A wide grin spread across Alex's face. "That's fantastic news! So, does that mean I'm no longer the hero leader?"
Li Yunhua shook her head with a smile. "No way, Alex. You're still the leader, the big cheese, the… uh…" she faltered, searching for the right word.
"Grind God?" Marco boomed from across the table, a playful glint in his eye.
Laughter erupted around the table, momentarily easing the tension that had filled the room. Li Yunhua recovered quickly.
"Right, the Grind God," she said, a smile playing on her lips. "But Jian Gang's back on his feet, and with his experience, he'll be a valuable mentor. He'll lead the troops in battle, while you… well, you lead us all."
