I'm living off a woman in Arknights.

Sure enough, upon hearing that the mission was related to picking up Swire, Yun Yi immediately perked up, not because of the hope Chen Huijie had imagined, but because of pleasure. "Huh? Swire clearly said that I could pick her up once the hotel matter was settled. Old Chen, next time you want to trick me, remember to use a more convincing excuse."

Yun Yi looked up at Chen Huijie, who was standing there. The displeasure in his eyes caused by too many things to do faded away, and a faint smile appeared in his eyes.

She found it quite interesting that, aside from dealing with Swire, the usually serious and proper Chen Huijie tried to confuse her in order to cheer her up.

After all, Lao Chen didn't seem like the type of person to do this kind of thing, but she did it to avoid getting stuck in negative emotions.

Well, I feel a little warm inside.

This warmth, a mix of dryness and coziness, is created by Hoshiguma's touch. The warmth that comes from repeated touches is different; it leans more towards gentle and subtle, yet it lasts longer.

Thinking about all these random thoughts, Yun Yi crossed his arms as if trying to lock the warmth in his chest, but gave the stiff Chen Huijie a slightly teasing smile, "You didn't think I would forget what you said before you left, did you?"

Feeling embarrassed by what she'd been told, Chen Huijie unconsciously curled up her tail. Yun Yi's memory wasn't usually very good, and she subconsciously thought he had long forgotten their parting words, but it turned out he remembered them perfectly well.

What a blunder—I'll be more careful next time; at least this time the objective has been achieved.

Chen Huijie, though not exactly thick-skinned, quickly overcame her inner embarrassment and, with a slightly flushed face, pushed forward with the process, saying, "Well, now that you've perked up, let's get on with the rest of the work."

Yun Yi didn't press the matter. She didn't want to make things difficult for those who were worried about her, so she simply put her hands down, propped herself up on the table, and looked up to ask, "How do you get there?" On foot or by Nirvana?

She personally prefers the convenient and fast Nirvana, but there's still a mace here, isn't there? II. Ji Qi Liu Jiu Yin Shan (VI).

Although the mechs, which were originally a secret, have now been brought into the open, the piloting space, which is comparable to the legendary paradise of the Great Yan Dynasty, is in a sense a separate and larger secret. Theoretically, it is not suitable to show it to the Armor, who has only nominally joined them.

Seeing Yunyi's concerns, Chen Huijie earnestly advised her, "Once we're on your turf, you're in charge. There's no need to worry."

Upon hearing Chen Huijie's words, Yun Yi immediately understood. Right, if the mace showed any bad tendencies, she could simply lock it in the cockpit and discuss other matters, such as the contract, once they arrived in Ursus.

After all, they don't need to use their swords to do what they're going to do in Longmen, so they don't need to worry about locking the other party up.

While Yun Yi was talking to Chen Huijie, Xing Xiong, who didn't want to face Yun Yi for the time being and whose exposed skin was slightly flushed, was also busy.

She briefly explained to Jian what they were going to do today and tomorrow, and the general outline of the situation, and then gave a detailed introduction to her companions.

As for their future whereabouts after tomorrow, there's no need to elaborate. During the negotiations with SilverAsh just now, they reached an agreement on cooperation in transporting supplies and conducting trade on the Ursus border.

Their next step is obviously in the tundra on the northern border of Ursus, but what exactly they will do there is currently unknown.

But it doesn't matter. With her strength, Jian never needs to understand the whole picture. She only needs to do what she's supposed to do.

Moreover, her observation and thinking skills are quite strong; no matter what this group of people wants to do, she will eventually come to the right answer.

After listening quietly to Hoshiguma's brief and efficient explanation, Kai expressed his gratitude directly, "Thank you for informing me, Hoshiguma, you've been a great help."

"I'm glad I could help you." Hoshiguma waved her hand and turned to look at Chen Huijie and Yun Yi, whose conversation had obviously come to an end. "Oh? It seems that Yun Yi and Old Chen have finished their talk. Let's go over there too."

Hoshiguma's communication with Hajime was not only about explaining the information the team could reveal to the other, but also about diverting her attention and calming her fluctuating emotions through conversation.

After all... Yun Yi wasn't the only one whose heart was pounding in his throat.

As it turns out, focused communication can indeed effectively alleviate heart rhythm disorders. At this moment, Hoshiguma exudes a sense of post-event Zen-like composure, or rather, she has completely regained her peace of mind.

Feeling that the factors causing her heart to act out had mostly dissipated, the equally responsible Hoshiguma naturally stopped avoiding Yun Yi and instead took the initiative to bring the newly joined team member, Ken, into the serious discussions.

Sensing this, Jian calmly replied, "Okay."

As the two focused their attention on Yun Yi, Yun Yi made a decision: "In that case, let's use the Nirvana. That way, I won't have to show up. Hmm, right, in my situation, showing up in crowded places would reduce efficiency. I'll have to be on the Nirvana from the beginning."

"Nirvana?" After SilverAsh conveyed the cryptic message, Jian, who was preparing to truly join, took the initiative to ask about the point he didn't understand.

Hoshiguma's explanation just now didn't seem to mention this?

Yun Yi and Chen Huijie turned to look one after the other, but before they could speak, Xing Xiong added, "Nirvana is the name of Yun Yi's mecha."

Because of the fair and square battle with the Rat King tomorrow, Hoshiguma told Hajime about the mecha, but didn't reveal the mecha's name.

Jian immediately realized, "So that's how it is."

Having understood, Jian, seemingly opened up by her doubts, didn't return to her previous silence. Instead, she slightly raised the sheep-ear-like ear in her hair and continued to ask, "So, Yun Yi's mecha can block this—"

Feeling the unfathomable and indescribable pressure emanating from him, Jian hesitated for a moment, then returned to his true feelings, uttering the most straightforward and unadorned sentiment: "A powerful aura?"

Volume Two: Fireworks at Longmen: Chapter 269 (Transition) Yun Yi: I don't want to use my brain... but then again...

Yun Yi himself answered Jian's question, "If it were the mecha itself, it probably couldn't do that."

She raised her hand and lightly touched the collar, feeling the vibration transmitted to it as she spoke. "However, with the mecha's piloting space, the Nirvana can indeed completely shield my presence. As for the reason—seeing is believing. Want to come?"

Yun Yi raised an eyebrow and smiled brightly at Jian.

Jian blinked slowly, twisted his wrist, and lifted the sword that was stuck on the ground upside down. Then, he took a firm step towards Yun Yi with a tall and straight posture, his voice steady and powerful, resounding, "Come."

Looking at the man before him who suddenly had a look of heroic sacrifice on his face, Yun Yi felt as if he were hallucinating a knight in full armor, brave and powerful.

She couldn't help but smile, replying teasingly, "Okay~"

As she spoke, a faint blue light shone from where Yunyi touched the collar. She quickly gave Xingxiong, who was watching the show, and Chen Huijie, who was vigilantly observing the mace, a "get ready" look.

As the two tensed slightly, a burst of blue light and an invisible stream of azure data quickly spread out from Yun Yi, enveloping everyone present.

Jian felt her body float for a moment without any ground to rest before the familiar gravity brought her a sense of security back to her.

The leather high heels that matched the suit touched the ground, and with two "tap, tap" sounds, she regained her balance. The sword in her palm fell silently, the blade pointing outwards without a sound, as if it would burst out at any moment.

But the next second, she didn't see the expected enemy in her sight. Instead, it was still the same three people. Only the background changed from blue sky, sea of ​​flowers, and lush greenery in the distance to white mist, a disc, and pale yellow in the distance.

I see. The reason it can be blocked is because the driving space is exactly what it sounds like: a private space that can't be seen to end.

A faint ripple crossed Jian's calm, golden eyes. As for things like power and luxury, she was quite knowledgeable and didn't care much.

But she herself doesn't have such a practical and convenient giant space, so she is always amazed when she sees it.

"How about it? This is our temporary base: the Nirvana's cockpit. Until we find a place to stay in Ursus—" Yun Yi walked briskly to the bench and threw himself onto it.

Then she turned to the side, propped her head up, and gave a carefree smile, "You and I will stay here forever."

During the conversation, Yun Yi returned to the driving space and subconsciously checked on the people in the prison and the staff apartment.

Seeing the prospective employees huddled together eating, she remembered that people need to eat.

Yun Yi immediately added, "By the way, Jian, remember to tell Xiao Xingxiong and Lao Chen what you want to eat or drink, and ask them to bring some back from outside later."

Hoshiguma led Hannya to the bench, where Yun Yi automatically extended a section of the bench and they sat down. Upon hearing this, Hoshiguma patted his chest generously and said to Jian, "No problem, Jian, just let us know if you need anything. Don't be shy, consider this our treat for our new colleague."

"Hmm? Bring it from outside? Then we need to clarify the division of labor first to avoid problems with the mission..." Chen Huijie put Chixiao back in its place, rested her chin on her hand, walked to the bench, and the tip of the dragon tail behind her flicked left and right as she thought.

She didn't sit down, but thought for a moment, then turned to Jian and nodded her chin. "But these things have little to do with you, Jian. You don't need to worry about them. The journey to Ursus is destined to be full of unknowns, and we will need to purchase supplies again. This is just something we do on the side while completing the mission."

Her gaze swept over the three people who were thinking about her, and she took a light breath before deftly sheathing her sword in the scabbard at her waist.

She didn't stand on ceremony and immediately said the truth, "Thank you very much. Please prepare some food and water that is filling, not lethargic, and not too soft."

The demands made by Jian were quite low. Chen Huijie's gaze swept over the other party's exquisite attire and three valuable weapons, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. "...Just these?"

Despite having such high standards for clothing, when it comes to food, besides the basic requirement of not starving, the only requirement is that the texture shouldn't be too soft or mushy.

Although Chen Huijie says that she does whatever is convenient when she is working and will not let eating interfere with her tasks, she actually has certain preferences when it comes to food and drink during her rest time: she can eat bad food, but if she has the opportunity, she will always prefer to spend some time to find good food and drinks.

Therefore, she respects but doesn't quite understand Jian's low standards regarding food.

Conversely, Hoshiguma, who tends to eat carelessly when not at gatherings or celebrations, can understand this somewhat.

When you're alone, food is mostly just something to satisfy your body's needs, so there's really no need to go to great lengths for it.

Compared to the two who were listening attentively and thinking, Yun Yi's attention was immediately drawn to the sword that was sheathed.

Oh—so there's another way to hang a sword sheath: thread a chain through your belt and then hang the sheath on the chain.

But drawing and sheathing a sword like that would make the chains clang, so how would you do things like stealth?

Yun Yi curiously propped his head up, the image of the "Peerless Assassin" appearing in his mind. Could it be that Jian would also infiltrate by killing everyone?

Unaware that Yun Yi's thoughts had already drifted thousands of miles away, she responded to Chen Huijie, certain that she only needed the most basic requirements and a texture that wasn't too soft or mushy.

During the conversation, Jian kept observing this new territory. Her gaze passed over the several dark polyhedrons and landed on an endless expanse of white: this space seemed very large, but she didn't know exactly how big it was.

Hoshiguma noticed that Ken and Yunyi's gazes had wandered off. She leaned back in her chair, gently stroking the cold patterns on the Hannya pendant beside her, and chuckled as she drew their attention back. "Then it's settled. Yunyi, snap out of it, it's your turn to assign tasks."

Assigning tasks? Who? Yun Yi was a beat slow to react, pointing at himself and muttering in confusion, "Me?"

She's assigning tasks? Really?! With two external brains present, her brain can't possibly function.

Looking up, Yun Yi saw the expectant gazes cast upon her by Hoshiguma and Chen Huijie. Her heart skipped a beat, but then again, as the theoretical and nominal leader, she was indeed supposed to "lead" everyone to complete the mission. Arranging things was just one part of it, though it was also the most difficult part to control.

Yun Yi took a deep breath as he met the eyes of the two men, and without backing down, said, "Okay, I'll give it a try."

“Very good, then let’s start with the matters related to you,” Chen Huijie looked down at Yun Yi, who was lying comfortably, a smile flashing in her red eyes, and her dragon tail swayed expectantly. “Let’s begin.”

"Let's start and finish quickly," Chen Huijie thought to herself, "this is a good opportunity to train Yun Yi's abilities."

Volume Two: Fireworks at Longmen: Chapter 270 (Transition) Yun Yi: So sleepy—/Swire: I'm here… So congested

Having been interrupted, Hoshiguma clapped her hands and smiled broadly, giving him plenty of emotional support. "Go for it! I believe you can do it."

Although she said it with a smile, Hoshiguma was serious—Yunyi could clearly sense that.

The lingering warmth of the heat returned to his heart, and Yun Yi found the rope to stay calm: he couldn't let them down.

Just as Yun Yi, who had suddenly become motivated, began to think, not far away, Swire was sitting in her car, heading towards their location.

Thanks to the city's prosperity, the bustling atmosphere of Longmen's lunch market is no less than that of its renowned dinner and night markets.

Therefore, even though the lunch break had ended, the departing traffic was still congested on the main road, including Lin Yuxia's newly purchased car.

The mouse girl sat upright in the driver's seat, tapping the steering wheel with her eyes closed. As her mouse ears twitched on her head, all she could hear were car horns and people, and the traffic showed no sign of moving forward.

Lin Yuxia sighed softly into the air, her tone a mix of annoyance and amusement, "It seems the Guard Bureau's operational capabilities need improvement."

Swire, one of the only two people in the car with ears, resisted the urge to roll her eyes and flicked her tiger ears as if brushing away some dust.

She replied casually and without much interest, "It's useless for you to tell me this. Unless the traffic problem causes too much of an impact, my department doesn't manage traffic."

"Isn't this a major impact?" Lin Yuxia raised her eyelids and glanced at the almost stopped traffic outside the car.

Even the busiest events at various markets don't necessarily cause the current traffic jams, which is quite unusual given the lack of holidays and events these days.

They drove to the city hall after the hotel was reduced to just a foundation, but they've been stuck in traffic ever since.

Both of them are people who can remain calm in crucial matters; otherwise, they would have abandoned the car/smashed the car/thrown money away long ago.

That might be the more efficient method.

Swire crossed her arms and stared straight ahead. Her green eyes were momentarily blinded by the sunlight streaming through the windshield. She closed her eyes and wiped away the tears that had welled up in her eyes. "Tsk, there was no car accident, no one died, and no news coverage. How can this be considered a big deal?"

“If this traffic jam continues, I think these three things will be accomplished sooner or later.” Lin Yuxia looked at the white car next door that was trying to cut in line but was stuck there. The two people sitting in it, Rupert and Felin, looked so hot that they were about to crash to clear the way.

"..." Unable to refute. He had already sensed the restlessness in the air.

The traffic, moving at a snail's pace, is like a long, powder keg, and if the people living in it aren't careful, it could blow things up and cause unknown, potentially disastrous consequences.

After a moment of silence, Swire calmly pressed her throbbing forehead and gestured for Lin Yuxia to hand her the terminal. "Fine, let's contact the Guard Bureau directly and let the people who need to handle this take care of it."

As for her own terminal, she hadn't carried it with her before because of the monitoring issue.

Faced with the outstretched hand, Lin Yuxia asked, "Why not contact Hoshiguma and Chen Huijie first?"

“They don’t have terminals either,” Swire replied quickly.

Before she could finish speaking, Lin Yuxia's terminal fell into Swire's hands.

Without further ado, Swire picked up his terminal and dialed the city government's number. There was no other way; the Guard Bureau was already in ruins. Even if everyone was alright, without signal, communications would be in complete chaos, and calling now would only cause more trouble.

The other end answered after a while, "Hello—"

Meanwhile, under Yunyi's arrangement, Xingxiong and Chen Huijie, who had both appeared at the municipal government, were meeting with government personnel to discuss the bounty mission.

Halfway through, a Pelosi government worker carrying a customer service terminal was brought in front of the two women. During the negotiation, the other party claimed that the person on the other end was their remaining companion.

Hoshiguma took the terminal with some skepticism, but she did hear Swire's voice, which carried an unusual electric current, "You stinky rat, only an idiot would ignore such an obvious clue..." Clearly, she was arguing with Lin Yuxia.

The calm ghost did not make a decision based on the unfortunate but seemingly fitting fragmented sounds.

She first confirmed that the voice was not synthesized before she and Chen Huijie split up into two groups: one continued to collect the bounty, while the other led government personnel to the avenue where Swire was located to clear the road and free their companions.

Inside the driver's seat, Yun Yi was yawning halfway through when he suddenly heard Swire's voice coming through the microphone in Hoshiguma's hand. He immediately stopped, "Huh? Swire?...I'm stuck in traffic. How unlucky."

Yun Yi shifted from lying down to sitting up, her gaze blank for a moment before turning to look at Jian, who was watching the projection outside with her arms crossed. "Jian, do you think we should send Swire back here immediately after picking her up, or let her finish everything outside before bringing her back?"

"I don't know." Jian answered directly and rationally. She knew nothing about the cause and effect, and thinking about it would be futile. Since that was the case, it was better to be frank and say it directly, which would be more dignified.

Not sure? Yun Yi blinked. Right, Jian just arrived and still knows very little about her. It seems that this time she will have to make the judgment herself.