[Over the next three months, you settled all affairs in Twilight Street, most importantly ensuring the safety of that mischievous rascal, Pardofelis.]
[Secondly, you assigned Sakura to protect the Sanatorium. This was partly for her to observe the situation there firsthand, and partly so she could help move things.]
[During this time, Sakura was recalled to the MOTHs once. When she reappeared, a pair of pink ears had sprouted on her head.]
[In the final month before your departure, you informed Kalpas of the plan to move.]
[Kalpas initially threw a tantrum, frequently hiding from you, but you eventually caught him and had a talk in his room.]
[You told him that a home is more than just a place to return to; a true home is wherever one's family is.]
[After that night, although Kalpas still acted annoyed, he began to quietly help pack the children's toys and clothes, as well as other items of special significance.]
[Regarding your departure, Godfather Anderson clung to you for a whole night, unwilling to let you go, before sending you off with lavish gifts, including all the daily necessities for the children, beautifully described as presents for them.]
[The following evening, your informant reported that Godfather Anderson had secretly invited the leaders of all factions to an extremely extravagant party outside Twilight Street.]
[According to the photos taken, several gang bosses who were usually at each other's throats were seen embracing each other, crying and drinking heartily, having the time of their lives.]
[Ten days before leaving Twilight Street, Aponia came to you, wanting to go with you to see their new home—The Deep End—ahead of time.]
---o---
At Twilight Street's only airport, Fu Li led Aponia to his private jet. After teaching her how to fasten her seatbelt, he asked cheerfully:
"Sister Nia, is this your first time on a plane?"
"Yes, it is." Aponia nodded, her hands resting on her skirt, nervously clutching the hem of her dress.
She was born in Twilight Street, grew up there, and had never once left.
So, this was indeed her first time on an airplane, and a little nervousness was inevitable.
Seeing the usually composed big sister in such an adorably flustered state, Fu Li coughed lightly, forcing himself not to laugh out loud as he reassured her:
"Don't worry, Sister Nia. Airplanes are arguably the safest mode of transportation in the world. And even if it did crash, I could protect you from any harm."
"Is that so? Thank you."
Suddenly, Aponia spoke with great seriousness. "Thank you for being willing to do so much for the children."
"I'm not, I didn't," Fu Li denied subconsciously, waving his hands. "I'm only doing all this so that you, Sister Nia, can have an easier time, or maybe be a little happier."
The moment the words left his mouth, Fu Li realized something was off.
Saying something like that… wasn't it exactly like a scene from one of those cheesy soap operas from his past life?
"No, what I mean is…" Fu Li was about to try and explain himself again, but Aponia interrupted him with a smile.
"Alright, I understand. But no matter what, thank you for everything you've done for us."
"Ah, this…" Fu Li was a bit embarrassed, but seeing that Aponia didn't seem to mind, he didn't bring it up again.
To alleviate the awkwardness, however, Fu Li called the flight attendant and ordered a Coke.
What he didn't notice was that after the topic was dropped, although Aponia showed no reaction on the surface, her heart had begun to beat a little faster, and a different kind of light flickered in her eyes.
But soon, that light vanished, and the familiar sorrow welled up again from the depths of her gaze.
As someone who could foresee the future, she could clearly sense that while her fate was intertwined with Fu Li's, there was no romantic element to that connection.
Therefore, it was better not to speak of such things, but to simply watch over him in silence.
That way, it would cause no regret or harm to either of them. In her mind, that was the best possible outcome.
Aponia had absolute confidence in her own judgment.
......
The distance from Twilight Street to the MOTHs headquarters wasn't very far. Fu Li and Aponia departed in the morning and arrived by the afternoon.
[Three months later, you have returned to the MOTHs. After arranging for Aponia's accommodations, you went to Laboratory No. 1.]
[When you pushed open the laboratory door, the first thing you saw was Eden sitting on the sofa, and Klein, hard at work.]
"Hello, you must be Miss Eden. It's an honor to finally meet you. I've heard many of your songs."
Seeing a familiar face, Fu Li was naturally happy, but given his current identity, he simply put on the persona of a fan.
"Oh? You know me?" Eden looked up, her unfocused gaze gradually sharpening as she saw the young man before her.
Black hair with a hint of shattered gold, a polite and courteous demeanor, and a smile on his lips that was both unfamiliar and yet strangely familiar.
It had been two months since the fire. The corners of Eden's lips twitched, forming a rare curve as she extended her hand.
Two hands clasped, as if across time and space.
The touch was, likewise, both strange and familiar.
"And your name is?" Eden asked instinctively.
"My name is Li. I'm just an ordinary researcher," Fu Li replied just as naturally, while silently adding a line in his heart.
And your manager and partner.
Though she was listless, she had once been a superstar. Eden's control over her emotions was excellent. She invited Fu Li to sit down.
"A pleasure to meet you properly. I am Eden. I am temporarily here to, well… receive psychological treatment."
So that's how it is…
Fu Li found it a bit strange, but he felt that in his current capacity, he shouldn't pry into Eden's private matters.
"The great fire in Australia, right? I heard about it. It was a tragedy that shocked the world. I'm sorry for what you went through."
"Heh, no need to apologize, my friend."
At the mention of the fire, the light in Eden's eyes dimmed slightly.
"Originally, if not for that accident, I would still be a singer."
"The fire burned away everything before my eyes. The stage collapsed, the audience fled in all directions… My music and my voice were ultimately defeated by the Honkai."
Eden leaned back against the soft chair, pouring out her heart to someone she had just met for the first time.
Then, as if suddenly realizing it, she closed her mouth.
"I'm sorry, I may have said a bit too much. My apologies, I'm just like that. I always end up saying too much without realizing it."
"No, it's alright." Fu Li shook his head, his tone earnest and sincere.
"Miss Eden, I believe in you. Gold will not remain buried. Even if it is tarnished for a time, it will eventually shine once more."
"Gold?" Eden murmured to herself, then let out a soft laugh. "A fitting metaphor for me. Thank you, my friend."
"Not at all," Fu Li said humbly.
"If you don't mind, would you be willing to come and chat with me occasionally when you have time?"
"Hm? I expect I'll be visiting the lab quite often, so, of course."
"Then, thank you, Li."