Making Up His Mind

"Young Master, Miss."

The middle-aged man in a tailcoat bowed and opened the car door for them.

"Thank you."

The two entered the car gracefully.

At last, the driver, who had been left waiting by the roadside for several hours, started the engine.

(Thank goodness for the Space Ring. Otherwise, I'd have to haul around all their bags and things. The Space Ring really is a great invention!) The driver sighed inwardly.

The vehicle pulled smoothly away from the roadside and headed down the broad highway.

Although the Star Luo Empire could not compare to the Douluo Federation, it possessed the accumulation and foundation of ten thousand years. Especially under the recent emperors, as calls for foreign expansion within the Douluo Federation grew louder and louder, they had become even more diligent in governing and strengthening the nation, seeking to protect themselves in the wars to come.

Its soul-guided technology and infrastructure had also developed rapidly under such circumstances.

However, its urbanization rate still remained far below that of the Douluo Federation.

Lush green trees lined both sides of the highway, seeming to frame the road in emerald. Mountains rose and fell in the distance, verdant enough to drip with color, like a richly painted landscape.

The car gradually picked up speed, and the scenery outside shifted rapidly like scenes in a film. Golden wheat fields flashed past like a vast, rolling sea, their waves rising and falling with the wind, rippling layer upon layer. From time to time, vibrant rice paddies appeared before them, like green gemstones set into the earth, utterly captivating.

Villages stood beside the highway, their farmhouses scattered in neat arrangement and brimming with rural charm. White walls and black tiles gave them a distinctive character, as though they were telling ancient stories. Nearby orchards and vegetable gardens were mouthwatering to behold, with every kind of fruit hanging from the branches and giving off tempting fragrances.

Chen Yan and Gu Yuena admired the scenery as they chatted idly. Yet at one point along the way, Gu Yuena suddenly sensed a familiar call coming from afar!

It seemed ethereal, yet grief-stricken; full of longing and desire.

This was... Gu Yuena's eyes widened sharply. Then, as though she had remembered something, she turned to look at Chen Yan.

Was this why he had come here?

Gu Yuena looked at Chen Yan with a complicated gaze. She did not care why Chen Yan knew these things. Ever since they first met and during their time together, she had keenly sensed that Chen Yan knew something, but she had never asked.

Just like back then—though he had been mysterious from birth, knowing that they were friends had been enough.

She could not help recalling the words of that man who was clearly imposing and dignified, yet cared nothing for his image as he lay sprawled out: "To have one true friend in life is enough. I have a little wealth, and I am willing to prosper with you."

"What's wrong?" Seeing Gu Yuena suddenly look surprised, Chen Yan figured that she had sensed Dragon Valley. But what was with her expression afterward? Had she suddenly thought of something?

"Nothing."

She shook her head, concealing the surprise and reminiscence in her eyes. She looked at Chen Yan meaningfully and smiled faintly.

Before long, they arrived beneath the gates of Star Luo City. The vehicle slowly approached the city gates. The walls towered high and imposing, fitted with all kinds of soul-guided weapons to protect the imperial capital.

Security at the gates was strict. Soldiers stood in orderly ranks, their eyes fixed ahead as they thoroughly inspected every person and vehicle entering the city. However, when they saw the luxurious sedan approaching, they immediately saluted and waved it through.

Once inside the city, the streets were packed with bustling crowds.

The architectural style along the streets and the clothing of the pedestrians made it seem as though they were separated from the Douluo Continent by an entire era.

Gu Yuena's purple eyes shimmered as she parted her red lips. "Would you like to look around?"

Still shopping? Chen Yan's mouth twitched.

"Forget it. There's nothing I need to buy."

The moment Chen Yan finished speaking, a trace of disappointment flashed through Gu Yuena's eyes. She sighed softly, seemingly regretful about his answer.

Uh... aren't you being a little too obvious? Why did this feel like, "If Brother is going to treat me like this, he might as well just ignore me. It makes me seem like I'm being unreasonable."

Seeing Gu Yuena's deliberately sorrowful look, Chen Yan inwardly cursed.

"Fine, fine, we'll go, all right?"

"Okay."

Seeing Gu Yuena's radiant smile, Chen Yan felt deeply weary. The Gu Yuena who was always expressionless had truly drifted far away from him. At the same time, he felt confused. Their exchanges had grown deeper and deeper—would things still develop according to the original plot? Should he cut his losses in time? Or...

Chen Yan stared blankly at the faint ripples that had risen in her purple eyes because of a single sentence from him... and once again felt the world's profound malice.

He asked himself the question he most wanted answered: I'm not going to steal the heroine, am I?

Night fell, and the lights of Star Luo City began to glow. They found a restaurant facing the street, sat by the window, and enjoyed the food and night view.

The restaurant's decor was simple yet elegant. Warm light spilled across the floor, illuminating them both. Outside the window, the city's nightscape resembled a dazzling painting. The crowded streets and endless streams of traffic added a touch of vitality to the night.

"It's not as good as what you make."

Gu Yuena elegantly held her chopsticks and brought food to her mouth.

Chen Yan remained silent. This was not the time to talk, or he might easily fall into a trap. He merely smiled, watching Gu Yuena with a gentle gaze as he enjoyed the peace and warmth of the moment.

Noticing Chen Yan's gaze, Gu Yuena set down her chopsticks and gently raised her eyes to meet his. A soft light flickered in her eyes, as though something had stirred within her.

"Chen Yan, do you know? This has been the happiest period of my life." Gu Yuena's voice was soft and sincere. Her eyes held not only gratitude toward Chen Yan, but also an indescribable feeling.

Chen Yan said nothing, only thinking inwardly that this time had also been very pleasant for him. There were no parents forcing him to study, no being cursed at on the first day of the New Year, no lifeless home devoid of any energy.

Compared to his original world, he preferred this one. Here, he could truly feel his own existence. He could buy what he liked without worrying about his family's financial circumstances. There was someone who cared about him. He would no longer be the only one counting the days, spending birthdays where he could not even bear to buy himself a piece of cake. Honestly, he was very satisfied with this world.

"Me too." Chen Yan finally spoke. His voice was low and firm, and a trace of resolve flashed in his eyes, as though he had made some kind of decision. "Thank you, Gu Yuena."

Gu Yuena was slightly startled. She knew that Chen Yan would not say many flowery words. He always liked to express his thoughts through jokes. This was the first time he had been so serious.

During this dinner, Chen Yan finally found a place for the heart that had nowhere to settle. No matter what Gu Yuena's purpose had been in the beginning, he would always remember her kindness. No matter what happened in the future, she would be his friend. As for whether it would work out or not, he would leave it to fate.

As the night deepened, the restaurant's guests gradually departed, and the city's brilliant lights seemed even brighter. They continued enjoying their meal without speaking again. At that moment, it seemed that quietly keeping each other company was the most wonderful time of all.

To all readers who are reading at night, staying up late is harmful to your health. Go to sleep!