33 19 - Oh, What Does This Button Do?

The question that Fang Lin had asked was of course something extremely shocking. To Ye Ziyun especially. Yang Xin wasn't as badly affected by the question as what she truly loved deep down was not Glory City itself but the art of Alchemy. For Ye Ziyun though... it was basically her life goal since young. To grow as strong as she could and to one day support her father, Ye Zong, in defending Glory City from any threats and to help it prosper.

For Fang Lin to suddenly pose such a question, of course she would greatly struggle to come to a decision. Ning'er on the hand was confused as to why Fang Lin didn't explain to the girls that once they 'left' this world, time itself would come to a stop. This would definitely make it much easier to persuade the girls to come with him as even no matter how long they're gone, it would still seem as if they never left in the first place once they returned.

Fang Lin of course knew what Ning'er wanted to ask judging by the looks she was giving him. He also knew that telling them that piece of information would definitely make it easier for the girls to come a decision. He would not do that however as... he wanted the girls to come with him willingly without an 'external' factor weighing in their decisions. Only in this way would Fang Lin be 100% sure that they truly do love him. Not that he didn't trust them in the first place but...

Even though it might hurt him were the girls to 'reject' in joining, Fang Lin would still stand firm on this decision. No matter their decisions though, he would not blame any of them as the way he put it was indeed a little bit over the top. Besides, even if they chose not to come with him, he can still come over to visit occasionally. Sure it wouldn't be the same but still...

Only after awhile did Yang Xin and Ye Ziyun recovered from their shock and before Fang Lin could say anything, both girls came over to engulf him in the tightest hug they could. Ning'er and Xiao Bai even had to jump away in a hurry so as to not get caught as well. (Eh? I... huh?) thought a confused Fang Lin.

"Mou-! You should have said that in the first place!" "Really... we thought you wanted to leave us behind you know!? Think of how that made us feel!" said both Yang Xin and Ye Ziyun half shouting and half pouting still with traces of tears in their eyes.

"Uh... " eloquently put Fang Lin due to his confusion. (Eh? Just like that? What was all my emotional speech earlier for? Can't you girls at least put some more thoughts into this...? Of course I'm happy at this outcome but... just something about this...!!!!)

"I... are you girls sure about this? Once we leave, who knows when we would next return... if ever." asked Fang Lin unsuredly as he wrapped his arms around both girls. Picking up the confusion in his tone, the girls proceeded to explain to him. Apparently, both Yang Xin and Ye Ziyun had guessed since awhile ago how extraordinary Fang Lin is. With that, they had surmised that it wouldn't be long that he would either achieve something great in the future or even leaving Glory City altogether.

As such, before taking the leap in advancing their relationship the day prior, they had already talked among themselves of what getting into this relationship would mean. Some of the things that Ning'er hinted to them also helped them reach this conclusion as well. For Yang Xin, she didn't really seem to mind where she goes so long as she could continue to pursue in the art of alchemy. Where ever she goes doesn't really matter apparently.

Ziyun actually shared similar thoughts although she had requested Fang Lin that before leaving, he would help to strengthen and insure that her father and Glory City as a whole continue to prosper even with them not being there. Hearing that, of course Fang Lin had agreed as he had planned to do that in the first place.

According to what the girls said... it seemed that it was only Fang Lin himself that made them go through such an unnecessary drama and hurt their feelings. Ah what a failure. To think that he of all people would become one of those 'drama queens' he hated the most... sigh. After apologizing and consoling the girls for his insensitivity, he went on to explain what would actually happen when they choose to 'leave' this world.

As he had expected, his Xin'er and Yun'er became really angry once they heard his explanation and proceeded to scold him until he felt useless and started doubting himself. Looking over to Ning'er, it doesn't look like he'll be receiving any helping from her as this is him reaping what he sowed. Or so her expression suggested...

"Hmph. Really, why didn't you just tell us that earlier? This whole thing wouldn't have turned out so complicatedly!" finally said Ziyun, voicing her displeasure. And again... Fang Lin couldn't say anything to refute her as it was the truth. Yang Xin on the other hand was now inspecting the floating text box just hovering in front of them since awhile ago with interest.

Even Fang Lin was also a bit interested in how they appeared in front of the girls. It wasn't something he did on purpose after all as he really only intended to ask them that question earlier. Was the system reading his intention and responding as such? Is it because he's reached the 'requirement' with them that this happened or... could he do the same with just anyone he wanted to recruit? (I should definitely test this out later once I have the spare time...)

The curiosity finally having gotten the better of her, Yang Xin suddenly hit the 'Yes' button. Suddenly, her body started to glow as she began to feel a 'connection' between her and Fang Lin forming. This abrupt event made Ziyun jumped in fright before Ning'er had reassured her that nothing bad is happening. Ning'er was of course not that surprised about this outcome as it happened once before with Xiao Bai after all.

Off in a bit of distance away, there was a remnant soul watching this whole spectacle in surprise. After sensing some people entering the Heavenly Border, they seemed to have stayed rooted it that spot. Curious, he came to find out why before witnessing the whole drama taking place. Throughout his years of existence however... he could firmly assure that this is the first time he's witnessed something like this. (Just who are these people...?) thought the Soul as it narrowed it's eyes.