Lucian pouted, "Leaving already?"
Yue Hui, standing nearby, chuckled, "Mr. Lucian, you've become quite the celebrity in Jinzhou now. I imagine both your names will be tied to the title of 'great heroes' for some time to come."
Lucian blinked in confusion. "Yue Hui? You're back too?"
Yue Hui nodded. "Indeed. After the battle at Norfall Barrens, the General summoned me back to recuperate. But don't worry—my injuries aren't serious."
Lucian nodded. "I see."
These past few days, the number of Midnight Rangers in Jinzhou had noticeably increased, most of them in a relaxed state. It seemed the General had ordered the soldiers to unwind and reunite with their families after the great battle.
The city was livelier than ever, with crowds gathered around storytellers and the Jinzhou Theater alike.
"Well then, let's go keep our appointment."
Since returning from the war, Lucian and Rover had spent their days eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves in Jinzhou, taking a few days to rest—though this applied more to Lucian, as he had sustained significant injuries fighting the Dreamless.
In the end, they visited Huaxu Academy, where Baizhi treated him and ran a full checkup on his physical condition.
During the battle, Rover had awakened the Havoc attribute, and Lucian had synchronized with it as well.
This meant it was now Lucian's third Resonance attribute—a fact that left both Baizhi and Mortefi stunned. After all, both Lucian and Rover now possessed multiple Resonance attributes. Check latest chapters at novel-fire.net
Historical records indicated only one person in the past had ever achieved such a feat…
They speculated that it might be because Lucian wasn't native to Solaris.
The two ascended the steps to Panhua Restaurant, where Chixia and Yangyang had been waiting for some time.
The moment they reached the top of the stairs, Chixia rushed forward and hugged Lucian tightly. "Thank the heavens you're back safe and sound!"
She began patting him down, as if checking for injuries.
Lucian raised a hand and lightly flicked her petite nose. "I'm plenty strong, you know."
Chixia huffed. "Even the strong get hurt! When Baizhi told me you were injured, I was worried sick!"
Lucian smirked. "Oh? How worried?"
Chixia: "So worried I couldn't sleep all night! All I could think about was you getting hurt!"
Lucian laughed. "Didn't I call and tell you not to worry? Besides, Baizhi said that while my injuries looked scary, they weren't serious—just some superficial wounds."
This was largely thanks to the Shape-Shifting Garment he'd been wearing underneath his clothes the whole time. The explosion had left his internal organs unharmed.
Chixia let out a relieved sigh. "That's good, that's good… Oh, right!"
As if suddenly remembering something, she carefully pulled out a red jar from her bosom.
Her face flushed slightly. "This is my family's secret recipe—homemade chili sauce. It's so good it could make shoe soles delicious! Consider it a gift for your safe return!"
Lucian accepted the jar. The aroma wafting from it was rich, spicy, and mouthwatering—an assault on his senses.
Hmm… probably not because the lid was loose.
He carefully stowed it away, then grinned. "What a coincidence. I actually have a gift for you too, Chixia."
Chixia's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? What is it?!"
Lucian pulled out a Blazing Dawn collectible from his pocket—a character from the heroic plays. Chixia had always called herself the "Jinzhou Blazing Dawn," inspired by these very performances.
She accepted it with pure delight. "Wow! A Blazing Dawn collectible!"
"Where did you find this? I searched forever but could only get Flame Hero merch!"
Lucian had stumbled upon it in the antique market a couple of days prior. He had no idea why such an item would be among the antiques, but the moment he saw it, he knew Chixia would love it.
He smiled fondly. "As long as you like it."
Just as the two were lost in each other's gaze, Rover cleared her throat pointedly.
Chixia carefully put away the collectible, then turned to Rover. "Rover, I think it's time to make my relationship with Lucian public!"
This was a decision she'd agonized over. She wanted to put her connection with Lucian out in the open.
After this war, she'd noticed that Lucian and Rover had grown increasingly close—after all, they'd fought side by side, surviving life-and-death battles together.
So she felt she had to lay her cards on the table. If she kept hiding her relationship with Lucian, she'd only end up passive!
Thus, Chixia resolved to take the initiative—to show Rover her determination to be with Lucian, forcing Rover to back off and give him up.
Admittedly, it was impressive that a girl who'd never been in love could strategize this much.
He was utterly lost. Aren't we just lip friends?
Rover snorted. "I already knew."
I didn't even know. How do you know?
"Your relationship with Lucian isn't just 'pure friendship,' is it? Based on my observations, you two must have already had… intimate physical contact."
Rover delivered this analysis with cold rationality. As someone who'd lived who-knows-how-long, her perception far surpassed that of ordinary people.
When Lucian and Chixia had explained things to her before, she'd always felt something was off.
Later, after careful observation, she noticed the way their eyes lingered on each other—and instantly knew the truth.
But that was fine. She didn't consider Chixia much of a threat!
First, as a member of the Public Security Bureau, Chixia had her own ambitions.
Rover doubted Chixia would abandon her passion for Lucian.
But between Lucian and herself? That was different.
She was searching for her origins, and Lucian had accepted the Magistrate's request to protect her. So from now on, he'd naturally be by her side.
Even without the Magistrate's orders, she'd have ensured he stayed with her.
As the saying goes: Familiarity breeds fondness.
Not to mention, she and Lucian had already kissed—taking that first step, even under the "priest's" witness.
As long as nothing unexpected happened, their relationship would deepen naturally.
Meanwhile, Chixia, bound by her duties, couldn't follow them everywhere. Without time together, feelings would inevitably fade.
After all, long-distance relationships were one of the greatest obstacles to love.
Once she took Lucian away from Jinzhou, Chixia would cease to be a threat!
This was the source of Rover's confidence.