What Have You Been Busy With Lately

Seeing the three barge in, Evan Xiao's expression darkened instantly. "What do you think you're doing?"

Louis Lin was so startled, he hurriedly retreated.

Grace walked right up to him, studying him closely. "Evan, what's wrong?"

Evan Xiao slammed the official document onto the desk and took a deep breath. "This report is an absolute mess! I lost my temper for a moment—did I scare you?"

Grace shook her head.

Turns out, what he was reading was a report from House Drake.

"I've already sent people out to look for your father everywhere. Go home and wait for news," Evan said gently. "Try not to worry too much."

"Are you feeling unwell anywhere?" Grace asked.

"Why would I be unwell?" Evan replied. "I just have some urgent matters to handle. You go on home first!"

Grace nodded and left.

She had a vague feeling something was off with Evan, but with her father missing, she just couldn't bring herself to dwell on it. She turned and left.

...

Later, Leon Zane returned.

Grace hurried over to ask about Minister Zhuo. Leon said he'd already sent people everywhere to search, but there was still no news.

Seeing how serious Leon looked—none of his usual playful air—Grace knew the situation was probably hopeless.

Her heart ached with sorrow.

And lately, things at the Spirit Alliance had been especially hectic.

The Eastern Alliance had entrusted a batch of extremely important Grand Luo Elixirs to the Vermilion Chapter for refining.

These elixirs were top-tier, at the eighth rank.

Grace and Elder Conrad personally handled the refinement, working for several days before finally finishing.

After the inspection passed, they stamped the seal, bottled the elixirs, and assigned a special courier to deliver them to the Eastern Alliance.

Because of Minister Zhuo's disappearance, Grandmother was on the verge of collapse, crying every day. Whenever Grace came home, she had to force a smile and comfort her, saying things like, 'With Evan Xiao on our side, we'll definitely find him.'

Grace just felt utterly drained.

At times like this, she wished so much she could lean on Evan Xiao's shoulder.

Even if he did nothing and said nothing, just one encouraging look from him would make her feel so much better.

But Evan seemed to be tangled up in something, busy beyond belief.

Since Minister Zhuo disappeared, he hadn't come to see her even once.

He didn't even sneak over at night to be her little cutie anymore.

Grace was practically at the General's Manor every day, trying to get news.

Most of the time, Evan wasn't there.

On the rare occasions he was around, he’d just say a few words—like, 'Don’t worry, no news is good news,' and so on...

That day, when Grace went by, he was gone again.

She left feeling disappointed.

Halfway home, she suddenly remembered she wanted to leave him a note, asking him to find her when he had time.

So she turned back.

Just as she returned, Evan Xiao suddenly opened the door and walked out.

Their eyes met. Grace asked, "You're here?"

"Just got back," Evan replied. "You—"

Suddenly, Grace rushed over and hugged his waist.

Evan stood still, looking down at her.

"What have you been so busy with lately?" Grace asked. "I feel like I never see you anymore."

"It's the Drake Abyss," Evan said. "And searching everywhere for your father."

Grace looked up at him and said, "You’ve worked so hard!"

Evan glanced outside and gently pushed her away, saying, "There are people around!"

"If there are people, then let’s go inside!" Grace pulled him into the house.

But he didn’t budge, only saying, "I still have things to do outside."

"Didn’t you just say you got back?"

"I came back to change clothes, but I still have to go out."

"Oh..." Grace let go of him. "When will you be back? I’ll wait for you."