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Chapter 101: Chapter 101 Jealousy
Only by killing the Empress could they stop the madness of those alien species outside.
Moreover, there was less than two hours until darkness fell, and by then, having an Empress by their side would be akin to courting death.
They were still relatively lucky that there were no alien species with superpowers outside yet, but once it got dark, everything would be unpredictable.
Hong Yun stared intently at Han Yi for a while before finally saying, "Let’s do as you said."
—This mission was to rescue research personnel. Her goal was simply to complete the mission.
The underground garage was pitch black, the power had been cut off long ago, and now they relied solely on two or three Fire Type superpower users for illumination with their flames.
The sound of aliens colliding continued, but fortunately, the entrance was solidly blocked, preventing them from breaking in for the time being. Everyone sat down to rest on the spot; some checked their weapons, others refilled their ammo, and still, others treated their wounds.
Han Jiaojiao took out a pack of wet wipes from her backpack, handing out two or three to each person, which could be used to wipe off the blood on their bodies. Even if they hadn’t gotten any alien blood on them, wiping off sweat was still beneficial as the cool wetness could refresh them significantly.
Han Jiaojiao also handed two to Hong Yun, who thanked her and wiped the sweat from her forehead. When she looked up again, Han Jiaojiao had already walked over to Zhu Changfu, who, being rather plump, was particularly bothered by the heat. As he was sweating profusely, Han Jiaojiao gave him several more wipes, fearing they wouldn’t suffice.
Hong Yun watched the profile of Han Jiaojiao, feeling that strange sensation creeping up from the bottom of her heart again.
When Han Jiaojiao turned around, her gaze met Hong Yun’s—she blinked, momentarily stunned.
Hong Yun found her very cute and smiled lightly, asking, "Have we met before?"
Han Jiaojiao smiled shyly, her voice weak, "I don’t think so."
Hong Yun looked warmly at Han Jiaojiao, "Is that so? Perhaps I was mistaken; your shooting stance just seemed familiar to me."
Han Jiaojiao’s face turned slightly red, thinking: because you taught me... It would be strange if it wasn’t familiar...
After wiping her sweat, Hong Yun tilted her head slightly and brushed her slanted bangs behind her ear. Her gaze briefly lingered on Han Jiaojiao’s waist, and her beautiful lips curved into a smile, "You also use a dagger?"
"Huh?... Oh, for self-defense," Han Jiaojiao answered hesitantly, her cheeks flushing slightly—she had also been taught dagger skills by Hong Yun.
"Jiaojiao," Han Yi called out to her.
Han Jiaojiao turned at the sound and ran over to Han Yi.
In the flicker of the firelight, Hong Yun saw a hint of warning in Han Yi’s eyes. She couldn’t help but find it amusing; it was just a short conversation with his sister, yet he seemed so tense.
The group only stayed on the first underground level for five or six minutes before moving slowly down the pitch-black emergency passage toward the third underground level.
The stairwell was filled with various obstacles, and the exit was blocked by abandoned cars. Every so often, they needed the strength superpower users to clear the obstructions.
When they finally reached the third underground level and opened the passage entrance, a distinct fishy smell mixed with the scent of sweat rushed out into the stuffy air, causing everyone to cover their noses.
Perhaps due to the noise or perhaps because of the firelight, it didn’t take long for voices to gather around—
"Someone’s here?!... The base’s rescue team has arrived!"
"Professor! Professor, wake up, the rescue team from the base has found us!"
"Finally, it’s such a relief, let’s get out quickly..."
The firelight cast on each person’s face revealed expressions of sheer ecstasy.
Suddenly, an excited female voice rang out—
"Ayi!"
Qin Nanyi stood among the crowd, her dress full of wrinkles and stains, yet her beauty remained undiminished. She stared at Han Yi, tears slowly filling her eyes. "I knew... you would definitely come to rescue me."
Her voice choked with surprise and sorrow as she walked towards Han Yi step by step, seeming like she could no longer support herself and was about to collapse.
Han Yi slightly frowned and reached out to support her, asking, "Where is Aunt Duan?"
Qin Nanyi, with an even more sorrowful expression, covered her mouth with one hand, forcing herself to suppress the terror and grievances of the past few days before saying to Han Yi, "Mom had a heart attack, and the air quality here is not very good ..."
Han Yi’s expression turned stern, "Take me to her." Having said that, he already started walking ahead.
The people on either side closely followed him.
—Han Jiaojiao felt especially cold, as if every pore on her body was forced open, then buckets of ice water were pouring into her.
A warm hand rested on her shoulder, Han Jiaojiao turned her head to see it was Hong Yun.
"Little sister, you’re falling behind." Hong Yun’s lips curled slightly, her lifted eyes carried a kindly smile.
Han Jiaojiao opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say; she just stared blankly at Hong Yun, and it took her a long while to utter a drawn-out "oh."
As the firelight grew distant, they could barely see each other; Hong Yun, fearing she might wander off in the dark, took her hand and led her forward.
Her hand was warm, maybe because she had been a policewoman, her steps were bigger than those of ordinary women and also more decisive. Han Jiaojiao followed with her head down, her mind as if filled with mush, unable to think. Only when Hong Yun let go of her hand did Han Jiaojiao finally look up, bewildered.
She saw Han Yi bent over talking softly with a middle-aged woman on the ground. Qin Nanyi and several other Research Institute staff surrounded them, the scene looking harmonious yet painfully glaring!
Jealousy, like wildly growing weeds, instantly engulfed her entire heart!
—Even when Mom and Dad were alive, she had never seen her brother speak with them so patiently and considerately. At home, he was always cold and silent. Like an outsider, awkwardly standing outside their laughter and joy.
She should have known, no one is born indifferent, even her brother, in front of Qin Nanyi’s mother, could still show admiration.
Han Jiaojiao coldly stared at Qin Nanyi’s face.—Qin Nanyi was looking at her brother... Her expression was pitifully charming, her tears mixed with laughter and her laughter tinged with tears, her eyes full of love and obsession towards Han Yi, without any attempt to hide it.
How could she look at her brother with those eyes?! He was her brother! Her brother!!!
Unaware, her nails dug into her flesh. 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓹𝓾𝒷.𝓬𝓸𝓂
Han Jiaojiao had always been aware of Qin Nanyi’s obsession with Han Yi.—In her previous life, as the capable assistant of Director Du, Qin Nanyi often assigned tasks in the name of the Research Institute to the Special Training Team, and during those times, Qin Nanyi always specifically requested Han Jiaojiao’s participation in the tasks. Sometimes Han Jiaojiao went with Qin Nanyi to inspect various locations; other times, she protected Qin Nanyi while collecting samples outside. After numerous such occasions, Han Jiaojiao realized that Qin Nanyi was seeking opportunities to be with Han Yi.
Because Han Yi would always make sure to follow her on missions to protect her.
How foolish she was then, merely feeling annoyed, nothing more.
But understanding her feelings now, seeing that face evoked a completely opposite sentiment.
"Are you alright?"
A gentle voice suddenly exploded in her mind!
Han Jiaojiao snapped back to reality, let out a breath, and relaxed her fingers, which still tingled slightly from the pressure, her palms sweaty and sticky.
Han Jiaojiao looked towards Hong Yun and smiled apologetically.
