---o---
Shenzhou, as the region with the most ancient history in the world, possessed a profound cultural heritage and historical depth.
It was precisely this depth that allowed even a remote border town like theirs to have its own unique nightlife.
"Hehe, Hua, it's a rare chance for us to come out and have fun. You should be happier."
Weaving through the bustling street, Fu Li held a bag of snacks, pulling out a few skewers to hand to Hua.
"Er… it really is lively."
Taking the roasted meat, Hua looked at the crowds of people passing by and couldn't help but shrink back behind Fu Li.
This was her first time being out this late. Although she felt a secret thrill from breaking the rules, she was still a bit embarrassed.
She had no idea how Fu Li dealt with the street vendors' calls so skillfully. They were so loud, and they would stare right at you while they shouted.
She couldn't bring herself to refuse those expectant gazes and would end up paying for something.
Yet, whenever that happened, Fu Li would very naturally pull her away, seemingly immune to their stares. He was truly amazing.
As expected of my brother.
Hua, the socially anxious one, thought to herself.
"Here, try this. Grilled squid." Fu Li brought a skewer of squid to Hua's lips.
The unique flavor of the squid, combined with the spicy sauce, was an absolute god-tier late-night snack.
Hua took a bite of a tentacle. Although her face flushed red from the spice, she couldn't stop her mouth from moving.
"Mmm… delicious!" After finishing the grilled squid, Hua stuck her tongue out slightly to fan it, clearly feeling the heat.
It seemed that even the future Immortal of Shenzhou was quite adorable as a child.
Fu Li took out a napkin and carefully wiped the sauce from the corner of Hua's mouth.
"In the future, when I'm not around, remember to wipe your mouth after eating so you don't look like a little messy cat, understand?"
"Huu… Mm, I know, Brother."
Looking at the obedient and sensible Hua, Fu Li couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle her fluffy short hair.
Hua's hair was of excellent quality. Though short, it was still soft and fluffy to the touch, making it hard to let go.
"Mmph, Brother, you're messing up my hair!" Hua complained, and Fu Li chuckled as he pulled his hand back.
"Alright, I'll stop teasing you. Are you done having fun? Is it time to go home?"
"Mmm." Hua looked conflicted. She checked the time; it was already an hour past her curfew.
"Then… okay. Sigh."
Seeing her crestfallen expression, Fu Li, with his rich experience in placating little cubs… er, children, handled the situation with ease.
"It's alright. Once we get to Changkong City, I'll take you out to explore the city there. But you have to promise me one thing."
"What is it?" Light returned to Hua's eyes.
"You have to remember to bring me with you. Otherwise, what would you do if you ran into a bad person?"
"Mhm, okay." Hua agreed without the slightest hesitation.
"Hehe, then let's get going."
With that, Fu Li began walking ahead of Hua, making small talk as he led her home.
---o---
[After returning home, you walk Hua back to her room while you begin to plan other matters.]
[Although the Previous Era Hua had very little screen time in the game, you vaguely remember one crucial event.]
[During the summer vacation right before Hua was set to attend high school in Changkong City, her father was apparently injured in a surprise attack by a Stalker.]
[And today is the first day of summer vacation, which means Hua's father could be attacked by a Stalker at any moment.]
"Sigh, it's so ironic. The martial arts that ordinary people spend a lifetime diligently learning are so powerless against even the lowest-level Stalker."
Thinking of the people at the dojo who practiced every day, Fu Li sighed and lifted his mattress. Underneath, a crudely constructed drone lay quietly.
It was a drone he had cobbled together with materials bought with his allowance. Although it looked plain, its practicality was astonishing.
Never underestimate a seemingly frail researcher.
[Over the following period, you find a reason to stick by Uncle Mu's side whenever he leaves the house.]
[When you absolutely cannot find a reason, you send the drone to follow him discreetly.]
[In the blink of an eye, half of the summer vacation has passed, and Uncle Mu has yet to encounter any danger.]
[Until one day, as your drone hovers near Uncle Mu, you happen to see a girl in an alley being chased by a Stalker.]
[You immediately realize that Uncle Mu was likely injured because he heard the girl's cry for help and chose to intervene.]
"Hua, make sure you watch the house. I have to go out for a bit."
After confirming the location, Fu Li closed his laptop. He called out a quick goodbye to Hua and bolted out the door.
"Hey, Brother, where are you going? Dinner's almost ready!"
Hua's hand was only halfway extended before all she could see was Fu Li's retreating back. She couldn't help but puff out her cheeks in frustration.
What is that silly brother up to now?
Meanwhile, once he was out of sight, Fu Li's already fast pace kicked up several notches as he sprinted toward Uncle Mu's location.
Sigh. Good-hearted people in the Honkai world generally don't meet good ends, just like Kiana and the others' teacher.
[By the time you reach Uncle Mu's location, you see that he has already entered the alley, running toward the source of the cries for help.]
[To avoid revealing your identity over a single Stalker, you temporarily slow down, following behind Uncle Mu at a normal running pace.]
[You call out to Uncle Mu.]
"Uncle Mu, what's going on!"
"Little Li? Why are you here?" Hearing the voice, Uncle Mu, who was in the lead, turned his head to look at Fu Li with confusion.
Although it was strange that he was here, now was not the time to worry about it.
If it were Hua, he would have unhesitatingly barked at her to leave, but with Li, it was a different story.
Though Li was still young, his strength was not to be underestimated.
"Never mind. It's good that you're here, Little Li. It seems some ruffian is trying to assault a young girl. We can pincer him from both sides. It'll be safer that way."
"Okay, Uncle Mu. You can count on me!" Fu Li patted his own shoulder, though he felt a bit awkward inside.
Honestly, having a man who had fought the Herrscher of the End take on a single Stalker felt a bit like using a cannon to shoot a mosquito.
The two of them quickly navigated the alley. At a corner, they saw an ordinary high school girl, her face pale with terror.
"Don't run, girlie! I, the Master of the Taixuan Martial Arts Dojo, am here… WTF is that thing?!"
Uncle Mu, who had been full of confidence and ready to display his prowess, had a look of utter horror flash across his eyes for the first time as he saw the Stalker chasing the young girl.
But in that instant, Fu Li, acting as if he wasn't the least bit intimidated by the Stalker's terrifying appearance, slipped past the girl and pressed his fingertips against the Stalker's face.
"Inch Force: Open the Heavens!!!"