In mid-December, Ember Base lay beneath a sky thick with dark clouds, pressing down so heavily it was hard to breathe.
Tiandao sat atop a hill, quietly watching the black mass of clouds overhead.
Though his eyes were covered by a black blindfold.
His vision seemed wholly unaffected as he patiently waited for the coming "storm."
"Tiandao, why did you run up here alone again?"
Along with a soft, syrupy voice.
A "purple-haired missile" suddenly flew out from the side of the hill, wobbling to a stop beside Tiandao.
Looking at Jing Liuli sitting on the Dream Pillow, Tiandao said with a smile, "It was boring staying at the base, so I came out for some air."
"Is that so?"
Jing Liuli shifted into a duck-sitting posture atop the Dream Pillow, tilting her head as she said, "I think you only came out because Sister Caroline has been staying in Quantum Space, and you got bored being alone, right?"
Tiandao did not refute Jing Liuli's words.
Because he truly did find it rather dull staying at the base alone while Caroline was away.
That was why he had decided to come out and walk around more.
When she saw Tiandao fall silent again, Jing Liuli suddenly pulled a brightly colored candy from her pajama pocket as if performing a magic trick.
"Here."
Looking at the Sweet Dream Candy in Jing Liuli's hand, Tiandao asked in confusion, "What, why didn't you ask for a labor fee this time? Not going to charge me?"
Hearing that, Jing Liuli pouted unhappily.
"Hmph, who said I wasn't charging you? I'm just giving it to you first. When the time comes, I'll collect the service fee with both principal and interest."
"And Tiandao, don't underestimate my business sense. It's only because I'm restricted to the