NOVPUB"Uh-huh, I see, I got it, thanks." Shen Mochen said with a smile.
"You..." Xia Qingrou hesitated.
"What about me?" Shen Mochen tilted his head and asked.
"If you're going to date Xuexue, then do it properly, don't be wishy-washy, and don't bully her!"
Xia Qingrou raised her hand, wanting to hit him, but her hand fell gently halfway. Things were different now, he had a girlfriend.
Not being wishy-washy is hard though... Shen Mochen thought to himself, but now wasn't the time to say that.
Although he had jokingly said to the other that if he became someone of power and influence like Liu Chaoyan's family, she would be his concubine. But if he were to actually say that now, he'd probably get beaten up.
"I have never bullied her," Shen Mochen said seriously.
"Then why was she crying the other day, hmph, it must have been you bullying her!" Xia Qingrou snorted coldly.
"That... Anyway, it won't happen again."
"It better not," Xia Qingrou said with a sullen expression, "Don't you dare bully Xuexue, got it? Xuexue may have a weak body... but she's a really good person!"
The horizon was dyed a tranquil gold, the sun like a melting nugget of gold, and birds flitted through it, flapping their wings. The setting sun cast its glow over this desolate encampment, falling upon Xia Qingrou's face and casting a shadow, her eyes hidden within it.
Shen Mochen pondered for a moment, "I know she's good, but can I ask why you care so much about her? Is it out of sympathy? Because you're trying to find a sense of purpose for your existence in her?"
Cai Yuncui had once told Shen Mochen that her kindness to others was like a kind of self-induced emotion, because she felt inferior everywhere and could only find spiritual redemption through being "nice" to people.
Xia Qingrou seemed to be in a similar situation; she said she had ended up in Buque because her entire family and her older sisters were too outstanding.
But while the two seemed to share similar backgrounds, the essence of their situations was different.
Cai Yuncui bore a heavier weight, carrying the dark shadows of "bringing ruin to her parents" since childhood, and then encountering the Jishi Association, which is why she sought such a Holy Mother approach for her "atonement."
Xia Qingrou, however, was different; she had a happy family without such burdens. Also, she was essentially an introvert—how could she be so close to Han Muxue, especially given that Han Muxue obviously had a prickly demeanor?
"Why would you ask that..." Xia Qingrou muttered softly in response to Shen Mochen's somewhat sharp questions, "It's not for any special reason, because we're good friends..."
"I see," Shen Mochen said.
"Actually, Xuexue wasn't always like this." Xia Qingrou licked her lips, "When she first arrived at unit 0819, she wasn't like this; she was very cautious, spoke in a soft voice, and had a flattering smile for anyone she met... Everyone could see she didn't want to smile; no one was forcing her... but still, she did... I think, she must have had a really hard time before... At first it was a bit out of sympathy, but after spending time with her, I realized she's genuinely a good person... Her superpower consumes a lot, takes a heavy toll on her body, but as you know, her superpower is really useful, it's a huge security for our lives, so she always pushes herself to the limit, she's nearly fainted several times, and she's never complained... Because of her physical condition, she can't do housework, but when we clean, she's there too, reducing the gravity for us, even though it still puts a lot of strain on her body... Her legs are disabled, life must be inconvenient, but she never bothers anyone, she's super self-reliant... She'll lend anything you ask for without stinginess, I once broke her expensive bracelet, and she just scolded me, didn't make me pay, didn't take my money... When Shuangshuang left before, Xuexue talked badly about her on the surface, but she was actually happy for her... You understand, right? Even though she's become sarcastic and proud, she's essentially a really good person, not wanting to trouble others, generous in nature, and does her best to protect her teammates... It's not strange that I like her, is it?"
Shen Mochen silently glanced at Xia Qingrou. He remembered when he first started dating her, Han Muxue had half-threatened, half-begged him to treat Xia Qingrou well... She had already recognized him at that time, hadn't she?
"Xuexue is definitely a great person, but I think Xia senior is also pretty awesome. You're all great!" Shen Mochen said with a smile.
"I... am not that great." Xia Qingrou appeared somewhat unsure, then suddenly remembered something, and her face turned stern, "Don't call me senior, we're not from the same school! Also, don't talk to me anymore in the future, keep your distance, ex-boyfriend and classmate!"
Saying this, she went straight back into the house, not caring about Shen Mochen's reaction.
"Hmph, it's so hot outside, I'm going into the cool house, only an idiot would stay out here..."
Shen Mochen chuckled and looked toward the sun setting slowly, stretching out his hand.
Why can't I have it all, I want it all!
Shen Mochen headed to the kitchen, where Cai Yuncui, her hair tied up in a ponytail, was cooking porridge.
The stuffy kitchen had only a fan, her sweat-soaked clothes clinging to her skin, creating an alluring charm. Even after Han Muxue had relaxed him in the afternoon, Shen Mochen nearly lost control facing the "ultimate answer" of the universe and pounced on her.
"Whew..." Shen Mochen took a deep breath, expelled the distracting thoughts, and softly called out, "Cai sister."
Cai Yuncui was the most unique presence in unit 0819, esteemed in everyone's heart. Even Liu Chaoyan outwardly showed great respect for her. This was not only because of her status as a "five-year veteran," but also because she helped everyone equally with her Holy Motherly demeanor, making her the most reliable figure in everyone's mind.
When she wasn't at unit 0819, there was a duty rotation schedule, and everyone had to adhere to it strictly. Even if Xia Qingrou took over cooking later on, Liu Chaoyan ensured that others took on more in other aspects, striving for fairness.
Shen Mochen thought this was a very correct practice, as these trivial daily matters could easily lead to internal disputes and dissatisfaction.
But when Cai Yuncui returned, she naturally took over most of the chores, and no one, including Liu Chaoyan, raised any objections. This wasn't because everyone was "bullying the good-natured," but because of their absolute trust in Cai Yuncui.
"Xiaochen, what brings you here?" Cai Yuncui turned around surprised, then with a knowing smile, she teased, "I got it, you came to sneak some food, didn't you?"
