In the open fields outside the slums, Xinya and Lian Kong spent the night sky happily discussing various ideas and anecdotes. For a god, all experiences are but a fleeting moment, but for Xinya, this was the highlight of her life. Chatting about everything under the sun with a god, she forgot her fatigue and sleepiness until deep into the night. "Then I shall disturb you no further. I will synchronize the time field of the Divine Realm with this planet so that I won't miss the time in the future," Lian Kong said with a smile as he prepared to leave.
"Are you leaving already? Can you come back tomorrow?" Xinya asked reluctantly. Although she wanted to ask Lian Kong for information regarding the apocalypse, she felt the atmosphere was inappropriate and kept the thought buried in her heart. "Of course. I know what is on your mind. This is the punishment for mortals; it cannot be pardoned, though those with kind hearts may escape this calamity," Lian Kong replied with a smile.
"So it's true... then may I ask one more thing? How many people in our district will survive?" Xinya plucked up the courage to press him. "Heh, about four and a half. That is all for today. See you tomorrow," Lian Kong answered before teleporting away, leaving Xinya alone to gaze at the starry sky.
The next day, Lian Kong indeed appeared punctually in front of Xinya's door. "Good morning, Lian Kong!" Hearing the knock, Xinya hurried to open the door. It was indeed him. "Um, sorry, could you wait for me for a moment?" Xinya ducked back inside in embarrassment to change her outfit. A moment later, she quickly swapped clothes and came out to join him. "Today, I'll introduce you to my partners!" With that, Xinya smiled and took Lian Kong by the wrist, leading him toward the cafeteria. When they arrived, the team members finally met this rare deity. "Thank you for saving us last time!" Saiying hurried forward to shake his hand in gratitude. "A trivial matter, no need for such formalities," Lian Kong responded indifferently. Today, Kubo had gone out early on business, missing the chance to meet Lian Kong, which the team members all lamented.
At Xinya's signal, no one let slip Lian Kong's true identity; he sat with everyone like an ordinary person. "Actually, I no longer need to eat. The power of the universe is my spiritual tonic," Lian Kong said, declining the breakfast Xinya brought over. "No! It's impolite to refuse someone's kindness!" Xinya's attitude suddenly turned firm. Lian Kong had no choice but to reluctantly accept, while the team members nearby smiled without saying a word.
After the meal, everyone went about their daily tasks to claim supplies. "It seems I haven't seen you use the tools I gifted you," Lian Kong noted as he watched Jessie and the others depart on their motorcycles. "If I kept them for myself, it would be inconvenient for the others. It's okay if I walk a few extra steps," Xinya replied with a smile. "Such altruism is rare indeed. Very well, as you wish," Lian Kong said. He then used teleportation to bring Xinya to the city center. "Being a god is so easy," Xinya teased. "We gods were not born superior; we started from nothing and cultivated just like you mortals," Lian Kong replied. "I see, my apologies for the slip of the tongue!" Xinya replied sheepishly. "It matters not. Any mortal has the opportunity to become a god," Lian Kong waved his hand with a smile.
In the days that followed, Lian Kong came to find Xinya almost every day, and a fine friendship blossomed between them. Although Kubo eventually met him, Lian Kong rarely gave hints regarding the disaster. After all, the heavenly punishment had already been scheduled; he would not show leniency out of personal feelings. Unsure if she could survive the catastrophe, Xinya treated every day as if it were her last, living without regrets.
In the middle of the second month, earthquakes suddenly became more frequent. The capital gradually reduced food distribution, and social unrest began to brew, even leading to looting. Xinya's slum also began to be affected by the tremors. She knew her peaceful days were numbered. Today, while spending time with Lian Kong, she decided to boldly express her feelings.
"Um, Lian Kong..."
"What is it?"
"Can I... like you?"