That night, Chongzong had a dream.
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He dreamt that the Uesugi family was happily eating hotpot together.
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Inside the restaurant, steam rose, smoke lingered.
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Everyone sang and drank merrily while enjoying the meal, laughter and joy filled the room.
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Among those eating hotpot together were Uncle Tianye, Sister Yukino, Sister Yui, Yuki, and Sister Mizuo, with Chongzong absent.
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Chongzong felt like he was floating in the air, watching everything from a very high place.
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He tried desperately to join everyone but couldn't get closer.
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He wanted to shout to attract their attention, but found himself unable to make a sound.
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No matter how he waved his arms, no one noticed his presence.
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Chongzong woke up later.
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What did this dream foretell?
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Chongzong couldn't figure it out.
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But he remembered he still needed to make a call to ManranyamaSouren to discuss when to move the Uesugi family to Hainan.
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Time was of the essence, it's better to act sooner rather than later.
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If delayed, it might end up just like last time, missing the opportunity and failing.
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Chongzong called ManranyamaSouren and succinctly synchronized what was confirmed with the family last night and the communication with Tang Mingtuo.
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After listening silently to Chongzong's statements, ManranyamaSouren was silent for a moment before responding.
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"If you choose to leave someone behind, your family would definitely disagree with your decision." (ManranyamaSouren)
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As soon as she spoke, it hit on the point Chongzong was most concerned about.
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"Even if you manage to deceive them into coming to Hainan, they will do everything to return to Kyoto to find you immediately." (ManranyamaSouren)
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"Yes, that's why I am also troubled about what to do next." (Chongzong)
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What ManranyamaSouren said echoed Chongzong's concerns.
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"Uesugi, when thinking about a problem, don't just focus on one point, as it may lead to narrow-mindedness." (ManranyamaSouren)
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"Um... I didn't quite catch that." (Chongzong)
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Given ManranyamaSouren's words, it seemed like she had a plan in mind.
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But Chongzong didn't understand the meaning behind what she said.
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"Have you ever thought about why Hainan?" (ManranyamaSouren)
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"Because Hainan is the best arrangement?" (Chongzong)
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Hearing ManranyamaSouren ask, Chongzong seemed to understand a bit, but hadn't pinpointed the crucial point yet.
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"With Mr. Yan's abilities, arranging anywhere would not be difficult." (ManranyamaSouren)
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"Let's discuss the next steps in person." (ManranyamaSouren)
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—How to meet in person?
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At this stage, Chongzong was still concerned that meeting ManranyamaSouren would be discovered by Bai Yaxin's people.
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If caught, it would all go to waste.
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"Where would be a safe place to meet? I'm worried about being followed." (Chongzong)
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"Don't worry, Uesugi, just go about your daily habits as usual." (ManranyamaSouren)
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"I will take care of the rest." (ManranyamaSouren)
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"We will meet soon." (ManranyamaSouren)
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Chongzong couldn't figure out ManranyamaSouren's intentions.
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But since she said so, she must have a plan already.
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Chongzong would just follow her instructions.
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"All right, let me know if there's anything I can do to help." (Chongzong)
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After hanging up, Chongzong kept recalling what ManranyamaSouren had just said. Though not fully comprehended, Chongzong had a faint realization – that he was included in ManranyamaSouren's counterattack plan against Bai Yaxin.
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He wasn't left out but was considered a fighting force, not just a passive onlooker in ManranyamaSouren's battle.
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This was for the best.
