It's not too late to meet in the book

The night was as dark as ink, and the thin moonlight, filtering through sparse clouds and spilling onto the ancient stone pavement, cast a mysterious silver veil over the sleepy city. Su Xiaoxiao and Lin Yu walked side by side through the narrow alleys, their footsteps echoing in the silence, each step seemingly treading on the veins of history. A chance encounter in a library, the two bonded over an ancient tome on the theory of space and time, and from then on, they embarked on a journey to uncover the truth.

"Xiaoxiao, are you sure this is the right way?" Lin Yu asked softly, his eyes sweeping over the ancient walls around him, trying to find any possible clues. There was a hint of subtle nervousness in his voice, but more of it was trust in Su Xiaoxiao.

Su Xiaoxiao paused, pulled a yellowed map from her backpack, and carefully compared it with the dim light of her flashlight. "Yes, according to this ancient map, the secret entrance to the Gate of Time and Space is nearby." Her words were firm, her eyes gleaming with an undeniable light.

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from the darkness. The two immediately became alert and stood back to back, ready to deal with possible danger. Only to see a figure step out from the shadows, wearing a black cloak, his face tightly hidden by the brim of his hat.

"Don't be nervous, I'm a friend." The man whispered, slowly took off his cloak, revealing a young and resolute face. He was Li Ming, a scholar with profound research on ancient civilizations, and also Su Xiaoxiao's neighbor's brother.

"Li Ming? Why are you here?" Su Xiaoxiao asked in surprise, and her guard was instantly relaxed a lot.

Li Ming smiled slightly and explained, "I've been secretly investigating the Space-Time Gate. When I learned that you were also looking for the truth, I decided to join. After all, fighting alone is always worse than fighting side by side."

Lin Yu nodded, stretched out his hand and shook hands with Li Ming, "Welcome to join us. With you here, our chances of winning are a little better."

The three continued forward, passing through a hidden stone doorway and arriving at a spacious underground space. This space was filled with complex runes and ancient mechanisms. In the center was a large circular platform, emitting a faint blue light. This seemed to be the location of the Gate of Time and Space.

"Look, that's the gate of time and space." Su Xiaoxiao pointed to the center of the platform with a hint of excitement in her tone.

Li Ming stepped forward and carefully studied the runes, his brow furrowed. "These runes record the method of opening the portal between time and space, but they also conceal enormous risks. If handled improperly, not only will the balance between the two time and space be disrupted, but it could also trigger unforeseen disasters."

"Then what should we do?" Lin Yu asked anxiously. He knew very well that time was urgency and every second of delay could allow the conspirators to succeed.

Su Xiaoxiao took a deep breath and said with a firm look, "We must find a way to stop them. We can't let this conspiracy succeed. Li Ming, you have studied these runes. See if you can find a way to close or change the direction of the space-time gate."

Li Ming nodded and began to concentrate on deciphering the rune. Su Xiaoxiao and Lin Yu were on guard to prevent a sudden attack from the conspirators. As time passed, the air seemed to freeze, and the tense atmosphere was suffocating.

Suddenly, a slight tremor came from underground, followed by hurried footsteps. The conspirators finally appeared. They were wearing black uniforms, wearing cold masks, and holding high-tech weapons. It was obvious that they came prepared.

"It seems that you are here after all." Su Xiaoxiao said calmly, but she had already prepared for the worst in her heart.

The leading conspirator sneered, "Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Yu, do you think you can stop us with just a few of you? You are so naive."

"How do you know if you don't try?" Lin Yu quickly stood in front of Su Xiaoxiao, and at the same time signaled Li Ming to continue cracking the rune and not to be distracted.

A fierce battle is inevitable. Su Xiaoxiao uses her research on ancient martial arts to flexibly dodge the enemy's attacks while looking for opportunities to counterattack. Lin Yu, with his wisdom and agility, constantly creates interference to buy time for Li Ming. Li Ming, in the tense cracking process, finally finds the key rune sequence to close the door of time and space.

"Hurry, enter it in this order!" Li Ming shouted hurriedly, handing Su Xiaoxiao a piece of paper full of runes.

Su Xiaoxiao took the note and, while dodging attacks, accurately entered the runes into the control panel of the Space-Time Gate. As the last rune lit up, the Space-Time Gate began to vibrate violently, then slowly closed, emitting a dazzling light, repelling the conspirators one by one.

The battle came to a temporary halt, and the three stood back to back, gasping for breath, but their faces were filled with the joy of victory.

"We did it." Su Xiaoxiao said softly, her eyes showing both relief and expectations for the future.

Lin Yu patted her shoulder and said, "Yes, as long as we unite as one, nothing is impossible."

Li Ming also showed a long-lost smile, "Thanks to you this time, otherwise I might never be able to solve this mystery."

At this moment, a gentle voice came from the darkness, "You have done well, but the battle is not over yet."

The three of them looked in the direction of the sound and saw an old man in a white robe slowly walking out. His eyes were deep, as if he could see through all secrets.

"You are..." Su Xiaoxiao asked doubtfully.

The old man smiled faintly. "I am the guardian, responsible for protecting the secrets of the Space-Time Gate from being abused. You have demonstrated wisdom and courage. I have decided to entrust more secrets and power to you to face greater challenges in the future."

As the old man's words fall, a new chapter is about to begin. Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Yu and their new friend Li Ming will continue to explore the unknown with this trust and strength, and safeguard the peace of the two time and space.

"Then let's go on the rest of the journey together." Su Xiaoxiao looked into the distance, with a determined light in her eyes.

Lin Yu and Li Ming smiled at each other and responded in unison: "Of course, together!"

But Li Ming had other things to deal with, so the three of them said goodbye here.