Ryan sat on the recliner in the courtyard, pondering this question for what felt like the hundredth time.
Initially, he'd thought he was being used; though slightly annoyed, he'd at least repelled Mosha and engaged with Fire Moth.
But things had become strange. Two days after repelling the Honkai Beast, except for Ato's call confirming the clean-up, everything seemed normal.
Mosha hadn't retaliated, remaining on the continental shelf. Fire Moth hadn't taken further action; it was as if the battle never happened.
No improvement in status, no collaboration offers—simply ignored. What was going on?
Ryan sensed something amiss but couldn't confront them directly; he wasn't powerful enough to act arbitrarily.
"Senior Brother, let's go."
Ryan was pacing when he heard Hua's voice. He turned, his eyes widening.
The girl had her bluish-grey hair in a ponytail, wearing a horizontally striped shirt; her open collar revealed her elegant collarbones. But what surprised Ryan most was her lower body.
Hua wore jeans and a skirt that fell above her knees, revealing a section of fair calf; combined with her white sneakers, youthful energy radiated from her.
Her figure was tall and slender; years of martial arts training gave her an air of heroism, compensating for her flat chest. Though not conventionally alluring, she was stunningly beautiful.
Ryan's admiring gaze made Hua smile, revealing a few white teeth. But the smile quickly faded.
"Did you take the wrong medicine today?"
Ryan couldn't be blamed for his comment. He'd known Hua for five years, always seeing her in athletic wear; he'd never seen her in a skirt—always athletic pants, at most, jeans.
The words were barely out before he realized his mistake, chuckling awkwardly. "Forget it, I was just surprised. Why the sudden change in attire?"
The girl wasn't wearing makeup; the jeans were simple, but for Hua, it was a significant step.
"You complimented me on wearing prettier clothes the other day." Hua mumbled, recalling Ryan's comment upon seeing the clothes rack.
"You're mumbling."
"No, I just went shopping with Carole a few days ago. She bought this for me. After what happened the other day, I realized that if I don't wear it now, I might not have the chance later."
"That's true; everyday life will become a luxury later." Ryan nodded, accepting this explanation.
His stated purpose was to take Hua shopping for souvenirs, but his true intention was to lift her spirits. What happened two days ago was too intense for ordinary people; Hua wasn't as resilient as Kevin.
Of course, he also wanted a break. Constantly worrying about Honkai was exhausting.
"By the way, why isn't Carole coming?"
"She's not coming; she's still lecturing me on the phone. Unbelievable."
"What's she scolding you for?"
"Uh, girl stuff. Don't ask. Let's go." Hua's face flushed; she quickened her pace.
Ryan scratched his face, looking at the delicate back and swaying white calves, following closely behind.
Due to the remote location of the rental house, it took Ryan about half an hour to reach the city. Then they were stuck in traffic on an elevated highway. Shanghai, the largest city in Shenzhou, lived up to its reputation; even on a weekday, the traffic was horrendous.
Hua expected Ryan to get impatient but discovered he was actually enjoying the traffic jam, claiming that observing this urban vibrancy was a rare treat.
Leaving at 10:00 AM, they finally arrived at Huaihai Road around noon. As one of Shanghai's most upscale shopping areas, it housed numerous shopping malls and high-end restaurants.
"So this is Huaihai Road." Hua stood on the sidewalk, looking at the towering skyscrapers and fashionable people rushing by, feeling out of place.
"No way. You've lived in Shanghai for two years and haven't been to Huaihai Road?" Ryan locked the car, putting on his black coat, accustomed to the bustling scenes.
He'd spent years in remote mountain areas and stayed in the most luxurious hotels in Manhattan.
"No, it's too expensive. Why would I go there?" Hua looked away, slightly embarrassed. "I just need to buy some ham for Father; do I need to come to Huaihai Road?"
"You buy yours; I'll buy mine. Don't forget, your father is also my teacher. Let's go; let's have lunch first." Ryan pulled the girl along, determined to make this a memorable trip for her.
A handsome man and a beautiful girl strolled through the bustling mall. Though simply dressed, no melodramatic scenes unfolded.
No melodramatic scenes, nor the typical TV trope of the woman possessing endless energy, and the man incessantly complaining.
From the first floor to the fifth, then back down to the first, after about an hour, Ryan sat in a roadside restaurant, watching Hua devour a large bowl of beef noodle soup with a somewhat resigned expression.
"You, you! You complained about this being too expensive, that being unnecessary. In the end, you still ordered noodle soup." Ryan grumbled, recalling Kevin's similar preference for noodle soup.
Hua glanced up, placing a piece of beef in Ryan's bowl. "I'm not interested in Western food, and your money isn't falling from the sky; every penny is precious."
"Do you know where my money comes from?"
"I'm guessing. You've never mentioned your family."
Ryan's expression turned serious. He hadn't expected Hua's seemingly simple mind to possess such sensitivity. It was true; despite his appearance as a rich second-generation heir, every penny was earned years ago as a Fire Moth operative.
As for his family…
"Senior Brother, I know you've been kind to me. That's why I want to repay you." Hua interrupted Ryan's thoughts, propping her chin on her hand. "And I know why you're so exhausted today. Lunch is on me; I can only treat you to noodle soup."
The girl remained serious, making Ryan feel a little awkward. She was perceptive but sometimes so naive.
"When did you learn all this?" Ryan poked her forehead, picked up his chopsticks, returned the beef, and ate a large mouthful of noodles.
Ah, this is far more delicious than Kevin's noodle soup!
Ryan suddenly understood the saying "beauty is delicious," appreciating his past efforts.
This had nothing to do with investing in the 13 Flame-Chasers or forging any special bond; Hua simply deserved this.
"Since you're unfamiliar with Huaihai Road, where do you want to go this afternoon?"
"Senior Brother, you should have asked me earlier."
"Ah, I originally wanted to show you some of the more run-down areas. But since you don't want to, I'll follow your lead. Let's see how you've been living in Shanghai."
"Let me plan it, then. Let's go now." Hua, excited, took Ryan's arm.
They didn't drive; Ryan realized Hua's high school was quite close to Huaihai Road. Since it was the school's break, he simply strolled around the entrance, then pulled a slightly embarrassed Hua to take a photo together.
The photo was poorly taken; even Ryan's eyes were squinted. He'd wanted to delete it, but the forceful insistence was unavoidable. He could only send it to her.
Why is she treating this bad photo like a treasure? She didn't want the clothes I bought her, yet now she wants this.
Ryan didn't understand Hua's mindset at this age; but looking at her delicate neck, he felt this was good. She was like a blank canvas, retaining some things while he added his colors.
At least these colors were positive; she wouldn't become as vibrant as Elysia, but at least not bitter and resentful.
"So, where else do you want to go?"
"To the snack street near Shanghai University. There are some foods I want you to try."
After all those noodles?
Ryan glanced at the girl's flat chest, letting her pull him forward. They walked about two miles to a bustling alley.
The alley was narrow, lined with food stalls, mostly frequented by young people, primarily university students from nearby Shanghai, with plenty of girls showing off their legs in shorts.
The air was thick with aromas—chicken feet frying in oil, squid sizzling on a griddle, sprinkled with spices and chili peppers, making Ryan's stomach rumble.
"Senior Brother, I'll go get two bowls of shaved ice."
"Okay, I'll find a seat." Ryan found a small chair and, not wanting to sit idly, bought two servings of sweet tofu pudding, eating it with a plastic spoon while observing the crowd.
The bustling atmosphere was invigorating, a world away from the sterile battlefields and laboratories he was accustomed to. For a while, he even forgot about the third Honkai impact.
No wonder they say that the greatest hiding places are in plain sight; the bustling crowd cleansed his soul.
Ryan wasn't interested in famous mountains and rivers; he found the market atmosphere appealing. He observed the ordinary faces, the joy and sorrow, the anger and grief of people of all ages: an elderly couple holding hands, young lovers arguing, sweaty street vendors, hardworking cleaning ladies, and busy delivery drivers.
Even knowing this scene would soon vanish, Ryan didn't feel despondent; instead, he tried to etch it into his memory.
"Senior Brother, what are you looking at?"
Hua had quietly sat beside him, scooping up some tofu pudding and shaved ice with a contented expression.
Ryan looked at the plastic bowl; it contained a gelatinous substance topped with dried plums, raisins, and peanuts.
He took a bite; the sweet red bean paste was delicious. He smiled, pointing at the bustling crowd.
"I'm watching people."