That evening, Lin Lei, Yeru, and the other three left a restaurant. Following their usual routine, their next stop should have been the Blue Water Paradise.
"Big Brother Yeru, you three go ahead first. I'm going to look around for a bit," Lin Lei said as soon as they stepped outside.
Yeru, Rein, and George all looked at Lin Lei with some surprise.
"I don't really like the atmosphere at Blue Water Paradise. You guys go on ahead, and I'll join you in two or three hours," Lin Lei explained. Meanwhile, Bei Bei, perched on his shoulder, squeaked twice and transmitted through their soul bond: "Boss, you're going to Alice's place, aren't you?"
Bei Bei had always been with Lin Lei, so he naturally knew about his affairs.
Although Bei Bei never seemed to grow, his mental maturity was already comparable to that of an ordinary human teenager.
"You little rascal," Lin Lei said with a look of exasperation at Bei Bei.
"Alright, Third Brother, you go wander around then. But don't be too long, we'll wait for you at the usual spot," Yeru said with a smile. Lin Lei then parted ways with his three good brothers and headed in the direction of Ganmo Road.
The traffic on Ganmo Road was much lighter, making it feel much quieter. There were some taverns and restaurants lining the street, and the patrons inside were mostly locals.
Lin Lei walked until he was not far from Alice's house, his gaze lifting to look at the balcony of the two-story building.
The balcony was still empty.
Lin Lei gave a self-deprecating smile. In truth, he had only harbored a very faint hope. He immediately turned and entered a nearby tavern, choosing a seat by the window. From the window, he had a clear view of Alice's balcony.
"Bring me a bottle of Emerald Green and two glasses," Lin Lei ordered casually, selecting a very mild wine.
"Yes, sir."
Although the waiter was puzzled why Lin Lei wanted two glasses, he didn't ask.
"Bei Bei, sip slowly," Lin Lei said, pouring a glass for Bei Bei and setting it aside. Bei Bei promptly jumped onto the table and, imitating Lin Lei, began to sip slowly, one mouthful at a time.
Holding his glass, Lin Lei gazed towards the balcony and drank slowly.
The man and the magical beast drank in this manner. It took nearly two hours to finish three bottles before Lin Lei paid the bill, took Bei Bei, and left the tavern.
"Boss, are you very disappointed?" Bei Bei asked, standing on Lin Lei's shoulder and transmitting via their soul bond.
Lin Lei reached up to gently rub Bei Bei's small head, chuckling: "You little fellow." He then strolled through the streets of Fenn City, heading towards the Blue Water Paradise while enjoying the city's nighttime scenery.
The next day, September 30th, Lin Lei and his three brothers left Fenn City and returned to Ernst Academy. Then, on the evening of that same day, Alice and Kalan's group arrived back in Fenn City.
This coincidence was due to the different holiday schedules of Ernst Academy and Weilin Academy.
Ernst Academy had holidays on the 29th and 30th of each month. However, Weilin Academy and the Weilin Warrior Academy had holidays on the 1st and 2nd. Alice had hurried back on the evening of the 30th.
Unfortunately...
On her balcony, Alice rested her chin on her hands and watched the crowds passing on the street. Occasionally, a figure in the distance resembling Lin Lei would make her heart skip a beat with excitement, but as the person drew nearer, she would feel a pang of disappointment.
On the afternoon of October 2nd, Alice had no choice but to reluctantly return to the magic academy.
******
On October 29th, Lin Lei once again delivered three stone sculptures to Pruxus Hall. That evening, he returned to the same tavern on Ganmo Road. He again chose the seat by the window, again ordered the Emerald Green wine, and slowly drank with Bei Bei.