Uchiha of Zenless Zone Zero

"Phaethon, Anby isn't the type to lie—and she's never spoken this firmly about anyone before. If you're thinking about asking Zhong Yan for help, then go ahead. Anby's word is worth trusting."

Sensing hesitation from Wise on the other end of the call, Nicole immediately gave her reassurance.

She might not fully trust Zhong Yan yet—but she did trust Anby.

That's when Anby, seemingly realizing something, asked, "You're asking Zhong Yan for help… does that mean he's going back into the Hollow? If that's the case, take me with you. I don't want to see him trapped in there again."

Her voice had firmed, her expression turning serious.

When she'd heard about Zhong Yan being surrounded in the Hollow, she'd been genuinely terrified. But she also understood that if he was going in, it had to be for something important—refusing him outright might've even pushed him away.

So, to avoid that and to protect him from further danger, she'd made up her mind to go with him.

The suggestion caught both Nicole and Wise off guard—they weren't sure if they should agree or not.

But Nicole, sharp as always, quickly saw what was happening between Anby and Zhong Yan.

"Then let Anby go," she said. "Consider it a favor for everything you two have helped me with. One free mission from the Cunning Hares. If it were me going, though? I'd be charging you."

Whether or not they charged for the help didn't concern Anby in the slightest. Nor did she particularly care what Nicole and Wise thought of her decision.

She had decided to go. No one was going to stop her.

And since she'd already said as much, Wise certainly wasn't about to refuse. He was still worried whether Zhong Yan could take on Miguel Silver's base solo—but with Anby in the mix, their side gained a substantial power boost.

"All right, Anby—get ready. We're moving tonight." With that, Wise ended the call.

Anby immediately headed back to her room to prepare, also sending a message to Zhong Yan to let him know she'd be joining the operation.

...

Back at the video store.

Wise turned to Belle right after hanging up.

"Based on everything we've heard so far, Zhong Yan does seem trustworthy—Nicole's backing carries weight."

Nicole might run schemes against rich clients, but when it came to friends, she was fiercely loyal. Generous, too—when she had the means to be.

Of course, if she didn't? That's how she'd ended up owing the siblings so many unpaid commissions in the past.

"In that case," Belle said, nodding, "let's find some time to meet him before we head out tonight. I'd like to finally meet face-to-face."

With their decision made, Wise picked up his phone. As he accepted a 7-million Denny transfer from Zhong Yan, he sent over a couple of messages.

[Phaethon: Let's meet today for lunch at the "Waterfall Soup Noodle Shop" in Lumina Square. Save some appetite.]

[Phaethon: Also, sorry—Anby from the Cunning Hares is joining tonight's op. We agreed on it before checking with you.]

It didn't take long for Zhong Yan to reply.

[Zhong Yan: Sounds good. I'll meet you at Lumina Square this afternoon. And no worries about Anby—I already know. Honestly, I feel better with her there.]

Wise didn't bring up the idea of Zhong Yan becoming their private agent—something like that couldn't be discussed over text. It would have to be handled in person.

"Belle, get ready. Today's meet-up and tonight's op... they're both really important." Wise's tone was calm but carried weight.

Belle, however, didn't catch the full meaning behind his words. She assumed he just meant she should be mentally prepared.

...

As morning passed swiftly, the agreed meeting time arrived.

Because of the commute, Belle and Wise left an hour early, leaving the shop in the hands of a newly hired staff member.

Arriving at Lumina Square, they found it packed—midday school and office crowds filled the streets. Being one of New Eridu's rare economic zones, the plaza was always bustling.

They pushed through the sea of people, and after some effort, finally spotted the storefront of the Waterfall Soup Noodle Shop.

Zhong Yan was already there, scanning the crowd occasionally as he waited—clearly looking for them.

The moment he noticed someone heading his way, he turned to look more closely.

Truth was, he already knew what the siblings looked like. But just in case, he faked a moment of recognition.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Wise said as he approached. Zhong Yan blinked, playing along.

"First time meeting in person—I'm Wise. This is my sister, Belle."

He gestured behind him. Belle stepped forward, giving a cheerful wave.

"Hi, Zhong Yan. Took us long enough to meet, huh?"

As she spoke, she gave him a quick once-over.

Just as she'd guessed—Zhong Yan was ridiculously handsome, no matter whether she viewed him through Eous' sensors or her own eyes. Unfairly so.

She always thought her brother was quite the catch too—but in the looks department, even he had to concede a bit to Zhong Yan.

"Hard to believe it," Zhong Yan said with a surprised expression. "The Legendary Proxy 'Phaethon'... are actually just two young adults."

He glanced around subtly, making sure no one else heard what he said.

Wise gave a casual smile and nodded. "Says the guy who's slaying Ethereals like it's nothing. Your age and your abilities don't exactly match up either."

In that respect, they were more alike than they realized.

Then Belle suddenly stepped between them, lightly clenching her fists.

"All right, enough talk. If we don't head in soon, someone's gonna steal our table!"

Her words snapped them out of it. It was peak lunch hour—most places would be fully packed soon. If they didn't hurry, they'd be forced to order takeout.

With a brief chuckle and a shared glance, the three of them entered the shop together.