Chapter 77 - When Fate is Called
The corridor outside the arena was warmer than it should have been.
Not from fire.
From people.
Families filled the wide stone passageways reserved for guests, their voices overlapping in nervous excitement, pride, worry, and disbelief. For many of them, this was the first time seeing such a grand stage. For a few—
It was the first time seeing their children here.
"Brother!"
The small figure ran without hesitation.
Long Hao turned just in time to catch his little sister as she threw herself into him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist.
"Oof—"
He absorbed the impact, adjusting his stance subtly so the movement wouldn't tug at his still-healing chest. The pain flared briefly, sharp and unwelcome.
He did not let it show.
"…You're heavier," he said calmly.
She pulled back instantly, offended. "I am NOT."
Chen Wulian choked on air. "SHE'S ADORABLE."
Ling Yifan cleared his throat. "Chen."
"What?," Chen defended weakly.
