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Gepard's expression darkened, feeling extremely disheartened.
Bronya couldn't help but shake her head; her father was truly going too far.
Gepard's loyalty to the Supreme Guardian meant he might not have been inclined to grant Su Jinyan any favor, and now here was Su Jinyan openly mocking him?
Immediately after receiving Cocolia's orders, Gepard led the Silvermane Guards to surround the Goethe Hotel. He had anticipated that with such overwhelming force, apprehending the infiltrator intent on inciting rebellion would be effortless—any suspect would surely yield, right?
To his surprise, instead, he faced ridicule from the very suspect.
However, when he got a clear look at Su Jinyan's face, Gepard couldn't help but furrow his brow.
This face seemed somehow familiar...
Su Jinyan smiled warmly. "Long time no see, Gepard."
"I never expected you to become a commanding officer of the Silvermane Guards. As your father, I'm truly delighted."
Gepard stared blankly at Su Jinyan, memories flooding back—the deep love and stern expectations from his father, along with his father's earnest teachings:
"Remember, Gepard Landau—
"Doubt breeds arrogance; doubt spawns malice. As Belobog's exemplar, you must not indulge in unnecessary thoughts!
"You will defend Belobog and her people, regardless of the cost.
"Never betray those whom you are sworn to protect... Do not bring shame upon the Landau name!"
He recalled that snowy night when creatures from the rift had launched a sudden uprising. The shrill siren, symbolizing a desperate battle cry, pierced through the front lines, instantly tearing apart the veil of snowfall.
His father, clad in tempered steel armor, raised his long halberd, pointing its tip at the surging horde of otherworldly creatures as fierce as a storm. Shielded by artillery fire, he charged forth on a mission from which there would be no return.
After that night, Gepard never saw his father again.
The personal guard accompanying Gepard coldly rebuked, "Impudence!"
"You claim to be Commander Gepard's father, so you're just that now?"
"I could also say I'm your grandfather!"
Gepard's eyelid twitched, and he sharply commanded, "Silence!"
"But Sir," the personal guard protested, feeling wronged, "he said he is your father."
With an icy gaze, Gepard took a deep breath. "Yes, he indeed is my father, Su Langdao."
"Father, it has been a long time."
The personal guard was taken aback. Oh no, I inadvertently insulted both Commander Gepard and his esteemed father. Will I face repercussions?
"If I recall correctly, you should have sacrificed yourself during that snowy night many years ago."
"Why have you suddenly appeared here, and why are you with these two infiltrators who incited rebellion?"
Bronya fell into confusion. "Wait, Gepard."
"He cannot possibly be from your Landau Clan; he clearly is my father."
The personal guard trembled, asking hesitantly, "Lady Bronya?"
Only now did he realize that Bronya was also present in the room.
Never had he imagined witnessing, within his lifetime, a scene where Bronya and Commander Gepard would dispute over claiming Su Jinyan as their father. If this news spread, absolutely no one would believe it, right?
The personal guard suddenly regretted accompanying Gepard to knock on this door.
It seemed like whether he liked it or not, he'd be facing repercussions for this encounter.
After a brief moment of silence, Gepard earnestly said, "Apologies, Lady Bronya."
"My mind might have been unclear, leading me to mistake someone else for my father."
"My esteemed father has already made the honorable sacrifice; there's no way he could be standing here."
"Since he isn't my father, then he must be the infiltrator intent on rebellion."
Bronya's eyes filled with panic. After hastily glancing at Su Jinyan, she quickly corrected herself.
"No, wait... I'm mistaken..."
"Gepard, it seems I erred."
"He indeed is your father—Su Landau."
Gepard remained speechless.
Su Jinyan sighed, "That's precisely what I wanted to say."
"Bronya, before raising you, I actually cared for three other children."
"They were - Gepard, Serval, and Lynx, all from the Langdo Clan."
"I'm truly sorry, child; I never mentioned this to you before."
Bronya's lips parted slightly, feeling somewhat dazed.
"You... they were also your children?"
"But we don't resemble each other at all."
The personal guard silently agreed—aside from appearances, even their hair colors differed. How could they possibly be father and son?
Moreover, old Sir Ronald Landau had already perished on that snowy night long ago!
Noticing the skepticism in Bronya's beautiful eyes, Su Jinyan looked up towards the sky, tears glistening in his gaze.
"It's quite simple, actually—I am not his biological father."
Bronya blinked, puzzled.
The personal guard echoed her confusion with a questioning look.
Gepard's pupils contracted sharply. "What? Father, you're not—"
"Then who is my real father?"
Su Jinyan spoke slowly, "To answer that, I must tell you another story."
"In truth, my family has been close friends with the Langdo Clan for generations. Old Ronald was my dearest old companion."
"That fellow was an upright and noble Silvermane Guard; I was deeply impressed by his character."
"However, shortly after Gepard and Serval were born, he... made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefield..."
Gepard gasped, "What? He...he s-sacrificed himself?"
Su Jinyan continued, "The Langdo bloodline is noble."
"You were destined to protect Belobog and her people across generations, pledging loyalty to the Supreme Guardian."
"Before his passing, Ronald feared that losing your father might hinder your growth and bring dishonor to the Langdo name."
"Therefore, he entrusted you both to me."
"I stepped in as your father, guiding you to become worthy successors of the Langdo Clan."
March 7th expressed her concern, "Um, Grand Diviner?"
"Do you think our memories of Belobog won't be messed up once we leave here?"
Fu Xuan whispered reassuringly, "No need to worry. With this venerable one present, I ensure your safety."
Once they exited, she would certainly teach this disobedient disciple a proper lesson.
Gepard silently pressed his hand against his forehead, remaining speechless with an unmistakably heavy heart.
He had initially believed his mission was simply to follow the Supreme Guardian's orders—capturing infiltrators plotting rebellion. Little did he know that among these rebels was his father, presumed dead for many years.
Then his father revealed, Actually, I'm not your biological father; he died long ago. I am your godfather...
Bronya sighed deeply before asking, "So, the incident where you sacrificed yourself on that snowy night..."
With a serious expression, Su Jinyan replied, "I won my rematch from beyond."
Gepard looked utterly perplexed.
Bronya chided him, "Father, please be more solemn!"
Embarrassed, Su Jinyan said, "Bronya truly exudes authority when angry."
"Back then, I too believed certain death awaited me and resolved to fight until my last breath."
"No one could have foreseen that I would be inexplicably drawn into the rift."
"When I finally found my way out, the war had already ended."
Gepard couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you inform us upon your return?"
"Hearing of your supposed sacrifice deeply saddened our entire family."
Su Jinyan offered a faint smile. "A fledgling eagle must leave its warm nest to spread its wings and brave the unpredictable storms."
"A foal can only raise its iron hooves and gallop across battle-torn fields after leaving the comfort of its enclosure."
"If my sacrifice could foster your growth, why would I hesitate? Gepard, I am truly proud of you."
Moved, Gepard responded, "Father..."
Bronya echoed with emotion, "Father..."
Upon learning Su Jinyan's true identity, Gepard's respect for him deepened even further.
All three siblings of the Randoll Clan grew up under his guidance from a young age. How could mere lack of blood relation diminish their bond?
How could their lack of blood relation possibly lead him to distance himself from Su Jinyan?
"Father, how could someone of your noble character align with rebels?" asked Su Jinyan.
"It's a long story," Su Jinyan replied. "The Supreme Guardian has been blinded by deceit."
Gepard instinctively glanced at Bronya.
Bronya bristled internally, "It wasn't me; why are you looking at me like that?"
Gepard hastily apologized, "My apologies, Lady Bronya."
Su Jinyan spoke gravely, "Gepard, we have come for the Stellaron."
"To alleviate the disaster it brings upon Belobog, we must seal the Stellaron."
"The Stellaron itself is the source of deception corrupting the Supreme Guardian Cocolia."
"Do you trust me enough to stand by my side?"
Gepard slowly shook his head, "Father, I believe in your integrity."
"But I do not believe you possess the ability to seal the Stellaron."
"If I were the Supreme Guardian, I would likely harbor doubts about you too, wouldn't I?"
"Have...you perhaps been deceived by these two treacherous individuals beside you?"
March 7th, feeling indignant, exclaimed, "Hey, who're you calling a treacherous villain?"
"I'll make sure to lodge a complaint with Serval!"
Gepard remained unfazed.
Su Jinyan smiled mildly and said, "Gepard, indeed, I cannot prove my ability to seal the Stellaron directly to you."
"However, I can effortlessly defeat all the Silvermane Guards you've brought along."
"In doing so, they would instantly lose their combat effectiveness without sustaining any harm."
Gepard's respect deepened as he addressed him solemnly, "Father."
"If you truly possess such capability, then I am willing to join your team."
If this were possible, requesting Father's assistance against the rift when facing the Silvermane Guards wouldn't be unreasonable, thought Gepard.
He vividly recalled the vow he made that day:
If ever protecting our people means defying the Supreme Guardian's orders, even knowing it will place me in grave danger regardless of my choice, I shall still choose the former.
Defending Belobog and her people unto death is the true mission of the Randoll Clan; loyalty to the Supreme Guardian comes secondary.
Under Gepard's lead, Su Jinyan and the others calmly exited the room.
He pushed open the Goethe Hotel's main entrance first, meeting the gaze of each Silvermane Guard watching him closely.
Su Jinyan smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with an eerie light. "Ladies and gentlemen, behold the greatness of motherhood!"
Thud, thud—
In that instant, the neatly lined-up Silvermane Guards displayed expressions of terror, clutching their swollen bellies as they crumpled to the ground in agony.
"Aaaaaah..."
"Help me, I'm pregnant."
"Mama—"
Not a single Silvermane Guard escaped unscathed; their stomachs rapidly ballooned like inflating balloons as they collapsed, enduring the pain of childbirth.
Gepard and Bronya were speechless, hastily distancing themselves from Su Jinyan.
Fu Xuan and March 7th reacted similarly, despite having witnessed this nefarious technique's power before. Yet no matter how often they saw it, they could never become accustomed to its effects.
Su Jinyan turned around, smiling. "What do you think?"
Gepard avoided Su Jinyan's gaze like venomous snakes or scorpions, fearing he might suffer the same fate as the Silvermane Guards if not quick enough. Bronya abandoned all pretenses of her noble upbringing, crouching defensively with her hands over her head, trembling uncontrollably.
"No, Father, I am your daughter! This is not permissible!"
Su Jinyan, puzzled, asked, "What are you all thinking?"
"Am I really giving off such a villainous impression?"
Gepard wiped his cold sweat and pleaded, "Father."
"I beg you, please cease this display; they can't endure much more."
Su Jinyan slightly shook his head, extending a warm hand to Bronya and helping her up from the ground.
"Gepard," he said, "there's no solution for this predicament; we must simply wait for its effects to wear off."
"But don't worry, my methods will help them grasp the 'Propagation' fate path sooner."
"As soon as any of them take that crucial first step, they'll become Fate Travelers earlier than expected."
Gepard fell silent, intending to protest but losing courage upon meeting Su Jinyan's enigmatic gaze. If anyone were to get pregnant right here before the Silvermane Guards, their career as a Silvermane Guard commander would likely come to an abrupt end, wouldn't it?
For Belobog's future, Gepard decided to join Su Jinyan's team. However, he chose not to bring the entire Silvermane Guard with him. Their loyalty lay with the Supreme Guardian, making it a troublesome task to persuade them to defect.
By traversing the shop-lined streets of the Administrative District and following the scent of spark plugs, one could find the Perpetual Motion Machinery Shop.
Su Jinyan, Bronya, and their group paused at the entrance to the shop.
"Father, this is it—the machinery shop owned by my sister Serval."
"Please wait here for a moment; I want to surprise her."
Gepard pushed open the door first and stepped inside.
Noticing the movement, Serval, with her golden hair and blue eyes, glanced up, slightly taken aback.
"Well, well, little brother, what brings you here?"
"With the front lines so tense, how do you have time to visit me?"
"The monster assaults have eased recently, giving me just enough opportunity to return to the city for some errands and drop by on my way," Gepard replied.
"Make yourself comfortable anywhere you like."
Gepard hesitated before softly saying, "Big Sister, there's something important I need to tell you."
"I hope you're prepared mentally before hearing this."
Serval took a sip of coffee, barely able to suppress a smile. "Oh? Has our little brother fallen in love?"
"Just which lucky young lady caught your eye, huh?"
Indirectly, Gepard responded, "Father has been resurrected."
"Pff—"
Serval couldn't hold back and sprayed coffee all over Gepard's face, coughing uncontrollably herself.
"Cough, cough, cough! You cheeky brat, what nonsense are you talking about?"
"Isn't our father... well, hasn't he been sacrificed for many years already... or not?"
At that precise moment, Su Jinyan pushed open the door and entered.
Stunned, Serval gazed at the familiar figure, causing the coffee cup she was holding to slip from her hands and crash onto the floor.
"F-Father?"
"My dear daughter, Serval," Su Jinyan said with a smile, opening his arms wide.
Rubbing her eyes, Serval disregarded any concern for her image and threw herself into his embrace. "Father!"
Before Serval could fully comprehend the situation, Bronya, Fu Xuan, and March 7th followed suit, entering one after another through the door.
Bronya furrowed her brow and asked, "Father, do you have any plans for the next steps? Delay may invite complications."
"I'm concerned that the Supreme Guardian might catch on soon."
"Huh?" Serval exclaimed, puzzled.
Bronya nodded as a signal, addressing her, "Miss Xi Luowa."
Confusion flickered in Serval's beautiful eyes. As Su Jinyan gently stroked her hair with his warm hand, she couldn't resist asking, "Bronya..."
"Who did you just call 'Father'? Did I mishear?" Su Jinyan asked solemnly.
Serval responded with a hint of confusion, "I didn't mishear, Bronya is also my daughter."
Bronya smiled confidently yet courteously, addressing her, "Miss Xi Luowa."
"In fact, she and Father have known each other for quite some time."
Serval rubbed her temples, feeling bewildered. "I must still be dreaming..."
"Bro, keep an eye on the workshop; I'm going to take a nap."
Gepard's expression remained serious as he said, "Big Sister, please don't avoid reality. The person standing before you is indeed our father who once taught us both."
Stunned, Serval questioned, "But how could Father possibly be related to Bronya?"
The familial hierarchy was becoming chaotic. Bronya was Cocolia's adopted daughter, while Serval had been Cocolia's inseparable close friend.
By etiquette, Bronya should respectfully address Serval as "Lady," although it wasn't something Serval particularly cared about. Now, however, they were suddenly considered peers, and there might even be a chance that Serval would need to call Bronya "Big Sister"?
A moment later.
After comprehending the situation fully, Serval successfully aligned herself with Su Jinyan and others, forming a united front.
Serval clung closely to Su Jinyan's side, which inexplicably infuriated Fu Xuan.
"Father, once upon a time, Cocolia and I were very close friends, sharing everything with each other."
"But ever since she became the Supreme Guardian, she completely changed."
"The beliefs she held dear and her passionate spirit... it was as if some force had drained them from her being."
Su Jinyan spoke gravely, "This is the allure of the Stellaron."
Serval realized, "No wonder she personally ordered my expulsion without even willing to meet me..."
"I don't fully understand her actions later on; I gave up trying to comprehend her using normal logic long ago."
"At times, I even suspected that she might have been replaced by someone else."
"Suspecting that the consciousness of Guardianship passes down through generations, the true Cocolia may have vanished."
Looking at Serval, Su Jinyan said meaningfully, "Your guess isn't far off. If we had delayed any further, Cocolia truly would have disappeared."
"Only we can save Belobog, Serval. Stay close to our lead."
"Our next destination is the Underworld."
Serval raised an eyebrow and said, "Wait, Father."
"After all these years, why hasn't your appearance aged at all?"
With Fu Xuan looking on bewildered, Su Jinyan stepped forward, ignoring her struggles as he seated her comfortably in his arms.
"You'll have to ask your stepmother Fu Xuan about that..."
"She's from Xianzhou, possessing the secret of eternal youth."
"Through the balance of yin and yang, it's quite normal for my appearance to remain youthful."
Serval, Gepard, and Bronya exchanged puzzled glances.
Fu Xuan's face flushed intensely, eventually giving up her struggle; she decided to confront Su Jinyan later outside their presence.
Serval expressed her disbelief, "Stepmother?"
"Father, while I don't oppose you remarrying... But, b-but surely you couldn't, couldn't pursue someone so young?"
Gepard's expression turned serious. "Father, I object."
Fu Xuan retorted coldly, "Hmph, consider this venerable one's age—it's likely greater than all of yours combined."
Bronya felt somewhat disheartened but quickly regained her composure, defending Su Jinyan:
"No, do you truly understand Father's predicament? To cure my incurable illness, Father willingly cast aside his dignity and knelt before this young lady, pleading earnestly."
As Bronya recounted the story, Su Jinyan's image in Serval and Fu Xuan's minds grew increasingly noble and majestic.
Father has his reasons; we should support him.
March 7th clenched her small fists defiantly.
Ugh, how did I end up being the villain here?!
Fu Xuan lifted her face, shooting March 7th a stern glare with her beautiful eyes, conveying a clear warning.
Su Jinyan felt slightly elated—was Shizun teasing me by exchanging glances like this?
In the Underworld, at Natasha's Clinic.
Only those who have truly ventured to the Underworld know how dire and chaotic it is. To hasten the rift's erosion, Belobog's Supreme Guardian Cocolia mobilized all Silvermane Guards from the Underworld and sealed off travel between the upper and lower districts.
With the loss of the Silvermane Guards, disorder in the Underworld grew day by day. Consequently, people spontaneously formed the "Wildfire" organization to maintain order and peace underground.
Living conditions deteriorated rapidly, with shortages of medicine and scarce resources. The inhabitants were compelled to seek out mineral veins, excavate earth essence, and trade these goods for essential supplies from the Overworld.
However, prolonged exposure to mining earth essence led to Mineral Sickness. Inhaling dust or being cut by fragments could also result in contracting this disease.
Tears welled up in Natasha's eyes as she tightly grasped Su Jinyan's hands. "If not for Father developing a cure for Mineral Sickness..."
"Everyone in the Underworld would have perished amidst despair..." She continued, her voice choked with emotion, "Father, you are our savior, the benefactor of the entire Underworld."
Bronya, Serval, and others fell silent, deeply moved.
Gepard felt uneasy, shifting restlessly.
Serval couldn't help but ask, "Father."
"I understand about Bronya, but what's going on with Dr. Natasha?"
Su Jinyan wore a warm smile. "As you can see, my child."
"Natasha is also my daughter, but she is my biological one."
Serval felt a sense of unease with Natasha's presence.
She was Father's biological daughter, while I am merely his adopted daughter.
In terms of precedence, not only would I rank below Bronya, but now also beneath Dr. Natasha.
However, regardless of whether it was Bronya or Gepard,
including myself, we all provide significant assistance to Father.
Natasha, being just a doctor at a small Underworld clinic, what aid could she possibly offer Father?
Reading Serval's thoughts, Su Jinyan smiled and said, "Natasha is the true leader of the 'Wildfire' organization."
Natasha gently covered her lips, seemingly taken aback by Su Jinyan's revelation.
"Father, how did you uncover this secret?"
Su Jinyan subtly shifted the topic, "Natasha, where's Seele?"
Natasha appeared slightly puzzled. "Seele? She must be out on patrol."
"How does Father know Seele?"
The corners of Su Jinyan's mouth lifted, revealing a familiar smile.
Gepard's heart skipped a beat—No way! Could it be that even Seele...?
"As you might have guessed, Seele is indeed my daughter."
Natasha looked at him quizzically.
Su Jinyan gently patted her small hand. "Natasha," he said softly, "please call Seele back. It's been quite some time since I've seen her."
Natasha replied gently, "I'll step out momentarily then, Father. Please wait here for a bit."
Su Jinyan lightly shook his head. "Natasha, there's no need for you to go personally."
"Stay with me a little longer; such a minor task can be handled by anyone nearby."
Understanding his intent, Natasha promptly summoned a Wildfire member and instructed them to swiftly bring Seele back to the clinic.
Gepard forced a smile. "Father, could you at least give us some warning?"
"How... many children do you actually have?"
Su Jinyan began counting on his fingers, "One, two, three..."
Natasha remained silent, waiting patiently.
"Hmm, not too many," Su Jinyan assured her.
"Once Seele arrives, we'll set off to meet Svarog immediately."
"It's rare for all of you siblings to gather together. Take some time to chat and bond—after all, family should stick close."
Bronya's charming face showed a hint of resignation. Despite her father's greatness, it seemed he had a penchant for having numerous partners.
In a corner of Natasha's clinic, March 7th quietly sighed, "The Grand Diviner, this Matrix of Prescience truly takes on new forms under his guidance."
Fu Xuan glanced at her and replied, "Isn't it working well enough?"
"If left to this venerable one, I would only assist you in dispelling DistorTune."
"As A-Yan said, that approach would merely let the messenger lead us by the nose," March 7th fretted, twisting her fingers.
"Well, it's not entirely unfeasible," she conceded.
"The question is when this game of 'Where's Dad?' will finally end."
"Be patient," Fu Xuan said slowly. "Have you not noticed something? The Garden of Recollection's messenger possesses the ability to distort memories, yet she dares not confront A-Yan directly."
"To avoid being targeted individually by the messenger, A-Yan has gathered key figures who could influence Belo's power dynamics close to him."
As they spoke, Earthfire leader Oleg hastily burst into the clinic.
Oleg was publicly recognized as the head of the Wildfire Organization, while Natasha, seemingly just a clinic doctor, secretly held the true position of Earthfire leader behind the scenes.
Upon learning that unexpected visitors from the Overworld had arrived at Natasha's clinic, Oleg rushed over immediately, perhaps fearing for her safety.
As Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, about to inquire who these newcomers were, Oleg, with tears streaming down his face, knelt before him dramatically.
"Father, I've missed you so much!"
Su Jinyan was taken aback, bewildered by this sudden outburst.
March 7th's expression shifted slightly, thinking, "Hey, aren't you pushing it too far with this act?"
Quickly, Su Jinyan helped the elderly Oleg back up and embraced him tightly.
"Seele, long time no see! You've become quite thin."
"Just look at your face—time truly spares none."
"You must have endured many hardships in the Underworld all these years, haven't you?"
Natasha and Oleg exchanged puzzled glances.
Su Jinyan's words were undeniably explosive. Both Oleg, Natasha, and even Seele, who was just about to enter through the door, stood frozen in shock.
Serval was utterly astounded. "Uh, Seele?"
"This...this certainly broadens one's horizons."
"The old gentleman's name sounds quite adorable, doesn't it?"
Gepard frowned and whispered, "Big Sister, isn't something off here?"
"No matter what, there's no way our father could have such an older son, right?"
Bronya quietly hushed him, "Shh, Gepard, don't lose your composure before the Underworld residents.
"Perhaps 'Seele' might also be an adopted son of Father's."
Gepard struggled to maintain his seriousness. "Who exactly is adopting whom here?"
March 7th covered her mouth, barely suppressing a giggle. "Oops, how did he mistake Oleg for Seele?"
"What do you think?" Fu Xuan replied dryly.
March 7th stuck out her tongue. "Alright, alright, my bad."
"We seem to have forgotten to mention that Seele is actually a girl..."
"And we forgot to tell him Chief Oleg is really an elderly man."
With a forceful push, Seele swung open the clinic door and scanned the room aggressively. "Who? Who's impersonating me?"
Oleg wore a conflicted expression. "Seele..."
Feeling slightly awkward, Seele cleared her throat. "Ah, Chief Oleg, it's just you."
"It's fine, feel free to call yourself 'Seele.' Do whatever makes you happy."
Oleg's face flushed red, his words stumbling as he tried to explain, "No, I, I wasn't..."
Approaching Oleg, Seele patted him on the shoulder and casually reassured him, "It's alright. Haven't I already said it doesn't bother me?"
Chief Oleg has been immensely kind to me; without him, I might not even be here today. So what if he calls himself 'Seele'? It won't harm anyone.
If Chief Oleg wishes, from now on, he truly shall be Seele!
Su Jinyan maintained a composed expression, showing no sign of embarrassment. "Oleg, it was just a little joke earlier. No hard feelings, right?"
Relieved, Oleg replied, "Of course not, none at all."
Natasha furrowed her brows, puzzled. "Oleg, you two were... Why did you call him 'Father'?"
With excitement, Oleg explained, "Years ago, when I was plagued by illness, it was he who saved me. When I had nowhere to go, he kindly took me in. At over fifty years old, I had achieved nothing significant. He taught me to read and write, showed me how to manage vagrants, and even provided me with substantial funds. His kindness towards me feels akin to giving me a second life, so calling him 'Father' is entirely justified."
The crowd collectively sighed with relief, having initially braced themselves for the worst. Now it seemed better than they feared; as long as it wasn't what they had imagined, everything was still manageable.
March 7th started counting on her fingers, "One, two, three, four, five..."
"Wow, do you think Hook will also call him 'father' next?"
"I suddenly find myself looking forward to it."
As Seele observed Su Jinyan more closely, she felt an increasing sense of familiarity, as if she had met him somewhere before.
After comforting Oleg, Su Jinyan approached Seele. With a puzzled expression, Seele watched as Su Jinyan gently caressed her cheek.
"Seele, long time no see. You've become so thin," he said tenderly.
March 7th exclaimed, "Seriously, can't you come up with a different line?!"