Due to this unexpected incident, when Ziong MingDe returned to the Uesugi family with Koga Mizuo, it was already past homework time and nearing dinner.

"Why did you take so long! And you even left your phone at home!" As soon as they entered the house, Yukino started scolding them.

This wasn't the first time something like this had happened, and Ziong MingDe was well aware that Yukino's scolding stemmed from concern. After accepting their scolding obediently with Mizuo, they began their rehearsed act.

Ziong MingDe: "It's like this, Yukino."

Mizuo: "After we got things from home, on our way back, we encountered..."

Ziong MingDe: "We encountered an elderly lady who had collapsed by the roadside!"

Ziong MingDe: "So we quickly carried her and brought her to the nearest hospital."

Mizuo: "And then, we couldn't just leave her alone at the hospital... so we..."

Ziong MingDe: "So we waited until the hospital contacted her family, and after her family arrived at the hospital, we..."

Mizuo: "We came back!"

Ziong MingDe: "That's right, that's exactly what happened. We apologize for not contacting you in time, Yukino!"

Mizuo: "We apologize, Yukino!"

Ziong MingDe and Mizuo both clasped their hands together and bowed, apologizing to Uesugi Yukino. Seeing the serious yet comical sight of the two, Yukino couldn't help but chuckle, patting their heads to show acceptance of their apology.

"Let's eat, let's eat~"

"Woof woof woof~!"

This unexpected little incident, beyond everyone's expectations, greatly eased the tense atmosphere in the Uesugi family for the past two days, sweeping away the gloom and resulting in a dinner filled with laughter and joy.

In reality, it hadn't been long since the last time they experienced such a joyful scene, but everyone had a sense of nostalgia.

Being at this dining table, in this environment, Ziong MingDe finally understood one thing.

"Ziongzong" was not just an individual persona.

At least, "Ziongzong" was not a dispensable persona.

Although "Ziongzong" hadn't been around for long, he had become an irreplaceable presence. To this time, this place, and these people, the existence of "Ziongzong" held significance.

Conversely, he, Ziong MingDe, was the unanimous existence without question.

That was why he had such a clear resistance previously, because he was envious of "Ziongzong".

Few people could analyze themselves so thoroughly and calmly in such a short time.

Ziong MingDe was such a person.

Usually, this only brought him pain.

And this time was no exception.

If there was something he could do for these people, it was to keep "Ziongzong" around and summon him once again.

And he was well aware that he couldn't fight against Yan alone, even with "Ziongzong" by his side.

The answer that was previously contemplated is now obvious.

Since Ziong MingDe is no longer the person who used to remain calm and only consider his own interests, then at the very least, he must align himself with "Ziongzong".

Because "Ziongzong" was once his dear friend.

Because "Ziongzong" is the persona he created and identifies with.

Therefore...

Ziong MingDe, once again, replied to Yan's text message.

- You've won, let's end this.