Shrek City, Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
Ziyang stood at the entrance while Na'er leaned against the pillar beside him. Both of them looked toward the end of the street.
"When will Gu Yue get here?" Na'er chewed gum, sounding somewhat impatient.
Ziyang glanced at his communicator. "I just contacted her. She should be here soon."
Not long after he spoke, a figure appeared at the end of the street. Long black hair drifted gently in the wind, and she walked at an unhurried pace, as though she were merely attending an ordinary appointment.
Gu Yue approached, her gaze sweeping over their faces.
The corner of Ziyang's mouth twitched. It was hardly a smile, but it held a little more warmth than usual. "You're here."
Na'er pushed herself away from the pillar and lifted her chin slightly, trying to look aloof, though the corner of her mouth still curled upward. "Why did you get here so quickly?"
Gu Yue looked at her expression without replying, merely giving a slight nod.
The three of them stood before the entrance to Spirit Pagoda Headquarters. Sunlight shone down from overhead, and their shadows overlapped on the ground.
Ziyang turned and walked into the lobby, calling the elevator. "Come on, let's go."
Na'er followed behind him, but after taking two steps, she looked back at Gu Yue.
Gu Yue stepped forward to follow them, her footsteps softly echoing through the empty lobby.
Ziyang led Gu Yue into the elevator and pressed the button for their floor.
The elevator rose soundlessly. When the doors opened, they revealed a quiet corridor, with Leng Yaoyu's office at the far end.
Ziyang walked to the door, raised his hand, knocked twice, and pushed it open.
"Teacher, I brought her."
A faint "Mm" came from inside.
"You go in first. I