Clear Boundaries

Ever since their last team mission, the relationship between Lin Qin and Aileen had grown significantly closer. They would occasionally go to the library together to discuss magical problems. Sometimes, when they ran into each other at the cafeteria, they would naturally sit together to eat.

Aileen would take the initiative to care about Lin Qin's cultivation, reminding him not to overwork himself. Lin Qin, in turn, would offer her tips on magic control; his advice was often incisive, and Aileen benefited greatly from it.

One day, while Lin Qin was training at the Warrior Division, Buck leaned in and asked in a low voice, "Hey, Lin Qin, are you and that water-element girl, Aileen, dating?"

Lin Qin didn't stop his sword swings as he replied, "No."

"Still not?" Buck didn't believe him. "Everyone sees you two together all the time. The way that girl looks at you is anything but ordinary."

Lin Qin finished a set of swings, stood still, wiped away his sweat, and looked at Buck. "We are friends right now, doing missions and discussing magic together. As for anything else, I'll let nature take its course."

Buck was stunned for a moment, then laughed. "You kid, you're certainly open-minded." He patted Lin Qin on the shoulder. "Aileen is a good girl—talented and with a great personality. You're a lucky guy."

Lin Qin didn't commit to an answer. He did think Aileen was great, but he didn't have a clear concept of "dating," nor did he have any particularly strong desire for it. He enjoyed their current state of mutual improvement and comfortable companionship.

A few days later, Aileen found Lin Qin, looking somewhat hesitant.

"Lin Qin, there's something I want to ask you," she said softly.

"What is it?"

"Yale and the others are organizing an outing to Crescent Moon Lake outside Fenlai City. Reynolds and George are going too. They... asked me to see if you wanted to come along?" After she finished speaking, she looked at him with a hint of nervousness.

Lin Qin's first reaction was to refuse. An outing would take up a significant amount of his cultivation time. But when he saw the anticipation in Aileen's eyes and thought about how Yale, Linley, and the others were his friends, he figured a little relaxation now and then wouldn't hurt.

He thought for a moment and asked, "How long will it take?"

"Just one day. We leave in the morning and return by evening," Aileen said quickly.

"Alright," Lin Qin agreed.

Aileen's face immediately blossomed into a radiant smile.

The weather was perfect on the day of the outing. The scenery at Crescent Moon Lake was beautiful, and Yale had prepared a lavish spread of food. Linley, Reynolds, and George were all there, and the atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful.

Lin Qin remained quiet for most of the time, but he stayed by Aileen's side, listening to her introduce the plants by the lake and reaching out to steady her when she nearly slipped. Aileen, in turn, thoughtfully helped him with food and handed him water.

On the way back, the group traveled on horseback. Aileen and Lin Qin lagged behind the rest of the party.

The sun was setting, casting long shadows of the two of them. Aileen looked at the silent yet reassuring Lin Qin beside her and gathered her courage.

"Lin Qin," she said softly, her cheeks slightly flushed, "what... what exactly is our relationship now?"

Lin Qin pulled on the reins to stop his horse and looked at her. Aileen's eyes were clear, filled with nervousness and anticipation.

He thought for a few seconds before giving his answer: "You are an important companion. I feel very relaxed when I'm with you." He paused, then added, "I hope you can always stay by my side, so we can grow stronger together and see the vast world beyond."

It wasn't a sweet romantic confession; it was even a bit plain. But Aileen understood the meaning behind it. An important companion, moving forward together. For Lin Qin, this was already an incredibly serious promise.

The blush on her face deepened, but her smile was incredibly bright. "Mm!" She nodded firmly. "I will work hard so I don't hold you back."

The two shared a smile, and a certain unspoken understanding settled between them in the air.

Back at the academy, Lin Qin walked Aileen to the entrance of the girls' dormitory.

"See you at the library tomorrow?" Aileen asked.

"Sure," Lin Qin nodded.

Watching Aileen head upstairs, Lin Qin turned and walked away. His mood was calm, but he felt as though something had changed. In his life, beyond cultivation, there was now a clear, designated place that belonged to Aileen.