The Jiang residence.
"Master, you are back."
Though it was already late, Uncle Chen was still waiting dutifully at the gate. His weathered face lit up as soon as he saw the familiar figure approach.
"Mm."
Smith gave a brief nod, stepping into the courtyard. His boots echoed against the stone path.
"Master," Uncle Chen quickly added, lowering his voice as though sharing a secret, "several of your friends are already waiting inside."
Smith froze mid-step.
"My friends?"
But almost immediately, his expression softened with realization. He knew who it must be. His pace quickened.
---
Bang!
The moment Smith stepped across the threshold, a loud crack split the air. Confetti burst in colorful showers, raining down on the entryway.
"Smith, welcome back!"
Laughter and cheers erupted from the living room. Wei Lin, Yan Yue, and Zhao Mei all stood there, smiles wide, faces glowing with excitement.
Smith blinked in surprise, then laughed. "Thank you! But why are you all here without warning?"
Truthfully, he had wanted to seek them out yesterday after returning, but time hadn't allowed it. This morning he had gone straight to the Execution Department for a mission and only now returned. He hadn't expected them to come to him first. Their presence made his heart warm.
Smith didn't have many friends. These three were among the precious few.
Yan Yue smiled gently. "I met Minister Jiang this morning. He mentioned you had returned, so I told the others, and we came together."
Smith looked at her carefully. After half a year apart, she had changed.
A slim white shirt hugged her frame, layered with a light blue denim jacket. Jeans of the same shade completed the outfit, simple yet neat. She looked fresh, confident. Her hair, tied into a sleek ponytail, revealed the graceful line of her neck.
The Yan Yue in his memory had been softer, more reserved. Now, there was steel in her gaze—heroism tempered by experience.
"You joined the Execution Department?" Smith asked, remembering her old words: as soon as she qualified, she would enter without hesitation.
Yan Yue nodded slightly. She didn't brag. But Wei Lin and Zhao Mei couldn't restrain themselves.
"You don't know, Smith!" Wei Lin exclaimed. "Yan Yue is famous now. She's already built a record that shocks everyone. In less than half a year, she's completed every single mission—her completion rate is a perfect 100%!"
"Even Minister Jiang and Minister Xi said she's the most talented executor our department has seen in years," Zhao Mei added, eyes shining with admiration.
Smith's eyebrows rose. "That strong?"
"Don't listen to them," Yan Yue said quickly, cheeks faintly pink. "They exaggerate too much."
Then, with a clever shift, she turned the attention back. "Besides, I think Smith is far more amazing."
Wei Lin and Zhao Mei paused. Right—they had almost forgotten. Tonight wasn't about Yan Yue's accomplishments. It was about Smith's return.
"True, true!" Wei Lin leaned forward eagerly. "Smith, you have to tell us. What happened out there? I heard the Execution Department of Jinghai College encircled you in the Dark City. How did you get out of that alive?"
"Yes, tell us!" Zhao Mei's eyes sparkled. "You're like an idol now. Everyone in the college talks about you!"
Smith could only sigh helplessly. These two just wanted war stories.
Luckily, Jiang Lei emerged from the kitchen at that moment. "Enough chatter. Come eat before it gets cold."
"Food first!" Smith agreed quickly, seizing the chance to escape.
"Great! Minister Jiang's cooking again!" Zhao Mei practically skipped to the dining table, already a foodie through and through.
Wei Lin and Yan Yue exchanged amused glances and followed.
---
The table was full. Over a dozen dishes, each prepared with care, filled the room with delicious aromas. Jiang Lei's face was bright with pride as he presented his work.
"It's rare for the four of you to gather again," he said warmly. "I've been experimenting with new recipes. Tell me if they suit your taste."
The last time they'd eaten together had been Smith's birthday. Tonight wasn't a holiday, but his safe return made it feel even more special.
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked together, laughter rising. They dug in heartily.
Last time, Jiang Lei had taken the chance to lecture the younger generation even mid-meal. Tonight, he let them be, simply smiling as Smith recounted—at their insistence—what he had endured over the last six months.
Smith kept it brief. He spoke of his dealings with the Guangxi Society, the Night Demon, the Dusk Auction. He mentioned the massive encirclement by Jinghai College's Execution Department, and how Guangxi Society and Dusk Auction helped him escape. He described the beast tide crisis in Tai'an City that finally spurred his decision to return.
He omitted details—some things could not be shared. They were burdens meant for his heart alone.
Still, Yan Yue, Wei Lin, and Zhao Mei listened intently, hanging on every word.
"As expected of Brother Smith, truly incredible!" Wei Lin clapped enthusiastically.
Everything Smith described would have destroyed any ordinary person. Yet here he was, sitting among them, alive.
Zhao Mei leaned forward. "When you faced the great beast tide in Tai'an City, weren't you terrified? What was it like?"
Smith smiled faintly, not wanting to frighten her. "It wasn't as bad as it sounds. Just one fifth-level monster. Even if we face one or two more when our time comes, I believe the principal and the others will hold them back."
"Don't say one or two. Even if there are three, we won't be afraid," Jiang Lei interrupted with calm assurance.
Whether his confidence was genuine or just for show, his words eased the younger ones. The looming beast tide hung over the city like a sword. Everyone felt its weight. Tonight's cheer was a brief reprieve.
---
Dinner passed in laughter. Afterward, they lingered with conversation until it was late.
Wei Lin and Zhao Mei left together, their homes in the same direction. Yan Yue's house lay elsewhere.
"Minister Jiang, goodbye," Yan Yue said respectfully, bowing to Jiang Lei.
"Go back and rest early," Jiang Lei replied, waving.
Before his father could even hint, Smith spoke up. "I'll walk you back."
Yan Yue hesitated only a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
---
The streets were quiet beneath the warm glow of lamps. Side by side, they walked, the night breeze carrying the crisp breath of late autumn.
Smith inhaled deeply. The air held a faint floral fragrance, elegant and familiar. Yan Yue's scent. Even after half a year, he recognized it instantly.
"Yan Yue," he said suddenly, his tone more serious than before.
She glanced at him. "What is it?"
"There's something I didn't mention earlier."
"…What?"
Smith's gaze hardened, voice dropping low.
"The leader of the Burning Fire Clan… he isn't dead yet."
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