Seeing how calm and composed Qingyi looked, Zhu Yuan was filled with questions.
This wasn't anything like how she was feeling!
"Actually, Zhu Yuan, don't overthink it. Whether Zane is really the Fire Picker is still up in the air."
"After all, hearing is unreliable—seeing is believing…"
"But we've still got plenty of time and chances to figure it out."
Qingyi blinked. She was the one who initially suggested to Zhu Yuan that Zane might be the Fire Picker, and now she was the one casting doubt on that idea.
Zhu Yuan found herself unsure of what Qingyi was really thinking.
"But... if what he said is true, and my obedient little apprentice really is the Fire Picker…"
Qingyi's tone shifted as she chuckled softly.
"It doesn't really change anything for us, does it?"
"After all, Zhu Yuan, what you're trying to get to the bottom of is the hidden truth behind all this—not the Fire Picker himself."
"Wouldn't you agree?"
Seeing Zhu Yuan nod, Qingyi continued gently,
"Even if it's not directly related, the fact that Zane was willing to share this secret with us means we hold a pretty important place in his heart."
"He really trusts us."
As Zhu Yuan listened, she glanced at Qingyi.
Senior, it's you he holds in such high regard!
Qingyi seemed to pick up on her thoughts, smiling knowingly before feigning confusion.
"Hey... Zhu Yuan, since Zane didn't hide it from you, that means you're one of the people he trusts too, right?"
"But I recall you two haven't actually spent much time together."
"Zhu Yuan… is there something going on between you two that you haven't told your senior about…"
Zhu Yuan quickly waved her hands, flustered.
"Senior, there's absolutely nothing like that!"
It was just borrowing some money, teaming up to catch a criminal, watching a magic show, and then listening to him explain a movie...
That was it.
But... if her senior was right, she really might be someone Zane trusts...
Zhu Yuan felt a small warmth in her chest.
Being trusted—this feeling was really nice.
"Honestly, whether Zane is the Fire Picker or not doesn't change much…"
Qingyi reached for the portable charger at her waist, unfastening it and revealing a sliver of pale skin. Her gaze was soft as she said,
"Whether he's the Fire Picker or not, he's our friend. That's not going to change."
"You're right."
Zhu Yuan nodded. After Zane's call, the initial shock had passed, and the lingering drowsiness was gone too. She felt more energized now.
Qingyi walked over to a nearby police car, placed the charger inside, then stood with one hand on her hip, smiling slightly as she murmured to herself,
"Yeah… no matter what, he's still my disciple."
"One of a kind."
...
"Take a look, Zane—hehe, this is a forum I built and manage myself. It's all about you..."
Belle gave a gentle push with both hands, sliding her chair to the side to make space in front of the computer.
With a slightly smug grin, she gestured at the screen.
Zane stepped up and glanced at it, raising an eyebrow.
It wasn't just some scattered info—even footage from the Dead End Hollows was on here.
This kind of material wasn't easy to circulate, especially considering less than a day had passed.
This forum was clearly full of hidden experts.
Furina, Judge of the Gods: "Haha, look what I've got! A brand-new high-res image of the Fire Picker! Took me a lot of effort—praise me, praise me!"
Furina, Judge of the Gods: [Image sent]
Tsukino－: "Whoa, amazing! No wonder it's you. This is way clearer than the Defense Force's Cretan Hollow footage!"
One Person Collecting Dreams: "That color scheme, those contours, the proportions—doesn't even look like an Ethereal!"
NG250: "Totally. Looks more like someone wearing a sci-fi exosuit."
MC Murong Fu Listening to Music: "Right? This is exactly the kind of Ethereal I dream about. If only I could be like that. So cool."
A Passing Catgirl: "Ehehe, can't even imagine what it'd be like to get pinned to the wall by the Fire Picker..."
The Unusual Jihaitang Yuli: "Catgirl? That's enough out of you!"
Silver Wolf Still Not Reposting: "Ahem... you two are getting a little too wild..."
Qiu Jiu Ling Si: "Not bad! I'm prepping a new film, and just browsing this forum gave me inspiration. Love between Ethereals and humans? Spicy!"
Elysia Apocalypse (no one saw): "I don't think it looks like a mecha. Check the side—those lines are more organic. Plus, the Fire Picker has those signature ether flow streaks."
Red: "No, no, no. I say we don't lump the Fire Picker in with other Ethereals. The fact that it has a human consciousness puts it in its own category."
Entry Share: "Exactly! To me, the Fire Picker is the Fire Picker. One of a kind. That's why we're all here."
Dao Gu: "Hey, what are you even talking about? Wait, who uploaded my photo?"
Bored Square Root: "What do you mean your photo? That's mine, okay?"
Firefly Firefly Firefly♬: "Alright, enough. Just a reminder—image rights are a legal thing. I can sue, you know..."
Xuanmu Wolf: "Tsk tsk, the Fire Picker's so good-looking—it might as well be me!"
End Watcher: "Trying to pass off my selfie? Outta here, all of you!"
Unnamed: "Hmm… the Fire Picker is like 80% me. Hey, that movie up top—how about casting me as the lead? Guaranteed blockbuster."
His Holiness the Pope: "You're calculating so hard, your abacus beads are flying into my face."
The Pope: "Still, I'm curious. You all keep saying your photos are here, but I haven't seen any of Armored Hati's."
You're Kidding Me, Right?: "Eighty percent? Come on, post your pic and let's rate you..."
Refusing to Be Tagged: "Unbelievable. I log in and immediately get trolled. And now a bunch of people want to claim my photo as theirs."
Aha Lord: "Watching people fight over my photo rights is too funny, hahaha!"
User 23138334: "Hey, aren't we supposed to be talking about Ethereals? Honestly, the pic's not that impressive…"
Roast Chicken (Easygoing, Happy, and Sunny): "Who's in the picture?"
User 23138334: "Me."
Roast Chicken (Easygoing, Happy, and Sunny): "Haha, sure, buddy."
Bailuo (Slack-off Venti): "Paging the forum owner! Any new updates today...?"
...
"Amusing."
After a quick glance, Zane gave his short review.