Evan Lan didn’t respond.
"I’m asking you! Answer me!"
Still no response.
"So you mean I should just decide for myself?"
Still no response.
"Are you even there?"
[Here.]
"Then say something! Do you agree or not?"
Evan Lan didn’t respond.
Lily Bai finally realized it: whenever this topic came up, he’d just clam up and refuse to answer.
"Alright, alright! Maybe you’re just conflicted? I won’t push you… we’ll talk about it another time." Lily Bai reached out and stroked his flowerpot. "But can you at least tell me—about the National Heritage Museum, can I tell the President and ask for his help?"
After a while, Evan Lan replied: [You can.]
"See? Deep down, you still trust him!" Lily Bai said happily. "Honestly… it’s been so many years, and even your mom said you should forgive him—Ow!"
Before she could finish, she got poked in the butt again.
She was sitting down—how did Evan Lan even manage that?
"Alright, alright! I’ll stop, okay? I won’t mention him in front of you ever again, alright?"
Evan Lan finally let her off the hook.
A gentle wave of spiritual energy stroked her backside, soft as water wrapping around her.
Lily Bai’s heart melted; she leaned in and kissed him. "You know, you disappeared for days without a word… How could you be so mean? I was worried something happened to you!"
"Don’t be jealous. No matter how cute that guy in the Jade Permit was, you’re still my favorite."
"But you know, it’s kind of strange—why can I see what’s inside the Jade Permit?"
"Could it be… I’m actually his wife reincarnated? Hey, that’s totally possible! You’re the reincarnation of that guy, because you look exactly like him! And I’m the reincarnation of that Sacred Spirit Tree—we’re picking up our old love story again, aren’t we?"
......
After chatting with Evan Lan, Lily Bai still wasn’t sleepy. She left her room and wandered into the courtyard.
She noticed the kitchen lights were still on.
She walked over and saw Ms. Crowe prepping vegetables for tomorrow.
"Ms. Crowe," Lily Bai called out, feeling a bit guilty. "It’s so late and you’re still up?"
Ms. Crowe replied, "It’s not late."
"You’ve worked so hard lately. Taking care of the baby and feeding all of us three meals a day…"
"Everyone helps out. Honestly, I do the least," Ms. Crowe said. "And as for the Little Gatekeeper, he’s easy! He hasn’t even wet his pants once—not tiring at all."
Lily Bai sat down beside her and started helping with the beans.
"I heard you yelp earlier—has the Gatekeeper’s spirit sense come back?"
Lily Bai said, "He’s back."
"Did you ask him?"
Lily Bai replied, "I did. He answers everything—except… whenever it’s about the Supreme Emperor, he just won’t say a word."
Ms. Crowe sighed softly.
"Honestly, I think His Majesty the Supreme Emperor was misled by villains back then. In his heart, he must regret and grieve more than anyone…" Lily Bai said. "Evan Lan shouldn’t hold a grudge for so many years…"
Ms. Crowe was silent for a moment, then said, "I remember when he was little, watching the President’s military parade—so dignified and calm, admired by all… The way he looked at the Supreme Emperor was pure worship and love, even his eyelashes were smiling. Maybe it was because he idolized him so much that, when tragedy struck, he was so disappointed he just couldn’t let go, even after all these years."
Lily Bai nodded thoughtfully.
......