On the other side of the Star Dou Forest.
A small lake lay here, and along its shore stood a modest, clearly man-made three-room wooden cabin.
The cabin wasn't large, but it bore witness to the three of them becoming the Golden Iron Triangle.
This was where Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong were staying for the time being.
At that moment.
In front of the cabin.
Flender stood beneath a big tree, with Yu Xiaogang beside him.
"Xiao Gang."
Flender turned to look at his longtime brother, his voice a little hoarse. "I... I have something to tell you."
Yu Xiaogang was taken aback. "What is it?"
Flender opened his mouth, then hesitated. After a full two and a half seconds, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "I... I like Erlong."
"I've liked her ever since the day we met."
Yu Xiaogang froze.
He looked at Flender, as if trying to find a trace of a joke on his face, but Flender's gaze was utterly serious.
"Boss Fu, you..."
"I know you like her too."
Flender cut him off with a bitter smile. "We've known each other for so many years. Do you think I can't read the looks you two give each other?"
"I just... wanted to make things clear with you first. Then I'll go confess to Erlong."
"No matter what happens, it won't change our relationship."
"Could you hold off on saying anything for now?"
Yu Xiaogang fell silent for a moment, and in the end, his silence was his answer.
Seeing this.
Flender drew a deep breath and strode toward the cabin.
Liu Erlong happened to be coming out. Seeing how serious Flender looked, she paused in surprise. "Boss Fu, what's wrong?"
Liu Erlong had just finished bathing, and her fiery red hair was still dripping wet.
In the glow of the setting sun, a faint radiance touched her delicate face. The curves of her figure showed faintly beneath her soaked clothes. Flender's steps faltered at the sight, and he nearly stumbled.
"Boss Fu?"
Noticing the commotion, Liu Erlong looked up and saw Flender's hesitant expression. She couldn't help but pause. "What's wrong?"
"Erlong, I have something to tell you."
"What is it? Why all the secrecy?"
As she spoke, Liu Erlong glanced around. "By the way, where's Xiao Gang?"
"He... he can't be here right now."
"What could possibly make him unable to be here?"
Liu Erlong scratched her head. "The three of us can talk about anything, can't we?"
Seeing how oblivious Liu Erlong was, Flender took a deep breath, looked straight into her eyes, and said softly, "Erlong..."
"Hmm?"
"I like you."
Liu Erlong: "(ｷ｀ﾟДﾟ´)!!"
"Y-you said what?"
"I've liked you ever since we met."
At last, Liu Erlong understood why Flender had said Yu Xiaogang couldn't be there.
So he was confessing to her!
No wonder he said Yu Xiaogang couldn't be here. So that was why...
At the thought, Liu Erlong's expression stiffened.
Two and a half seconds later, her expression eased a little, though she still hesitated and didn't dare look Flender in the eye. "Boss Fu, I..."
"Let me think about it."
"Okay!"
Liu Erlong lowered her head and walked toward the cabin, seeming to be going to find Yu Xiaogang.
Flender watched her go without saying a word. Feeling a little dejected, he sat down on a wooden chair nearby and stared blankly.
A short while later.
Liu Erlong brought Yu Xiaogang out. "Flender, Xiao Gang, let's talk inside."
"Okay..."
Once they were inside the cabin and seated, Liu Erlong took a deep breath. Her gaze swept over Flender before finally settling on Yu Xiaogang's face. Her voice trembled slightly. "Boss Fu, I know how good you've been to me."
"But... I'm sorry!"
"I've always thought of you as my own big brother."
"The person I like is Xiao Gang."
As she spoke, she grabbed Yu Xiaogang by the arm and looked at Flender earnestly. "I've felt this way for a long, long time."
The moment Liu Erlong grabbed his arm, Yu Xiaogang's body went rigid. He tried to pull free, but she held on tight. He lowered his head, not daring to meet Flender's eyes, and muttered, "Erlong, don't do this. Boss Fu, he..."
"What about him?"
Liu Erlong raised her voice. "If you like someone, you like them. What's there to hide? Xiao Gang, give me a straight answer. Is there a place for me in your heart?"
Yu Xiaogang swallowed. His peripheral vision swept over Liu Erlong's alluring figure, then shifted to Flender's bitter face. At last, he nodded, his voice low. "There is."
At that moment.
The air seemed to freeze.
Flender had suspected as much, but even so, seeing the scene before him made his face turn pale.
"Boss Fu."
Liu Erlong turned to Flender, apologetic eyes in hers. "I know you like me too..."
"But I'm sorry. I've always thought of you as my big brother, so..."
"Fine, I understand."
Flender stood, brushed the dust off his robe, and looked at Yu Xiaogang. His tone suddenly grew solemn. "Xiao Gang, I'm leaving Erlong in your hands."
"If you dare bully her, I'll be the first to deal with you."
"Boss Fu, I..."
Yu Xiaogang tried to say more, but Flender raised a hand to stop him. "Don't. I, Flender, am not the sort to bear a grudge over something like this."
"You two love each other. I wish you all the best."
Flender paused, then forced a smile. "At least I'm your Boss Fu. You'd better save the position of officiant for me."
Liu Erlong's eyes reddened, and she nodded firmly. "Thank you, Boss Fu."
"What are you thanking me for?"
Flender waved a hand and turned away, his voice a little hoarse. "All right, you two talk. I'm going for a walk outside."
With that, he strode into the woods, his figure stretching long beneath the setting sun.
Liu Erlong watched him leave, then turned to Yu Xiaogang, her eyes full of hope. "Xiao Gang, are you... willing?"
Yu Xiaogang fell silent.
It had only been two years since he and Bibi Dong had broken up—not even a full two years, if one counted carefully—and he still found it hard to let go.
After all, she had been the Spirit Hall Saintess: a beautiful, wealthy young woman!
And now...
"Xiao Gang?"
When he didn't answer, a flicker of disappointment crossed Liu Erlong's eyes. "You... don't want to?"
"No."
Yu Xiaogang came back to himself. Looking at Liu Erlong's hopeful yet nervous face, his heart softened. "I'm willing."
"It's just..."
"Just what?"
"I feel like you deserve better."
Yu Xiaogang sighed. "I'm only a level twenty-nine Soul Grandmaster. I'm not good enough for you."
"I don't care about that."
Liu Erlong seized his hand, her eyes full of determination. "Xiao Gang, I don't care what level you are. I only care about you."
"Erlong..."