Chapter 2230 - 76: Those Who Remain_3

Fang Hong used Parker as a punching bag once again, finally feeling a bit better. Ever since the day he received news from the military and went through everything that followed, despite considering his willpower tough, he still felt quite troubled and anxious.

He then looked at the Big Cat People beside him and said, "Mr. Reed, thank you."

Of course, he understood that a Lion Paladin appearing here at this moment was to comfort him. The Seven Seas Travel Group might not be entirely clear about the whole story, but they probably knew about his situation with his parents and his uncle's family.

"No need to thank me. Actually, at times like these, someone else should accompany you, but your Miss Ship's Officer might temporarily be unable to come," Reed replied with a smile, "As long as you don't mind me as a substitute. Of course, I understand that compared to a big man, it's naturally better to have the company of a beauty."

"That's not necessarily true," the Papalarian said, brushing off the dust from his behind, muttering, "What's so good about women? They're troublesome and nagging."

"What about your Miss Affia?" the Big Cat People retorted.

The Papalarian immediately jumped up as if his sore spot was hit, saying something amusing about how Miss Affia is unique and incomparable to other women.

Fang Hong couldn't be bothered with this joker and turned to look at the direction of the manor—that's the place the military arranged for them to stay. It used to be a noble's wine estate, but once Crosswind Harbor was claimed by the military, they bought out the whole area.

The manor was brightly lit, and faintly visible inside were Tianlan and Ai Xiaoxiao, two little ones running around, their laughter echoing in the night, like a warm hue in the cold night.

Eteliria's New Year was near, and locals had their own special ways to celebrate—for instance, winter festivals, holly trees, and various local delicacies. But for the countrymen, the best still was the dumplings. That unique culinary from Earth could also be perfectly presented in this Otherworld.

Lady Zhang Rou naturally wanted to include her future daughter-in-law, perhaps their last reunion in Eteliria, lively as it was, reflects the countrymen's definition of 'home.' After that, she and her uncle would return to Earth.

Who knows when they'll meet again.

This scenario reminded Fang Hong of the time he spent New Year at his uncle's home when he was very young; although a long time has passed, the memory remains fresh. At least the faint fragrance in the air, carrying the scent of home, is identical.

The Big Cat People's claw on his shoulder lifted gently, patting him: "In truth, those who planned to see you weren't just Parker and I; everyone is worried about you."

"I understand," Fang Hong shook his head, "I'm okay, Mr. Reed, just momentarily a bit overwhelmed."

"I get what you mean," Reed responded, "Everyone has moments of confusion, it's not unusual. But I was implying that aside from us, there's actually a lady here who wants to speak with you too, it's just that she seems a bit shy and hesitant."

Fang Hong paused slightly and couldn't help but turn around.

In the direction the Big Cat People indicated, there was only pitch darkness, as winter approached, silence prevailed.

Fang Hong looked at the Lion Paladin confusedly, Reed smiled a little, signaling with his eyes to wait a while longer. So the three watched that place, after a long time, the bush there started to rustle, and from the darkness, awkwardly emerged a silhouette, gradually revealing a familiar face to Fang Hong.

"Mr. Reed." Tang Xin looked at the Big Cat People with some embarrassment, biting her silver tooth. Ever since hearing about those things from her parents, she still hadn't figured out how to face her cousin—she followed secretly because she was hesitant and undecided.

The impact on Fang Hong, she felt it too, over ten years of familiarity suddenly turned into a 'stranger.' She was filled with unease and confusion, fearing that the familiar person would gradually fade from her sight—the only bloodline bond between them seemed lost.

That feeling was like having a piece of her heart suddenly empty, the older brother who always cared for her was also leaving her? But what Tang Xin couldn't understand was that there seemed to be another indescribable emotion hidden in her heart, something akin to unease, yet slightly joyful, lingering persistently.

She faced Fang Hong with determination, her face slightly tinted with blush. She lightly took a breath, finally calling out softly:

"Brother..."

Fang Hong paused, but seeing his cousin's shy expression, couldn't help but find it amusing, he had never seen Tangtang like this:

"Tangtang."

He paused, changed his tone, and said: "You don't need to worry, I'm still here. The things uncle and aunt said don't matter much, you're still my only sister, that will never change."

Tang Xin looked at him with a complicated gaze, after a long silence, suddenly garnered courage from somewhere, and said: "Brother, I plan to stay."

"What did you say?"

"I said," Tang Xin bit her lip, determined: "I have made up my mind, I plan to stay in Eteliria, and adventure with everyone."

Fang Hong looked at her, somewhat astonished.

...