"Why did you hug me?" Yaoshi Yuan asked in return.
Yan Qing froze, only then realizing that each of Yaoshi Yuan's three hugs had served a clear purpose. The first had been to thank him for saving Bunny Heroine, the second a reunion after six days without contact, and the third because Yan Qing's sweet words had earned him a hug from Yaoshi Yuan. Not one had been superfluous. She was extremely practical.
"Because..." Yan Qing racked his brains. "Because we're friends? After going through three missions together, we count as friends, right?"
"Who's friends with you? And why would friends hug?"
"Then because we're good brothers? We've been through so many hardships together."
"Do I look like I have a dick?"
Yan Qing offered her one step down after another, and Yaoshi Yuan rejected every one. By the end, even he was getting impatient, so he blurted out some nonsense. "Then it's because I'm the leader and you're my subordinate. As the leader, my authority is absolute. If I want to hug you, I'll hug you!"
He had expected to hear something like "Get lost" or "Heh," but Yaoshi Yuan only glanced at him before lowering her head to read.
"Suit yourself."
Huh?
Yan Qing blinked. Was that actually the right password? Well, better to make it quick. He would hurry back and pack his luggage after the hug.
The trouble was, Yaoshi Yuan was sitting in a chair, which made her rather awkward to hug. Yan Qing had to half-crouch beside her and reach out to wrap his arms around her waist.
Only then did Yan Qing notice that Yaoshi Yuan was dressed differently from usual. She was not wearing armor—not even light armor or combat clothing—but only a thin, close-fitting garment. When Yan Qing touched the small