Xue Na stepped forward and bowed respectfully, her voice gentle but clear:
"Your Holiness, it's been a long time. Have you been well?"
"Yes, very well."
A warm smile spread across Bibi Dong's face as she reached out and gently patted Ning Rongrong's shoulder.
Then she raised her hand to ruffle Xue Na's hair, an almost imperceptible tenderness in her fingertips:
"Having you back puts me even more at ease."
She withdrew her hand and turned her gaze toward Su Yu before her, a question in her eyes:
"Now that you're back, you won't be leaving again, will you?"
"That's right! Teacher, now that we're back, we won't be leaving again!"
With that, he stepped aside and ushered Zhu Zhuqing and the other two forward, introducing them:
"Teacher, let me introduce Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Lingling, and Long Ling'er."
Zhu Zhuqing and the other two hurried forward to pay their respects. Though still somewhat reserved, they were much calmer than when they first met her.
Bibi Dong's gaze settled on Zhu Zhuqing, and she spoke evenly:
"Zhu Zhuqing, if I remember correctly, you're the youngest daughter of the Star Luo Empire's Zhu Family, aren't you?"
Zhu Zhuqing was mildly surprised. She had not expected Her Holiness the Pope to know her background, and she hurriedly lowered her head to reply:
"Yes, Your Holiness."
"Mm."
Bibi Dong nodded slightly, her tone calm but carrying a measure of weight.
"Since you've chosen to follow Xiao Yu, don't concern yourself with anything else. Xiao Yu will resolve your engagement for you!"
"I understand! My heart is set on following Brother Su Yu. My loyalty will never waver."
A hint of approval flashed through Bibi Dong's eyes before she turned to Ye Lingling:
"Ye Lingling, your mother is Ye Linglong of the Nine Heart Begonia