The next morning, the sunlight was warm.
But at the Greyrat family's breakfast table, the atmosphere was oppressive and grim.
Cui Ciyou and Roxy hurried through the awkward breakfast, the food tasting like cardboard.
After breakfast, Cui Ciyou told Paul what he had decided:
Today, he would take Lilia and Roxy into the village to find a new place to live.
And they would officially move out of the Greyrat home.
"Move... move out?"
Paul was visibly stunned.
Then an expression of profound, unreadable complexity crossed his face.
There was surprise, confusion, and regret, but more than anything, there was a sense of relief, as though a weight had been lifted.
Watching Paul's expression, Cui Ciyou thought to himself.
After all, Zenith formally "banished" Lilia in front of everyone yesterday!
If we "outsiders" keep staying here, we'll only make everyone uncomfortable.
"All... all right, Ciyou, my friend. I... I understand."
Paul collected himself and replied, his voice somewhat strained,
"Then... do you need me to help you find a house or move your things?"
"No need."
Cui Ciyou shook his head, calmly declining Paul's kind offer.
"I'll take care of it myself."
"As for Lilia, she'll keep coming over to help until Zenith gives birth."
"But to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble..."
"I'll set aside a room just for her at my place, so she won't have to stay overnight at your house anymore."
Paul opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say more-to ask them to stay, explain himself, or apologize.
But in the end, he merely nodded, dejected and helpless.
He pressed his lips tightly together and said nothing more, though his eyes seemed even more bloodshot.
Afterward, Cui Ciyou also approached Zenith, who was already up but was still in poor spirits.
He briefly explained that they would