"You… won't be coming with me?" Pearl asked. "Why? What changed?"
"Nothing," Bai Jingshen said as he got off the bed he was sitting on. "I never planned on going in the first place. Hence why it's a lie. I had to make sure your breakthrough went well this time around. There's so much pressure on you that I knew I had to lessen it somehow."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "I was wondering why they were going to let you go with us considering it is a trial. No wonder."
Bai Jingshen smiled and turned toward Pearl. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Pearl blinked a few times before quickly smiling. "That's alright, grandpa. I know I can't forever be protected by you. And this is a trial I have to go through anyway. I don't feel betrayed."
Bai Jingshen sighed. "That's a relief."
Pearl laughed. "How long have you known me, grandpa? I know when I should be angry at someone and when I should be grateful. Thank you."
