"Su, if you've been too tired lately, why don't you take some time off?"
"Time off for what? I feel great. In fact, I don't think I've ever felt this sharp."
Su Xiao wiped the sand off his Tactical Goggles. "You two think this is just a ghost town with nothing worth seeing, don't you?"
V and Lucy exchanged a glance. Then, in perfect unison, both women avoided looking at Su Xiao, turning away from his gaze instead.
"You said it, not us."
Su Xiao laughed.
"That's right. Today, it's just a ghost town. But before long, it'll be a new beginning. A starting point."
V and Lucy both looked utterly bewildered.
"A what?"
"A starting point. A beginning... All right, I'll stop being cryptic." Su Xiao climbed down from the roof and walked up to the two women, his expression solemn and serious. "I'm planning to start a private military company here."
"A company?"
V didn't understand what a private military company was, but she knew what a company was.
Her gaze swept over the rattling windows, the rust-covered rolling shutters, and the road where every gust sent sand swirling into the air.
It was hard to reconcile the scene before her with her idea of a company.
Lucy asked curiously, "Just the three of us?"
Su Xiao nodded.
"Yes, just the three of us for now. But there's no rush. When it comes to recruiting, I'd rather have fewer people than settle for the wrong ones. Starting small is fine, but their loyalty has to be assured."
V walked over and clapped Su Xiao on the shoulder. "I don't know what you're planning, but whatever you do, I'll support you."
"Me too," Lucy said.
"Thanks, both of you. I knew you'd have my back."
V smiled. "If you're