「December 22, Winter Solstice, 4:44 p.m.」

"You finally got caught for sneaking food—an affair—and were..."

As soon as Ren Suo opened the door and saw Zhao Huo, he blurted out the first part of the sentence without thinking. But then he caught sight of Xiao Meng, the glamorous, beautifully dressed wintertime beauty behind Zhao Huo, and he swallowed the rest of it—"beaten by a woman"—that was on the tip of his tongue.

Zhao Huo looked troubled. "You're treating me to dinner today, so I won't hold it against you."

Ren Suo said nothing, merely pointing at the shallow claw marks on Zhao Huo's face.

Zhao Huo also found this incredible. As a Third-turn Cultivator, he should have been able to recover quickly from such minor injuries without needing Spell Healing, especially with his almost animal-like Recovery abilities.

However, almost a day had passed. Although the wounds on his face neither hurt nor bled, they remained very conspicuously there. Thankfully, it was Saturday and there were no classes; otherwise, he would have been embarrassed in front of his students.

"It's a complicated story..." Zhao Huo tried to evade.

"Then give me the short version," Ren Suo pressed on relentlessly.

Zhao Huo unhappily pulled Xiao Meng down to sit. Xiao Meng didn't chime in, very curious about Zhao Huo's answer. She also wanted to know why, after she had stepped away for just a moment, Zhao Huo had been attacked.

And Zhao Huo seemed to have an idea about it too, looking troubled all night long.

For example, he had originally offered the master bedroom to Xiao Meng, opting to sleep on the living room sofa himself since he had transformed the guest room into a storage room. However, after waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, he walked straight into the master bedroom. He then burrowed into Xiao Meng's bedcovers, startling her so much that she clenched her legs together.

But after waiting for a full ten minutes, not only did Zhao Huo show no reaction, he even pulled her blanket over himself and began snoring in a daze.

Annoyed, Xiao Meng kicked him off the bed and pulled the blanket back over herself to continue sleeping, only to hear Zhao Huo muttering, "I was wrong... Don't blame me... I didn't mean to deceive you..."

Could it be that Zhao Huo, besides Sun Shu, had provoked some other flirty stray cat? Xiao Meng wondered.

Zhao Huo looked at Ren Suo with a resentful gaze, fell silent for a moment, and then said, "I slipped on a banana peel, let's not talk about that... Oh right, Ren Suo, I bought too many snacks. You can have them."

Ren Suo took Zhao Huo's snack bag and found it was full of milk pouches and Spicy Fish Kid. He blinked. "That's it?"

I give you a gift, and you're still so picky... Zhao Huo thought, looking helpless. If the Black Cat hadn't run away at the sight of him, making it utterly impossible to find a chance to apologize, he wouldn't have needed to bring anything for Ren Suo.

Zhao Huo also didn't want to spell it out explicitly. Xiao Meng might not believe him, though Ren Suo definitely would. But if he revealed it, Ren Suo would learn that he had cursed him to death. It was better not to complicate things.

The Black Cat must have been able to understand human speech. It had worriedly come to check on Ren Suo, only to find that Ren Suo was playing possum, so it angrily came to give him trouble.

From a young age, Zhao Huo was taught: 'When you make a mistake, you admit it; when you're hit, you hit back.' He had been unable to fend off the Black Cat's Attack due to his incompetence, so he willingly conceded defeat (besides, the Black Cat had only scratched him once). Therefore, he obediently brought food as an apology.

Ren Suo glanced suspiciously at Xiao Meng. Ah, Zhao Huo, you're being naughty! The Three Kingdoms are in a state of balance, and now you're bringing in a Southern Barbarian invasion? he thought with sudden understanding.

But even if he took pleasure in their misfortune, he would not expose them on the spot. "You arrived quite early; the others haven't come yet. You can go back first or sit here for a while..."

Zhao Huo asked, "How many people are coming for dinner today?"

Ren Suo began counting on his fingers. "First, there's my dad, my mom, me, my sister, and Little Jiu. Then there are friends from the academy: you, Xiao Meng, Cheng Ling, Yueyan, Lin Xianyu, Bai Ji, and Qin Lian. And then from the Tactical Bureau: Qiao Muyi, Yu Kuangtu, and Li Dan..."

Zhao Huo curiously asked, "Yu Kuangtu and Qin Lian are both coming?"

Speaking of which, Ren Suo also looked troubled. "Yeah, you'd think they, as a couple, would enjoy the Winter Solstice holiday on their own. Who knows why Yu Kuangtu agreed so readily... Come to think of it, why did you two agree to come to the gathering? I thought you would have other activities tonight..."

Ren Suo glanced at Xiao Meng. How did you not keep your little wolf dog on a leash? he thought.

However, Xiao Meng watched him with great interest and said, "Mr. Ren invites us so warmly. If Zhao Huo refuses again, it would seem quite unsociable."

Indeed, Zhao Huo had agreed because of Xiao Meng. Xiao Meng, in turn, was driven by curiosity about Ren Suo. From the information she had obtained from Zhao Huo, she was surprised to find that Dong Chengling hadn't managed to secure Ren Suo yet, and there was even the addition of Qiao Muyi! Moreover, it seemed that Qiao Muyi—who could claim 'I was clearly here first!'—could go head-to-head with Dong Chengling without falling short! Xiao Meng had thought Ren Suo would definitely be tightly bound by Dong Chengling for the rest of his life and had never considered any alternatives. Despite Dong Chengling appearing easy to bully, she had quietly become an important part of Ren Suo's life. No one else should even think about stepping over her to get involved in Ren Suo's life. However, Qiao Muyi just could! So, Xiao Meng came with a sincere heart to observe and learn! Although the enemy was different and the situation wasn't quite the same, the stone from other hills could be used to polish jade, and Xiao Meng was extremely curious about Qiao Muyi!

Apart from Xiao Meng, Zhao Huo was also quite curious about Ren Suo. What would the meeting between Ren's father, Ren's mother, and the prospective daughter-in-law turn into? he wondered.

Ren Suo naturally had no idea about the malicious thoughts these two harbored towards him. Since he couldn't get a reason out of them and didn't bother to press further, he told them both to make themselves comfortable and went back to the kitchen to continue preparing the ingredients.

Many people were coming for dinner tonight, so he had bought a lot of food. Of course, he had to prepare it in advance. Otherwise, summoning the Kitchen Girl only to waste a lot of time on food preparation would be incredibly foolish. It would be like finally managing to go on vacation at a hot spring hotel but still working diligently on writing.

DING DONG. Someone else had arrived. Ren Suo opened the door and saw Gu Yueyan.

Gu Yueyan had been a bit nervous at first, but once she entered the house and saw Zhao Huo and Xiao Meng, she immediately relaxed and greeted them with a smile.

"Come with me," Ren Suo called out.

Then, Zhao Huo and Xiao Meng saw Gu Yueyan follow Ren Suo into the kitchen, after which they heard the main door close.

Xiao Meng blinked. What's going on? she wondered.

She asked quietly, "Brother Huo, that female student... I remember she seems to be quite close to Dong Chengling?"

"Yes, she is Dong Chengling's favorite student and often refers to her as a sister. Ren Suo also seems to treat her like a younger sister," Zhao Huo replied after thinking seriously.

"It's somewhat akin to the relationship between you and me," he added.

Xiao Meng let out an 'oh' of understanding. So, she's like a sworn sister, which means she probably doesn't have any special relationship with Ren Suo.

...

When Gu Yueyan heard Ren Suo close the kitchen door, she immediately became nervous again, placing her hands in front of her, her thoughts tangling anxiously.

"You... asking me to come early to avoid them, is there something you want to do?" Gu Yueyan walked over to the sink, trying to appear calm, and said, "Do you want me to help you cook?"

"No," Ren Suo replied. "You're a bit late, but it doesn't really matter..."

"I spent the morning shopping around the academy with your aunt, and before coming in the afternoon, Xianyu grabbed me to play for a while..." Gu Yueyan explained.

In reality, she had lied. It was she who had asked Lin Xianyu to teach her how to play a game. She wanted to interact more with the game enthusiast next door through the medium of gaming.

However, Lin Xianyu saw through her purpose at a glance and enthusiastically introduced her to the game characters and how to play, nearly making her forget about this little appointment with Ren Suo.

"It's fine. There are just some things I need to say to you face to face, and I haven't found a convenient opportunity until now..."

As Ren Suo spoke, he walked over. Noticing that Gu Yueyan didn't seem to be moving aside, he had to stand next to her and continue picking vegetable leaves. "Before I say it, I hope you're mentally prepared."

Feeling the man's warmth next to her, Gu Yueyan's heart skipped. She took a deep breath, her fingers fluttering as she looked down at the water flowing from the tap, her voice suddenly softer, "Go ahead."

"What I want to say is..." Ren Suo seemed to struggle to find the words as well, "it's about..."

Gu Yueyan waited with mounting anticipation and shyness, when she finally heard Ren Suo say with complex emotions, "...it's about your two self-righteous brothers and father."

"...Huh?" Gu Yueyan was taken aback.

Then Ren Suo shared with her the whole experience of viewing Gu Yuexuan's memories from The Third Party's perspective.

He had intended to say this last night, but his mother had interrupted him and he completely forgot, which is why he delayed until now to meet Gu Yueyan alone and talk about it.

In fact, the situation was quite simple: a brother whose Talent was too outstanding to understand his mediocre sister's thoughts, and a father who knew nothing about raising a daughter other than to let her be. These factors caused a growing Shadow in Gu Yueyan's heart towards her family.

They were all trying to be kind to Gu Yueyan in their own way. However, perhaps due to their Martial Arts Clans tradition, they preferred to do good deeds anonymously. Normally, this would not be a problem. But sometimes Gu Yueyan didn't understand their actions. For instance, when Gu Yueyan couldn't persist with her martial arts training, Gu Wenyi didn't Reprimand her at all. This was meant to let her live more comfortably, but Gu Yueyan interpreted it as her father having no expectations of her.

Perhaps because of her mother's Teaching, Gu Yueyan had always been a little adult, even since childhood. She swallowed any grievances alone, without complaints or tears, and dutifully followed her father's instructions, resulting in an ever-growing rift between them.

In their relationship, everyone was at fault: Gu Wenyi didn't know how to raise a daughter, Gu Yuexuan was too self-centered, and Gu Yueyan was too silent. However, their intentions were all good. The two men wanted their daughter and sister to have a better life, while the girl just wanted to be acknowledged.

The way they expressed their love was wrong.

Therefore, Ren Suo felt even more that being kind to others is truly an incredible talent.

Ren Suo felt that he shouldn't conceal this information, so he honestly told Gu Yueyan, then said directly, "I guarantee what I've said is true. You don't have to tell me what you think. Go outside and wait for the meal."

Ren Suo didn't intend to morally obligate Gu Yueyan, since no matter what, the grievances and sorrows Gu Yueyan had suffered over the past decade were real.

Whether she planned to reconcile with her family or to continue as she always had, Ren Suo had no role in it.

However, after a slight pause, Gu Yueyan asked, "I don't doubt what you've said... but how do you know all this?"

That was indeed a significant question, but Ren Suo was not at all defensive. "I just know."

Facing his bonding partner, he was that confident. There was no need to provide any reasons, because he was Ren Suo, and he wouldn't lie to his friend.

Gu Yueyan nodded thoughtfully, then said, "I no longer hold any Resentment towards my father and brother."

"Oh? When did that happen?" Ren Suo was surprised.

"When you fell."

Ren Suo thought for a moment and cracked a smile. "Because I defeated Gu Yuexuan?"

That wasn't the main reason, Gu Yueyan thought.

"But, I still want to thank you," Gu Yueyan lifted her head and smiled gently at Ren Suo. "You let me know that there are still many people in this world who care about me, acknowledge me, and help me... My perseverance all along hasn't been in vain, and I can also become an important force for others."

"You're welcome. That promise we made before still stands; whenever you need help, feel free to reach out to me," Ren Suo said, affirming her sincerely.

"Then put this apron on first." Gu Yueyan handed the apron to Ren Suo, seriously adding, "You should wear an apron when cooking so you don't get your clothes dirty."

Ren Suo put on the apron with a troubled expression—the aprons in his home were all pale pink, casually brought over by Dong Chengling.

"Are you sure you don't need my help?" Gu Yueyan asked once more.

"No, no need. You go on out and wait for the meal." Ren Suo, reminded of something, asked, "Do you want to invite those two to join us for the meal?"

Gu Yueyan was briefly startled before she understood who Ren Suo meant by 'those two' and shook her head, replying, "They've already left Lianjiang."

Ren Suo had nothing to say in defense of that father and son. Failing even to stay for a meal with family over Winter Solstice, no wonder Gu Yueyan has disliked you, drawing circles in the corner all these years, he thought.

"Too bad."

"It's okay, there will definitely be a chance in the future, when we can have dinner with them," Gu Yueyan said. "Then it will be my turn to cook."

"Sure, but this time it still has to be me," Ren Suo blinked.

Gu Yueyan calmly left the kitchen and returned to the living room, where she sat properly at the dining table, contemplating with her chin in her hands.

She knew that whatever Ren Suo wanted to talk about, it surely wasn't what she was anticipating. She hadn't expected to get ahead of Sister Qiao and Sister Ling... Well, she did have that tiny bit of Hope.

But now that her hopes were dashed, Gu Yueyan didn't feel any disappointment.

Since Ren Suo was willing to fight her brother to comfort her and willing to learn about her past to help her, then Gu Yueyan was also prepared to believe in the Bond that bound her to him.

From the moment Ren Suo collapsed on the training field, his strength drained, and his Light Clothing fading away, Gu Yueyan knew her heart, entwined forever with the Moonlight Garment, belonged to him.

Even if her future opponents included Dong Chengling, the Number One Cultivator of Lianjiang, a master of Space Spells, a Voidwalker with astonishing Combat Power... And Qiao Muyi, the Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau, a Guile Witch adept at Multi-series Spells, with Combat Power at the Third Rank Peak...

Strength!

She suddenly realized something: in this world where Transcendents roam, she needed strength to carry out her own will!

Originally, even after Ren Suo's explanations, Gu Yueyan still held some resentment towards her father and brother—Understanding didn't mean she wasn't upset. Just like how she could understand why Lin Xianyu always failed her calculus tests, but that didn't mean she wasn't annoyed. She was someone who could be quite petty; otherwise, she wouldn't have distanced herself from her brother out of Jealousy, nor would she have worked so diligently to be ranked first or disliked Ren Suo...

But now, Gu Yueyan suddenly felt she should look forward to the future, not cling to the past mistakes of her family.

After all, blood is thicker than water, and family should understand and help each other... For instance, her father had already reached the third turn and might soon reach the fourth transformation; or her brother, who had just entered the third turn, might advance to the fourth transformation after some time; and she, currently at the second turn, was striving towards the third turn and the Four-Transit Realm... By then, the total Combat Power of their family might exceed that of Sister Qiao and Sister Ling! Only with enough strength could one seize their own Bond! By then, I can bring Ren Suo home openly and proudly, cook for them in the kitchen while they chat outside, and we can all have dinner together... After that, I can love them in the right way.

On the other side, Xiao Meng, who was secretly observing Gu Yueyan, noticed that Gu Yueyan initially had a happy smile, which slowly transformed into a determined one.

This kind of smile, she had seen it several times before, on Sun Shu's face, on her own face.

After pondering for a moment, she suddenly asked Zhao Huo, "Brother Huo, why are you so familiar with Ren Suo?"

Zhao Huo was surprised. "...No particular reason, just that we were roommates during civil servant training, and then I met him again at Heavenly Lotus Academy, and one thing led to another..."

"But you have so many colleagues and students at the academy, why does it seem like you are particularly close to Ren Suo?" Xiao Meng said.

"Hmm... maybe it's because he and I are alike," Zhao Huo recalled Ren Suo's gaming nerd Attribute and answered accordingly.

"I knew it..." Xiao Meng nodded thoughtfully. It's the kinship of kindred spirits.