An Explanation for His Friends

After leaving Yinsen's quarters, Lin Hai went to find Master Hamil.

He briefly explained the situation. "Master Hamil, Yinsen's settled in. I've gone over the basics of living here with him. Sorry for the trouble, but could you keep an eye on him for a while?"

Hamil nodded. "Understood. Since the Ancient One has allowed him to stay for now, we'll make the arrangements. I'll instruct the apprentices responsible for that area. He won't lack daily supplies."

Hamil's position was clear: The Ancient One had given her approval, so he would follow the rules without asking unnecessary questions or interfering.

That suited Lin Hai perfectly. After a little small talk and one more check on Hamil's left hand, he said goodbye and left.

Lin Hai had barely found his footing back at Los Angeles Cottage when three pairs of eyes swung toward him like searchlights.

Gwen, Peter, and Harry sat in a neat row on the living room sofa.

Peter leaned forward with his hands on his knees, eyes wide. Harry lounged against the sofa, looking casual, but the way he watched Lin Hai gave him away. Gwen sat to one side, her head tilted as she looked at him.

Greeted by this formation, Lin Hai paused mid-step and stiffened despite himself.

He cleared his throat and asked with forced ease, "Uh... hi, everyone? It's rare to see all three of you here together at this hour. What's going on?"

Graduation was approaching, and between finishing theses, meeting with advisers, handing over club responsibilities, and getting together with classmates, they had plenty to do. It really was unusual for all of them to be in the living room at once.

As usual, Peter was the first to lose patience. Ignoring the question, he fixed his eyes on Lin Hai. "Come