Direct Meet-up No Tears Needed for Farewell

Lin Yu feigned complete ignorance and asked directly:

"What are you talking about? How exactly do you want to meet up?"

"Is it *that* kind of date?"

His tone was laced with teasing.

After all, logically speaking, who wouldn't let their imagination run wild hearing that?

Shen Jiuyi's words were inherently ambiguous.

Lin Yu was actually being quite restrained.

If it had been any of the other guys in the apartment, the conversation would have already veered into explicit territory!

To his surprise, the straightforward Shen Jiuyi didn't try to make any excuses for herself.

She replied quite bluntly:

"Yes, and no."

"In any case, if you have time tomorrow, can we meet?"

"You'll be coming to Guihang tonight, right? I'll create an opportunity for us to meet then."

Lin Yu: "!!!"

*Hiss!*

Shen Jiuyi's words... packed a punch!

If you thought about it carefully, it was filled with suggestive implications.

He and Shen Jiuyi could have met openly.

Him going to Guihang or the Wubao Pavilion, with her being present, was perfectly normal, wasn't it?

Why would she need to specifically "create an opportunity"?

It could only mean one thing...

Shen Jiuyi wanted to meet him privately!

That meant the topic of conversation was naturally something that couldn't be shared with others.

Good, very good.

Lin Yu was extremely satisfied with the feedback from this dream intrusion.

It seemed that for future dream entries, he couldn't just aim for momentary gratification within the dream.

He also had to consider the actual impact it could bring to reality.

Although he had guessed Shen Jiuyi's intentions, Lin Yu was a master at playing dumb.

Under the circumstances, it was naturally better to keep feigning ignorance.

He spoke in a calm tone:

"Sure, see you tonight."

"But what's actually going on with you? Did you run into some trouble?"

"It's rare to see you needing help from others. Is it another metaphysical matter related to Purple Star Astrology?"

Lin Yu asked the questions as a formality.

If he didn't show even a little curiosity, it would inevitably seem suspicious.

Shen Jiuyi continued to answer straightforwardly:

"You could say that. You'll understand when we meet."

"Also..."

She hesitated!

At the very end, Shen Jiuyi showed a rare moment of hesitation.

Lin Yu didn't rush her, waiting for her to gather her thoughts.

After a dozen seconds or so, Shen Jiuyi continued:

"Forget it, it's better to say it in person."

"I really can't bring myself to say it over the phone."

"Sorry for disturbing your rest. I'm hanging up now."

*Beep, beep, beep...*

Without waiting for any response from Lin Yu, she simply hung up.

Lin Yu: "..."

That straightforward personality was truly something most people couldn't handle!

Holding his phone, Lin Yu returned to the bedside as quietly as possible.

The phone call hadn't disturbed Fang Xinran.

Ironically, it was his return—the bed creaking beneath him—that caused her to bolt upright instantly.

"Hmm? Xiaoyu, you... where did you go?"

"Did you go to the bathroom?"

Lin Yu patted Fang Xinran's shoulder and quickly pressed the half-asleep girl back down.

The subject of the next dream world was Fang Xinran herself.

If she didn't sleep, wouldn't his efforts be in vain?

"I just went to the bathroom. It's nothing, lie down and keep resting!"

"It's still early. When we get up tomorrow morning, I'll make breakfast for you."

Lin Yu soothed her.

Fang Xinran nodded obediently and soon drifted back into dreamland.

...

7:00 AM.

[Ding!]

[Today is another day full of hope!]

[Please continue to explore the Path of the Red Dust, Host. Host~ strive to become the pillar of the sect!]

The familiar alarm was more effective than anything else.

It accurately pulled Lin Yu out of his slumber.

He had originally promised to prepare breakfast for Senior Sister Fang when he woke up.

However.

When Lin Yu opened his eyes, the sound of food bubbling on the stove was already filling the small room.

Senior Sister Fang, who had been sleeping beside him, had gotten up at some unknown hour.

After that much physical exertion yesterday, she could still get up so early today?

It truly impressed Lin Yu!

Lin Yu had been quite immersed in the last two dream worlds.

They were considered "bonus time" after two high-pressure dreams.

As a result.

He hadn't even noticed the movement beside him.

"Xiaoyu, you're awake!"

"The noodles will be ready soon, just wait a bit longer!"

Fang Xinran said full of energy.

Seeing Lin Yu get up, she immediately came over and brought him his clothes.

Such domestic virtue made Lin Yu truly reluctant to let Senior Sister Fang leave.

Lin Yu reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Fang Xinran's ear.

Fang Xinran peacefully enjoyed the gesture, revealing a sweet smile.

In this moment.

It was as if they were a real couple living a mundane domestic life together.

Even if it was only for this one moment.

It made Fang Xinran exceptionally satisfied.

In the future, no matter where she went, whenever she thought of this scene.

She would likely feel a warmth from the bottom of her heart and smile.

"Hurry up and get dressed, don't laze around in bed."

"I still have a lot of things to mail back to my hometown today."

"After we eat, I won't have time to look after you!"

Fang Xinran patted Lin Yu's arm, reminding him.

Lin Yu opened his mouth, about to speak.

Fang Xinran added:

"Hey!"

"Let me state this upfront: I've packed everything, so I don't need any help."

"Boys are clumsy with everything. You might just make things worse trying to help."

"Hahaha, don't blame me for roasting you!"

With that.

Fang Xinran cheerfully ran off to the side.

Lin Yu watched her retreating figure but ultimately didn't say anything more.

He knew.

It wasn't that Fang Xinran didn't need help; she was afraid of him helping.

At this critical juncture, especially after the wild night they had just shared.

Any further interaction would only make the pain of separation more acute.

*Danshari*—decluttering one's life and letting go.

Everyone needed to do it; everyone had to face such choices.

What Fang Xinran was saying now was actually her way of setting a boundary for Lin Yu.

If Lin Yu said even one more word, it would be disrespectful to her resolve.

Silence was the best answer.

On a calm and ordinary morning, the two ate a breakfast symbolizing their parting in the rental apartment.

When leaving, Fang Xinran made a point to walk Lin Yu downstairs, then smiled and turned to walk back up alone.

As for what lay behind that smile, or what was hidden in the unseen stairwell.

Lin Yu did not try to uncover the mystery.

...

9:00 AM.

Lin Yu returned to the apartment.

His fellow sect members were already out hustling for their respective lives.

With a rare free morning, Lin Yu went alone to his bedroom and turned on his computer.

He still hadn't beaten the game Ying'er had designed specifically for him.

Whenever he had a bit of time, he had to grind through it as quickly as possible.

Otherwise, with so many endings, how long would it take to finish?

He didn't have much time left for gaming today.

At noon, there was still something important he had to do...

Go to Brother Biao's house for lunch!