Gu Mengqi's gaze sharpened, studying the young woman before him. He saw no trace of flattery, no hesitation—only sincerity that shone through the steadiness of her eyes. That one address had peeled away the last thin layer of formality between them.
He closed his eyes, as though shutting out the world for a brief moment, and allowed the swell of emotions to settle within him. Pride, caution, reluctant acceptance, and—buried deep—a faint relief that his daughter had found someone willing to speak for her so openly, without a shred of shame.
When he opened his eyes again, there was still a measure of dignity in his posture, but some of the frost had melted. His voice was low, carrying the gravity of both a leader and a father.
"Mu Jun," he said, turning slightly toward the Sect Leader, "thank you… very much."
