~(＾◇^)/The world is vast, but food comes first
After Annie had been targeted for assassination a second time, Shi Qiang disappeared for two whole days. No one knew what he had been up to.
It wasn't until dusk on the third day that he finally reappeared in the enormous Jiangnan garden deep in the mountains, which was practically as big as a city park. He showed up in front of Annie and resumed his duties as her bodyguard, sidekick, and housekeeper.
"??"
(.)
When she saw him reappear by the doorway, looking utterly exhausted and half-asleep, Annie—who had been playing a console game with a controller in the hall, decorated in a blend of modern Chinese and classical styles—paused the game, turned around, and asked curiously:
"What's wrong?"
(_)
"Uncle Shi, what have you been busy with these past two days? Why are you only back now, and why do you look so awful?"
Annie was only asking. She had no intention of going over to him.
He smelled strongly of cigarette smoke, which was one reason he was leaning by the grand doorway made of precious redwood instead of coming inside and taking a seat in the living room.
"Ugh—"
"What else would I be doing?"
"I sat in on the questioning and interrogation of the female sniper who tried to assassinate you the day before yesterday. I only got back at noon, then caught a little more sleep before coming to see you."
As he spoke, Shi Qiang couldn't help yawning. He seemed short on sleep, so he took out a cigarette and put it between his teeth, then pulled out his lighter and was just about to light it.
"..."
But he quickly remembered something, turned his head, and glanced at Annie's small figure as she turned