Compared to the bustling Inner City, the atmosphere here felt somewhat cold and solemn.
Even the Hunter Headquarters mainly handled internal affairs, while mission distribution was managed by the eight Hunter branch guilds in the Inner City.
At the heavily guarded outskirts of the Academy of Sciences—where even Transcendent-level experts were stationed—Zhou Ming was currently sitting in a reception room open to the public.
To be honest, after being separated from Lei Yuan for seven years, he felt a slight nervousness about meeting her again.
This kind of feeling rarely appeared in Zhou Ming, let alone toward a specific person.
Was it love?
He wasn’t sure. But he could confirm that Lei Yuan held a certain place in his heart.
Just as distracting thoughts continued to surface in Zhou Ming’s mind, a familiar voice sounded by his ear.
“Brother Zhou.”
At this moment, as a Transcendent expert, Zhou Ming only then noticed that Lei Yuan had already appeared at the doorway.
“Lei Yuan.”
Zhou Ming instinctively called out.
Lei Yuan looked at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar Zhou Ming before her. With his call, the emotions in her heart instantly surged forth.
Without hesitation, she rushed forward and tightly embraced him.
The two remained in each other’s arms in silence. After a moment, they separated, and Lei Yuan’s face was already flushed with a rosy hue.
Looking at this alluring sight, Zhou Ming couldn’t help but lean in and kiss her cheek.
“Brother Zhou.”
Lei Yuan reacted as if struck by electricity, instantly breaking free from the kiss—but in the next moment, regret flooded her mind.
At that moment, she truly wanted to slap herself twice. Such a good opportunity—why hadn’t she seized it?
“What, you didn’t like it?”
Seeing her conflicted expression, Zhou Ming teased her in a playful tone.
“I—I liked it.”
At this moment, Lei Yuan no longer resembled a serious researcher, but rather the shy and adorable young girl she once was.
Hearing her answer, Zhou Ming revealed a faint smile, then pulled her back to sit on the sofa in the reception room.
Afterward, the two began talking about their experiences during the years apart. The sense of distance brought by seven years quickly vanished.
It was just like before—
Back in their school days, when they would talk endlessly during those carefree moments.