The one standing not far away was none other than Li Ruoyi, whom he had not seen in a long time.
And now, hearing Lu Chen actually call out to her—
Li Ruoyi was visibly stunned as well.
Only then did she lower her head and walk over.
"Classmate Lu—oh no, Patriarch Lu."
Seeing how her voice trembled, so utterly different from the confident and poised girl she had once been, Lu Chen could not help but sigh inwardly.
But Lu Chen also knew that they were now destined to belong to two different worlds.
"Classmate Li, why be so formal? It's been a long time. How have you been lately?"
After going through so many trials beyond ordinary imagination,
suddenly exchanging a few ordinary words instead gave Lu Chen an inexplicable sense of relief.
"I'm fine. Same as always." Li Ruoyi forced out a faint smile. "I'm doing clerical work at the North City government office now, nine to five every day."
"Not bad. That's good—at least it's stable." Lu Chen nodded.
The deity Li Ruoyi worshipped was Emperor Wenchang, so clerical work suited her best.
"Who would've thought? In just a few months, you've already become the head of an up-and-coming family." Li Ruoyi's expression was both wistful and helpless. "Congratulations, Classmate Lu."
Lu Chen smiled. "Let's both work hard. I believe you'll shine with a light that belongs to you too."
Li Ruoyi nodded heavily. "I still need to make a trip to the mission center, so... I'll be going now. See you next time."
"Alright, see you next time!"
Li Ruoyi turned and left, a flash of relief appearing on her face.
She knew that this parting might well be their last.
After all, mountain birds and fish traveled different roads; from then on, mountains and