"By the way, what's your name?"
Before taking Zane back to the Public Security Bureau, Zhu Yuan asked casually.
At dusk, nearly half of the sun still lingered in the sky, casting a warm, crimson glow across the horizon.
Golden beams of light broke through the clouds, like petals scattered from the heavens, breathtakingly beautiful.
In the gentle sunset, Zane looked at Zhu Yuan, his eyes curving as he smiled lightly.
"Zane. Nice to meet you."
Other than Proxy House and Phaethon, no one else knew his real name, so there was no harm in telling them.
Besides, there were plenty of people with the same name. Even if someone suspected a connection between him and the Ethereals, there were many ways he could dispel it if he wanted.
Of course, more importantly, Zane simply wanted to keep using his real name.
As his words fell, Zhu Yuan paused for a moment, then nodded and turned around.
"Let's go."
Hearing this, Zane followed behind her. For some reason, Qingyi naturally drifted to the rear.
Before leaving, Qingyi glanced once more at where the Ether Crystal had been and reported the situation through her communicator.
Although they had to return to the Public Security Bureau because of Zane, aside from the Ether Crystal that had lingered until now, she hadn't found anything particularly noteworthy.
Still, the investigation had to continue. An Ethereal surviving outside a Hollow, even if briefly, was worth looking into.
The rest would be handled by the specialists.
Qingyi withdrew her gaze, her bright, translucent eyes catching a faint gleam as she looked at Zane's back.
For some reason, she felt something strange.
But she couldn't say exactly what. It was just... a feeling.
Up ahead, Zane was lost in thought, but his eyes were soon drawn to something behind Zhu Yuan.
It was the rappelling device at her waist.
Only now, it was in terrible shape—the side supports twisted, the central frame visibly bent.
It must have been damaged when he saved her earlier, losing control over his strength...
He wondered just how much power he could retain when shifting into an Ethereal form again.
Inside the Hollow was his natural battlefield—outside, it was a whole different story.
"What are you staring at?"
A voice sounded next to his ear. Zane turned and saw Qingyi approaching, frowning slightly at him.
"Huh?"
Zane blinked, momentarily confused, but seeing her expression, he immediately understood.
Just as he was about to explain, Zhu Yuan turned and looked back.
"What's wrong, Senior?"
"It's nothing. You head to the back," Qingyi said softly, glancing meaningfully in a direction before answering Zhu Yuan.
Though Zhu Yuan wasn't sure what was going on, she moved to the side, letting Qingyi take the lead.
Thinking about Qingyi's earlier look, Zhu Yuan glanced down, then suddenly realized.
"Oh, you mean this? It got damaged while we were inside the Hollow. I'll replace it once we're back at the Public Security Bureau."
Zhu Yuan smiled at Zane as she explained casually while walking.
"I see. It looks like you officers face quite a bit of danger. I used to think being a constable was an easy job, but seeing you now really changes my mind."
"But honestly, an officer like you is truly worthy of respect."
Zane smiled warmly, his tone casual, as if chatting with a friend.
"Not really. It's mainly because I'm part of the Criminal Investigation Task Force. We usually handle more complicated cases."
Zhu Yuan could feel the sincerity in Zane's words, and hearing his praise, her cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment.
"Usually, Public Security officers just deal with small civil matters. Even I do, when I'm not assigned major cases."
"For example, just the day before yesterday..."
Zane listened quietly, occasionally smiling and responding, the atmosphere growing more and more relaxed.
He glanced at Qingyi silently leading the way, then turned his attention back to Zhu Yuan, continuing to listen.
If you had to describe them—an irreverent senior and a serious junior...
Tch.
The sounds of their light conversation drifted to Qingyi's ears from time to time. She kept her face neutral but eventually let out a slow sigh.
Online help: what should you do if you misunderstood someone and now it's awkward?
She really didn't know how to face him later.
As the old saying goes: To err is human.
Zane probably wouldn't mind... right?
Right?
Sigh. She really should've thought more carefully.
Zane didn't look like some kind of creep at all...
Annoyed, Qingyi quickly sank into silent self-reproach.
...
In the police car, Zane sat in the back seat, leaning against the window, his starry eyes calmly watching the tall buildings and bustling pedestrians pass by outside.
So this was New Eridu.
At this moment, he truly felt like he had become part of this city.
"Zane, um..."
Qingyi sat on the other side of the back seat. After hesitating for a long time, she finally decided to apologize, reaching out to gently tug at the corner of Zane's jacket.
Before she could speak, Zane, already understanding her intent, gave a small wave of his hand.
"It's fine, officer. My situation earlier was pretty unusual, and it's only natural you'd react that way."
"Besides, it shows you care about your colleagues. From what I heard earlier, you're her senior. I think having a senior like you is a real blessing."
Listening to his words, Qingyi's guilt deepened.
Such a good citizen, and she had...
After quickly pulling herself together, Qingyi's face returned to its usual calm.
"Speaking of which, I haven't properly introduced myself yet. I'm Qingyi, and she's Zhu Yuan. We're both part of the Public Security Bureau's Criminal Investigation Task Force."
Zane smiled.
"Officer Zhu Yuan mentioned the Task Force earlier. It sounds like a very impressive group. I'm sure both of you are admired by many in the Bureau."
"You'll have to ask Zhu Yuan about that,"
Qingyi said with a small smile.
Up front, Zhu Yuan, still focused on the road, answered without turning her head.
"Huh? Why me?"
"Because you're the most popular person in the Public Security Bureau."
"Senior, don't..."
Zhu Yuan's cheeks flushed pink. Hearing that kind of thing really was embarrassing!
Feeling the relaxed atmosphere inside the car, Zane's expression stayed calm, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
A few kind words were all it took—and the results were already clear.
The trip back wasn't short, and after chatting a bit more, the car gradually fell into a comfortable silence.
Zane leaned back, quietly lost in thought.