Lin Xiao's expression remained unchanged, but the Gaia origin within him quietly began to circulate.
In an instant, an almost imperceptible trace of nature's will spread out through his feet, locking down the surrounding airflow and sound vibrations to form a natural "Silence Barrier" that was nearly invisible to the naked eye.
The next second, with all the assembled celebrities able to see their movements but hear nothing at all-
The timid desperation to survive abruptly vanished from the eyes of the previously embarrassed Lin Xiao, replaced by a helpless yet profoundly tender affection.
"Eriri."
Just as Eriri was frantically waving her little fists, her eyes brimming with tears as she prepared to jump into the sea, Lin Xiao stepped forward, naturally caught her flailing wrist, and gently drew her toward him.
"Huh?!" Caught completely off guard, Eriri nearly crashed into his arms. She raised her flushed face in a panic. "Wh-what are you-"
Before she could finish.
Lin Xiao smoothly raised his other hand and, just as he had when they were children, deftly and gently flicked her smooth forehead with a knuckle.
Lin Xiao leaned down slightly, looking into those tear-filled eyes, his low voice carrying a hint of mischievous amusement:
"'Sole Sovereign Throughout the Ages'? Your mother really does love dredging up the past..."
Lin Xiao met her flustered gaze, his eyes filled with tenderness:
"But Eriri, no matter how embarrassing I was back then, couldn't you really tell... that it was just the coolest excuse a little boy could come up with when he was afraid he couldn't protect his childhood friend-and the one least likely to make you worry?"
Lin Xiao gently released her wrist and sighed helplessly, the corners of his mouth lifting:
"Since I already said every tough thing I could back then,