Lin Zhiyi brought Gong Chen back to the inn, where Xingxing was playing around with Liao Yi.
As soon as she saw the visitors, Xingxing froze for a moment. She seemed like she wanted to walk toward Gong Chen, but then she shrank back behind Liao Yi, clearly a little upset.
She raised her eyes to glance at Lin Zhiyi.
Lin Zhiyi understood that Xingxing was afraid she might feel sad.
She proactively pointed at the man beside her and said, "Go ahead."
Xingxing immediately ran over happily.
Gong Chen scooped her up in one motion. "Missed me?"
Xingxing huffed without speaking, but she nestled herself into his embrace.
Liao Yi clapped discreetly and teased, "I heard from Zhiyi that Third Young Master was going back, and it startled me."
"I do have to return, but I'm taking them back with me," Gong Chen responded.
"Alright then."
Liao Yi felt a bit wistful. It was hard to get close enough to make real friends, only for them to suddenly be separating again.