Chapter 38: Treat Each Other with Sincerity

Luo Ge picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.

The tea's aroma was rich.

"Don't worry, now that I'm here and the griffin is with us, there's no problem."

According to Luo Ge's estimate, even if several third-rate Nen users came now, they could still hold their ground.

As for second-rate Nen users, it's uncertain—but with 【Lightning Flash】 and 【Poison Hand】, victory is still possible.

With the resources of the Liangdahei Gang, it was naturally impossible to hire a second-rate Nen user; after all, they were just a small-city gang.

Zhu Di nodded obediently, a bright smile on her face.

Luo Ge rose slowly and walked toward the door: "I'll go train some more."

Just before the door, Luo Ge whispered over his shoulder to Zhu Di: "To become friends, even family, the most important thing is not to force it."

"Treat each other with sincerity."

Luo Ge said no more, offering only this simple advice—he knew Zhu Di's reaction was normal.

Zhu Di was born into this gang family; though only sixteen, she had been deeply influenced by it.

What he needed to do was correct her thinking, so she could become a family worth entrusting, like Maki and Xiao Di.

Zhu Di sat on the sofa, gazing at Luo Ge's retreating back, slightly lost in thought.

Had she misunderstood something?

After a long while, the smile on Zhu Di's face slowly faded, replaced by a gentle, quiet smile.

Compared to the previously radiant Zhu Di, this version of her was real.

Not forcing it…

Perhaps this is truly how family should interact?

Because of the Pide father and son's oddness, and her mother's early death, Zhu Di had never understood true familial love, nor valued it.

Until now, she had only thought of increasing her standing in Luo Ge's eyes, to avoid being killed.

Now, it seemed possible—perhaps they could truly become good friends, even family?

Luo Ge opened the door and saw two others on the other side, looking up at the ceiling, pretending to be busy.

Maki had her hands clasped behind her back, her small fingers unconsciously rubbing together—her nervous habit.

Many people have small physical tics when nervous; rubbing hands is one of the most common.

Her usually pale face flushed with embarrassment, as if caught doing something wrong, her gaze darting away.

Maki looked flustered, her eyes fixed rigidly on the ceiling, while Xiao Di tugged at Maki's sleeve and asked puzzled:

"Maki? Why are we looking at the ceiling? Didn't we just stare at the room inside?"

Maki's face stiffened, a unnatural expression crossing her cold features.

Before meeting Luo Ge, Maki lived in Meteor Street, where she could only armor herself with coldness to survive.

If she continued like that, she would become like her original self—caring only for a few companions, utterly indifferent to everyone else.

Since meeting Luo Ge and spending time with Xiao Di, her personality had begun to shift, growing more normal.

"You kid, we just happened to be passing by."

"Cough! Cough!"

"Alright, we should get ready for the battle."

Maki coughed twice, quickly pulling Xiao Di—the naturally clueless, sly little sister—away, not wanting to stay here any longer.

Luo Ge sighed and rubbed his forehead—he'd already noticed two sets of eyes watching him from inside.

He understood their thoughts, but he truly hadn't planned to do anything.

Hmm… at least not yet.

He too would go prepare for battle, but he was certain there'd be no problem tonight.

…

"There will definitely be no problem."

"Just leave the mission to us, both of you."