Begin.

Not long ago, following the address on the invitation, Su Qing'an and Fu Hua, using this method of concealment, naturally passed through dozens of shop windows and stores. Under the strange gazes of passersby, the boy smiled and handed the invitation to the man handing out flyers.

During this time, the chemistry between the young lady and the butler was portrayed incredibly realistically by them.

There seemed to be a strange aura about the two of them, which made passersby unconsciously slow down their movements and speech.

Clearly, even when acting skills are truly required on set, this magical atmosphere still retains its effect.

Whether it was the initial goodwill built by their outstanding appearances, the "young lady's" bewildered and habitually evasive eyes, or the care and etiquette revealed in the young butler's every move, all these factors contributed to this outcome.

The slight smile on Leonid's face was perhaps an affirmation of the two actors' performances. He said:

"A very nice name, like a princess's name. Is this why you came here?"

He glanced discreetly at the girl's legs, which were hidden by her shawl and skirt, his implication quite clear.

It's strange, he seems to be talking a bit too much.

Given his current mental state, it's abnormal that he would be interested in striking up a conversation with a stranger in this situation.

Leonid secretly regarded this encounter as fate. In the final journey of his life, he met this innocent girl who, like his daughter, was unable to walk. Perhaps it was some kind of strange destiny at work.

The shimmering light reflected in the "young lady's" eyes could bring a sense of peace to the depths of one's heart, as if gazing upon a vast and magnificent landscape, possessing a charm that could unconsciously soothe the mind.

Su Qing'an revealed a perfectly timed expression, saying with a touch of sadness yet also a sense of familiarity:

"As you can see, sir."

"Even with the possibility of being deceived, we had no choice but to come. After all, no one wants to give up even the slightest hope, right?"

This man, whose heart was overflowing with hatred and emptiness, couldn't help but utter words of concern.

"Of course, I understand."

"But isn't it a bit inappropriate to have this young lady come to such a place where the safety is uncertain?"

Leonid realized his mistake of speaking too frankly to someone he barely knew, and he added somewhat apologetically:

"You know, I mean, it might be better for her to stay at home."

The young lady turned her face away with some displeasure, tugging at the boy's sleeve as if to say, "Don't pay any attention to this person." Every move she made exuded a distinct frankness and adorable awkwardness.

Su Qing'an glanced helplessly at the girl's slightly pursed lips and her delicate eyes as she looked at him with furrowed brows, and her heart was stirred.

Even though I know it's acting, it's still a bit too cute, hua.

He gave the man an apologetic look and continued:

"That's what the young lady's father thought too. Originally, this should have been my task alone, but the young lady was too stubborn. After a series of troublesome struggles, I was forced to bring her along."

"But please rest assured, I will take good care of her."

The boy's expression and tone as he uttered his last words were solemn and earnest, enough to convince anyone of his resolve.

It was that sharp edge, breaking through the docile exterior and gliding across the skin like a blade, that convinced Leonid that this young deacon was not as simple as he had imagined.

It's clear that this young lady named Anastasia is very important to him. If he wasn't absolutely certain she wouldn't get hurt, then even if this butler presumptuously knocked her unconscious, he probably wouldn't have been willing to let her come along.

Clearly, he had a trump card that Leonid was unaware of, which could guarantee the young lady's safety.

And that's all he needs to know; even with that inexplicable fondness, Leonid's interactions with people can only remain at this distance.

His reason for striking up a conversation with the two was undoubtedly partly due to his loneliness stemming from missing his daughter, but even so, the man's wish that the young lady's leg injury could be healed was genuine.

Even though pain, hatred, and despair had completely overwhelmed this man who was nearly fifty years old, his innate kindness remained one of the few remaining sparks in his soul.

This man, crushed to this state yet still only thinking of burning himself out in one place, is pathetic to the point of being pitiful.

The once spirited man who drank vodka like water and enjoyed playing friendly wrestling games with bears is now just a memory etched in old photographs.

He is now excessively thin, and his facial features and deep-set eyes no longer resemble those of his youth. Wrinkles and graying hair hidden in his dry blond hair are evidence of the passage of time and poor health.

Only his upright posture and tall stature could give him some intimidation, but to others, Leonid was just an elderly man with little time left and poor health.

Even without the cane, the heaviness and slowness of his steps made him seem like a candle flickering in the wind, as if he could be extinguished at any moment by some unexpected event.

In Su Qing'an's view, Leonid, who came to talk to him, was a kind middle-aged man. His intuition and judgment based on his subtle expressions made him understand the other party's good intentions, which is why he was willing to answer and make up some reasons.

Otherwise, in such an environment, it wouldn't be surprising to remain cautious and choose not to respond.

In fact, this is the most convenient approach.

But the longing that flashed in Leonid's lifeless eyes when he saw the girl made him subconsciously feel that perhaps replying with a few words wouldn't be a bad thing.

Those are the kinds of past events that are worth remembering, cherishing, and revisiting.

He has it too.

In Su Qing'an's memory, those trivial things about his parents are still one of the few lights in his heart. They occasionally illuminate moments when he is so lonely that he can hardly control himself, and become something he can keep chewing on and relying on to move forward.

Even if he time-traveled, these memories would still allow him to outwardly express his disgust at his parents' Broken Promise while simultaneously struggling to survive in this world.

The elderly man, who appeared to be from Russia, was likely also there for the so-called medication; his health was not good.

Fu Hua, with her superior martial arts skills, should understand this even better.

The man extended his hand to the boy; it was clearly a steady hand, yet for some reason, it also gave off a slightly trembling feeling.

Su Qing'an was puzzled, but without hesitation, she grasped his rough hand covered in calluses.

Leonid offered his sincere blessings:

"I hope you get what you want, and that her father can spend more time with her after that."

Su Qing'an felt that his hand was terrifyingly cold. Even though he loosened his grip the moment he clenched it, the coldness remained vivid in his memory.

The boy responded with a smile:

"Of course, thank you for your blessings. I hope your trip will be successful."

Just after the exchange of blessings between the two parties was completed, the initiator, who had been remaining behind the scenes, finally revealed himself.