The voice over the communicator was one Xiao Ran could never forget—gentle yet strong. The words were simple and direct, without a single unnecessary embellishment, yet that straightforward sentence let Xiao Ran feel all the emotions contained within it: worry, anxiety, and even the feelings hidden beneath them.
"Mwu..." Sheryl, in Xiao Ran's arms, unconsciously gripped his hands. After glancing at her, Xiao Ran let out a soft breath, composed himself, and said, "I'm fine. I'm on Orb's main island right now, coordinates XXX, XXX. Bring an MS transport vehicle."
"I'll be there immediately. Be careful." Mwu's military manner was plain to hear through the communicator. She agreed without the slightest hesitation, then ended the call.
Patting Sheryl on the back, Xiao Ran opened Black Hawk's cockpit hatch. "All right, we're here. It's not right for all of us to stay crammed in here. Let's get out first."
Nalu and Graham nodded. Both had keenly noticed that something seemed to be wrong between Xiao Ran and Sheryl, and the cause was the woman who had spoken over the communicator just now. Nalu was the first to jump out of the cockpit, followed by Graham, leaving only Xiao Ran and Sheryl inside.
Sheryl rested her head against Xiao Ran's chest and looked up at the sky. Then she softly said, "Xiao Ran."
"Hm?" Xiao Ran lowered his head and stroked Sheryl's hair. "What is it?"
"That woman... that woman called Mwu..." Sheryl said quietly, "She and you were lovers in this world, weren't you? Don't lie to me. I can feel it. A woman's intuition is telling me so."
Xiao Ran closed his eyes, feeling his scalp go numb. Guilt, embarrassment, and remorse toward Sheryl flooded his mind. He had no idea how to begin, nor what he should explain to