Chapter 77

Han Fei responded, patting his chest and saying, "I assure you, I absolutely will not do anything strange to the saints of Laterano."

Despite Han Fei's seemingly uninhibited nature, he actually always does a simple assessment of the risks before taking any action.

Scavenging through trash cans and checking manhole covers on the streets of Laterano might seem strange to passersby, but it doesn't actually damage Laterano and poses little risk to Han Fei.

But to recklessly search the area beneath Laterano Cathedral is tantamount to wanting to eat the Gun Knights's eggs.

You must do it.

Lemuen reached out and poked Han Fei's arm, her face full of seriousness.

"Don't worry, do I look like such an unreliable person?" Han Fei chuckled.

Lemuen didn't even know how to respond to this, because Han Fei's impression of her was that he was sometimes reliable and sometimes unreliable, a strange state.

No one spoke, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

Han Fei turned his head to look at the girl's profile. Lemuen did not have a complicated expression. At this moment, her face was calm, and even her signature gentle smile had disappeared.

But through the slight pressure from the soft hand on the back of his hand, Han Fei could still sense that the girl's heart was far from calm.

At this moment, Han Fei realized with absolute clarity the immense impact his death-inducing remarks had had on the pink-haired girl beside him.

To Lemuen's emotions, Han Fei took her hand in return and said, "Don't worry, if it really doesn't work, I have a backup plan, although it's a really bad one."

Even if he couldn't shut down the power, Han Fei had a backup evacuation plan—dropping the package.

This is Classified Space City. There are three slots for evacuation if the package is lost, which should theoretically be enough for Han Fei and Texas to escape together.

But, to be honest, Han Fei didn't really want to throw away his backpack.

There's no particular reason; it all boils down to one word—greed.

He had worked so hard for so long, finally filling his backpack with his carefully selected spoils, only to have him just dump his bag and slink away like that. He was truly unwilling to accept it.

After all, the reason why the backpack was lost during the Space City knife-carrying operation is because the chest strap is large and there is a 3x3 safety case. Even if the backpack is lost, the losses will not be much less.

However, Han Fei didn't have a large chest amulet or a 3x3. With his small blue chest amulet and two-slot safety box, losing the package would mean giving up most of his gains, essentially making this Space City a waste.

Unless absolutely necessary, the option of losing packets would never even cross Han Fei's mind.

Therefore, even if the valve was located underground in the Laterano Cathedral, Han Fei wanted to try it. If he really couldn't pull the valve, then he would consider the matter of losing the package.

Lemuen did not respond immediately. She simply gazed at Han Fei silently, a knowing glint in the depths of her pink eyes, as if piercing through his attempt to conceal his embarrassment.

A brief silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the soft hum of the self-driving vehicle.

A few seconds later, she spoke softly, her voice so calm it betrayed no emotion. "You only said 'you might die,' but does this 'backup plan' guarantee your survival?"

"Able."

Han Fei said somewhat awkwardly, "As long as I give up the spoils and drop my backpack, I can slink back home."

Finally, he added, "I didn't mean to lie to you; it's just that you didn't ask, so I forgot to tell you."

Just now Lemuen only asked him what would happen if he couldn't go back, but for Han Fei, being unable to evacuate would mean certain death.

Lemuen simply sighed softly, a sigh that contained no blame, but rather a knowing understanding, and even a hint of helpless smile.

"I know you're a greedy guy."

She gently poked Han Fei's face, saying with a hint of reproach, "You really scared me to death just now, you know?"

"Uh, sorry, I didn't mean to," Han Fei said apologetically. "That's why I explained it to you right away."

"So, for you, losing everything and leaving alive is harder to accept than possibly dying but taking the spoils with you, right?" Lemuen said softly.

"It's not that bad, staying alive is the most important thing." Han Fei shrugged. "But, unless it's absolutely necessary, I'm definitely willing to take a gamble."

"That's true, after all, you're so greedy, you even check trash cans and manhole covers for treasure." Lemuen's lips curled into a slightly tolerant smile again. "But remember this."

Lemuen's smile faded, her gaze sweeping over the majestic cathedral silhouette outside the car window. Her voice was soft yet firm. "No matter how hard it is to accept losing your backpack, at least you're alive. Being alive is more important than any wealth. If you really can't pull the plug, don't hesitate, okay?"

"Don't worry, although I'm greedy, I'm greedy because I value my life." Han Fei gently squeezed the soft hand in his palm. "If things don't work out, I'll take Texas and run away immediately."

Lemuen nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over his tightly clasped hand, a hint of warmth and approval in her eyes. "Yes, that's how it should be. She trusts you and followed you to this foreign land, so naturally you must protect her."

She paused for a moment, her fingertips tightening slightly as she gripped the glass, her voice soft yet firm, as if piercing the dim light of the carriage. "Just like I want to protect you now."

A warm feeling welled up in his heart. Han Fei opened his mouth, a thousand words stuck in his throat, but in the end he just squeezed her hand tighter and said in a deep voice, "With you here, I believe that thing will definitely not be difficult for us."

The Autonomous Confessional Vehicle glided silently along, and outside the window, the spire of Laterano Cathedral cast a huge shadow in the setting sun, like a lurking beast.

Volume 1: Chapter 114 Waiting for Tomorrow

After a long while, the Autonomous Confessional Vehicle came to a stop in front of the apartment building.

Han Fei and Lemuen got out of the car one after the other and pushed open the door to the apartment.

The moment the door lock clicked softly, Lemuen came running in her slippers.

"Sis, Han Fei's back!"

"Yes, you're back." Lemuen habitually ruffled her sister's hair. "Where's Xiaofei?"

"She arrived a while ago and has been waiting for you." As soon as Lemuen finished speaking, Fiammetta appeared in their line of sight.

As she spoke, Fiammetta walked over and came into their line of sight.

Behind her, Texas, with a cool expression, nodded slightly to Han Fei and the others as a greeting.

"How is the situation?" Lemuen, getting straight to the point.

"What else could happen? Just as I expected."

Fiammetta shrugged, somewhat helplessly, and said, "It's all business. We can visit if we want, but we have to apply. If it's approved, we can visit Mostima; if not, we'll just have to wait."

While the answer was somewhat disappointing, it was also within Lemuen's expectations. After all, Mr. Patrician was a man who strictly adhered to the rules.

Using connections won't work with the old man.

"So, the key question now is, how long do we have to wait to get through this approval process?"

Lemuen paused, then frowned slightly and said, "Lord Patrician certainly isn't willing to expedite this process for us. It seems we'll have to seek help from others."

Han Fei had no say in the matter. He was good at charging into battle, but when it came to dealing with Laterano's official institutions, he could only stand by and watch.

"Alright, everyone, stop standing here and come inside," Lemuen said gently, looking around at everyone.

Then everyone moved from the entryway to the living room.

After everyone took their seats, Lemuen was still discussing the details with Fiammetta, while Han Fei, bored out of his mind, could only glance at the girls one by one.

Then he noticed a very interesting detail.

Lemuen, also known as Exusiai, sat very close to Texas, and the former would occasionally lean over and whisper a few words to Texas.

Texas will also respond to Exusiai's whispers, no longer maintaining her previous detached, bystander attitude.

Undoubtedly, while Han Fei was away, Exusiai and Texas made some progress in their relationship, and were no longer just nodding acquaintances who never spoke to each other.

This discovery intrigued Han Fei, who thought it might be the connection between Penguin Logistics and its partners.

After all, there is a certain compatibility between people. Some people, even if you spend three to five years with them, may not become close, but some people can become friends in just one afternoon.

The compatibility between Texas and Exusiai is beyond doubt.

For a fleeting moment, Han Fei even considered kidnapping Exusiai.

GTI's logistics seem pretty good!

But this is just wishful thinking. Putting aside whether Lemuen herself is willing, Han Fei can't even get past her sister.

After all, Lemuen is still a student and has to go to school!

Lemuen and Fiammetta's conversation didn't last long. Soon after, Fiammetta stood up and excused herself, saying, "Then, let's do it your way. We'll go through the procedures first thing tomorrow morning."

They only wanted to visit Mostima, not break him out of prison, so they didn't need to devise a meticulous plan, and the planning time naturally didn't take too long.

"Okay, then I'll wait for you." Lemuen nodded slightly.

Fiammetta turned to leave, but before she disappeared, Lemuen couldn't help but speak up again, "Fiameta, you don't need to hold a grudge against Andoain. He didn't do things this way on purpose."

Fiammetta stopped in her tracks, turned to look at Lemuen, and said with a serious expression, "I don't know why you can be so calm, but, I'm sorry, I can't seem to do it. He almost ruined you, he ruined Mostima, and he ruined the life we knew. I just can't accept it."

Finally, she said again, "I'll go now, I'll come see you again tomorrow."

After saying that, Fiammetta left without looking back.

Lemuen stared blankly in the direction where Fiammetta had disappeared. After a long while, she looked away and said with some regret, "It seems she's completely taken a grudge against Andoain."

"That's normal."

Han Fei shrugged and said, "Although it might sound harsh, the truth is, she's a Liberi. She doesn't have your empathy, she can't feel your emotions, so she thinks more than you do."

"But we didn't ostracize her," Lemuen explained.

"I know," Han Fei said. "If you ostracized her, she definitely wouldn't stay in your team. But, both you and Mostima could sense Andoain's emotions when the incident happened, so you forgave him, and Mostima chose not to pursue the matter further because of your understanding. Am I right?"

"Yes."

Lemuen did not shy away. She looked into Han Fei's eyes and said, "At that time, Andoain's emotions were very complicated. Panic, shock, relief, and all sorts of different emotions were mixed together. However, I did not sense any murderous intent in his heart."

"He simply lost control; he didn't intentionally try to hurt us."

"That's why I said you can sense each other's emotions, so you can understand each other," Han Fei sighed. "But Fiammetta can't. Have you forgotten how hard she was to let go back then?"

"From her perspective, all she knows is that her captain went mad, hurting us all, causing Mostima to fall from grace, and destroying everything she knew. Yet, she couldn't do anything about it. How could she possibly let it go?"

Before Lemuen could speak, Han Fei continued, "I know you Sankta are used to using empathy to skip the tedious communication process, but Fiammetta isn't Sankta, so perhaps..."

He considered his words carefully before continuing, "Perhaps it would be better to be a little more considerate of her feelings."

"Yes, you're right."

Lemuen stood up, stretched, and said, "It's probably because we've been neglecting her. We should pay more attention to her in the future."

The next second, she looked around and asked with a light laugh, "What would you like for dinner? I'll make it for you."

Han Fei shrugged and gave the classic reply, "Whatever."

Okay~

Lemuen smiled slightly and said, "Whoever you choose, I'll reward you with a box of Cactus Tart."

Upon hearing this, Han Fei couldn't help but roll his eyes and said, "So you can't get past this Cactus Tart, huh?"

"Because at times like this, I can't help but want to tease you."

Lemuen's smile widened, and she then looked at Texas and Lemuen beside her, saying, "And you two?"

Texas answered decisively, "I'm fine with anything."

"I'm fine with anything, as long as it's made by my older sister, I like it," Lemuen said, raising her hand.

"You guys."

Lemuen looked at the three of them, both amused and annoyed, and said, "You're all so easygoing, huh? Then I'll just do my own thing."

"I trust my sister's cooking skills." Lemuen gave her sister a thumbs up.

Lemuen shook her head and turned to walk into the kitchen.

After Lemuen left, Han Fei looked at the two of them and said, "I feel like I haven't been gone for very long, and your relationship has become so good?"

"Having another friend is never a bad thing," Texas said softly.

"That's right, that's right."

Lemuen nodded emphatically and said, "We can't all leave and Texas and I just stand here staring at each other."

"That's true."

Han Fei nodded slightly. He naturally didn't mind if the two got along better. Who knows, if their relationship improved, GTI Logistics might just become a business in the future!

Wait, the Emperor is actually myself?!

However, that's just talk; Han Fei can't rap, so he can't be Emperor.

The skin tone part isn't quite accurate.

As the sun dips below the horizon, night falls over the holy city of Laterano. A new moon climbs into the sky, casting its cool light upon the quiet streets and towering spires, draping this city of faith in a hazy silver veil.

Perhaps because the separation was approaching, Han Fei, for the first time in a long time, suffered from insomnia. He tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

He couldn't suppress his sleepiness, but he certainly wasn't thirsty enough.

So he tiptoed out, poured himself a glass of water, and stood alone by the living room window, gazing at the city of faith under the moonlight.