At the place where they had gathered for breakfast, everyone was already assembled. Each sat in their own seat—some chatting, some dozing, some playing on their phones. Only Chu Lian's group uniformly lifted their teacups, sipping tea in comfort.
That meal just now, even eaten unconsciously, had filled them with quite a lot of food. Except for Inori, the other girls had little resistance against good cuisine. One after another, they ate a bit too much, their stomachs uncomfortable, now drinking green tea to help digest.
"Big Sis, I didn't expect Cantonese food to be so delicious. I really wish I could eat dishes like that every day." Chu Chu set down her cup, burped softly, and spoke with a face full of bliss.
"Idiot. Since Mom defeated Gan Yixue, her skill in cooking is naturally superior. It's just that her dishes are what we've eaten since childhood, so we don't feel anything special. But if you recall Mom's cooking, you'll realize it's definitely no worse than this—sometimes even better." Chu Lian shook her head. This sister of hers truly didn't know how blessed she was.
After all, their mother had defeated the renowned Gan Yixue with her cooking. In her hands, even the most ordinary ingredients could be transformed into something extraordinary—turned into countless kinds of delicious dishes.
The reason it didn't usually feel remarkable wasn't that Mother's cooking wasn't good, but because they had grown used to it. That flavor had already blended into their hearts, without surprise, naturally not leaving them in awe.
Thinking carefully, from childhood until now, the times their family ate out were very few. As long as there was time, their mother would personally cook for them. Ten years without change, never tiring of those simple dishes—didn't that already prove her skill?
"Well, I was just sighing a little. Thinking carefully, Mom's and Big Sis' cooking is still the best. The food here is tasty, but it feels like something is missing. It's not a taste I can remember forever." Chu Chu wrinkled her small nose, clearly dissatisfied at being called an idiot. But instead of retorting, she agreed with Chu Lian's words.
"Um, Chu Chu, is Aunt Li Mingxue's cooking really that amazing? When she used to come to our house, Father would sometimes beg her to cook. I thought he just wanted to repair the sibling relationship, but now it seems it wasn't only that…" Li Xiu'er's voice came from the side, carrying doubt and a touch of expectation.
"Hmm, I can't explain it clearly. All I know is that I never disliked any of Mother's dishes. Even the ones I normally wouldn't want to eat." Chu Chu propped her right hand under her chin, recalling past times.
"If I had to say the most memorable time, it was when Mother and Father's colleagues and leaders came to our house for a meeting. They had encountered a very troublesome issue, and her boss was furious. But after eating the meal Mom personally cooked, his anger vanished, and everyone's moods improved. That afternoon, they worked together and solved the problem.
"When they left, every colleague looked reluctant, wanting to stay for dinner. I happened to be home then, and I heard Mom say: 'In a while my second daughter will be back. She's a little shy, and I don't want too many people here. Sorry, maybe next time.' Then she sent them away.
"By the way, the second daughter Mom mentioned was Big Sis. She was seven then, and I was six. She had just started elementary school, while I was still at home waiting."
"That troublesome problem had stumped them for months, yet after one of Mom's meals, it was resolved. I don't know if this proves her skill, but now that I think about it, I feel like Mom did it on purpose."
Although she was only a bystander in that story, and the one doted upon wasn't herself, Chu Chu's lips still carried a satisfied smile.
Perhaps, as she said, Chu Lian was the core of this family—the core of everyone. What did it matter if their mother was biased? Her own feelings for her big sister were even stronger, more entwined, more devoted than their parents'. As long as it was good for Chu Lian, what did it matter if it wasn't good for her?
Perhaps Li Xiu'er also caught the meaning behind her words. Thinking of her own situation at home, her once-clear eyes suddenly dimmed.
"Xiu'er, you don't need to care how your family treats you. You should know that Chu Chu and I are your real family. And there's also Inori—she can be counted as your elder sister too. We all treat you well. Isn't that enough? Fatherly love and motherly love—if you can't have them, don't force it."
Just as her mood sank, a pair of small hands gently patted her head. At the same time, Chu Lian's gentle voice entered her ears, instantly sweeping away the shadow in her heart.
Looking up, under the light Chu Lian seemed surrounded by a halo—so warm, so inviting to approach.
Knowing now wasn't the time to drown in sorrow, Li Xiu'er nodded softly. "Mm. Having Chu Chu, Inori, and you—it's really good…"
Perhaps only she knew—the most important thing was, having you.
"Exactly. No wonder Mom doesn't want to go back. A family like that is cold enough to freeze the heart. If I ever meet that so-called uncle of mine, I'll definitely punch him." Chu Chu chimed in from the side, raising her little fists and shaking them in mock threat, looking as if she really meant to do it.
Flicking Chu Chu lightly on the forehead, Chu Lian spoke: "No matter how detestable he is, he's still Xiu'er's father, Mom's brother, and our uncle in name. As juniors, we have the right to talk about them, but not to discipline them. And if it really came to blows, it wouldn't be your turn."
"Alright, alright, Chu Chu admits she was wrong. Big Sis, please don't be angry." Chu Chu thought Chu Lian meant it would be their mother or someone of her generation who would act first, never noticing the fleeting purple gleam in Chu Lian's eyes.
But Inori, who had quietly listened the whole time, did see that trace of purple. She knew Chu Lian had already marked that person in her heart. If he truly was someone unpleasant who treated Li Xiu'er badly, then what awaited him would be Chu Lian's wrath.
More and more, Chu Lian was taking on the role of "elder sister," placing herself as the "protector," while those around her were the "protected."
That determined her future actions—if anyone dared harm those beside her, she would transform into a vengeful asura. No matter who the enemy was, they would pay the price.
A small hand softly clasped Chu Lian's. When her attention shifted toward her, Inori's gentle eyes fixed on her silently, without words or expression, just gazing at her.
The hardest thing to endure was Inori's gaze like this. Every time she looked at her this way, no matter how angry she was, her fury would settle and calm. But Chu Lian also knew Inori rarely used that look. Whenever she did, it meant she had noticed something.
With a faint bitter smile, Chu Lian whispered: "Inori, I'm not angry, so don't worry. I can handle my emotions well."
"I know. If Lian were angry, she wouldn't say so many words." Chu Lian was the kind who exploded in silence. When truly angry, she never vented with rage or shouting—only by becoming abnormally calm.
If someone touched her bottom line, she would shift from that calm into a terrifying darkened state. At that time, even she couldn't stop herself.
Perhaps someone could—but that person wasn't Inori.
Their conversation was soft, not loud enough to be heard by those further away. At the head seat, Ning Zhiyuan was explaining the precautions for the upcoming free activity. Everyone else was listening, so no one noticed Chu Lian's group.
Still, it was the same as before. They hadn't been late this time, yet instead of listening properly, they whispered among themselves. Ning Zhiyuan could only feel helpless.
"Alright. In a while, a special car will take us to Akihabara. Each of you will have two people accompanying you. You can let them follow at a distance, or stay close for protection. But there's one rule you must remember—you must never leave their sight except for private matters.
"Their purpose, I can tell you clearly, is both to monitor and protect. They are the bodyguards responsible for your trip here in Neon. Don't ask about their origins—you don't need to know. Just remember to restrain your tempers and treat them with courtesy. Understood?"
Though Ning Zhiyuan sighed as she spoke, her tone was unusually stern. These were the necessary conditions for free activity—otherwise, they would have no choice but to move as a group.
After all, each person here would become a pillar of the nation in the future. Even if they did not create earth-shaking achievements, it was certain they would become top talents in their fields. Losing even one would be unacceptable.
In Neon, where black organizations operated legally, and with various terrorists lurking in the shadows, without proper protection this journey could very well end here.
Fortunately, the students were understanding. Knowing this was not the time to mess around, none voiced objections.
"Good. Check if you've forgotten anything. If you have, go back quickly to retrieve it. If not, wait here. Soon we'll leave together. Our destination—Akihabara."
Chu Lian and the others also quieted down to listen. Hearing this, she stood and asked: "Teacher, may I bring one more person?"
Ning Zhiyuan knew she meant the white-haired girl she had picked up that morning. In theory, it wasn't allowed. But because of Chu Lian's special position, after thinking for a moment, she nodded her approval.
"Thank you, Teacher…" Receiving confirmation, Chu Lian brightened happily. Yet the next moment, a system quest appeared—leaving her completely unsettled…