Chapter 263: Chapter 209: Superficial Affection (Part 2)

"Is she untrustworthy?" Shang Xinlei suddenly asked.

"She..." Yan Qing was momentarily speechless, "It has nothing to do with whether she is trustworthy or not, it’s just unnecessary to take risks. Don’t you have those glasses that can dramatically change your appearance? Wearing that thing wouldn’t affect eating at all." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"No way!" Shang Xinlei shook her head resolutely, "Absolutely not!"

Yan Qing didn’t understand why she was so stubborn about this trivial matter; compared to him wrapping bandages, wearing glasses was much more convenient. But he didn’t intend to continue persuading her, since if they really wanted to be serious, they should stop these lunchtime meetings anyway, as it’s not a big deal, and they’d have nothing to lose if they stopped.

However, they tacitly did not mention this. Just like two thieves accusing each other of not being cautious enough to avoid being discovered, but no one would suggest simply not stealing, because if they didn’t steal, these two thieves would have no reason to act together.

Yan Qing was pondering how to increase security measures when Shang Xinlei suddenly asked, "Do you have a sister?"

"...If we’re not discussing blood relations, just in name, yes." Yan Qing was silent for a moment before replying, "Yes."

"How old is she?"

"Ten to twelve, I’m not sure."

Shang Xinlei hesitated but couldn’t help asking, "Do you also not know the ages of Jiang Shi, An Wu, or Mouse Monk?"

"I could make up a number for you, and they would admit it, but it’s meaningless." Yan Qing said calmly, "Age holds no value for us, just like insects that live and die in a day don’t need to count how many hours they’ve lived."

"You’re so indifferent."

"It’s not like you met me today. I’m just this kind of person."

"I’m not talking about you being indifferent to your subordinates. I mean your attitude towards me." Shang Xinlei looked at him, "I’m not Black Wolf, so why do you still speak to me with hidden barbs and needles? You always show your darkest side, reveal your most ruthless thoughts... Do you really want to see me hate and distance myself from you? Or have you never believed my words, always fearing that I will abandon you at some point?"

Yan Qing was taken aback, stepping back against the door as if trying to escape this place filled with the scent of stuffed peppers and the aura of a young girl.

"Sorry," he said.

"The one you should apologize to is Black Wolf, not me," Shang Xinlei said, "Only someone who doesn’t understand you like Black Wolf would be provoked by you, even thinking when danger comes, you’ll handle it first... What’s her name?"

Yan Qing paused for a moment before realizing what she was asking, "Rabbit Heroine."

"Did you come up with that name? It’s so bad, no wonder Black Wolf is so dissatisfied with you. If it were me, I’d also feel like you don’t care about this sister at all." Shang Xinlei critiqued, "You claim you’d kill her first and recover the Power of Calamity if Rabbit Heroine faced danger, and I’ll tentatively believe that’s true, but why do you have to bring it up at a time like this?"

"If I’m not mistaken, Rabbit Heroine just met with mishap today. Black Wolf is covered in wounds, lacking even the most basic disguise, coming to the Thief’s House wearing a mask, at her most vulnerable and sensitive moment. She didn’t even come for help; though I don’t know the details, since the Foundation Establishment Messenger was mentioned as being involved, Black Wolf surely knew even you couldn’t do anything... She came to share her confusion and sorrow with you, thinking you felt the same as her, believing you would be her companion!"

"But you stab her again and again." Shang Xinlei stated calmly, "Even when she wanted to trust you, you intentionally posed the most extreme scenario to showcase your most ruthless choice."

"So she misunderstood me because we’re different," Yan Qing said, "I don’t want her to think I’m—"

"I know you’re not a good person, but you’re not a bad one either," Shang Xinlei sighed, "I don’t know Black Wolf, nor the little girl called Rabbit Heroine, but if she’s willing to sacrifice her life to save Rabbit Heroine, then Black Wolf must be a good person, right? You don’t dislike her, otherwise, you wouldn’t talk so much... Even though you could be friends, why insist on being a hedgehog?"

Maybe it’s because I’m afraid.

Shang Xinlei’s words, Yan Qing actually understood them; he even knew how to properly approach Pharmacist’s Wish. They could quickly become close just by discussing how to save Rabbit Heroine, discussing Rabbit Heroine’s situation, and her feelings.

And it wouldn’t require any action.

After all, Rabbit Heroine would certainly be imprisoned by a Foundation Establishment Zhenren in a heavily guarded place. No matter how much they planned, it would be fleeting as dreams and illusions, the most practical action would be to establish a fourth-turn Foundation Establishment to demand her return, only through repeated discussions would their relationship grow closer.

Additionally, Pharmacist’s Wish is currently in the most vulnerable stage of life, as long as Yan Qing was a bit gentle and considerate, though he disliked using the term, there was no more apt description than ’taking advantage of the situation.’

Yan Qing didn’t do so, not because he was noble or had high morals, but because he was afraid.

He was afraid of Pharmacist’s Wish.

In truth, when witnessing Pharmacist’s Wish’s grief and agitation for Rabbit Heroine, Yan Qing felt a hint of envy towards Rabbit Heroine.

Not only Rabbit Heroine but also Mouse Monk, Jiang Shi, and even Ye Si, they all lived actively in the outside world, meeting many people every day, being relied upon by many, gradually forming many important bonds, and if they died, Qian Gongyu, Shang Xuanwen, and Pharmacist’s Wish would be very saddened... Compared to the large accounts, these small accounts seemed more ’alive.’