Chapter 170: Light Snow Drifting

December 11, an ordinary workday, saw light snow fall once again over Fang Ting City.

This light snow began the previous night and continued until the afternoon of the next day. The pristine snowflakes dyed the entire city white, bringing a touch of dreamlike atmosphere amidst the deep winter.

Fine snowflakes gently tapped the window lattice, silently leaving a few water stains that blurred the street scene outside. Inside the Anomaly Bureau, where the heating was on, Lin Yun, seated in the Director's office, polished the teacup in his hand and suddenly let out a sigh.

He then looked at the uninvited guest sitting across the table and, forcing his spirits up, asked:

"Is there something happy happening today?"

Sitting across the table was his student and junior, also a frequent visitor to the Director's office in recent days—Bai Jingxuan.

As a rhetorical tactic, he wasn't asking "what's the matter" or "why are you here," but rather immediately framing the scope within "happy things." This was simply because he couldn't figure out this child's intentions and was trying to set a more positive tone for the conversation.

It was near the end of the workday. Just as Lin Yun had finished processing the day's paperwork and was preparing to summarize his work, Bai Jingxuan suddenly arrived.

Of course, although it was a sudden visit, Lin Yun had almost grown accustomed to it. As mentioned before, Bai Jingxuan had become a regular. Since the incident at Lakeside Spring, whether because she had accepted the role of "daughter" in her capacity as Senior Cuique, she had visited the Anomaly Bureau much more frequently.

However, since then, she hadn't made any shocking requests like "massacring the Black Ember Dawn." Often, after simply greeting Lin Yun, she would sit quietly in the Director's office reading a book.

In fact, it was precisely because she was quiet enough that Lin Yun was willing to let her stay in the Director's office.

"Happy things?"

Today, Bai Jingxuan seemed more lively than usual. Even while sitting to the side reading, her calves, slightly elevated by the chair, swayed gently in the air. A pair of sneakers kicked back and forth, occasionally rubbing against each other, producing a faint scraping sound. After hearing Lin Yun's question, she stopped the movement of her feet and looked up:

"Uncle doesn't know?"

He knew.

Lin Yun thought to himself. In fact, the reason Bai Jingxuan looked so happy today was inextricably linked to Senior Cuique.

Because today, December 11, was Bai Jingxuan's birthday.

Using the birthday as an excuse, Senior Cuique had informed the team members early on that a birthday party would be held for Bai Jingxuan at the secret base tonight.

"I could guess a little."

Of course, considering his identity gave him no reason to know that clearly, Lin Yun chose his words carefully and said, "I heard a little about it before. Today should be your birthday?"

"Mm-hmm!"

Bai Jingxuan nodded: "There will be a birthday party for me tonight, Uncle. Are you coming?"

Lin Yun's expression showed no change, except for a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth after hearing the title "Uncle."

This title was actually not inappropriate; in fact, it was the most suitable title between Bai Jingxuan and Lin Yun. If there was any problem with it, it was that Bai Jingxuan hadn't addressed him this way before.

And that was the biggest problem.

In fact, Bai Jingxuan had not only abandoned the title "Dad," which had originally given Lin Yun a headache, and switched to calling him "Uncle"; she had also abandoned the title "Mom" for Senior Cuique and started calling her "Teacher" again.

This process was so natural and yet so sudden that when it first happened, Senior Cuique didn't realize anything was wrong. By the time she realized the situation wasn't looking too good, Bai Jingxuan's titles had completely reverted.

And if asked why it had turned out this way, Senior Cuique's heart was crystal clear—it was basically all her own fault.

This matter started from the day she returned home and confronted Lin Xiaolu: after Lin Yun revealed his identity as an Anomaly Bureau employee to Lin Xiaolu, the turmoil stirred by Hong Siyu's return finally subsided somewhat.

The girls clearly understood Hong Siyu's return much better and gradually accepted the existence of this "new" teammate. However, alongside their understanding, some new problems had arisen.

First was Lin Xiaolu.

After Lin Yun seriously declared his relationship with Hong Siyu to her, and even his relationship with Senior Cuique, she did quiet down and stopped provoking Lin Yun's emotions with headache-inducing questions like "stepmother."

However, this "quieting down" was one-sided. Because Senior Cuique soon discovered that Lin Xiaolu's attitude toward her began to become a bit off. Although it wasn't visible in her speech and behavior, at certain times, she would secretly stare at Senior Cuique with a strangely complex look, and when Senior Cuique turned to look at her, she would turn her face away, pretending to do something else.

If this behavior happened only once or twice, it would have been fine, but it occurred almost every day, making it hard for Senior Cuique not to notice. A few days later, both Xia Liang and Bai Jingxuan noticed this strange phenomenon.

Even stranger was that Lin Xiaolu began to become inexplicably diligent.

It wasn't that she hadn't been diligent before; in fact, the previous Lin Xiaolu had always completed the tasks assigned by Senior Cuique to the letter, and the effort she expended was certainly not small. However, these past few days, her diligence had become somewhat stubborn, even showing a trend of aligning with Bai Jingxuan.

When Senior Cuique asked her why, her answer was, "Among the three of us, I'm the only one who hasn't awakened a Demon Armor, so I'm a bit anxious."

This answer didn't seem problematic; in fact, it could be said to be reasonable, so Senior Cuique didn't press further. After all, it was truly hard to guess what was on a teenage girl's mind. Since Lin Xiaolu's overall behavior was trending positively, there shouldn't be much need to worry.

And if Lin Xiaolu's state was merely puzzling, Bai Jingxuan's attitude was somewhat worrying.

Before this incident, during the period following the attack at Lakeside Spring, Bai Jingxuan's desire to express herself at the secret base had clearly increased significantly. She would strive to speak up in various situations to maintain her presence and prevent Senior Cuique from ignoring her existence.

But that night, after Senior Cuique chose to explain the situation and return to her home, Bai Jingxuan seemed to speak much less.

It wasn't that she never spoke; rather, she rarely initiated conversation. If someone asked her something, she would still answer, but that was the extent of it; basically, there was no further exchange.

If Senior Cuique hadn't paid significantly more attention to Bai Jingxuan these past few days, she might not have noticed this. After all, this child had always been very quiet and never interrupted at inappropriate times.

Of course, even if she had noticed, it would have been useless, because by this time, Bai Jingxuan's title for Senior Cuique had already reverted to "Teacher."

When asked why she did this, she could only receive a somewhat innocent answer:

— "If Uncle and Teacher don't plan to get married, you won't adopt me, right?"

This was a very innocent answer, yet it made Senior Cuique's heart sink. Because it was too light and too logical.

The idea that "Lin Yun" and "Senior Cuique" would get married and reconstitute a family was purely Lin Xiaolu's imagination; Lin Yun currently had no intention of remarrying.

And because the premise was wrong, all subsequent deductions were also wrong. Built on this foundation, the idea that "Lin Xiaolu's family would adopt Bai Jingxuan" was equally a castle in the air. Following this logic, it wasn't hard to arrive at Bai Jingxuan's current conclusion.

This conclusion wasn't problematic, but the fact that Bai Jingxuan said it herself made it a completely different situation.

Judging from her previous attitude toward this matter, this wasn't something so light for her. Her attitude shouldn't have been like this.

Senior Cuique had thought Bai Jingxuan might feel confused and come to her to confirm the authenticity of the promise; she had also thought Bai Jingxuan might feel dissatisfied, believing she was being perfunctory and deceived; but she never thought it would be neither of those things. Bai Jingxuan expressed no confusion or dissatisfaction; instead, she easily convinced herself and then easily accepted it.

And this was the worst possible development.

This meant that Bai Jingxuan not only hadn't resolved her inner conflict, but didn't even think this problem could be solved. She began to hide the issue, internalizing the conflict as part of herself.

After several attempts to talk yielded no results, Senior Cuique had to bring in Xia Liang and proactively explain the ins and outs of the matter, including but not limited to the previous allowance of Bai Jingxuan calling her "Mom." Then, amidst Xia Liang's somewhat subtle gaze, they temporarily set aside these premises, discussed the matter, and finalized a plan:

That was to use Bai Jingxuan's birthday as an opportunity, leveraging the atmosphere of the birthday party to create a chance for a heartfelt conversation.

Thus came today's scene, where Bai Jingxuan came specially to the Anomaly Bureau's Director's office to ask if he wanted to attend.

Clearly, the "birthday party" was a long-awaited experience for Bai Jingxuan. Regardless of any previous problems, the current her hoped to share this happiness with the people she knew.

But unfortunately, Lin Yun's answer was destined to be negative.

"... I'm sorry."

After struggling internally several times, he finally spoke up and replied: "I have something very important to do tonight, so I might... not be able to make it."

If it were possible, he would very much wish he could learn to create a clone right now, attending this birthday party simultaneously in two identities; unfortunately, he cannot.

At this birthday party, Senior Cuique and Lin Yun were destined for only one of them to be present.

After saying this, his mind was already thinking of remedial measures, wondering what words to use to make Bai Jingxuan feel slightly better, but before he could continue speaking, he heard a soft chuckle.

"Hehe."

Bai Jingxuan closed the book in her hands, and for some reason, a faint smile appeared on her face: "I knew it, because Sister Xiaolu told me that Uncle, you used to even miss her birthday."

Lin Yun didn't know what to say for a moment and could only bitterly tug at the corners of his mouth.

"It seems I really came to the right place this time," Bai Jingxuan suddenly said again.

"... What?"

The sudden turn of events left Lin Yun momentarily caught off guard. He looked up in some astonishment, only to find Bai Jingxuan squinting her eyes with an innocent, radiant smile:

— "If everyone is celebrating a birthday together, wouldn't it be very lonely if only Uncle couldn't make it? So, before my birthday, I came to keep you company, talk to you, and share the good luck of my birthday with you."

These light words left no trace in the office, yet they rendered Lin Yun speechless for a moment.

Looking at the girl in front of him who seemed very happy, for some reason, his throat moved slightly, yet he couldn't say a single word.

The weather on the day of the snowfall was very cold; even with the heating on indoors, a chill that could not be dispelled still lingered within the vast Yi Ce Bureau. The snowflakes melting outside the window constantly stripped the warmth from inside, allowing the cold to continuously invade the room.

But at this moment, Bai Jingxuan's words seemed to possess some kind of magic, imbuing the falling snow with warmth.

Although it was deep winter, the snow outside could no longer bring any cold; an inexplicable warmth seemed to flow through Lin Yun's limbs and bones, making him feel somewhat dazed.

After a long silence, he suddenly gathered the documents on the table and slowly stood up.

"I indeed cannot go to your birthday party."

Reaching out, he rubbed the top of Bai Jingxuan's head: "But, while there is nothing urgent right now, I can take you to the shopping plaza to buy you a birthday gift."

"I didn't come to find Uncle for the gift!" Seeming to feel her words were misunderstood, Bai Jingxuan pouted her lips in some dissatisfaction.

"I know."

Lin Yun withdrew his hand from her head and pulled open the door to the Director's Office: "It's not for any other reason; I just want to buy one."

The sky on a snowy day was very gloomy; gray-white clouds covered the sun so tightly that not a single ray of sunlight could find a gap. It was only just past five o'clock, yet the sky had already turned dark early, as if it were already night.

Even on a workday, the shopping plaza next to the Yi Ce Bureau was considered lively—after all, it was the only shopping plaza in the surrounding area, monopolizing the majority of the foot traffic.

And among this crowd of shoppers, a pair of customers who looked like father and daughter had appeared at some point. A middle-aged man dressed meticulously with a cold expression and quite the aura of a corporate elite was slowly walking through the plaza with a little girl.

Although they came to buy a gift, it was essentially just window shopping; along the way, Lin Yun had already taken Bai Jingxuan to enjoy quite a few things, such as the indoor ice rink in the shopping center, or the high-end headset experience zone specially designated as a separate area... Although such entertainment projects were not new to people who shopped often, Bai Jingxuan enjoyed them immensely.

Only at such times did she rarely reveal her relatively childish side, which was that her threshold for happiness was very low; no matter what she played with, she could be full of enthusiasm.

However, while playing brought no burden, the moment Lin Yun mentioned buying a gift, Bai Jingxuan became much more reserved. No matter what kind of gift Lin Yun suggested, she showed a slightly resistant look, obviously believing that "accepting a gift" would make it seem like her motive for coming to find Lin Yun was impure.

This thought made Lin Yun feel somewhat amused yet helpless, but he didn't insist, simply continuing to stroll through the mall with her.

From the perspective of passersby, it looked like a father taking his daughter for a walk, stopping and starting occasionally, pausing in front of some toy or clothing store, seemingly asking the girl beside him something. However, most of the time the girl would just shake her head, the man would smile helplessly, and the two would continue on.

Just like that, looking along the way, their pace only gradually slowed down when they reached the entrance of a somewhat desolate handicraft shop. This was because Lin Yun noticed that Bai Jingxuan's gaze seemed to be attracted by something in the display window.

Following her gaze, he saw a piano music box with exquisite craftsmanship, currently sitting there with its lid open. Under the lid of the music box, the neatly arranged transmission mechanisms were revealed, but because it had not been wound up, it merely sat there motionless, with no other movement.

"Are you interested in that?" Lowering his head, Lin Yun wanted to consult Bai Jingxuan's opinion, only to find the girl had already turned her head away, looking straight ahead as if nothing had happened.

"No, just taking a casual look."

Bai Jingxuan muttered softly, reaching out to tug at Lin Yun's sleeve: "Let's go."

"Are you sure?"

This time, Lin Yun did not comply with her wishes but asked again: "I didn't say you had to buy it just because you looked at it; if you are just interested and want to look a few more times, waiting for you nearby is not a problem."

After saying this, he felt the strength of Bai Jingxuan tugging his sleeve noticeably weaken, and her gaze, which had been forcibly fixed forward, glanced once more toward the display window beside them, obviously somewhat tempted.

"Go ahead." He waved his hand at Bai Jingxuan, expressing encouragement once more, then stood aside, indicating he would not wander off.

Having been urged to this extent, Bai Jingxuan no longer hesitated; she ran all the way to the side of the shop, simply squatting down there to carefully examine the music box.

Lin Yun followed, standing quietly behind Bai Jingxuan, gazing at the handicraft in the window together with her. When the salesperson inside the store noticed the pair who looked like father and daughter and wanted to come over to inquire, he shook his head at her from a distance, then silently pointed at Bai Jingxuan, temporarily declining the other party's kindness.

Several minutes passed like this before Bai Jingxuan's gaze finally gradually moved away from the music box. After looking back with some reluctance, she said to Lin Yun: "Let's go, Uncle."

"Are you really not going to buy it?" Lin Yun asked.

"Buying it would be meaningless."

For some reason, after examining the music box in the store, Bai Jingxuan's mood actually became a bit lower; shaking her head, she said: "It's just very similar, but ultimately it is not the thing from my memories."

"What is the thing from your memories?" Lin Yun pressed.

He remembered that the form of Bai Jingxuan's Magic Armor—Tianyin—was a music box, and a Magical Girl's Magic Armor often had intricate connections to the person's personality and experiences. Obviously, for Bai Jingxuan, the music box seemed to be something with special meaning.

But unfortunately, after raising this question, he did not receive a follow-up answer from Bai Jingxuan.

The two strolled around the mall for a while longer; during this time, no matter what gift Lin Yun suggested buying, he could only receive Bai Jingxuan's refusal. This caused the trip, which should have originally ended in half an hour, to be dragged on and on, and the two did not leave until the time was close to six. After several suggestions yielded no results, Lin Yun could only helplessly give up the idea of buying a gift—the purpose of giving a gift is to give the recipient a good mood; if that cannot be achieved, it is better not to buy one at all.

After leaving the mall, Lin Yun drove, taking Bai Jingxuan along a road covered in fine snow. Looking out through the windshield while the wipers swayed left and right, just as he was focusing on the road conditions ahead, he suddenly heard Bai Jingxuan's faint voice from the seat beside him:

"When I... was little, my health was very poor, so I basically couldn't go out."

As if answering a question from long ago, she said somewhat abruptly: "So I could only always listen to Dad tell me stories; he would tell me what the outside world was like, tell me that there are many beautiful things in this world."

Although this passage was as abrupt as a delirium, Lin Yun vaguely realized that what she was talking about might be the question he had previously raised in the handicraft shop.

"Whenever I had an attack while sleeping and my head hurt so much I couldn't sleep, it was Dad who coaxed me; he would hold my hand by the bedside and tell me stories to coax me to sleep."

Bai Jingxuan lowered her voice and continued as if talking to herself: "One day, Dad told me he had to go on a business trip, but I was unwilling to let him go, so he took a small box out of his bag and placed it by my bed, telling me that this thing was called a 'music box'."

"He said that by winding the key, the music box could make music, and little figures would dance on top. If I couldn't sleep, I should open the music box; hearing its sound, I could fall asleep, just as if he were there."

"I didn't believe him, so he opened the music box and let me watch the little figures dance on top; after a while, I really fell asleep."

"So, later, that music box became my friend. When I couldn't sleep; when I was bored at home alone; when I was in a bad mood... as long as I opened the music box and listened to its sound, I felt my heart become quiet."

"However, later, Dad and Mom encountered a Ravaged Beast, and they... both died."

"A group of uncles and aunts in black clothes came to our house, took everything belonging to Mom and Dad, and then sent me to the Fuli Academy. The music box Dad gave me was also thrown away somewhere."

Speaking of this, Bai Jingxuan paused for a moment. Her gaze flickered toward Lin Yun, but she quickly drew it back, continuing as if nothing had happened at all:

"Originally, even if the music box was thrown away, I wouldn't have minded. Because as long as I close my eyes, I can still remember the sound of the music box; it is inside my head."

"But last month, those bad people came. They told me that my Dad and Mom were not my real Dad and Mom, and I was not their child; I was a Ravaged Beast, a monster."

"My headaches happen because I am a monster, and the music box was actually made by Dad to control me. Opening the music box and listening to its sound makes a Ravaged Beast fall asleep. So I fall asleep too; that way, I won't lose control."

After saying these words, silence returned to the car once more.

Lin Yun listened to everything she said, pondered for a long time, and then opened his mouth to ask: "Why do you believe what those bad people said?"

"Because, when I later felt my consciousness blur, as if I was about to turn into something else, one of those bad people was humming a song."

Gazing at the snowy scenery outside the car window, Bai Jingxuan's lips moved:

"The song he hummed was exactly the same as the one playing inside the music box..."

The car drove past an intersection in the snowy night. Because it was in the suburbs, there was not much traffic around. For a moment, it seemed that only two people were traveling through this darkness on that silver-white highway.

Lin Yun's face was expressionless, his lips pressed tightly shut, but the hand holding the steering wheel tightened.

He seemed to understand why no survivors were left from the Black Ash Dawn at the scene, and also understood why that Ravaged Beast, who seemed to be the leader, had been tortured into that state.

Bai Jingxuan also fell silent for a long time, as if thinking about something, and only spoke after a long while:

"Uncle, they said my name is fake, my Dad and Mom are fake, and my identity is fake too. They said I am a Ravaged Beast with nothing, just like those hateful monsters."

"But they never told me if my birthday is fake. So, this seems to be the only real thing I have."

"I want to be happy on this day, just like everyone else celebrating their birthday. I also want everyone to be happy on this only real day. I even hope that when I come to find you, I bring my only real thing... If that happens, I will feel that the current me is much more real."

"But actually, I dare not think: if even my birthday... is not real, then what do I have left?"

"Could it be that even this day is not my real birthday, but was just randomly made up..."

— "When I was young, my family was very poor."

Her words were suddenly interrupted by Lin Yun's voice.

When saying this sentence, Lin Yun's gaze remained fixed straight ahead, not turning even slightly toward Bai Jingxuan. It was as if interrupting her was not intentional, and he was merely talking to himself:

"Because only my father was left to take care of me at home, and his health was poor, bedridden for years, so our family was always short of money. Basically, we could only rely on subsidies, and some money earned when my father's health improved, to make ends meet."

"Our family actually had no extra money to buy a cake, but even so, he would insist on celebrating my birthday. Every time it was my birthday, he could always produce a huge pile of chocolates from somewhere. He said cake was too sweet and greasy, but chocolate was just right, so I never thought there was any problem."

"Later, when I grew up, I learned that there is a festival in this world called 'Valentine's Day', and this festival falls on the same day as my birthday, both on February 14th."

"Even later, when I was in middle school, my father passed away from a severe illness. When I sorted through his belongings, I found our household registration book, and on it, I found my birthday—it was not February 14th at all."

"The reason he didn't tell me the real date and kept lying that my birthday was Valentine's Day was because on that day, the streets were full of chocolates that no one wanted. He would just go out and pick up a few with intact packaging, and I would have something to eat for my birthday."

Speaking to this point, Lin Yun suddenly revealed a rare smile: "For such a stupid reason, he changed my birthday, and he kept it a secret from me until he died."

Speaking to this point, he suddenly looked at Bai Jingxuan and asked somewhat abruptly: "So, do you think my birthday is real or fake?"

Hearing this story that sounded like a joke, Bai Jingxuan did not show the slightest smile; rather, after hearing Lin Yun's words, she was stunned.

Only when Lin Yun asked her the question did she somewhat recover, tentatively opening her mouth to ask: "Uncle, what day is your birthday now?"

"February 14th."

Lin Yun stated with great certainty: "Although I haven't properly celebrated for many years, my birthday is February 14th."

"... Why?"

"Because February 14th is the day my father and I spent together time and time again, bringing me happiness, and leaving a mark in my memories."

Stopping before an intersection, Lin Yun turned his face and said seriously to Bai Jingxuan: "Every birthday I have memories of is on February 14th. Therefore, February 14th is mine; it is Lin Yun's birthday."

"The so-called birthday is ultimately just a date. The day we were born has already become the past. No matter how much we remember the numbers on that date, it has already become history."

"For those living in the present, which day is the birthday is never that important. What matters is the people who gather together on your birthday to celebrate for you. In any case, they truly exist."

"As long as that group gathers together and you both firmly believe this day is your birthday, then this is your birthday. And because of their existence, this birthday is more real than anything else."

After solemnly finishing this sentence, he restarted the car and continued driving forward.

And Bai Jingxuan, sitting in the passenger seat, still looked extremely confused at this moment: "But, this is just self-deception..."

"No, this is not self-deception."

Lin Yun shook his head: "Our definition of existence as humans is actually constantly being assigned by others. Parents assign you the definition of a child; school assigns you the definition of a student; the Magical Kingdom assigns you the definition of a Magical Girl... We constantly meet people in this world, thereby shaping and defining each other."

"If saying it this way is a bit hard for you to understand, then just remember this simple phrase—seeing is believing."

"Your 'parents', regardless of whether they are truly the ones who gave birth to you, as long as they truly loved you, protected you, and raised you, then they are your true parents."

"You, as a human, regardless of what blood or magic you possess, as long as you possess human wisdom and your actions conform to human morality, then you are a true human."

"Your enemies, regardless of how they proclaim their own justice or confuse the issue, as long as they do filthy deeds worse than beasts, then they are monsters, monsters more hateful than Ravaged Beasts."

"Including your teacher."

He paused again for a moment, carefully organized his words, and then took a deep breath:

"Regardless of the relationship between me and her, or whether she adopts you, as long as she truly gave you a promise and accepted you as this 'daughter', then this contract is valid. Under this promise, you can continue to call her Mom and treat her as your Mom."

"So, it doesn't matter that you call me Uncle, but the fact that you changed your address back to calling her 'Teacher' actually worries Senior Cuique very much."

Saying these things was the result of his true deep consideration.

Because no matter what, he could still remember that afternoon when he went alone to Lakeside Spring. When Bai Jingxuan was talking incessantly, showing off to him and explaining everything, he read the emotion in this child's expression.

It was a kind of unease, and also a kind of expectation.

And precisely because of this, Senior Cuique chose to respond to that expectation, smooth out that unease, accept the title of 'Mom', and make the decision to guide this child.

Whether as a senior or as a teacher, for the sake of this child's growth, Senior Cuique had no reason to betray this promise. From that moment on, no matter how the facts changed, this promise would not change.

And for this, if further clarification of everything is needed, perhaps it is also necessary for him to fully reveal his hand to Bai Jingxuan.

Originally, he had no reason to hide his identity from Bai Jingxuan. As long as he could ensure this child would not slip up, then clarifying the unity of Lin Yun's and Senior Cuique's identities would undoubtedly be more helpful for guiding this child's growth from the sidelines.

For Bai Jingxuan, 'Lin Yun' was ultimately an optional identity; until now, it was merely the 'Dad' called out due to a misunderstanding, and actually not...

——"Then, Dad."

Bai Jingxuan's voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned slightly, startled, and saw Bai Jingxuan curled up in her seat, clutching her fingers tightly, gazing at him with an equally uneasy expression.

"If it's possible, I still hope I can keep calling you Dad. Because no matter what, I want more people to care about."

More people.

Those words caused Lin Yun's impending reply to retreat back inside him.

He looked at Bai Jingxuan; his stern expression softened once more. He reached out and rubbed her head again, sighing, unsure of what exactly he was sighing for.

"More people... I see."

Then, under Bai Jingxuan's puzzled gaze, he said: "Get out. We've arrived. Someone's here to pick you up."

Bai Jingxuan looked out the window and realized the scenery had become familiar—clearly, they had reached the neighborhood near the secret base. The snow-covered streets looked different from her usual view, which was why she hadn't recognized them at first.

And through the snow-blanketed window, a familiar figure stood waiting.

It was Senior Cuique.

Bai Jingxuan confirmed it at a glance.

All her earlier confusion vanished in this moment. She reached for the door handle, then remembered something and turned back to look at Lin Yun, as if waiting for something.

"I really have something to do. I can't go."

Lin Yun shook his head, leaning back slightly to show his resolve: "Go back and celebrate your birthday with your sister and mother. I'll drop you off here, Xiao Xuan."

The first half of his words dimmed Bai Jingxuan's expression slightly; but the second half brightened it again instantly—like a real-life face-switch.

She stepped out of the car and took a few steps toward Senior Cuique, but before reaching her, she turned back to look at the car again. Seeing Lin Yun sitting inside, smiling at her, she smiled and waved, then continued walking toward Senior Cuique.

Her steps grew faster, then hurried, until finally she broke into a run and threw herself into Senior Cuique's arms.

Perhaps she didn't notice that after she left, the figure of "Lin Yun" in the car dissolved into a cluster of blue magical threads.

Perhaps she didn't notice that the hand holding hers still carried the lingering warmth from having just touched her head.

For a child celebrating her birthday, these were things she didn't need to notice—and could simply not exist.

On a winter night with drifting snow, she hugged Senior Cuique beneath the pale streetlamp, lifted her head, opened her mouth—and remained silent for a long time. Only when Senior Cuique also clasped her palm did her eyes brighten further, and finally, with a smile, she spoke again:

"Mom!"

And this time, that call would never change again.

(End of Chapter)