Uchiha in Zenless Zone Zero

Ellen's voice wasn't actually very loud, but it was enough for everyone in the café to hear.

Thus, her words spread like a virus, and silence gradually enveloped the café. Everyone turned their gazes toward them, scrutinizing the pair closely.

"They look like they've just come of age, yet they've already reached this stage?"

"Eh, you didn't know? Young people these days are all like this. Besides, the two of them really make a perfect match."

"Damn it, why can't I find such a good-looking boyfriend? Sending them my blessings—they must stay happy!"

The crowd began buzzing with discussion, while Zhong Yan, the protagonist of the incident, stood frozen on the spot, unable to react.

His brain was working overtime, trying to figure out how things had escalated to this point.

And then, he realized the answer.

Because Anby had been in an untouchable danger period over the past six months, whenever Zhong Yan had any needs, he could only turn to Ellen.

Over time, it was inevitable that something would happen.

But Zhong Yan hadn't considered this at all and now found himself at a loss.

"Um, Ellen... how long has it been?" Zhong Yan's mouth twitched a couple of times as he couldn't help but ask.

Judging by the looks of it, Ellen must have discovered it not long ago; otherwise, her stomach wouldn't still be so flat.

"Oh, I went to the doctor before. They said it's been a little over a month. Why? Are you not planning to keep the child?"

As she spoke, Ellen's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of worry flickering across her heart. She feared Zhong Yan might ask her to get rid of the child—after all, at their age, it really was a bit early.

However, Zhong Yan's concern was something else entirely: "That's not it... I just wanted to tell you that actually... Anby and I also have a child."

When saying this, Zhong Yan deliberately lowered his voice, given that the café was packed with people. It would be disastrous if someone overheard and misunderstood.

Of course, even more crucial was Ellen's reaction. If she couldn't accept it, he'd be finished.

"Oh, is that so? Is it an older brother or sister? Will they bully our baby in the future?"

To Zhong Yan's surprise, Ellen's response was astonishingly calm, as if she didn't care at all.

Seeing the ghost-struck look on his face, Ellen immediately understood and explained, "With someone as untrustworthy as you, it's totally normal to have crossed that line with others first. Besides, don't dodge my question."

Hearing Ellen's words, Zhong Yan was utterly incredulous. He had never imagined that the usually tsundere Ellen could accept it so easily.

It was... wonderful.

"Actually, the child hasn't been born yet, so I don't know if it's an older brother or sister. But I promise, they will never bully our child."

Zhong Yan patted his chest, making a gesture of assurance.

Everyone says early childhood education is crucial, so he had already decided: if it was a boy, he would make sure the boy experienced his overflowing fatherly love firsthand.

"Your promise is good enough." Ellen nodded, her calm tone giving nothing away.

At that moment, the coffee they had ordered arrived. Ellen, without hesitation, handed her small packet of white sugar to Zhong Yan.

She remembered that Zhong Yan didn't like bitter coffee, unlike herself—being a shark, she wasn't picky. As long as something was edible, she could eat it.

After finishing their coffee, Zhong Yan personally escorted Ellen back home.

Ellen also mentioned that a maid from Victoria Housekeeping would be coming over to take care of her, so there was no need to worry.

Zhong Yan simply nodded, not saying much.

With Ellen's situation settled, the only one left was Belle.

Speaking of Belle, Zhong Yan's feelings were rather complicated. Among the three, his relationship with Belle had progressed the slowest.

Up to now, their most intimate interactions had only been a few kisses.

Belle had no idea what had happened between him, Anby, and Ellen.

She even naively believed that her relationship with Zhong Yan was developing quite rapidly, certainly not slower than the others.

In reality, she had been left in the dust, and as things stood now, there was no way for her to catch up.

Zhong Yan was now debating whether to go talk to her. There was no point in hiding it any longer; dragging it out would only lead to resentment.

Having thought it through, Zhong Yan finally made up his mind. He needed to tell Belle the truth—she had the right to know.

...

At that time, Belle was lounging in her room, idly scrolling through videos.

Winter had come, and the heavy snow had significantly reduced the number of customers at the video store, leaving them far less busy than before.

The good news was, they didn't rely on the store's income to make a living. The bulk of their wealth came from their Phaethon accounts.

Helping Hollow Raiders complete a single commission could equal months of the video store's revenue.

If luck was on their side, one job could even bring in several years' worth of income—truly an exaggeration, but real.

"Belle, dinner's almost ready! Don't spoil your appetite with snacks again!" came Wise's voice from outside her room. Hearing this, Belle quickly hid her snacks.

Then she called out symbolically through the door, "Got it, big brother! I definitely won't sneak snacks!"

Saying this, she listened carefully for movements outside. Once she was sure Wise had left, she immediately took out her snacks and continued eating.

Indeed, there was nothing in the world more blissful than sneaking snacks—and if there was, it would be sneaking two bags.

As Belle was basking in her cleverness, her phone suddenly buzzed with a message from Zhong Yan.

She instantly perked up.

Zhong Yan rarely messaged her first. Although she didn't know what it was about, anything related to him was serious business for Belle.

She quickly closed the app she was watching and opened her chat with Zhong Yan.

[Zhong Yan: Belle, are you home? If it's convenient, can I come over?]

Upon seeing that Zhong Yan wanted to come over, Belle became even more excited and replied immediately.

[Belle: Sure! My brother is cooking, so if you come now, you can even mooch a meal!]