When the three kids returned, they found two people chatting and laughing animatedly on the hall sofa, having a blast.

The pair noticed them too. Bai Mo turned to the approaching girls. "Ling, take Qiao Shan for another walk. I need to talk to Ting alone."

Bai Ling didn’t overthink why she was sent off again right after returning. "Oh~" she replied simply.

Bai Ting stood silently. If her father said he had something to discuss, it must be true. Qiao Shan, however, thought he’d misheard. He glanced at his father, saw a nod, and his heart soared—his future father-in-law was so supportive!

He’d actually created a chance to be alone with his crush! Qiao Shan nearly rushed over to drop to his knees dramatically and shout, "Long live my father-in-law!" Qiao Yun saw his son looking at him and assumed he sought permission to leave again. He had no idea he’d completely misread the situation.

"Let’s go then!" Bai Ling said after their silent exchange. She turned and walked out immediately.

Qiao Shan eagerly followed, practically skipping. Without that "third wheel," he could finally relax and chat her up, asking all the questions he’d missed earlier.

Bai Ling answered each one patiently.

Qiao Shan was thrilled, but her straightforward replies puzzled him. Wasn’t she just acting shy and delicate? Why the sudden shift? It was like that annoying guy—sweet and gentle with family, but utterly harsh with him.

He silently scolded himself. How could a pure girl like Bai Ling compare to that despicable person?

Still, the current Bai Ling showed no trace of earlier shyness. To him, she felt like a big-sisterly figure—completely different from before.

He didn’t know why, but it didn’t dampen his joy. Knowing everything about her was enough.

Bai Ling led him to the small grove behind the villa. She stood at her usual spot, as if sensing something, just like every day.

No matter how Qiao Shan asked questions, Bai Ling stayed silent. He grew curious. Were girls really this fickle? Shy one moment, big-sisterly the next—now serene? Qiao Shan was completely baffled.

Bai Ling ignored him because he was too annoying, constantly asking questions. She’d answered patiently before, but even the most patient person has limits.

Seeing her ignore him, Qiao Shan didn’t push it. He stood awkwardly aside, silently watching her. Maybe just gazing at her wasn’t so bad.

Meanwhile, Bai Mo called Bai Ting over and said gravely, "Daughter, would you like to learn magic?" No one knew his true feelings.

Truthfully, Bai Mo would rather teach her himself. As leader of the Mage War Generals, he could outperform any magic teacher. If he couldn’t, he’d have lived in vain.

"Won’t Father teach me?" Bai Ting asked, tilting her head cutely.

"I wish I could, but professional instructors teach better. Those magic teachers are all as skilled as me, some even better."

Bai Mo lied. He was confident he could teach better. His battlefield-honed instincts were things those teachers lacked.

"Alright. Though it’s a pity Father won’t teach me, I respect your choice. Wherever you send me, I’ll go." Bai Ting seemed the perfect dutiful daughter.

Inside, her heart was screaming. She hated parting from her dear sister.

Honestly, Bai Mo’s heart ached too. Sending his daughter toward the battlefield—no father takes that lightly. Though it wasn’t immediate, he knew it was inevitable. Learning magic now meant better survival later.

Bai Mo sighed softly, turning to Qiao Yun. "Brother Qiao, I’m entrusting my eldest daughter to you. If anything happens, I’ll hold you accountable."

Qiao Yun had stayed silent since Bai Ting entered. This was Bai Mo’s family matter. He was just a bystander.

Hearing the trust, Qiao Yun straightened up, sat rigidly, deeply moved. "Rest assured, Brother Bai Mo. I’ll take excellent care of her," he said solemnly, patting his chest.

"Your word is enough. When do you depart?"

"I’ll follow Bai Ting’s and your timing. I can wait," Qiao Yun replied, his seriousness melting into calm. He felt guilty watching his old superior send his daughter away and wanted to ease his conscience.

"Three days!" Bai Mo declared firmly. Qiao Yun was slightly surprised.

"Really?" Qiao Yun asked, frustrated. He’d wanted to give them more time, but Bai Mo’s short deadline left him helpless.

"It’s fine. Three days. Better to rip off the band-aid quickly." Bai Mo stayed calm, then asked Bai Ting, "No objections?" She smiled slightly. "None."

But did she truly agree? Inside, her mind was screaming. Three days wasn’t enough time with Bai Ling. Parting from her sister made her heart ache unbearably. Yet she had to accept it—who could understand this stifled pain?

"Good. Pack your things and say proper goodbyes to Ling. She’ll be lonely without you." Bai Mo was right. Bai Ling saw Bai Ting as her younger sister mentally. Carrying past-life memories, Bai Ling’s maturity far exceeded Bai Ting’s physical age. Though older, Bai Ting was always indulged; her teasing felt like a sister’s playful affection.

"Okay! I’ll head to my room now. Goodbye, Uncle Qiao!" With a slight bow, she exited the hall.