"Of course, I will not be staying. I will go to Hainan with everyone." (Chongzong)

Usagi Yui's probing question hit the nail on the head.

To avoid hesitation and any suspicions, Chongzong quickly responded to Usagi Yui's question.

However, he did consider the idea of staying behind to fight alongside Manranyama Souren. He just hadn't figured out how to tell his family or find a way to stay without getting scolded.

If he went out to enjoy refuge alone while leaving Manranyama Souren and the others to fight alone, Chongzong would never forgive himself.

"…Is that so?" (Usagi Yui)

Chongzong's simple words didn't make much of an impact, and Usagi Yui still didn't fully believe him.

"Of course, I will be with everyone." (Chongzong)

Chongzong was practically guaranteeing it.

"…Alright, for now, I'll believe you. I won't object." (Usagi Yui)

Saying this did not mean trust.

Usagi Yui silently mouthed to Chongzong, "I will keep an eye on you."

Oh no, now that Yui is watching him, things just got even more complicated.

Chongzong silently pretended not to see and continued with the discussion.

"So, can we consider this a merry agreement?" (Chongzong)

Regardless, reaching an agreement tonight was more important than anything else.

Looking at everyone nodding in agreement, Chongzong felt a strange sense of tragic heroism.

It seemed like they just concluded a strategic decision-making meeting that determined the life or death of a country.

But wasn't it indeed like that?

"Alright, now that everyone agrees, I will contact Mr. Tang Mingtuo to discuss the travel arrangements and suitable time. We'll then request time off from our companies and schools." (Chongzong)

"Then, let's end it here for today. Rest early, everyone." (Chongzong)

After exchanging glances, everyone bid good night to each other.

Beneath the facade of calm farewells, each of them harbored tumultuous inner thoughts.

After making a decision, lying in bed, closing their eyes, and careful contemplation, various doubts and hesitations would come rushing back.

But in the end, they had taken a crucial step forward.

Until the day of victory arrived, various hesitations and regrets were inevitable.

Yui, who was still awake in the Usagi household, questioning the correctness of their recent decision, Chongzong was in his room, dialing the number Tang Mingtuo had left for him.

After three rings, the call connected faster than Chongzong anticipated, making him feel unprepared.

"…Hello, is this Mr. Tang Mingtuo?" (Chongzong)

"So soon you've decided? Faster than I expected." (Tang Mingtuo)

Unlike the polite start Chongzong was expecting, Tang Mingtuo recognized Chongzong's voice and jumped right into the conversation.

"Uh, yes." (Chongzong)

This caught Chongzong off guard.

"It's good, I like efficient people. Those who dawdle waste time, and wasting time is seeking fortune and bringing calamity." (Tang Mingtuo)

"Uh, Mr. Tang Mingtuo, I have decided…" (Chongzong)

"That's enough; you don't need to say it. I know what you're going to say." (Tang Mingtuo)

Tang Mingtuo directly cut off Chongzong.

"You have decided to accept my help, because if you chose to refuse, you wouldn't have called me so quickly." (Tang Mingtuo)

Being guessed so accurately left Chongzong speechless, even a little angry.

"…Yes." (Chongzong)

"Good, congratulations on making a wise choice." (Tang Mingtuo)

"When you have finalized the time, contact me." (Tang Mingtuo)

"…Alright." (Chongzong)

"Then, goodbye." (Tang Mingtuo)

Before Chongzong could respond, Tang Mingtuo hung up the phone.

Having even the timing guessed by him and being led by the pace of the conversation, it didn't feel good.

But when asking for someone's help, these things were unavoidable.

Chongzong hung up the phone and, after pondering for who knows how long, fell asleep unconsciously.