group.
"Finally going home!"
Not long after, seated on the train and gazing at the scenery outside the window, Na'er clung to Tang Luochuan's arm, her eyes shining with excitement.
Home.
To her, the people she truly considered family were few—Brother Luo Chuan stood at the forefront, unmatched by anyone else. And the place she acknowledged as home...
(Newest novel updates first on 69shuba!)
...was with the uncle and aunt from before. Of course, she firmly believed they would one day be her parents too!
"You seem really happy."
Tang Luochuan observed her reaction with a smile.
"Of course!"
"How could I not be?"
Na'er giggled and nodded, then asked in return.
"It's been so many years since I've been with Luo Chuan Gege and Uncle and Auntie. Going back this time is such a wonderful thing..."
"I just wonder... will Uncle and Auntie still like me?"
She blinked, murmuring to herself.
"Of course they will."
"After all, back then, they probably already saw our Na'er as their future daughter-in-law..."
Tang Luochuan chuckled softly, leaning close to whisper in her ear.
Na'er, the child bride...
She was destined to be his bride alone.
"Mmm..."
Hearing this, Na'er's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She faintly remembered how, when she was very little, she'd once clamored about marrying Luo Chuan Gege!
And this time, she wasn't returning home as just Luo Chuan Gege's little sister—but as his girlfriend...
Ehehe! So happy!
"In this lifetime..."
"Na'er will never be apart from Luo Chuan Gege again!"
Her eyes shone with determination as she made this silent vow.
"Tch."
"Another mouthful of dog food."
Beside them, Xie Xie, Wang Jinxi, and Zhang Yangzi shook their heads with wry smiles, long accustomed to this sight. Meanwhile, Xu Xiaoyan and Mu Xi seemed lost in their own thoughts.
Only Tang Wulin remained silent, waiting quietly for the train to arrive at its destination...
He hadn't told Zi Xin Jie the exact time he'd be returning home yet. Once he got back, he was definitely going to give her a huge surprise!
"Zi Xin Jie…"
"She must be missing me like crazy too!"
Tang Wulin thought to himself with anticipation.
"..."
Eastsea City.
After bidding farewell to the others, Tang Luochuan, Na'er, and Tang Wulin had already arrived at the area where their family villa was located.
"Brother, once we get home and say hi to Mom and Dad…"
"I want to head out for a bit first, hehe!"
Tang Wulin said earnestly, a smile on his face.
At this moment, the excitement on his face was impossible to hide. After sending his brother and Na'er Jie home and greeting his parents, he was going to hop onto his beloved little motorcycle…
And go find Zi Xin Jie!
Wait, no—just Zi Xin… He really couldn't shake off this long-cherished way of addressing her, could he?
"Wu Lin."
"You're practically burning with impatience."
Beside Tang Wulin, Tang Luochuan couldn't help but chuckle at his younger brother's reaction, amusement dancing in his eyes.
This pairing between his little brother and Ouyang Zixin…
He was absolutely here for it.
(End of Chapter)