Fu Hua's voice was low and hesitant as she said, "If we send Fu Lin back, it would be like throwing him to the wolves. Otto would very likely…"
Theresa fell silent at those words. She, too, had been created by Otto, and had never forgotten her number, A-310.
And Fu Lin, just like her, had been created by Grandpa, who seemed to care about Fu Lin a lot.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have placed such a high bounty on him.
If Fu Lin were returned, Grandpa might brainwash him and force him back into his service — or worse, treat him like trash and destroy him.
(Fu Shi, I won't let Otto to even touch a hair on Fu Lin! Hmph!!)
---------------------------
While everyone at St. Freya was talking, outside the room, Fu Lin was staring at Fu Shi, and Fu Shi was staring at Fu Lin. The two remained silent.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment, with only the sounds of their breathing and heartbeats intertwining in the stillness, the atmosphere gradually becoming stiff.
Fu Lin's gaze revealed a complex mix of emotions—helplessness, longing, and a barely noticeable concern.
Fu Shi, on the other hand, looked calmly at Fu Lin, but beneath her composed appearance hid a tsundere heart, unwilling to speak first.
The two continued silently staring at each other until finally, Fu Lin broke the silence. He sighed lightly and said, "Fu Shi, are you... okay?"
The corners of Fu Shi's mouth lifted slightly—it was indeed Fu Lin who couldn't hold back. She gave a "reluctant" smile, "I'm doing great, Mei makes lots of delicious food for me every day."
Her voice was soft, but carried a hint of firmness.
Fu Lin was momentarily stunned. Looking at the slightly baby-faced Fu Shi, he originally wanted to say something caring, but now didn't know what to say.
"Fu Shi, I..." Fu Lin spoke again, but was interrupted by Fu Shi.
"You don't have to say anything. I, the Herrscher of Sentience, always keep my word. Since I said I forgive you, then I really do."
Fu Shi rolled her eyes at Fu Lin and thought to herself, "What a blockhead!" Then she extended her tiny hand.
"But shouldn't we settle the fortune-telling fee first~?"
Fu Lin's expression changed. His phone had been destroyed by Kiana, and he didn't have any money on him. He tried to explain, but Fu Shi didn't give him a chance.
"Hehe, Fu Lin, don't tell me you're broke?" Fu Shi blinked her bright eyes, her voice full of curiosity.
Fu Lin stared blankly at Fu Shi, feeling utterly helpless inside.
"No money? That's okay, you can sell yourself~" Fu Shi giggled. She had already read his mind and knew Fu Lin was broke, so she took out the contract of servitude she had prepared the night before, looking at Fu Lin expectantly.
"Fu Shi..."
Fu Lin sighed wordlessly and quietly took a red gem out of the system space, holding it out to Fu Shi (￣▽￣)╭■
"I may not have money, but I do have this~" Fu Shi's mouth opened in surprise, her small hand reaching out involuntarily. Fu Lin smiled and patted her head, then handed her the gem.
Fu Shi gave a sweet smile. She looked at the contract in her hand, then at the gem, her eyes full of conflict and her heart wavering.
'Should I become stronger, defeat Kiana, and win over Fu Lin? Or just take Fu Lin directly...'
'Hmm, forget it. It's just an ordinary piece of paper, not really useful. I can always get Fu Lin to sign it again later. I really have to defeat Kiana first. I won't be polite about taking this core.'
Reluctantly staring at the contract, Fu Shi slowly used the "Direct Smash" technique she had learned from Theresa and, in the blink of an eye, tore the contract into quark-sized pieces.
Fu Shi stared at the gem floating in her palm and said, "Where did you get this consciousness gem? I guess I'll accept it reluctantly."
Fu Lin nodded and, with the hand behind his back slightly clenched, said, "Drew it from the Treasure Bag, but I only got this one."
Fu Shi turned around, back facing Fu Lin, and said, "I'll go absorb this first. If that old antique asks, just say I'm taking a nap. Bye~"
With that, Fu Shi walked toward the exit. Her figure gradually receded until it disappeared from Fu Lin's view.
Fu Lin stood quietly in place, gazing in the direction Fu Shi had gone, a gentle light flashing in his eyes.
...
After everyone at St. Freya finished their discussion, Theresa opened the door, followed by the others. The first thing they saw was Fu Lin sitting cross-legged on the sofa.
"Perfect timing. Kiana, come play a match with me." Fu Lin turned his head, picked up another game controller, and waved at Kiana.
"Fu Lin, aren't you... even a little nervous or worried? What if Aunt gives you to Otto? What will you do then?"
Kiana said as she plopped onto the sofa, staring at Fu Lin's face while taking the controller he handed her.
"I'm worried, but what can I do? It's not like I can control what you all think..."
Fu Lin's tone was as casual as ever, but his eyes never left the screen, and his joystick moved swiftly.
Everyone else, "..."
"Kiana, you lost."
Fu Lin put down the controller and let out a light breath. His eyes still lingered on the screen, as if savoring the battle just now.
"Ah~ I actually lost... Let's go again, that was just a warm-up!"
Kiana stared angrily at the "KO" on the screen, clearly unconvinced.
"Sure, let's go again."
Fu Lin replied softly, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. He picked up the controller again, adjusted his posture, and got ready for the next match.
Kiana wasn't backing down either. Her eyes were full of fighting spirit and confidence. The two dove back into the game and started another round of battle.
Everyone else was speechless.
As the two were immersed in their battle, Theresa clenched her fist, walked over, and snatched both controllers from their hands, putting them back in the drawer.
"Fu Lin "Sensei", it's getting late. As for your dorm, I've already arranged it. Why don't we have Miss Fu Hua take you there?"
Theresa smiled sweetly at Fu Lin, emphasizing the word "teacher" with special emphasis, clearly reminding him of his position.