Chapter 45: Denji: Really, the sour smell of love…

The more she thought, the more confused she got; the more confused, the more she thought. Buluoniya pondered for a long time but remained utterly bewildered; she could not see through what would happen in the future.

Thus Buluoniya suggested letting Xing accompany her on a walk, just taking a stroll.

Huh, aren't they supposed to stand watch? Are they not keeping watch anymore? Xiuta'erke scratched his head in puzzlement.

Kid, please also take a look at the atmosphere, okay?

Zan Yin spoke with the tone of someone who's been there, "When a beautiful girl sincerely invites you for a walk, you should clear your mind of distractions—right now the most important thing is to figure out how to get this girl to the best tavern nearby for a drink."

With his left arm around Xiuta'erke's neck, Zan Yin began to impart to Xiuta'erke the knowledge only adults should know: "If you add a few drops of orchid juice to Weisasite fruit wine, the taste becomes sweeter and the aroma richer. If you let that girl drink it——"

Before he could finish, Xiuta'erke beside him was already pulled away by Filien.

Please don't teach Xiuta'erke those vulgar and useless bits of knowledge.

Zan Yin instantly broke into a cold sweat, feeling a chilling threat from Filien's gaze.

"Zan Yin sir, if you keep doing this, the next time you lose all your money gambling, I won't help you redeem your clothes—go beg the old village chief naked in the rear."

Not far outside, I saw Xier and Na Ta Sha seemingly discussing something.

Xing scratched his head, wondering if everyone was unable to sleep even late at night.

"Aren't you supposed to be resting? What are you doing out at this hour?" Xier snorted: "... You're not up to anything bad, are you?"

Buluoniya stood with hands on hips, imposing, and retorted: "I'm just out for a walk because I can't sleep; please withdraw your baseless accusation."

"Then let's go elsewhere——"

"Xier, don't rush, they might be able to help." Na Ta Sha intervened to stop their bickering, saying, "Xier is the type who's tough-talking but soft-hearted; she means no harm."

Na Ta Sha explained that the recent battles between the Wanderers and the miners had left many injured; underground resources were already insufficient, now even more scarce. They plan to go to Rivet Town, previously invaded by the Rift, to search for medical supplies, but that will undoubtedly be extremely dangerous.

Upon hearing that only Xier would go on this mission, Buluoniya immediately volunteered to join her without a second thought.

Xier: "Wait! I haven't agreed to let you join yet!"

"It's a matter of life and death; an extra pair of hands can't hurt. Besides, I have plenty of experience dealing with the Rift—I'll definitely be of help."

"Hmph, then… don't drag me down." Xier crossed her arms like a little cat, and that haughty tsundere vibe could practically waft on the wind all the way to the Goethe Grand Hotel.

Their relationship, which had been tense like water and fire just moments ago, quickly melted… instantly the atmosphere on site became subtle and complex, as if pink bubbles were floating in midair.

"Uh… am I coming at a bad time?" Xing scratched his head embarrassedly, feeling stuck between the two of them, completely like a clueless lightbulb oblivious to the mood.

Na Ta Sha: "No, Xing, you came at just the right time—could you please accompany Xier and Buluoniya on their mission?"

"... The sour smell of love."

After making a "tsk" sound, Denji felt as if all his strength had been drained, sitting in a chair at the coffee shop. Although he spoke words of disgust, his face could not hide his envy.

"Denji, don't you want to date Buluoniya or Xier?" Pawa opened her mouth round and let out a "huh"—it was still the first time she'd seen Denji uninterested in women.

"No way…… every woman who wants to date me just wants my heart."

"I get it—you want to date me, right?" Pawa suddenly realized: "Sure, if you're willing to give me all your meat for the next year, that could satisfy you too~"

"No, Pawa, you still sometimes want to kill me, and you're narcissistic and selfish, a liar…… and you also like to discriminate against others."

Denji rested his head on the coffee table, counting on his fingers: "He doesn't flush after using the toilet, is a picky eater who only eats meat, and pours coffee he doesn't like straight into my cup…… Honestly, I hate this slop-like stuff too."

"Damn it! I'm not nearly as bad as you say!"

Pawa let out a "whoa" and lunged at him, tearing at Denji's hair.

The coffee shop instantly erupted into chaotic clatter.

Seems like it's nothing out of the ordinary; Zao Chuan Qiu silently walked over, picked up Denji's cup, and poured the two-person serving of coffee into her own cup.

With ten minutes left before reporting to the Public Security Bureau, if she didn't make it on time, Miss Makima might…… Zao Chuan Qiu lowered her head to glance at her wristwatch, then at the two demons wrestling on the floor, and took a light sip of coffee.

"Hmm…… truly bitter."

"At the center of Rivet Town there's a market; when the townsfolk evacuated, they still left piles of goods—whether alcohol or bandages and other medical supplies, you can find them in the town."

"Xier was no stranger to being entrusted with such missions; she familiarly led Xing and Buluoniya into the town."

"Upon arriving at Rivet Town, Xier immediately led everyone to a steel bridge; through the faint glow of the town's streetlights, her gaze fell upon a building on the distant mountaintop."

"The girl's heart seemed to finally crack open a little, her face showing a rare expression of nostalgia."

""Over there is the orphanage Na Ta Sha used to run. After Uncle Aoliege picked me up, he sent me there. I spent most of my childhood in that orphanage.""

""According to Na Ta Sha, that house was donated by a certain wealthy merchant long ago; no matter what he did, he must have been a great person.""

""Those carefree days of childhood—thinking about them now, I really miss them……""

"Listening to Xier's account and looking at the distant orphanage, Buluoniya couldn't help but fall into thought…… her memory seemed to be lifted at a corner, uncovering something that had been deliberately buried."

"... That place, so familiar."