"Female Master, the Star Gate will likely close again," Ye Kuo reminded Jiang Xinli, having kept a vigilant eye on the portal this entire time.
"Okay." Jiang Xinli reluctantly withdrew her gaze. With a light tap of her fingertip, she stored away the trident and the Water-Repelling Pearl. "Yun Bo, Cthulhu—now, I'll take you home."
"Female Master," Lanse said, grabbing her hand tightly.
Jiang Xinli paused, looking at him with a conflicted expression. "Lanse?"
Since things had come to this, she felt it would be better to clear the air face-to-face.
The noble youth seemed to anticipate her rejection. Lowering his head, he gazed at her with immense reluctance and asked softly, "Will you... come see me again? Or, once I've led the Sea Clan in rebuilding our home, could I come find you?"
