The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 927: Used to It

Gao Yang stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.

He studied the members in the living room with a thoughtful expression. "Hong Xiaoxiao."

"Yes..."

Hong Xiaoxiao sat with Liao Liao and Chen Ying around a short table, having instant noodles. At his call, she hastily set down her bowl and wiped her mouth, jogging over. "Captain, what is it?"

Gao Yang glanced at her bowl. "Bring your noodles. Come to the kitchen with me."

"Oh, okay."

In the kitchen, Hong Xiaoxiao stood uncertainly, bowl in hand.

Gao Yang leaned against the counter, head lowered in thought. Noting her hesitation, he smiled. "Eat, or they'll get cold. Remember what I said—you should eat and sleep well."

"Oh, right." Hong Xiaoxiao turned slightly away, taking small, quiet bites.

A few minutes later, Gao Yang looked up.

"Hong Xiaoxiao."

"Hm... yeah!" She turned, covering her mouth as she quickly chewed.

"You're pulling out of the investigation team."

"Pah! Ack, ack..."

She nearly choked on her noodles, eyes watering as she struggled to swallow. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Captain..." Her voice wavered. She was nervous about the change, and Liao Liao was a good team leader. "What haven't I done right?"

"You did well." Gao Yang's approval was clear. "But I have a more important mission for you. It'll be challenging. Have Lying Wood, Quiet Book, and Muzitu help you."

"Yeah! Go on, Captain!"

"For now, watch Adept Horse, Zhang Wei, and Dead Pig closely." He paused. "Also monitor others who were injured. Notice who heals slower, who seems mentally unstable, who remains physically weak. You must catch these signs immediately and give those people insurance."

"Insurance?" Hong Xiaoxiao's eyes sharpened. "You mean... hairpin?"

Gao Yang nodded.

"What's wrong, Captain?" Her heart quickened.

“Don’t worry. It’s possible that nothing will happen. I hope I’m just overthinking.” Gao Yang then emphasized, “Anyway, do as I said. Remember, keep it on a need-to-know basis. Don’t trigger unnecessary panic.”

"Yes, sir!" The weight of responsibility tensed her shoulders. She'd never led before, never coordinated others.

"Hong Xiaoxiao." Gao Yang read her uncertainty. "You performed admirably at Qingyang Bridge, saving Heavenly Dog and Qing Ling."

"Oh, it's nothing. Just did what I had to."

"Everyone saw your growth," Gao Yang said firmly. "You're a founding member of the Nine Scions, not some rookie. Act like the senior you are. Many look to you now."

Hong Xiaoxiao straightened after a pause. "Yes, Captain!"

...

After checking on others and giving instructions, Gao Yang prepared to return to the Spectres' Mansion. But he had one more person to bring with him.

Clack. He opened the door to Gao Xinxin's room—shared with Lovely Lamb, Wang Weiyan, and Vermilion Bird, with Ke Yo occasionally joining them.

Inside, only Gao Xinxin and Lovely Lamb occupied one of the beds.

White Rabbit's death devastated Lovely Lamb. She'd cried for two days and nights, refusing food.

It was with Heavenly Dog, Dead Pig, Gao Xinxin, Quiet Book, and even Gregor taking turns staying with her and comforting her that she slowly picked herself back up and started eating and sleeping again.

Lovely Lamb was having a nap. Gao Xinxin lay on her side, stroking her back.

Hearing the door open, Gao Xinxin turned around, eyes flashing with joy. She put on an irritated look, though, making a face at Gao Yang. “Quiet. Don’t wake her.”

Gao Yang tiptoed his way in and claimed a chair. He gave the sound-asleep Lovely Lamb a gentle look, asking softly, “Is she okay?”

Gao Xinxin sighed. "Her eyes are swollen from crying. Only these past two days has she started getting better."

"That's good."

"Sometimes children are more resilient than adults." Gao Xinxin's smile was bitter. "Lovely Lamb will get through this."

Gao Yang realized with surprise how much his sister was speaking like an adult.

He studied the sixteen-year-old carefully.

Greasy, unwashed hair held back carelessly with a hairpin. Gray cotton pajamas and furry slippers. Two black rubber bands circled her wrist.

Her face remained pretty, but her cheeks had hollowed. The youthful clarity in her eyes was draining like a squeezed sponge.

Dark circles shadowed her eyes, and acne dotted her forehead. The signs of exhaustion were clear—busy days caring for the children and managing everyone's needs had taken their toll.

Suddenly, he saw their mother in her.

Their mother had looked like this at home too. Young and beautiful still, but dimmed by endless family care and daily chores.

Their mother shouldn't have suffered like that.

His sister shouldn't have to shoulder this burden.

"Gao Xinxin," Gao Yang said seriously. "I'm spending the Lunar New Year with Fresh Snow at the Spectres' Mansion."

Gao Xinxin paused before affecting casualness. "Why not all celebrate here? Won't it be more festive?"

Gao Yang hesitated to explain.

He'd considered it, but Fresh Snow needed him, not the Nine Scions' leader.

Here, that role consumed him. Fresh Snow would find nothing familiar in this environment or in the person he had to be, leaving her adrift.

And Fresh Snow had always had an inferiority complex about being a Spectre rather than a human. Being with these many people would be a constant reminder of her difference.

After weighing everything, staying at the mansion seemed the better choice.

"I want the quiet," he offered instead.

"Alright," Gao Xinxin's voice carried a hint of hurt. "You're the leader. You decide."

"Sister." He met her eyes. "Come with us. Just you, me, Wang Zikai, and Fresh Snow. The four of us together for New Year."

Gao Xinxin turned to watch the sleeping Lovely Lamb. Her smile turned awkward. "Forget it. I should stay. Too much to do here. Without me, everything would fall apart in a day."

"There's a ceasefire coming. Most won't leave the base. Others can handle the daily tasks." He paused. "Besides, none of this is your responsibility."

"It's fine. I'm used to it." She wouldn't face him, waving dismissively. "Moving's a hassle. I'll stay here."

"Let's spend New Year together. Like we always have."

"It's okay. The world's ending. What holidays are there to enjoy?" She turned her back to him. "Go do your thing and leave me."

After a heavy silence, Gao Yang stood. "Alright. Then I'm going."