[In the end, after hearing the accounts of those present, Dr. MEI ultimately cleared Elysia of all suspicion.]
[However, even after the meeting was dismissed, the storm of doubt continued to linger in everyone's hearts.]
[With the exception of the extremely rational Dr. MEI, almost everyone chose a method of venting that suited them on that day.]
[And after that day, everyone, by unspoken agreement, never mentioned the matter again, as if nothing had ever happened.]
Three days later, early in the morning...
Knock, knock, knock!!
"Li, time to get up!"
"Ngh... I know..."
Hearing the cheerful voice outside, Fu Li got up with a yawn and went to open the door for Pardo and Black Pardo.
"My, my, how are you waking up even later than me?"
Seeing Fu Li, who clearly looked like he had just woken up, Pardo placed her hands on her hips with a triumphant air.
Usually, it was Fu Li who woke her up. Today, the tables had finally turned, and it was her turn to wake him.
"Yeah, can't be helped. Even though I took the day off to go out with you, it's a rare holiday, so I couldn't resist sleeping in."
Stretching his shoulders, Fu Li finally got a good look at Pardo and Black Pardo's outfits for the day.
Pardo, just over 160cm tall, wore a long, pure-white lace dress with a cute cat accessory at the collar. Paired with her fair, delicate profile, she gave off an impression of pure, stunning beauty.
Black Pardo's style was the complete opposite. She wore a sophisticated black trench coat and trousers, with a pair of black headphones around her snow-white neck, exuding a cool,飒爽 air.
All in all, when two girls with the same face but vastly different styles walked together, they were bound to attract the gazes of others.
They were both so beautiful, and the fact that they looked like sisters was practically dancing on top of most people's specific 'type'.
However, as their shared boyfriend, Fu Li was feeling a mountain of pressure.
Before they started dating, many of the female researchers had a good impression of him. But afterward, he had been secretly labeled a scumbag.
After all, even though some of them knew about Pardo's situation, no matter how you looked at it, it seemed like Fu Li was trying to have his cake and eat it too.
This feeling of having his reputation dragged through the mud was truly frustrating.
Perhaps this was what the old folks meant by 'a blessing in disguise'?
"Alright, come on in."
He invited the two inside, suggesting they entertain themselves for a bit while he went into the bedroom to wash up and change.
Even if his reputation was taking a hit, as their boyfriend, he should still take their date seriously.
When he emerged a dozen minutes later, having tidied himself up with the meticulous habit he'd picked up from his time with Eden, he saw the two Pardos jointly annihilating the snacks he had left on the table.
On the television in front of them, an animation of a black cat chasing a mouse was playing, and they were watching with rapt attention.
"What are you eating? Break me off a piece."
"Hm? You're ready?"
Hearing his voice, Black Pardo turned her head and offered him one of the french fries she was holding. Fu Li naturally bent down and accepted the feeding.
To be honest, the fries tasted average, but since they were being fed to him by his own girlfriend, the flavor was naturally elevated to another level.
"When are we leaving?"
"Mm... after we finish this part."
"I have no objections."
With that settled, the urgency from the morning's knocking vanished completely. Just like in Twilight Street, the three of them leaned against each other, watching television.
Fu Li had never been particularly interested in cartoons that only children would like, so he spent the time quietly watching the two girls beside him.
They watched with intense focus, a faint light glimmering in their lively, beautiful eyes, making one wonder just what could possibly capture their attention so completely.
However, after learning that the answer to that question was "Black Cat Detective," another answer would form in Fu Li's mind.
It turned out he wasn't curious about what had captured their attention, but about them themselves.
Though the cartoon was entertaining, Pardo and her counterpart did not forget their main purpose.
After finishing one episode, they turned off the television and bounced towards the door.
Their eventual date was actually very simple, so simple that it didn't seem like something a Flame-Chaser would do.
No karaoke, no movies, no sun and sand.
They just cheerfully walked to a remote little town not far from the MOTHs headquarters.
They wandered aimlessly, from morning to noon, from noon to afternoon, from afternoon to dusk.
When they were hungry, they bought snacks from a street vendor. When they were thirsty, they bought drinks. If they got sleepy, they found a quiet, sunny spot and took a nap together.
They loved this life, reminiscent of Twilight Street. They could arrive with the dusk, their steps light, casting the furnace-like past from their minds.
There was laughter, boredom, and bickering, but they were always together.
Past hardships were like a wild goose flying by without a trace; only joy and the treasure right before them were within reach.
And Pardo's joy and most desired treasure were simple: being with Fu Li, and Fu Li himself.
By ten at night, dusk had drawn its curtain, leaving only the cold streetlights and empty streets.
They had finally reached the last stop of their journey: the small shop Pardo had opened here.
"Hey, hey~ Li, wait for us for a second."
For a rare change, Pardo and Black Pardo put on a mysterious act together, pushing Fu Li outside the shop.
"What are you two up to?" Fu Li was a bit confused but waited obediently at the door, watching the two of them go in and then come out together.
Pardo seemed to be clutching something in her hand, her face slightly red, as if she were embarrassed.
In the end, it was Black Pardo who gave her a shove from behind, pushing her in front of Fu Li.
"Um..." Seemingly having finally mustered her courage, Pardo took Fu Li's hand and placed a small object in his palm.
"Is this for me?" Fu Li opened his hand and saw a coin engraved with a cat's paw.
"Yeah, that's right." Pardo nodded, her face turning even redder.
"I originally wanted to give you a very expensive gift, but after thinking about it, I couldn't figure out what you were missing. So, in the end, I decided to give you this."
"You know, this thing saved my life, and I happen to have more luck than I know what to do with. So, I thought I could give my luck to you."
"After all, the things you have to do are much more dangerous than what I do. You need luck more, don't you?"
"I see." Fu Li smiled, not wanting to let the girl's good intentions go to waste. He reached out and pulled them both into an embrace.
"Well then, thank you for your luck. Don't worry, we will have our perfect ending."
"Mm... we've always believed in you."
Feeling the familiar warmth, Pardo's tail swayed, and a sweet smile graced her lips.
Sister Elysia was right.
The value of a gift given to a loved one is not determined by its price, but by the heartfelt blessing it carries.
Besides, the heart of a cute girl is, in itself, priceless.
...
...
If only...
Six days after their date, the wind brought news of a fallen leaf.
Elysia was dead.