Due to the appearance of Tang Mingtuo, Chongzong's originally peaceful life was once again disrupted.

Even when eating the red wine braised beef stew meticulously prepared by Yukino, Chongzong couldn't taste it much.

In order to avoid being seen as having something on his mind, Chongzong even pretended to enjoy his meal.

But what he was thinking about was always the words Tang Mingtuo had said on the bus.

—What is this man really up to?

Chongzong just couldn't figure it out.

This kind of windfall seemed too suspicious.

After dinner, Chongzong returned to his room, pondered for a moment, and dialed Manranyama Souren's number.

When there are problems he can't solve himself, he seeks help from others.

"What's this, had a change of heart?" (Manranyama Souren)

As soon as the call connected, Manranyama Souren didn't even introduce herself, but went straight to asking this.

"...Uh, no, there's something I want to ask you." (Chongzong)

Unexpectedly, Manranyama Souren asked like this, making Chongzong feel a bit embarrassed.

It was a little awkward for him to bring up his issue.

"Oh, well, I'm not surprised." (Manranyama Souren)

"Picking up requires more courage than putting down." (Manranyama Souren)

Even though Manranyama Souren provided him with an out, Chongzong could still sense the disappointment in her tone.

—She really hopes that I can pick myself up again.

"...So, what is it that you want to ask me?" (Manranyama Souren)

Manranyama Souren quickly adjusted.

"I... I met Tang Mingtuo today." (Chongzong)

"Tang Mingtuo, has he returned to Japan again?" (Manranyama Souren)

Surprisingly, Manranyama Souren, without hiding her emotions, responded quite astonished.

Chongzong then detailed everything that happened in the afternoon and what Tang Mingtuo had said to Manranyama Souren.

"I think you must know Tang Mingtuo better than me, so I want to ask you, can we trust Tang Mingtuo?" (Chongzong)

"I see." (Manranyama Souren)

After listening to the conversation, Manranyama Souren didn't react as surprised as Chongzong expected.

—It seems that after learning that Tang Mingtuo had returned to Japan, Manranyama Souren had already guessed his intentions.

—So, does Manranyama Souren know about the "wish" too?

Chongzong thought this in his heart but didn't ask.

"From what I know, Tang Mingtuo is trustworthy, and he does have the ability to fulfill his promises to you." (Manranyama Souren)

"However, as your friend, I must remind you that my answers are based on reasonable judgments of the current situation." (Manranyama Souren)

Manranyama Souren paused.

"Things are unpredictable, and there could also be unexpected events beyond 'reason,' such as Bai Yaxin being pushed to the brink, going crazy, and doing something ruthless without any regard, all of that is also possible." (Manranyama Souren)

"So it's not like handing over your family to Tang Mingtuo for protection guarantees everything." (Manranyama Souren)

"If you decide to agree to him, then you must be prepared for such consequences." (Manranyama Souren)

Every word spoken by Manranyama Souren hit Chongzong hard.

"Also, don't think that once you entrust something to him, it's solely his responsibility." (Manranyama Souren)

"The Uesugi family is your family, not Tang Mingtuo's." (Manranyama Souren)

—Compared to Manranyama Souren, I'm really just a child.

The words of Manranyama Souren greatly benefitted Chongzong.

—It was definitely the right decision to make this call.

Chongzong was no longer confused.

"Thank you, Manranyama, you've been very helpful to me." (Chongzong)

"It's nothing, just a few words." (Manranyama Souren)

"In any case, don't force yourself, family comes first." (Manranyama Souren)

"Bai Yaxin, leave it to me." (Manranyama Souren)

The call ended in the comforting words of Manranyama Souren.

And a certain belief that had long been quiet in Chongzong's heart was once again awakened.

Should he accept Tang Mingtuo's help?

Chongzong already had his answer.