Under normal circumstances, in this state of face-washing foam, Veline would likely have cradled his head in her embrace, smothering him affectionately.
Had Chu Yan been half-asleep, he would have readily drawn such a conclusion.
"It's a slime stress ball, and it's even been warmed—how meticulous!"
Chu Yan immediately discerned the truth, reaching out to feel before him, discovering no feminine waist to caress, further confirming his suspicion.
Lifting his face, he looked up and indeed found it to be true.
Before him stood a mature and elegant woman with striking red hair, a charming beauty spot adorning her eye, clad in a black, strapless evening gown that accentuated her voluptuous and flawless figure.
Her demeanor balanced between that of a mature woman and a captivating older sister, exuding a sense of adult composure without the harshness of a matron, radiating both the maturity of a seasoned individual and the teasing allure of an elder sibling.
This was Chu Yan's guardian, Veline.
However, the red-haired woman before him was but a projection; while her graceful form was visible to the eye, her warm presence could not be felt.
The object that had just pressed against Chu Yan's face was Veline's "stress ball," crafted from slime.
"Veline, how did you manage to transmit this stress ball? There's nothing like it in the workshop, is there?"
Chu Yan took the two slime balls, each the size of a cantaloupe, from the woman's hands. The attention to detail was astounding; from the texture of the skin to the shape and contour, it was lifelike, nearly indistinguishable from Veline herself.
"Projection magic cannot possibly transport physical objects; this is merely me controlling the slime in that jar remotely through the projection magic stone. How did you figure it out so quickly? You should have felt delighted, thinking I returned early!"
Veline had hoped to witness Chu Yan's progression from surprise to disappointment, then see him seek her comfort with a pitiful expression.
This mischievous inclination was akin to an adult witnessing a baby cry; though unwilling to see the infant weep, they still longed to see those tiny hands reach out for reassurance.
Chu Yan examined the slime ball in his hand, marveling at his guardian's magical prowess:
"A projection magic stone could serve as a medium for casting spells?! But if I had to pinpoint any discrepancy, I'd say it's the softness; it feels off."
"Softness?"
"Yes, the slime ball's elasticity is too high; it doesn't quite match the sensation when you hold me."
"Alright then~"
Veline chuckled, shrugging her shoulders, acknowledging that she hadn't considered the variances in softness.
Chu Yan continued with the most pivotal observation: "Moreover, I just discreetly reached out to touch you, and I didn't feel your body at all—I knew immediately it was a fake."
Veline smiled with warm appreciation for his cleverness:
"I didn't expect you to respond so quickly upon waking! It seems I'll have to create a fully-realized doll for you next time, so you won't end up grasping at nothing, only to feel excitement and then disappointment at discovering it was merely a doll. That would truly tug at one's heartstrings…"
My goodness, your eyes are shining with delight—there's no sign of sympathy for me whatsoever!
Though aware of her fondness for stories of wistful romance, I certainly don't want to be a character in one!
Chu Yan wiped the sweat from his brow, grateful that she was merely jesting; for the most part, she was a warm and respectable woman.
"Veline, you're mistaken; if you could truly conjure an incredibly lifelike doll to meet with me, I would still remain genuinely thrilled."
Veline detected the mischief in his tone, morphing the two slime balls to imitate her hands, playfully pinching Chu Yan's cheeks and stretching them wide like a pancake.
With a charmingly stern expression, she warned:
"Absolutely no strange thoughts about your mother's doll!"
Chu Yan let her pull at his cheeks, replying:
"Alright, let's set that aside for now. When will you be back? In your absence, I've been so distracted that I can't even sleep peacefully!"
"I'm already on my way back; I should be home in about two months. What has happened?"
The woman was surprised; she recalled having arranged for someone to watch over Chu Yan—had he truly been bullied?
Chu Yan promptly recounted his recent experiences, proudly sharing the triumph of completing the family trial.
This sharing of woes astonished Veline; in her absence, Chu Yan had managed to care for himself and even thrived!
The situation with the Black Ice Dragonborn was indeed troubling, but given Chu Yan's current circumstances, establishing himself in Extreme City would help him navigate the dangers.
Reinforcements could easily be dispatched to Extreme City.
In her mind, Veline had a better solution—contacting Losta.
However, that would risk Losta seizing the opportunity to take Chu Yan over to the Black Ice Dragonborn, which would not be advisable.
"Alright, let's keep the matter of the Black Ice Dragonborn under wraps. It's likely those related to your uncle Marden who sent you to the Dead Sea border. Just stick to your plan and lay low in Extreme City for now."
Chu Yan felt a pang of anxiety; he had already mentioned these events to the executioner—surely, that wouldn't cause any issues?
"I can't remain hidden for long; I'll be discovered soon enough."
"Just have your aunt come to Extreme City; she will protect you. How is it that she hasn't noticed you've been missing for months?"
Veline speculated that her sister-in-law probably thought that since Chu Yan's life stone had not triggered any alarms, he was safe and sound, thus not concerning herself with his wellbeing.
Truly, what an oblivious disposition…
"Aunt Nancy?"
Chu Yan envisioned his aunt, who frequently yawned throughout the day, perpetually lacking energy, seemingly never alert.
Yet her strength was undeniable—at least she was more capable than this lazy boy!
"Yes, when you return to Extreme City, bring her along and say it's my wish!"
"Alright!"
Chu Yan's anxiety about the future dissipated significantly in that moment.
He could assert that he had protection too; it wasn't as though Connie had anyone shielding him. He had felt so isolated, only to realize that his protector had simply been too lax to notice his plight…
He recalled that Aunt Nancy had some connections with a church in the past.
"Then I must hurry and take my leave! If I run into Aunt Isa in a couple of days, that would be awkward!"
"Aunt Isa has caused quite a psychological impact in the past... Ah, Chu Yan, stay safe in Extreme City. When I return, if all else fails, just cut your hair and style it like a boy; that way, she'll have a harder time coming after you."
Veline's projected hands gently caressed Chu Yan's hair, her amber-red eyes gazing at him tenderly.
Chu Yan was filled with exasperation, unsure where to direct his complaints.
What do you mean "like a boy"? I already am one, after all—I have my own "hard currencies" tucked away!
And besides, wasn't it you, Veline, who insisted I let my hair grow nicely?
"Fine, let's hope Veline returns home safely soon!"
"Impudent! Who are you calling old?!" The mature woman feigned indignation, her beautiful face adopting a mock frown.
Her projected hands transformed into soft, rubbery mallets, playfully striking Chu Yan on the head.
Duang~~