"I think that would work."
Kurenai Yuhi finally nodded. "But I still need to ask my parents and clansmen what they think."
"Of course."
Lin Ze smiled. "I'll have Ichikishimahime and Qingtian pick them up and make sure they're safe."
Qingtian and Ichikishimahime had interacted with the Yūhi Clan during the Night of the Nine-Tails, and they were powerful. No one could have been better suited to bringing them over.
"Thank you, Lin Ze."
Kurenai Yuhi spoke softly.
She knew Lin Ze was doing this entirely for her.
Otherwise, with his current standing and strength, he had no need to concern himself with the little Yūhi Clan.
"There's no need to thank me."
Lin Ze shook his head. "Your business is my business."
His words were so direct that Kurenai Yuhi blushed again.
They paid the bill and left the ramen shop.
It had already grown dark outside. Lanterns lit up one after another along both sides of the street, and the evening breeze carried a slight chill.
Lin Ze and Kurenai Yuhi walked side by side down the street. Neither spoke, and a subtle atmosphere hung between them.
Lin Ze's hand hung at his side, his fingers stirring slightly.
He looked at Kurenai Yuhi walking beside him, at the strands of hair lifted by the evening breeze, at her fair profile.
An impulse suddenly welled up inside him.
He took a deep breath and slowly reached out, tentatively brushing the back of Kurenai Yuhi's hand.
Kurenai Yuhi trembled slightly.
But she neither moved away nor withdrew her hand.
Delighted, Lin Ze gently took her hand.
Kurenai Yuhi's hand was small and soft, a little cool, but...
There was some warmth to it, too.
The moment Lin Ze took her hand, her entire face flushed red, all the way to