"Let's go. The driver should be waiting downstairs," Bai Ya said casually. She hadn’t really expected Yue Ge to agree anyway. Even if he’d insisted on going, she would have stopped him. For the next few days—or rather, until they left Headquarters—he’d be better off staying close to her. Her position demanded extra caution.

Yue Ge was her assistant, not her nanny or chauffeur. Such tasks might be fine back home, but out here? Utterly inappropriate. Even if neither of them cared about appearances, some things couldn’t be brushed off with a simple "whatever." She refused to let him be underestimated over trivialities.

Neither mentioned the day’s events. They walked side by side, exchanging light chatter about nothing important. This wasn’t the place for heavy talks. Their relationship couldn’t bear the weight of serious questions just yet. Whoever spoke first would break the fragile peace. Only later, relaxed on the couch, could the topic surface naturally. Bai Ya couldn’t just ask, *"What happened during your interview today?"* She knew Yue Ge wouldn’t mind—but people changed. Today’s loyalty meant nothing for tomorrow. After today, he wasn’t just another faceless aide anymore.

Others might not know about his Divine Factor, but Lingkong certainly would. Bai Ya never thought she could hide it. The moment Yue Ge revealed his Essence, Lingkong would trace its origin. Now he wasn’t merely her assistant—he’d proven his worth as a Chosen One. Lingkong would have already filed his records.

That was why she’d asked, *"You won’t disappoint me, will you?"*

She wasn’t entirely sure he’d stay loyal to her. Whatever she offered, Lingkong could match. The choice was his. If he chose Lingkong, she’d have no right to complain. She’d only synthesized the Essence; the Organization had gathered the materials. The calmer her face, the more her heart churned.

Thankfully, the worst hadn’t happened. Yue Ge hadn’t left.

That was enough.

Bai Ya hadn’t even noticed her own relief when she opened the door to find him waiting. Her sour mood had lifted instantly. Otherwise, his punishment wouldn’t have been a mere month-long department transfer. Deep down, she didn’t want him to see her coldest side.

Back in the Organization, everything had seemed black or white. But out here, she’d learned emotions often mattered more than right and wrong. Life wasn’t academic theory.

Though honestly? Her newfound wisdom mostly came from realizing how blissful skipping chores and sleeping in could be…

"By the way…" Bai Ya broke the silence as they crossed a hallway.

"Hm?" Yue Ge glanced at her, puzzled.

"…Nothing." She smiled faintly and said no more.

Yue Ge studied her profile. Even a blind man could see her good mood. "Something good happen?" he ventured.

"Mm." She nodded. "Something good."

Before he could press further, she pushed open a door and stepped outside. They’d reached the base of the Heavenly Mandate building. The setting sun blazed overhead, its ruddy light thick and restless. A small taxi-like vehicle waited in the empty lot—no longer driven by Crow, just an ordinary man.

Bai Ya’s apartment was only five minutes away. The unassuming building looked nearly identical to her old residence. To Yue Ge’s surprise, the interior felt familiar too. Aside from minor furniture differences, the layout mirrored their old safehouse—sofa, rooms, everything in the same place. The air was slightly stuffy but clean, floors spotless. Someone must have been hired to maintain it.

Two large cardboard boxes sat on the dining table, stamped only with "Heavenly Mandate."

"Make yourself comfortable. You’ll be staying a few days—unpack your room later," Bai Ya said, already heading toward her bedroom.

"What’s in these?" Yue Ge asked.

"Probably your things. Open them and see." She waved dismissively. The apartment held nothing valuable anymore—just furniture. She’d arranged regular cleanings before leaving. Years of dust would’ve made it unlivable otherwise.

Yue Ge opened the boxes. The larger one held clothes and daily necessities from their mall trip. The smaller contained exactly what he expected: a file folder and a brand-new tablet.

While Bai Ya changed, he slipped the folder’s contents onto the table—a card, a sheet of paper, and an instruction manual. He skimmed the handwritten note, then tossed the manual aside.

*Yue Ge,*

*If you’re reading this, you’ve returned to Bai Ya’s side. Memorize these words—you can only read them once. Believe or doubt us, but the Organization still needs you. Trust this: the Organization and Bai Ya share the same goal. She has no reason to betray us.*

*After careful judgment, act with caution. Avoid exposure before the Force contacts you. I mean no disrespect, but their methods are far more aggressive—and reckless—than ours.*

*Change your mind and come to me. The Organization will grant you greater access. You will need us someday.*

*—Lingkong*

As Yue Ge finished reading, the paper’s ink flared. Flames consumed the words in seconds, blackening the page until it crumbled to ash. He watched the embers fade, silent.

"What’s in the boxes?" Bai Ya emerged, freshly changed.

"Clothes. A tablet." Yue Ge’s voice was steady as he swept the ashes off the table.

"Ah, your materials arrived. Activate the tablet. Keep the card safe—it’s for identity verification." She nodded, unfazed. "Coffee?"

"No thanks." Yue Ge forced a bitter smile, sealed the boxes, and carried them to the room beside hers.