"Mm... That's true. With your talent now, plenty of people at the academy and Spirit Hall must be keeping an eye on you," Dong'er said, a hint of something hard to describe in her voice.
"You've really changed from the way you used to be."
"With a powerful talent that draws people's attention right from the start, you've become much more levelheaded and confident. You don't let anger cloud your judgment anymore, and you're not so easily manipulated by others."
"Honestly, you've changed so much."
"Yeah, really, compared to how I used to..." Huo Yuhao suddenly froze. He looked at the little girl walking in front of him, seemingly unable to believe what he'd heard.
"Dong'er, what did you just say? That I've changed from the way I used to be?" Huo Yuhao stopped and spoke slowly.
"Mm..." Dong'er turned around. The afternoon sun enveloped her, as though a hazy veil had settled over her. It was as if she would dissolve into wisps of smoke the moment Huo Yuhao reached out to touch her.
"I didn't know how to bring it up. When I first saw you in the classroom, I could hardly believe that the person sitting beside me was really you."
"Just like you, I've met a lot of people who've become completely different from the way they used to be. The people at home who look after me—Big Uncle and Second Uncle... No, now they're my second and third uncles. And most of all... you've become so much stronger."
As she spoke, Dong'er walked up to Huo Yuhao and took his hand.
"I'm sorry I left you behind in the Valley of Universe Inquiry without asking."
As soon as she said that, Dong'er found herself pulled into his arms. A moment later, she felt the slight