Yin Zhang was quite surprised that Yuan Qiqi had actually come to Heaven Dou City.
The two exchanged glances before embracing with smiles.
"Qiqi, how did you end up in Heaven Dou as well? I didn't even know you were coming," Yin Zhang asked.
Yuan Qiqi pressed down the hand he had casually raised, a faint blush appearing on her face.
"The Pope sent me here to support the Heaven Dou Empire if anything unexpected happens, so that no accidents interfere with Spirit Hall's plans."
Yin Zhang nodded slightly.
The so-called Spirit Hall plan was, in truth, Bibi Dong's plan to unify the Douluo Continent.
What she did not know was that many people involved in the plan were only following her orders on the surface. In reality, quite a few of them had already begun to distance themselves from her. Even Yue Guan and Gui Mei had started to waver.
In the original timeline, both of them had met tragic ends because of Bibi Dong.
Yin Zhang felt it would be a waste to let them continue down that path. After all, they were Spirit Hall Title Douluos and possessed the Spirit Fusion Skill, Polar Stillness Domain. If he could persuade them to change sides, it would be for the best.
Yuan Qiqi smiled gently.
"Xiao Zhang, I've missed you. The moment I heard about this mission, I accepted it. I wanted to see you as soon as possible."
Then she leaned closer and softly added:
"Xiao Zhang, I want a future with you."
Yin Zhang was momentarily stunned.
He naturally understood what Yuan Qiqi meant.
Over the years, their relationship had grown increasingly deep. Although Yuan Qiqi had always appeared calm and composed, she still feared being left behind as more people entered Yin Zhang's life.
She wanted certainty.
She wanted someone she could rely on.
Yin Zhang smiled faintly.
"Qiqi, I understand."
Yuan Qiqi looked at him quietly.
"Then don't keep me waiting too long."
"Alright," Yin Zhang replied with a nod. "I'll return after I settle a few things."
Only then did Yuan Qiqi reluctantly let go.
"I'll be waiting."
"Okay."
Yin Zhang turned and headed back toward the Dugu family estate.
---
After returning to the manor, he entered the room he shared with Hu Liena.
The moment he stepped inside, Hu Liena closed the door behind him.
She handed him a cup of water with a bright smile.
"Brother Zhang, you're finally back."
Yin Zhang accepted it without much thought and drank it in one gulp.
Then he suddenly felt something strange.
"Nana?"
Hu Liena smiled mischievously.
"Brother Zhang, you've been away for so long. I finally managed to get some time alone with you. Do you really think I'd let you leave again so easily?"
Yin Zhang immediately understood.
He could only shake his head helplessly.
"Nana…"
Hu Liena stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him.
"No excuses tonight."
Looking at her determined expression, Yin Zhang could not help but laugh.
The atmosphere in the room gradually became warm and relaxed as the two spent the evening together.
---
Meanwhile, Yuan Qiqi waited outside for quite some time.
Yet Yin Zhang still had not appeared.
A puzzled look crossed her face.
"Xiao Zhang wouldn't stand me up…"
After some thought, she came to a conclusion.
"It seems Hu Liena must have stopped him."
As for the possibility that Yin Zhang had encountered danger, Yuan Qiqi dismissed it immediately.
This was Heaven Dou City.
Not only was Dugu Bo nearby, but Yin Zhang's own strength was already formidable enough that very few people could threaten him.
Curious, Yuan Qiqi quietly entered the Dugu family estate.
Before long, she arrived near Yin Zhang's room.
The lights were still on.
After sensing the familiar auras inside, Yuan Qiqi immediately understood what had happened.
She could only smile helplessly.
"So that's how it is."
A moment later, she pushed open the door and entered.
Hu Liena was startled at first, but when she recognized Yuan Qiqi, her eyes widened.
"Spirit Kite Douluo?!"
She never expected to find Yuan Qiqi here.
Yuan Qiqi, meanwhile, remained calm and composed.
The two women exchanged glances.
For a brief moment, the room fell silent.
Then Hu Liena seemed to realize something and looked between Yuan Qiqi and Yin Zhang.
Her expression became increasingly strange.
Finally, she exclaimed:
"Spirit Kite Douluo… you too?!"