Inside Wise's room on the second floor of the video store.
"What? You're saying your mother wants to see me?!"
Wise looked at Zhu Yuan in surprise.
Several days had passed since that incident, and after their relationship grew closer, he suddenly received a call from Zhu Yuan saying that her mother wanted to meet him.
"Yes. I don't know why, but after I got home that day, my mom started looking at me strangely. Then yesterday, she even saw our chat history..."
Zhu Yuan covered her face with her hands as she spoke. Even though she was already an adult, she still felt nervous about her parents finding out about her relationship.
"So she asked you directly?"
"Yes, that's right."
"So how did you respond?" Wise asked curiously, raising an eyebrow.
"I... I told her about you... and I also told her you're my boyfriend..."
Zhu Yuan sounded slightly shy as her gaze drifted away. It was a stark contrast to her usual sharp and decisive demeanor.
"Okay, I understand. Is it today? I'm free."
Wise smiled gently as he spoke, catching Zhu Yuan slightly off guard.
"Wise, you agreed so easily?"
"Of course. After all, you've already told her I'm your boyfriend."
Since Zhu Yuan had already told her mother, there was no way Wise could refuse.
Seeing how decisively he agreed, Zhu Yuan couldn't help but feel touched.
Afterward, Wise accompanied Zhu Yuan home.
It was obvious that her parents were very satisfied with him. They even considered letting him stay overnight.
Although Zhu Yuan blushed and said it would put Wise in a difficult position, she still seemed to secretly hope he would agree.
In the end, Wise still refused the offer, but that only made Zhu Yuan's parents appreciate him even more.
At this point, their relationship was practically settled in their eyes.
That night, while walking with Zhu Yuan toward the station, Wise suddenly heard her speak.
"Wise, thank you for today. Please don't take offense. My parents are just like that."
Zhu Yuan recalled all the questions her parents had asked during dinner. Although she knew they were simply worried about her, imagining herself in Wise's position still made her feel a little uncomfortable.
However, Wise clearly didn't mind at all. Instead, after hearing her words, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pretended to sound offended.
"Zhu Yuan, you're speaking so formally again. Think carefully, I've already received approval from Mom and Dad."
Wise deliberately emphasized the words "Mom and Dad," causing Zhu Yuan to blush instantly.
'This... has he already changed how he addresses them? He was still calling them Uncle and Auntie earlier...'
Zhu Yuan thought to herself, but she didn't dislike it at all.
In fact, it made her feel even closer to him, and she unconsciously leaned against his shoulder.
[Ding! Target Zhu Yuan: has increased her favorability toward the host by 5. Her current favorability is now 95. Additionally, 1200 Emotional Value has been obtained.]
[Current Emotional Value: 25900]
The atmosphere was so warm that Wise almost couldn't bear to ruin the moment. However, just before they reached the subway station, he suddenly spoke.
"Zhu Yuan, if one day I have to temporarily deceive you or hide something from you, would you hate me?"
Zhu Yuan was caught off guard by the question. Clearly, she hadn't expected Wise to suddenly ask something like that, but she still answered without hesitation.
"No. If you say so, then there must be something difficult for you to talk about. But if that situation really happens, I hope you'll trust me a little more."
As she spoke, Zhu Yuan looked at Wise earnestly. She understood his personality well enough to know he wouldn't ask such a question without reason.
So it felt more like a test, and her answer would determine whether Wise chose to tell her the truth.
And clearly, she had answered correctly.
Wise took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Zhu Yuan, do you remember the incident where the evidence was hijacked before?"
"Of course I remember. Wait... you... how could you..."
Zhu Yuan suddenly stopped mid-sentence, clearly realizing something. Wise's next words confirmed her suspicion.
"That's right. Belle and I are Phaethon. Back then, when you and Qingyi suddenly left, we were worried about you. I was also concerned about the evidence, so I followed you."
Wise chose to confess this matter first, but he had his own reasons.
First, he already planned to join an official organization someday, since it would make investigating the Hollow Zero incident much easier.
Moreover, Qingyi had previously told him that, with his and Belle's abilities, if they voluntarily surrendered, Public Security would definitely recruit them.
Compared to that, however, there was another matter far more likely to damage Zhu Yuan's relationship with him...
"W-Why are you suddenly telling me all this?"
Zhu Yuan lowered her head slightly, avoiding Wise's gaze. The shock on her face had faded, replaced by her usual calm expression.
"Because I felt you deserved to know."
"But... but..."
For the first time, Zhu Yuan found herself facing such a difficult choice.
Standing before her was the person she loved, someone who trusted her enough to tell her everything.
But being a Proxy was illegal. Public Security was supposed to arrest people like him, and as an officer, she was supposed to obey her superiors and uphold the law.
But...
"Are you struggling with this?"
At that moment, Wise's voice reached her ears again, accompanied by the familiar warmth of his embrace.
Feeling his arms around her only made Zhu Yuan's wavering heart tremble even more. Wise noticed her distress and gently stroked her hair.
As he comforted her, he continued speaking.
"Zhu Yuan, don't force yourself so much. I'm not telling you this to make you suffer. Actually, I already plan to join the legal side eventually."
"Eh? Oh! That's right!"
Only then did Zhu Yuan finally realize it.
Phaethon was a legendary Proxy. Public Security would definitely prefer recruiting someone with abilities like theirs rather than simply arresting them.
And if they surrendered voluntarily, the treatment they received would naturally be much better.
"So when the time comes, I'll have to trouble Officer Zhu Yuan from Public Security to put in a few good words for me~"
"Hmph. My recommendation won't matter. If it's discovered that you've done anything excessive, you'll still be punished according to the law!"
Despite her words, Zhu Yuan was mostly teasing him.
After all, in her eyes, aside from being a Proxy, Wise was a kind, law-abiding, affectionate, and devoted good citizen.
There definitely wouldn't be any issue.
And compared to that...
"Then I'll report this matter after I get back."
"Mm, I'll leave it to you."
"Oh, Qingyi still doesn't know about this yet, right?" Zhu Yuan asked.
"Uh... I'll tell her myself later."
Wise smiled awkwardly.
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-[ AD ]-
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Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street
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✨ 55+ Advance Chapters • Early Access ✨
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🔹 Zenless Zone Zero: The Almighty Incubus of Sixth Street
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