Ronan's stay in Xia City lasted somewhat longer than people had expected, himself included.
From Friday's Mid-Autumn Festival through the following Monday, he remained at home and barely went out. Most people assumed he had returned to the Mist Labyrinth or the Wilderness, never realizing he was just cooped up at home being a shut-in.
So when Zhang Yingying received his invitation, she was startled and immediately hurried to the cold drink shop near his home.
Mid-Autumn Festival had passed, and the weather was growing colder. The cold drink shop had entered its slow season, with barely any customers inside. Yet Zhang Yingying, seated by the window, naturally drew the gazes of people both inside and outside the shop.
Though the large suitcase holding Dumb Sand beside her made for an odd combination, beauty was its own explanation. Some people even interpreted it for her: perhaps she was an outstanding cellist, just a little too pretty and lively...
Zhang Yingying bit down on her straw and looked Ronan over with a smile. "You've really been free these past few days. No one can find you when they invite you out, no one can find you for gatherings either. You stay cooped up at home every day, yet you look like you've been pulling all-nighters nonstop and could drop dead at any moment... What are you researching?"
Her description was naturally a little exaggerated, but she had keenly identified the core of Ronan's current condition.
Ronan did not hide it. He let out a huge yawn. "I've been having nightmares every day. How could that lead to anything good?"
"Nightmares? You?" Zhang Yingying laughed. "Aren't you the god of nightmares?"
"That's an exaggeration." Ronan curled his lips. "When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
It was