studiobondurri Chapter 927: Used to It
Chapter 927: Used to It
Chapter 927: Used to It
Gao Yang stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.
He studied the members in the living room with a thoughtful expression. "Hong Xiaoxiao."
"Yes..."
Hong Xiaoxiao sat with Liao Liao and Chen Ying around a short table, having instant noodles. At his call, she hastily set down her bowl and wiped her mouth, jogging over. "Captain, what is it?"
Gao Yang glanced at her bowl. "Bring your noodles. Come to the kitchen with me."
"Oh, okay."
In the kitchen, Hong Xiaoxiao stood uncertainly, bowl in hand.
Gao Yang leaned against the counter, head lowered in thought. Noting her hesitation, he smiled. "Eat, or they'll get cold. Remember what I said—you should eat and sleep well."
"Oh, right." Hong Xiaoxiao turned slightly away, taking small, quiet bites.
A few minutes later, Gao Yang looked up.
"Hong Xiaoxiao."
"Hm... yeah!" She turned, covering her mouth as she quickly chewed.
"You're pulling out of the investigation team."
"Pah! Ack, ack..."
She nearly choked on her noodles, eyes watering as she struggled to swallow.
"Captain..." Her voice wavered. She was nervous about the change, and Liao Liao was a good team leader. "What haven't I done right?"
"You did well." Gao Yang's approval was clear. "But I have a more important mission for you. It'll be challenging. Have Lying Wood, Quiet Book, and Muzitu help you."
"Yeah! Go on, Captain!"
"For now, watch Adept Horse, Zhang Wei, and Dead Pig closely." He paused. "Also monitor others who were injured. Notice who heals slower, who seems mentally unstable, who remains physically weak. You must catch these signs immediately and give those people insurance."
"Insurance?" Hong Xiaoxiao's eyes sharpened. "You mean... hairpin?"
Gao Yang nodded.
Her face remained pretty, but her cheeks had hollowed. The youthful clarity in her eyes was draining like a squeezed sponge.
Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and acne dotted her forehead. The signs of exhaustion were clear—busy days caring for the children and managing everyone's needs had taken their toll.
Suddenly, he saw their mother in her.
Their mother had looked like this at home too. Young and beautiful still, but dimmed by endless family care and daily chores.
Their mother shouldn't have suffered like that.
His sister shouldn't have to shoulder this burden.
"Gao Xinxin," Gao Yang said seriously. "I'm spending the Lunar New Year with Fresh Snow at the Spectres' Mansion."
Gao Xinxin paused before affecting casualness. "Why not all celebrate here? Won't it be more festive?"
Gao Yang hesitated to explain.
He'd considered it, but Fresh Snow needed him, not the Nine Scions' leader.
Here, that role consumed him. Fresh Snow would find nothing familiar in this environment or in the person he had to be, leaving her adrift.
And Fresh Snow had always had an inferiority complex about being a Spectre rather than a human. Being with these many people would be a constant reminder of her difference.
After weighing everything, staying at the mansion seemed the better choice.
"I want the quiet," he offered instead.
"Alright," Gao Xinxin's voice carried a hint of hurt. "You're the leader. You decide."
"Sister." He met her eyes. "Come with us. Just you, me, Wang Zikai, and Fresh Snow. The four of us together for New Year."
Gao Xinxin turned to watch the sleeping Lovely Lamb. Her smile turned awkward. "Forget it. I should stay. Too much to do here. Without me, everything would fall apart in a day."
"There's a ceasefire coming. Most won't leave the base. Others can handle the daily tasks." He paused. "Besides, none of this is your responsibility."
"It's fine. I'm used to it." She wouldn't face him, waving dismissively. "Moving's a hassle. I'll stay here."
"Let's spend New Year together. Like we always have."
"It's okay. The world's ending. What holidays are there to enjoy?" She turned her back to him. "Go do your thing and leave me."
After a heavy silence, Gao Yang stood. "Alright. Then I'm going."