Feixiao practically ran out of the office. As an Arbiter-General, she hadn't lost her composure like this in a long time. But at this moment, she didn't care. Her heart was pounding. Is it him? Is it really him?

The door to the reception room was right in front of her. Feixiao's hand rested on the doorknob, but she hesitated. She was afraid. Afraid that after opening the door, she would only see a stranger with the same name. Afraid this was just a cruel joke.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the door open. Then, she saw you, standing by the window. That face… It was him. It really was him!

"Orion…?" Feixiao's voice trembled; she thought she was hallucinating.

You turned around and looked at her. "Long time no see… Feixiao."

It was that voice! The voice she had heard countless times in memories and dreams! Feixiao's eyes instantly welled up. She just stood there, staring intently, afraid that you would disappear.

"You… you really are…" She stumbled forward, extending a trembling hand, wanting to touch you, but stopping midway. She was afraid her fingers would only touch emptiness.

You took her hand, which was suspended in mid-air. "It's me."

Warm, real touch. This was not a dream. He had really returned!

"Ugh…" Feixiao could no longer control herself. Tears gushed out, and she threw herself into your arms, sobbing like a child. "Bastard! You big bastard, you're actually still alive! This is… too good…"

She pounded your chest, each blow carrying the emotions accumulated over the years. "Do you know… do you know how much I…" She couldn't continue, only choked sobs remained. How many days and nights had she been filled with regret? If she had been there, if she had been stronger… would the outcome have been different?

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" she buried her face in your arms. "I couldn't protect Neergul… I couldn't protect Jiang Li… I even… I even thought you also…"

You gently patted her back, feeling her sorrow. This Arbiter-General, always strong in front of others, was now like a helpless child.

"It's not your fault," you said softly.

"It's my fault!" Feixiao suddenly looked up, tears blurring her vision. "If I had been by Jiang Li's side… she wouldn't have…" Her voice choked again. "Jiang Li… she was waiting for you to come back… But I couldn't save her! I couldn't do anything!"

Your heart felt as if it was being tightly squeezed. Jiang Li…

"Enough," your voice was a little hoarse. "Don't say anymore."

Feixiao clutched your clothes. "All these years… I've thought about it every day… Even dying together would be better than now…" She looked at you deeply, her green eyes filled with pain. "The living are the most tormented. Every single day, I've thought of you all. Thought of Neergul's innocent smile, thought of Jiang Li calling me sister, thought of you…"

Her hand caressed your face, as if to confirm your reality. "I thought I'd never see you again… But you're back, you're really back. You're still alive… it's wonderful…"

She smiled, crying as she smiled. It was relief, gratitude, and the ecstasy of having something lost returned. "Where have you been all these years? Why was there no news at all? They said you were dead… but I didn't believe it! I always felt that you were still alive somewhere. I've been waiting for you to come back…"

You looked at the woman before you. The stubborn girl from back then had now become a renowned general. But in front of you, she was still the Feixiao who would cry, laugh, and throw tantrums.

"I'm sorry for making you wait so long," you said.

Feixiao glared at you fiercely, her eyes still red. "It's good that you're back…" She hugged you again, this time with a comforting embrace. "Don't leave again, okay?" Her voice was very small, as if afraid of rejection. "Please, don't leave me alone again…"

[Inorin Note:

If you wish to support me so I can continue to survive and afford proper food, you can join my membership on Patreon [patreon.com/InorinTL]. Be sure to check out "The Founding Pillars"—a special, limited-time tier that offers all the benefits of "The Plot Uncoverer" at a discounted price! Slots are limited, so grab yours before they run out. Besides membership, you can also donate via Ko-Fi [https://ko-fi.com/inorintl].

I hope I am still worthy of your support. My life truly depends on this... haha, I know I'm so shameless.]