Luo Shixin stared into the eyes of the girl before him without blinking.
The gaze of a general.
Calm. Sharp. Measuring.
Yet beneath that composure lay something else—hesitation, a feeling that rarely appeared within him.
Xue Yunxue returned his gaze without retreating in the slightest. There was no doubt in her eyes. No pleading. Only determination as unyielding as steel.
"I cannot take you there," Luo Shixin finally said.
His voice was cold and flat, like a military order that could not be challenged.
Silence instantly filled the room.
Xue Yunxue did not respond immediately. She simply raised her hand slowly, her palm open toward him.
"You don't need to take me," she said calmly. "I can find the location myself."
Her eyes remained fixed on his.
"Give me the map."
The request sounded simple—yet it carried the weight of a challenge.
Luo Shixin's gaze hardened.
"No."
The answer fell instantly, without hesitation.
He turned and walked toward the door, his steps firm as though the conversation had already ended.
But—
"I will still look for it."
Xue Yunxue's voice stopped him.
Silence followed.
Luo Shixin halted at the doorway. His shoulders stiffened slightly before he slowly turned back. He let out a long breath, the patience of a seasoned general beginning to wear thin.
"Why are you so stubborn?" he asked, his voice still low but now sharper. "What exactly are you looking for there?"
His gaze pierced into her.
"You have no clear reason. This information isn't even confirmed yet."
A brief pause followed.
"Are you trying to kill yourself?"
The question was not mockery.
It was concern… disguised as reprimand.
Xue Yunxue did not answer immediately. Her gaze slowly shifted toward the bed—toward Lu Xiao.
The man still lay motionless, pale like a statue carved from ice. His breathing was faint, almost inaudible.
Her chest tightened.
If she was too late…
If the poison spread further…
Her hand clenched.
"I want to capture Pei Yu."
The words fell firmly.
Luo Shixin frowned slightly.
"Tell me your reason," he said at once. "I won't give it to you without a justification strong enough."
Silence returned.
Xue Yunxue drew a deep breath.
The truth about Lu Xiao being afflicted by Gu poison was a secret known only to her and Lin Yuan.
But she also understood one thing—the man before her was a great general. He understood the meaning of guarding secrets.
Slowly, she began to speak.
About the Gu poison.
About the foreign energy devouring Lu Xiao's heart.
About the Owl Clan that had created the poison thousands of years ago.
And about her hope… that Pei Yu might be the only person who knew how to cure it.
Every word came out heavy, as though she were peeling away something she had long hidden.
Luo Shixin did not interrupt.
Not once.
He simply stood there, listening.
His expression gradually changed.
The Owl Clan…
He knew their reputation.
Geniuses who devoted themselves to knowledge without moral limits.
If anyone understood Gu poison…
then it was very likely Pei Yu.
When Xue Yunxue finished speaking, the room sank into a long silence once more.
Seconds felt like minutes.
Finally, Luo Shixin spoke.
"No."
One word.
Cold. Firm. Absolute.
"It's too dangerous."
His eyes locked onto hers.
"I will not give you that map."
He turned again and walked out.
This time without hesitation.
The door closed softly behind him.
Click.
Xue Yunxue stood still, staring at the closed door with disappointment in her eyes.
For a moment, despair slowly crept into her chest.
She turned back toward Lu Xiao.
His face remained peaceful, as though asleep… yet he felt increasingly distant from her.
Time continued to pass.
And she did not have the luxury of waiting for anyone's permission.
Her gaze slowly changed.
Softness… turning cold.
Fine.
If he refuses to give it to me…
then I'll take it myself.
A decision was made in silence. Xue Yunxue inhaled slowly.
Near noon, Xue Yunxue finally left the room.
The hotel atmosphere felt more alive than the night before, yet her thoughts remained inside the room where Lu Xiao lay unconscious.
She took a slow breath, calming herself.
No matter what happened… they still needed to eat.
As usual, she began cooking.
The aroma of warm soup and roasted meat gradually filled the space, creating a strangely peaceful, almost homely atmosphere despite the approaching danger.
There was little conversation during lunch.
Xue Yunxue ate only a small portion.
Lin Yuan appeared calm as always, though his gaze occasionally drifted toward Lu Xiao's room.
Xiang Shuai was far quieter than usual. No sarcastic remarks. No teasing comments. Only a silence that felt unfamiliar for the serpent man.
Luo Shixin ate quickly and efficiently—like a soldier forever racing against time.
After finishing, he stood.
"I need to return to military headquarters."
His tone was firm, without unnecessary words.
Xue Yunxue simply nodded, but her decision had already been made.
As soon as Luo Shixin left, she turned to Lin Yuan.
"Please watch over Lu Xiao. I'll be out for a while."
Lin Yuan looked at her briefly, a sly smile forming on his handsome face.
"I'll guard him better than you."
Xue Yunxue gave a faint, wry smile. Still, she did not doubt him. Lin Yuan would certainly take good care of his cousin.
She turned toward the door.
But—
A hand suddenly reached out and grabbed the doorknob first.
Xiang Shuai stood there, his expression difficult to read.
"My father summoned me," he said quietly. "It seems I have to return to the Shelua Kingdom tomorrow."
His tone sounded calm… too calm.
Xue Yunxue was slightly surprised.
"When will you come back?"
Xiang Shuai shook his head faintly.
"Not sure."
The answer was short, yet something lingered behind it—something even he himself seemed unwilling to acknowledge.
Xue Yunxue observed him a little longer.
Normally, this man was full of confidence—arrogant, even irritating at times. But now… he looked gloomy. Like someone burdened by heavy thoughts.
"Did something happen?" Xue Yunxue asked softly.
Xiang Shuai averted his gaze.
"No. My father just thinks I've been away from home for too long."
A perfectly arranged answer.
A faint suspicion arose in Xue Yunxue's heart, but she did not press further.
"Alright," she said at last. "Tonight I'll help you pack."
She opened the door.
"I need to go out for a while."
And without waiting for more questions, she left.
Xue Yunxue followed Luo Shixin's energy trail all the way to the edge of the capital. The midday wind blew fiercely when she finally stopped.
Her eyes widened.
Before her—
a gigantic island floated in the sky.
The military headquarters of the Yanhuo Kingdom's elite forces—the Cloud Army headquarters.
The island hovered nearly a kilometer above the ground, supported by enormous rotating rune circles that emitted a faint bluish glow. Its shadow covered the land below like an inverted mountain.
Even from the ground, its scale felt impossible.
Fortresses of steel and stone stood atop it, watchtowers rising high, while military airships moved in and out like flocks of iron birds.
Xue Yunxue frowned.
How am I supposed to get up there…
She quickly began to think. Without hesitation, she circulated her spiritual energy.
The ground beneath her feet trembled softly. Vines burst forth, growing rapidly, stretching toward the sky like gigantic green spears.
Higher.
Higher—
But as they approached the island, the vines began to shake violently.
As if colliding with something invisible.
Cracks of energy appeared along their surface.
The next second—
CRASH!
The vines snapped apart and fell, shattering before even reaching halfway.
Xue Yunxue stepped back.
This headquarters was protected by a defensive barrier… and not an ordinary one.
The entire island was covered by an anti-intrusion energy shield.
She lifted her head, staring at the base that seemed so close… yet completely unreachable.
The wind whipped through her hair.
How could she possibly find a single map inside a fortress this massive?
She gritted her teeth.
No. She had no option to retreat.
Her gaze slowly hardened.
If I can't go up from outside…
then I'll enter the way they do.
Xue Yunxue carefully observed the sky.
And that was when she saw it—
a military airship slowly descending toward the floating island.
Her eyes narrowed.
A dangerous idea began to take shape.
The wind generated by the rotating energy propellers roared fiercely, scattering dust and leaves across the military airfield.
A black armored airship slowly descended from the sky, its crystal engines humming deeply like the breathing of a giant beast. The royal military emblem gleamed along its hull.
Xue Yunxue stood hidden behind a cluster of trees, her eyes studying every detail.
Dozens of soldiers stood guard.
Two layers of inspection.
Energy-scanning runes activated at the boarding gate.
Sneaking in by force was impossible.
She took a slow breath.
If hiding isn't possible… then enter openly.
Her gaze turned calm.
She stepped out from the shadows.
Several soldiers immediately turned toward her, their gazes sharp—until they recognized her face.
Whispers spread quietly.
"Isn't that… General Luo's partner?"
"The one from last night's ceremony?"
Xue Yunxue walked forward without hesitation, her steps steady as if she belonged there.
A guard captain raised his hand to stop her.
"Apologies, this area is restricted. Your identification?"
His tone was polite but cautious.
Xue Yunxue showed no nervousness.
She lifted her chin slightly.
"I am Xue Yunxue, General Luo Shixin's partner. I came to deliver something to him."
Silence followed.
They clearly recognized the name—but rules were still rules.
The captain gestured toward the scanning rune beside the gate.
"Please verify your soul-bond mark, Madam."
A circle of blue light ignited on the ground.
Xue Yunxue stepped inside.
Her heartbeat quickened slightly.
She silently hoped Lu Xiao had already verified her identity as his partner.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three—
Suddenly, the rune flashed gold.
Status: Partner of General Luo Shixin
The captain immediately straightened.
The partner of a high-ranking general automatically received priority access.
"Our apologies for the inconvenience, Miss Xue."
His tone turned respectful.
Xue Yunxue merely nodded faintly, hiding the breath of relief in her chest.
It worked.
She stepped onto the airship ramp.
The moment she entered, the outside world was cut off by the heavy sound of metal doors locking behind her.
CLANG.
The corridor inside the ship was narrow yet long, filled with glowing energy cables and softly pulsing navigation crystals. Soldiers moved back and forth carrying documents and weapons.
Every step felt like walking on a thin rope.
She walked calmly, imitating the demeanor of someone who clearly belonged there.
Don't look confused. Don't stop too long. Don't attract attention.
A military officer suddenly approached her.
"Miss Xue?"
Her heart pounded. She recognized him immediately—Shaotian, one of Luo Shixin's subordinates who had escorted her from the hotel to the palace yesterday. Xue Yunxue suppressed her unease and offered a polite smile.
Her expression remained calm.
"General Luo didn't inform us you would be boarding today."
His tone was friendly, but his eyes were observant.
Xue Yunxue smiled faintly.
"I only decided to come along just now."
She stepped slightly closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a small secret.
"There's something I wish to discuss with him personally."
The officer hesitated briefly… then nodded. It made sense. No one dared interfere in a general's personal affairs. And the fact that the general had brought this woman to a state ceremony proved how highly he valued her.
"Please wait in the lounge. We'll arrive shortly."
"Thank you."
She walked away before he could ask further questions.
Only after turning a corner did Xue Yunxue release a long breath.
Her hands felt slightly cold.
This was far more nerve-wracking than fighting Zora. Sneaking into a military headquarters and attempting to steal something from it—she suddenly felt reckless.
But she could not turn back now.
The airship began to ascend. A gentle vibration spread across the floor.
Through the crystal window, the land slowly drifted away… smaller… farther…
The massive military island approached from above like a fortress of the gods.
Xue Yunxue stared at it sharply.
Lu Xiao… wait for me. Whatever it takes—I will find a way to save you.
But just as she turned toward the upper deck stairs—
a cold voice sounded behind her.
"I don't remember allowing you to come along."
Her body froze.
That voice…
Luo Shixin.
He stood at the end of the corridor, leaning calmly with his arms crossed, golden eyes fixed on her as if he had been watching her all along.
And for the first time since boarding the ship—Xue Yunxue truly felt caught red-handed.
She froze in place. Every excuse she had prepared vanished instantly. Anything she said now would sound like a cheap lie.
She didn't even dare meet his gaze.
Like a thief caught in the act.
The airship engines slowly quieted as it docked. The vibration ceased, followed by the heavy clang of the hatch opening.
Cold air from the military base flowed inside.
"Come with me."
Luo Shixin's voice was calm—too calm. That calmness only made the pressure in her chest grow heavier.
She obeyed silently, following him at a distance of one meter.
They entered a metal elevator. The doors closed with a sharp click.
Luo Shixin pressed the button for the thirtieth floor.
The lift ascended.
Silence.
Only the low hum of machinery accompanied them. A cold quiet filled the space.
Xue Yunxue stood upright, facing forward, yet her eyes subtly moved. She memorized every corridor, every room, every security symbol, every guard they passed.
Her survival instincts worked unconsciously.
Of course, Luo Shixin noticed.
His golden gaze flicked toward her briefly—but he said nothing.
The elevator doors opened.
The upper-floor corridor was far quieter. Their footsteps echoed softly against the metal floor.
Luo Shixin opened his office door and entered first before gesturing shortly.
"Inside."
The moment she stepped in, the door shut behind her.
Click.
The automatic lock activated.
The small sound felt like a verdict.
The room was spacious and orderly. A large desk overflowed with military documents, while communication crystals blinked softly in the corner. On the left wall hung a massive map of the Yanhuo Kingdom, strategic lines and defense points marked in red ink.
A place where a general decided the lives and deaths of thousands.
Before Xue Yunxue could speak—
Luo Shixin suddenly grabbed her wrist.
The movement was fast yet controlled.
He pulled her closer and seated her atop a tall table near the wall. She nearly fell backward, but before her back could hit the wall, his hand braced behind her, shielding her from impact.
Close.
Too close.
"Are you too foolish… or simply too reckless?"
His voice was low.
Those golden eyes held her like invisible chains.
"You followed me all the way here," he continued quietly. "Was all this for that map?"
Xue Yunxue finally met his gaze without retreating.
"Yes," she answered softly but firmly. "Didn't I already say? I want to save Lu Xiao."
Something shifted in Luo Shixin's eyes.
Something darker.
"Is that vampire… truly that important to you?"
He moved closer. His breath brushed her face.
There was almost no distance between them now.
Xue Yunxue swallowed but did not look away.
"I value every bond in my life."
A safe, diplomatic answer.
Yet it only made his jaw tighten.
"Is that so?"
His voice dropped to nearly a whisper.
"Then… what am I to you?"
The question was sharper than any blade.
Xue Yunxue fell silent.
For the first time, she had no immediate answer.
And within that brief pause—
Luo Shixin gently lifted her chin.
His gaze lowered to her lips, as though weighing a decision long restrained.
Then he kissed her.
Not gentle.
Not rough and uncontrolled.
It was a kiss filled with emotions long suppressed—anger, jealousy, restlessness… and something far deeper than mere desire.
As if he wanted to confirm his place in her heart.
As if he was angry that her thoughts were occupied by another man while she stood before him.
Xue Yunxue's body stiffened instantly.
Her mind went blank.
Her heart pounded so loudly she was certain he could feel it.
This was her first kiss.
She didn't know how to react—whether to push him away, respond, or simply remain still.
And so she froze.
The kiss deepened, yet remained controlled. There was a gentleness that contrasted sharply with the cold, feared general everyone knew.
His arms held her tightly, as if afraid she might disappear if released.
This was his first time as well.
The first time someone had been this close to him.
The first time he had touched a woman.
Her lips were warm and soft—too soft. The passion he had long suppressed finally surged free.
He unconsciously pulled her closer until her breathing grew uneven. The world around them faded, leaving only the sound of clashing heartbeats and mingled breaths.
The kiss ended only when both were left breathless.
Xue Yunxue sat frozen, her face flushed crimson like a ripe tomato. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her eyes slightly hazy with shock.
The cold, ruthless general… possessed an unexpectedly dominant and intense side.
Luo Shixin stared at her a moment longer than he should have, as if fighting himself.
"Go home," he finally said, his voice low but steady, though his breathing had yet to fully calm.
"Don't ever try to find that map again. You won't be able to reach that laboratory."
He lifted a hand, gently brushing aside a strand of hair from her cheek—far softer than his earlier demeanor.
"Don't make me… worry about you."
Her lips were still red, slightly swollen. His gaze lingered there briefly before his jaw tightened again.
He turned away first.
Forcing himself to become a general once more.
The man who had once seemed untouched by emotion now looked at her with something far more dangerous than anger—a powerful desire to claim her completely.
Luo Shixin drew a slow breath, struggling to regain control.
If he stayed one second longer… he knew he would not be able to stop.
"Alright… forgive me for disturbing your work," Xue Yunxue said softly. In truth, she only wanted to escape before her racing heart betrayed her further.
"I'll have Shaotian escort you safely back."
Without another word, Luo Shixin lifted her gently down from the table and seated her carefully on the sofa, as though she were something fragile.
Minutes felt like hours.
When the door finally opened and Shaotian entered, the atmosphere instantly returned to formal.
"Escort the lady back to the hotel," Luo Shixin ordered briefly.
Shaotian saluted and promptly escorted Xue Yunxue out of the military headquarters.
Just as they were about to board the airship, Xue Yunxue suddenly stopped.
A tall woman was walking toward them from the opposite direction.
She stood nearly one hundred and eighty centimeters tall, dressed in a firm yet elegant military uniform. Her steps were steady, her commanding aura sharp like an unsheathed sword. Her hair was neatly tied back, and her gaze was cold yet filled with intelligence.
The woman glanced at her casually—then stopped.
Their eyes met.
The woman's eyes widened slightly as recognition dawned. She knew this girl—the newly acknowledged partner of Luo Shixin. News that the famous general had taken a partner had already shaken the entire military.
Her gaze slowly lowered.
To Xue Yunxue's lips, still faintly red and slightly swollen.
Shock clearly flashed across her beautiful face.
Only then did Xue Yunxue realize. Reflexively, she lowered her head, her heartbeat instantly falling into chaos again. She quickly entered the airship with Shaotian.
Through the transparent window of the ship, she caught one last clear glimpse of the woman's face.
Familiar features. A similar aura.
This was no stranger.
It was Luo Mei—Luo Shixin's younger sister.
And from the way Luo Mei looked at her… it was obvious she understood something without a single word needing explanation.
The airship slowly lifted, leaving the headquarters behind. Luo Mei remained standing there, watching the vessel descend toward the lower skies, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"…Brother," she murmured softly.
"Since when did you become that kind of man?"
Shaotian escorted Xue Yunxue all the way to her hotel room door. She almost ran inside, as if the corridor walls themselves could read her thoughts. The door closed quietly behind her.
She leaned against it.
Her breathing was uneven.
Her fingertips unconsciously touched her lips—they still felt warm, as if the trace had not yet faded.
That kiss.
Her first kiss… with Luo Shixin.
Her face flushed all the way to her ears. The memory returned far too vividly—the general's piercing gaze, the suffocating closeness, and the way he had kissed her without hesitation, as though the world had narrowed to only the two of them.
Her heart pounded wildly, tangled between embarrassment, confusion, and something she did not dare acknowledge.
But that lingering warmth was soon replaced by sharp frustration.
Luo Shixin would never hand over the map.
She knew it.
The general was too cautious, too calculating, and far too competent at guarding secrets. Whatever had happened earlier… changed nothing.
Suddenly, she remembered something.
She had promised to help Xiang Shuai pack.
Quickly composing her expression, she left the room again. Her footsteps echoed softly through the quiet hotel corridor before she stopped in front of his door and knocked lightly.
"It's me. I'm here to help you pack," she said.
"Come in."
Xiang Shuai's voice came from inside—flat, yet slightly hurried.
When the door opened, Xue Yunxue immediately saw him seated before a chakra computer—a circular device layered with spiritual light that pulsed gently. His fingers moved rapidly across the holographic surface, his expression tense and serious, as though handling something extremely important.
"What are you doing?" she asked as she stepped closer.
"Nothing."
The answer came too quickly.
Xiang Shuai immediately shut down the chakra computer before she could see more. The blue glow vanished instantly, leaving an awkward silence behind.
Xue Yunxue raised an eyebrow but chose not to press further.
She began helping him pack. Her hands moved efficiently—folding clothes, organizing travel gear, placing dried food, spiritual energy bottles, and various potions into his travel bag. Everything was done with practiced ease, almost like an experienced traveler.
The journey from Yanhuo Capital to the Shelua Kingdom would take about two days by airship. Supplies needed to be sufficient… and neatly arranged.
Amid the activity, a question surfaced in her mind.
"Will you be traveling alone on your own ship?" she asked without turning.
"No," Xiang Shuai replied quietly. "The Shelua Kingdom's envoy is still in the capital. I'll be boarding their ship. We'll depart together."
That was only natural. A prince would never travel alone—he required escorts and attendants.
Xiang Shuai's eyes dimmed briefly, as if there was something he wanted to say but held back.
A thin silence lingered between them.
Then—
A memory struck Xue Yunxue's mind like lightning.
She suddenly tapped her forehead lightly.
Luo Shixin had once said he spotted the laboratory from an airship during the journey to the capital.
If that were true…
Flight records must still exist.
Routes. Coordinates. Air paths.
Everything might still be stored within the ship's navigation system.
Hope ignited in her eyes.
Without realizing it, she suddenly turned and grabbed both of Xiang Shuai's hands.
The warm touch made him freeze instantly. His face flushed red, his breath catching when Xue Yunxue's beautiful eyes looked at him from such close distance—shining with determination and excitement.
"Can I see your airship?" Xue Yunxue asked softly, her voice gentle yet filled with unmistakable resolve.
"Huh… why all of a sudden?" Xiang Shuai asked, startled.
"Of course you can," he replied after a moment. He didn't know the reason—but it clearly seemed important.
Xue Yunxue's eyes lit up as she read through the flight records. Although Luo Shixin had deleted them, the advanced system installed within the airship easily restored the data.
Coordinate logs.
Sensor exploration records.
She soon captured an image of a location—a dilapidated building that appeared long abandoned. But when she opened the deeper data files, she discovered the structure was enormous, extending far underground. There were clear signs of life pulsing beneath it.
Xue Yunxue was certain this was the illegal laboratory.
Most likely, Pei Yu was there.
"What do you need this data for?" Xiang Shuai asked.
"Nothing. I just wanted to see how large the contaminated area has become," Xue Yunxue replied.
It was, of course, a complete lie.
"I won't be taking this airship," Xiang Shuai said. "You can use it to return to Wulong City."
"Thank you," Xue Yunxue answered.
The next day, the sky above Yanhuo Capital was veiled in a thin layer of golden mist. The morning felt unnaturally calm—as if the world itself were holding its breath before something came to an end.
Several escorts from the Shelua Kingdom arrived precisely on time.
Two tall, broad-shouldered men stood before the hotel entrance, clad in black-silver layered military armor. Their auras were heavy, disciplined, and cold—clearly far more than ordinary guards. Their mere presence caused nearby hotel guests to unconsciously keep their distance.
Xue Yunxue accompanied Xiang Shuai to the lobby.
Their steps were slow, as if both secretly wished the distance to the exit would stretch longer than usual.
She stopped at the marble staircase and looked at him with a bright smile that felt slightly forced.
"Come back soon," she said lightly, trying to sound casual. "I'll cook lots of delicious food to welcome you home."
The words were simple.
Far too simple… for a farewell.
Xiang Shuai looked at her for a long moment.
As if trying to memorize every detail of her face—the lively eyes, the warm smile, the way her black hair fell softly over her shoulders. His chest tightened, yet he forced himself to smile.
"Yes, of course," he replied gently. "I'll return soon. So you'd better learn plenty of new recipes."
His tone sounded light, almost teasing.
Almost.
But something in his eyes never reached his smile—a sadness too deep to be spoken aloud.
Xue Yunxue did not notice.
Xiang Shuai turned away before he could lose his resolve. Without looking back, he walked toward the exit alongside the two escorts. Their footsteps echoed heavily across the lobby floor, each sound like a ticking countdown.
The glass doors opened.
The cold morning wind rushed inside.
And just like that, the farewell happened.
—
The Shelua Kingdom's military airship waited at a private airfield outside the city. Its massive dark body bore the royal emblem carved along its hull like giant wings splitting the sky.
The three of them boarded without many words.
Once the hatch sealed shut, the spiritual engines began to hum softly, filling the cabin with a subtle vibration.
Xiang Shuai sat beside the window.
Outside, Yanhuo City slowly shrank.
The hotel… was no longer visible.
"Why didn't Your Highness tell her the truth? That you will never return here again?"
The guard beside him spoke calmly, yet with clear meaning.
Xiang Shuai did not answer immediately.
His gaze remained fixed outside the window, on the vast sky slowly swallowing the city below.
"There's no need," he finally said, his voice cold and brief.
The answer ended the conversation.
One of the guards stepped forward. From his waist, he drew out a faintly gleaming silver chain engraved with runes designed to suppress spiritual energy.
Click.
The chain locked around Xiang Shuai's wrists.
Click.
Then around his ankles.
The cold metal sealed shut with a final sound that could not be undone.
Xiang Shuai did not resist.
Nor did he speak.
Only his eyes slowly lost their warmth, turning dark and silent like a starless night sky.
Outside the window, clouds drifted slowly past, carrying him farther away from the only place that had ever felt like home.
Xue Yunxue…
Goodbye.