Star Luo Parting Feelings, Warmth in the Streets

The fragrance of the imperial garden's flowers grew ever richer as Adult Tang Wulin's alliance negotiations with the Star Luo Emperor neared their end.

His words were concise, every sentence striking at the heart of the matter. He secured stable channels for academy exchanges for Shrek Academy while helping the Star Luo Empire avoid potential disputes over Soul Master resources. By the end of their discussion, the Star Luo Emperor regarded him with even greater respect, thoroughly convinced by this mysterious powerhouse.

With the arrangements settled, Adult Tang Wulin had no intention of lingering. He turned to leave the palace. As he passed through a palace corridor, soft footsteps suddenly sounded behind him. Dai Yun'er lifted her skirts and hurried after him, clutching a small silver dragon-shaped jade pendant. A faint blush colored her cheeks, while a timid determination shone in her eyes.

"Wait..." she called softly, holding the pendant out before him. Its patterns were exquisitely carved; it was something she had worn close to her body since childhood. "Take this with you... It isn't meant to bind you to anything. Consider it the feelings of a Star Luo princess for a guest from afar."

She did not dare look into his eyes. Her voice was soft and delicate, carrying a young girl's unique shyness. The faint flutter of ambiguity she had felt earlier was all hidden within this tiny jade pendant. She did not wish to entangle him—she merely wanted to quietly preserve a small remembrance.

Adult Tang Wulin lowered his eyes to the warm pendant, then looked at the girl's downcast brows and trembling lashes. Her heart was filled with nothing but pure, girlish feelings. In the end, he did not refuse. He reached out and accepted the pendant, his fingertips accidentally brushing hers. A faint chill passed between them, and Dai Yun'er abruptly withdrew her hand, the tips of her ears instantly turning red.

"Thank you," he said softly. His tone remained gentle, yet held a perfectly measured distance. He tucked the pendant into his robes without another word, then turned and headed for the palace gates. His plain-clothed figure gradually vanished at the end of the corridor, clean and decisive, leaving behind no lingering attachment.

Dai Yun'er stood where she was, watching the direction in which he had gone. She gently clenched her skirts. There was no disappointment in her eyes; instead, there was a faint warmth. That mist-thin ambiguity was tucked away within the pendant, within the winds of the palace—not intense, not ostentatious, merely a gentle mark upon her youthful years. From then on, she would peacefully be the Star Luo princess and no longer cling to that boy from afar. These private feelings were quietly set down.

After walking out of Star Luo Palace, Adult Tang Wulin's golden eyes returned to their usual calm. The pendant in his robes retained only a faint warmth. To him, it was merely the mark of a passing encounter. He raised his head toward Shrek, and a trace of Dragon Emperor aura flickered around him. The purpose of this journey had been fulfilled, and his ties had been severed. It was time to return and silently watch over the youths' growth.

Meanwhile, Shrek's streets and alleys were filled with the warm bustle of everyday life.

Tang Wulin held Na'er's hand in one hand as he walked alongside Xu Xiaoyan. The two girls were on either side of him, creating an especially heartwarming scene.

Na'er had not relaxed like this in a long time. She held tightly to Tang Wulin's hand and curiously watched the sugar figurines and little toys lining the street. Every so often, she stopped, her bright eyes full of a child's innocent wonder. Tang Wulin patiently accompanied her. Whenever he saw a sugar figurine she liked, he immediately paid for it and handed it to her, his voice full of affection. "Eat slowly. Don't get it on your clothes."

Xu Xiaoyan walked beside them, her eyes curving into crescents as she watched the warm scene between the siblings, her heart filled with peace. Sometimes she brushed stray fluff from Na'er's shoulder, and sometimes she pointed out little trinkets by the roadside and spoke softly to her. Her tone was gentle and friendly, without the slightest sense of unfamiliarity. Na'er was naturally shy around strangers, yet she felt especially close to Xu Xiaoyan. From time to time, she leaned closer and quietly asked all kinds of questions. The two quickly grew familiar with each other.

"Big Brother, this little rabbit lantern is so cute," Na'er said softly, pointing to a lantern stall by the road.

Tang Wulin immediately nodded. "Buy it. We'll take it back and hang it in the dorm."

Xu Xiaoyan smiled and agreed. "Na'er can pick whichever one she likes."

The three slowly wandered through the streets, buying quite a few little things. Na'er held a sugar figurine in her hands and tucked a small lantern against her chest, her face full of happy smiles. The unease of being separated for so long had already been soothed by this familial affection. Tang Wulin looked at his two well-behaved younger sisters, his heart filled with contentment. All his previous worries about Na'er had vanished, and he felt that peaceful days like these were simply the best.

Watching Tang Wulin's relieved smile, Xu Xiaoyan said softly, "It's wonderful that you found Na'er."

"Yes, it was thanks to coming out for a stroll today." Tang Wulin smiled at her, his tone sincere. "And thank you for being so patient with her."

"We're all family. There's no need to be so polite." Xu Xiaoyan shook her head, her smile clear and pure.

The sun gradually sank westward, stretching their shadows long. The streetlights lit up one after another, their warm glow enveloping them. There were no ripples, no complications—only abundant familial love and warmth. The last faint ripple in Xu Xiaoyan's heart completely settled at that moment. She could finally be at ease as his younger sister, protecting this pure bond of family.

Tang Wulin held Na'er's hand as he walked beside Xu Xiaoyan toward Shrek Academy. The evening breeze brushed over them, carrying the warmth of the bustling streets. Far away, the faint ambiguity of Star Luo's parting feelings had long been scattered by the winds of time, never disturbing the youths' peaceful days.

The road ahead was long, but with family by one's side and companions walking alongside, those were the finest of days.