In the days that followed, no one mentioned the matter again.

As if nothing had ever happened.

Back to the routine of daily life.

Wake up, have breakfast, go to school, have lunch, attend classes, finish school, go home, dinner, homework...

A routine life full of yawning moments.

But all this comfort and stability is just a pretense.

They deliberately avoided what had happened before, forgetting the threats they had endured.

They comforted themselves, believing that this way of living was the best choice in the current situation.

Although for now, Bai Yaxin did keep his word and did not make a move against the Usugi family again.

But deep down, everyone understood that it was because Bai Yaxin did not need to at the moment, so he refrained.

If and when Bai Yaxin needed to in the future, the Usugi family would be at the mercy of the situation.

Inaction, lack of resistance, only emboldened the evildoer, effectively aiding them indirectly.

Yet life continued on this way.

Giving up the comfort of life takes courage.

Several days later, during lunch at home, Chongzong received a call from Manranyama Souren.

Seeing the number on the incoming call display, Chongzong was momentarily surprised, but then quickly picked up his phone and masked his astonishment.

Afterwards, he glanced at his family sitting around the dining table from the corner of his eye, then quietly hung up the call, quickly sending a text message to Manranyama Souren.

- [Sorry, not convenient at the moment, will call you in ten minutes.]

Then he acted as if nothing had happened and went on eating.

"Why didn't you answer the phone?" (Uesugi Tano)

Uesugi Tano, who noticed these unusual actions, casually asked Chongzong.

"It was a telemarketer, so I hung up on them." (Chongzong)

Chongzong's nonchalant response brushed through without a second thought.

Uesugi Tano nodded, not pressing further.

A superb act.

After the meal, Chongzong deliberately lingered a bit longer in the dining room before returning to his room and dialing Manranyama Souren's number.

"Miss Manranyama, is it convenient for you to talk now?" (Chongzong)

"Mm, I'm free now." (Manranyama Souren)

"Sorry, wasn't very convenient to pick up the call earlier." (Chongzong)

"I understand, everyone has times when it's inconvenient." (Manranyama Souren)

Manranyama Souren's voice remained as calm as ever, devoid of any emotion.

"So... what can I help you with?" (Chongzong)

"Well, your friend, Eiji Hayamizu, has successfully obtained useful information..." (Manranyama Souren)

It was only at this point that Chongzong heard a faint trace of happiness in Manranyama Souren's voice.

But he had to interrupt here.

He no longer had the qualifications to hear the rest of the information.

"Sorry, wait a moment..." (Chongzong)

The words were hard to say for Chongzong.

"About this matter... I, I will no longer be involved in it in the future." (Chongzong)

Once comrades in arms, now deserting the battlefield.

But Chongzong could no longer hold onto his own thoughts.

In such moments, the words of Uesugi Tano would echo in his ears.

- "Can you guarantee their safety?!"

- "What if something happens to them?!"

He had to make a tough decision.

For his family, he would no longer participate.

"Why the sudden change..." (Manranyama Souren)

"Ah, I understand." (Manranyama Souren)

Before Chongzong could respond, Manranyama Souren had already figured out the reason.

"Uesugi-kun, your family has returned home safely, right?" (Manranyama Souren)

"...Yes." (Chongzong)

To the point, as expected of Manranyama Souren.

"I understand now." (Manranyama Souren)

"I really sympathize with your situation, take care." (Manranyama Souren)

"...Thank you." (Chongzong)

After hanging up, Chongzong looked out the window and sighed helplessly.

- Is it really okay to continue like this?