The Age Gap Is a Big Problem, but It Doesn't Have to Be

silence.

The cup of tea on the table had gone from steaming hot to completely ice-cold.

Liu Erlong's lips moved, but no sound came out.

Her eyes, which usually shone with a sharp light, now seemed to be covered by something, cloudy and empty.

"... yes."

Finally, the sound was squeezed out from deep in his throat.

The voice was so hoarse, as if it had been sanded countless times, and every word carried a bitter, throat-splitting ache.

It was as if what was spoken was not words, but rather the pent-up resentment that had been building up in his heart for over a decade.

I am truly disappointed in him.

Countless images flooded my mind.

She met Yu Xiaogang for the first time when she was young.

The arrogant young man, full of theories, stood beside Flender, his face expressionless, analyzing her Martial Soul characteristics in a tone that said, "I've seen through everything."

At that time, she felt that this man was very special.

It's only now that I realize it wasn't that his theories were so brilliant.

Even though his own Martial Soul has mutated and become useless, he can still so confidently point out the flaws in the world.

Later, Flender winked and patted his chest, saying, "Let's form a group of three and call it the Golden Iron Triangle."

She said the name was too corny.

Flender said, "Then think of one."

She thought about it all night, and the next day, with dark circles under her eyes, she said, "How about we call it the ' Thunder Flame Heaven-Breaking Group '?"

Flender and Yu Xiaogang both said at the same time, "Let's still call it the Golden Iron Triangle."

And so it was settled.

The Golden Iron Triangle.

The Golden Iron Triangle, renowned throughout the Soul Master World.

That period was the happiest time of her life.

Although Flender was incredibly stingy, he would always be precise about how much Copper Soul Coin he ate.

Although Yu Xiaogang often launches into long, lecturing speeches, as if he wants to say everything he has to say in his life.

Although she herself had a bad temper and often beat the two of them up.

But those were truly happy times.

Liu Erlong's lips twitched, as if he wanted to laugh, but he couldn't manage to.

"Ha, it's my own stupidity."

Her voice carried self-mockery, resentment, and the grievances that had lingered for over a decade.

"Even though I know he's not worth it, I still can't let go."

"Even though I know he's never had a place for me in his heart... I still act like a fool."

"Teacher Er Long."

A clear, melodious voice interrupted her.

It wasn't the kind of careful, compassionate comfort, but a crisp, matter-of-fact interruption.

It's like cutting through a tangled mess with a sharp knife.

Liu Erlong raised her head.

Lin Qingmo stood in front of her, backlit.

The last rays of the setting sun shone through the window lattice, outlining a soft contour on his face, as if it were coated with a flowing golden halo.

His eyes were clear and resolute.

There was no sympathy, no pity, no cheap handouts like "You're so pitiful, I feel so sorry for you."

There was only one sense of certainty that came as a matter of course.

"Then let it go completely."

"... What?"

I said, what's past is past.

Lin Qingmo's tone was calm.

"You've done enough for Yu Xiaogang."

"The waiting, the grievances, and the resentment of those years have been enough."

There's no need to keep yourself stuck in the same place.

Liu Erlong opened her mouth. "But..."

"There's no 'but' about it."

Lin Qingmo stood up and stood with his hands behind his back.

The setting sun outside the window was sinking into the distant mountains, its last rays casting a flowing golden halo over him.

"Teacher Er Long, I'm giving you the Soul Bone not as charity, nor to bribe you."

Lin Qingmo's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear.

"I hope you can completely let go of the past and choose a new future."

A new future?

A hint of confusion appeared between Liu Erlong's brows.

Lin Qingmo turned around.

Her reflection was seen in those eyes, which were tinged amber by the setting sun.

Burning, focused, and brooking no refusal.

"Teacher Er Long, stay by my side and become mine."

"!!!"

The candle flame crackled and popped, creating a small flame.

Liu Erlong tightened his grip on the Soul Bone, his pupils dilating abruptly.

On that mature and beautiful face, the expression changed rapidly, as if it had been fast-forwarded.

At first, I was taken aback.

She suspected there was something wrong with her ears.

Then came disbelief.

She was sure there was nothing wrong with her ears, but something seemed wrong with her brain.

Two suspicious blushes spread from her neck all the way to her ears, and then from her ears to her cheeks.

It was so red it looked like it was about to bleed.

My heart started racing even faster.

Thump thump thump! Thump thump thump!

It felt like someone was drumming in my chest, or like a hundred deer were crashing into a wall at the same time.

Liu Erlong has faced countless powerful enemies and experienced countless life-or-death crises.

But she had never felt so helpless before.

"What... what did you say?"

Her voice was distorted, as if someone was choking her.

"I... I'm much older than you, this... this isn't appropriate..."

Her eyes darted around, but she didn't dare look at Lin Qingmo.

His fingers unconsciously twisted together, his knuckles contorted into a pretzel shape.

Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!

Why is this kid suddenly bringing this up? He's usually so serious, why is he being so direct today?

It would have been fine if they had just said that, but then they went and said "become mine"!

How can you just say things like that so casually?

And the look in his eyes when he spoke... that look was just too much!

No, no, no!

Liu Erlong, what are you thinking!

He's Xiao Wu's boyfriend, and he's also your student!

You're older than him... cough cough, anyway, much older!

Lin Qingmo was stunned.

age?

What age?

When he said "become one of my people," he meant becoming like Dugu Bo, becoming the force behind him, becoming a member of his camp.

Isn't this just standard sales pitch?

What does age have to do with it?

Even though the Old Poison Freak is much older than him, he can still work under him, can't he?

How did it get to Liu Erlong...?

He was about to continue speaking when he suddenly noticed Liu Erlong's expression.

Those evasive eyes, those flushed cheeks, those unconsciously twisted fingers.

There are also micro-expressions that look like someone who's guilty of doing something wrong.

Lin Qingmo: "..."

Wait! Wait, wait, wait!

No way?

His expression gradually stiffened, as if he had been petrified by Soul Skill.

"Teacher Er Long."

He spoke tentatively.

"Have you misunderstood something?"

"Huh?"

Liu Erlong blinked, her dazed eyes still holding a hint of bewilderment.

"I'll make you mine..."

Lin Qingmo sighed, a wry smile on his face, and explained, word by word, "It means becoming the power behind me, like the Old Poison Freak."

"I hope you can lend a helping hand when I need it. We can be partners, comrades-in-arms, and people in the same boat."

"What... are you thinking?"