The God of Ice could not possibly tolerate such disrespect. He slammed the door and left in a huff, stomping outside.
The other six gods exchanged glances. The God of Fire, unconcerned, said, "It's alright, everyone. Someone tactless has left. How can that possibly ruin your evening? Let's continue eating!"
With the God of Ice gone, the God of Fire felt much lighter. The gathering of seven gods turned into a gathering of six, but it was still quite enjoyable.
The deities of various nations were all vying for a bit of welfare for their respective countries, even if it was just a small benefit, they spared no effort with their words.
Before long, Sumeru and Natta reached a certain trade agreement, and the other few nations also reached some mutually beneficial accords.
"Today has been quite fulfilling. I'll find time to hang out with you all again next time. I'm heading back to the hotel now, bye-bye."
The God of Fire waved and left directly. As for the remaining God of Water, he politely bowed and hurried away.
Lu Ze had witnessed quite a show tonight. It seemed there were at least some unresolved issues between these seven gods.
Zhongli and a somewhat tipsy Venti were staggering down the street. As for how these two ended up together, who knows.
"It seems I'll have to brew you a pot of sobering tea when we get back. Hey, don't you dare throw up on me!"
"Quick, quick, get out of the way! I can't hold it in!"
Venti immediately squatted in a corner and threw up. It appeared he had indeed drunk too much tonight, otherwise, he wouldn't be like this.
"You scoundrel, I told you not to drink so much, but you wouldn't listen. You reap what you sow. I'm leaving, I don't want to deal with you."
"Hey! Old man, wait for me! Don't run so fast!"
Watching their retreating figures, Lu Ze didn't know what to say. But for Zhongli... perhaps this was also a rare form of friendship?
Erosion, that word, was truly subtle.
"Lu Ze? Why don't you stay at Tenshukaku tonight? It's so late now, there's no need to go back. Staying here or there is the same, and I have a spare room at Tenshukaku."
Hearing Ei's sincere invitation, Lu Ze hesitated for a moment. Honestly, if he didn't go back tonight, the people at home might start to worry.
"Hey! Electro Archon, what do you mean? Are you trying to take advantage of the situation..."
Seeing Nahida's expression, Raiden Makoto seemed to understand immediately. Her face flushed, but she quickly suppressed her thoughts and said nonchalantly, "What are you talking about? I don't understand. I just wanted to invite Lu Ze to stay for the night. You're the one with the impure thoughts!"
Seeing the signs that the two were about to argue, Lu Ze immediately intervened, saying loudly, "Alright, stop arguing. I'm going home. It's not far, just a few steps. I'll come find you tomorrow. Remember to tell Yae Miko that I have a simple task for her."
After speaking, Lu Ze pulled Nahida away from the spot. As for why he needed to tell Yae Miko, it was because that woman was already fast asleep, like a dead pig, impossible to wake up no matter how much you yelled.
Upon returning home, Lu Ze's first sight was of everyone eagerly waiting. As expected! If he hadn't come back tonight, they would have probably come looking for him.
Unintentionally, he had avoided a disaster. It seemed his luck wasn't too bad.
Seeing Lu Ze return, Venti blinked in surprise and immediately put down the hand dynamometer he was holding, saying with a smile, "Oh! You're back? I thought you weren't coming back tonight. Welcome home~"
He leaned in and sniffed him, detecting no strange woman's scent. It seemed nothing had happened. Good, good, he was quite self-aware.
"Welcome back, my dear little Lu Ze. Come, let me fix you up."
Elysia, with two pieces of tape between her fingers, applied them all over him while tidying him up. Seeing that there were no stray hairs, she nodded in relief.
"I say... is this really necessary? I just went out for a gathering, do you have to go to such lengths?"
Lu Ze instinctively swallowed. If even a single hair stuck to him, he might be in trouble tonight.
"How could it not be necessary? I know your personality well. You're like a butterfly in a field of flowers, with a bouquet in hand, aren't you?"
It seemed the days ahead would be a little difficult.
The night passed quickly, and Lu Ze enjoyed a rare good sleep. No one disturbed him last night. Waking up naturally was truly comfortable.
He stretched and got out of bed to wash up. Venti was already cooking breakfast downstairs, and Mei was busy beside him. This kind of life wasn't bad, was it?
Speaking of which, he still had a character summon ticket he hadn't used. He wondered who he would summon this time? Hopefully, it wouldn't be a miss.
Since it was still early, he might as well use it now and leave less suspense.
A pink ticket fluttered through the air. Soon, a humanoid creature appeared. She opened her eyes, looking at this strange new place with some curiosity.
"Where is this? Why... why am I here?"
A sense of confusion arose in her mind. Ling looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
Wasn't she supposed to be locked in a dark room? Why was she let out? No, how did she feel a familiar aura?
It seemed like... Sister!
Meanwhile, upstairs, Sakura, who had just woken up, saw this scene and was completely stunned, her mind frozen as if it had hung up, unable to process.
"Sister?"
After an unknown amount of time, Sakura finally managed to utter this one word. She immediately rushed downstairs from the second floor and embraced the girl tightly.
"It really is you... I can't believe it's really you. Lu Ze... Thank you! Without you, perhaps... we wouldn't have had the chance to meet again?"
Seeing her sister holding her tightly, Ling felt a surge of surprise and hugged her back just as fiercely, remaining silent for a long time, but keenly feeling her sister's presence.
"You don't have to thank me for this? I didn't do much. But... congratulations on your reunion, it's wonderful that you're reunited, it's truly wonderful."
Lu Ze watched Sakura, who was crying tears of joy, and Ling, who was secretly shedding tears. He felt immensely gratified. No regrets, that was good.
When he had read that part back then, he had wanted to kill the game designer on the spot. This outcome was perhaps for the best.