Ever since something happened to Lian Xin, the misunderstanding between Hua Min'er and Ling Tian had deepened. More than a hundred years had passed. They had longed for each other, yet remained tangled in doubt and distress. Now that they finally stood face-to-face, they gazed at one another for a long time without saying a word. Nothing else existed in their eyes—only each other.
After a century apart, Hua Min'er's expression was complicated. There was joy, hurt, and anticipation in it, but above all, there was calm and comfort. It was as though simply looking at him was enough, as though all those years of waiting and suffering had been worth it.
Ling Tian's expression was no less complicated. After a long moment, the corners of his mouth twitched, and he spoke first. His words, however, were plain and simple. "It's been a long time. Have you been well?"
"I have." Such a simple greeting nevertheless stirred Hua Min'er deeply. Tears glimmered in her beautiful eyes, and her red lips trembled. "And you? Have you finally come to find me?"
"Ever since I heard you'd left Tianmu Star, I've wanted to find you." Ling Tian glanced at Huangfu Qiye and smiled wryly. "Although Brother Huangfu has that strange ability, he can only pick up Fei'er's scent... so I couldn't find you."
"Oh, so that's what happened. I thought you didn't want to see me." Hua Min'er smiled softly, and much of the knot in her heart loosened.
"Min'er, there's something I need to explain." Ling Tian glanced at Ling Lin, looking rather anxious. "At the time, I could only—"
"I understand. You had no choice but to say that." Hua Min'er cut him off. She realized she didn't care as much as she'd imagined about how Ling Tian explained himself.