The reunion, more than twenty years overdue, finally drew to a close.
Zhang Qingxuan walked up to Wen Ning, and the knot that had sat between his brows for over twenty years finally eased.
"A Ning is going to reincarnate. This time, she really is leaving."
Wen Ning nodded.
"That's for the best. She's waited too long. It's time she started a new life."
Zhang Qingxuan said to Wen Ning,
"Thank you, Boss Wen. Without your help, I probably would never have seen A Ning again in this lifetime."
Wen Ning said,
"No need to thank me. All I did was ask a question. A Ning was the one who waited over twenty years, not me."
Zhang Siyu also walked up to Wen Ning, a faint smile on her lips. "Boss Wen, I'll be back at work tomorrow. Remember to buy more essential oil when you run out. Stop using mine all the time."
Wen Ning saw that Zhang Siyu had also emerged from her grief.
"Got it."
After they returned from the Underworld,
Zhang Qingxuan went back to Dragon-Tiger Mountain the next day.
Before leaving, he stopped by the shop and had a cup of tea. He said nothing special, only gazed at Zhang Siyu for a long while.
"Work hard. Don't disgrace Dragon-Tiger Mountain."
Zhang Siyu straightened his crooked tie.
"I know. Take it easy on the way back, Dad."
Zhang Qingxuan nodded and pushed open the shop door. This time, his steps were steady.
That evening, Wen Ning had just fished the Squirrel Spirit out of the basin and wrapped the spirit in a towel when the light at the doorway dimmed.
Xie Bi'an had arrived.
"The City God assessment starts tonight. The retired teacher is up first. You have to be there as an examiner."