"Click—"
Inside the quiet Royal Research Institute, the silver-white doors opened once again. Beyond them stood a tall, elderly man with a ruddy complexion and a robust air about him.
"Teacher, it's been a long time." Xu Lanqing smiled in greeting.
Even after six years, Kong Deming's aged face was still exactly as Xu Lanqing remembered it, hardly changed at all.
Yet his increasingly restrained aura and the occasional glint in his eyes showed that the old man's strength had grown even more profound, as unfathomable as a black hole.
"Six years isn't a long time, but it isn't short, either."
Kong Deming looked the handsome, upright young man up and down, then stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction. "It seems you've gained a lot these past six years. You haven't wasted your time."
"Heh heh." Xu Lanqing scratched his head and smiled.
Kong Deming's gaze wandered between Xu Lanqing and Ju Zi. Teasingly, he said, "I heard you were back, so I came to see you. But it seems I've interrupted you two."
The lively air between the young man and woman made their youthful energy obvious. As he spoke, Kong Deming pretended to turn and leave.
"Not at all. Elder Kong, you must have something to discuss with His Highness. Go ahead and talk. I'll go put some things away."
Ju Zi's face flushed bright red. After speaking, she hurried back to her room, where the voices of mother and daughter talking could be heard.
"Heh. It's good to be young. I really envy you," Kong Deming said with a sigh as he walked over.
"Teacher, there's no need to envy them. With your strength, you could easily find love again," Xu Lanqing said.
"You brat. You're still as cheeky as ever. Aren't you afraid I'll give