Ark Simulator, Don't I Have No Physical Form?

Su Rui shook off her hand and scoffed, "Utterly boring. Don't make me do something so stupid again."

But Lemuen keenly sensed that the impatience in his tone wasn't entirely absolute. Perhaps, deep down, he actually felt a tiny... sense of accomplishment in this process of "efficiently solving problems" (even when teaching a novice)?

The setting sun cast long shadows of the two. Lemuen knew that making Su Rui a "friendly" teacher was a pipe dream, but today, he had made the biggest concession and change for her. The future of the city seemed to have gained a solid glimmer of hope because of this awkward yet effective "guidance."

The dust on the training field hadn't completely settled, and the air was still filled with the faint smell of gunpowder and the salty scent of the team members' sweat. Su Rui almost impatiently turned and left, his steps as quick as if fleeing a plague-ridden area, leaving that region filled with the aura of "rookies" and ineffective noise completely behind. Lemuen pushed her wheelchair, following him at a leisurely pace, watching his tall, imposing figure that seemed to say "keep away" and "finally free," a smile of mixed helplessness and indulgence playing on her lips.

Only after leaving the training grounds and returning to the relatively quiet inner passageway enclosed by metal walls, with only the perpetual low rumble of the Mobile City as background noise, did Lemuen slightly quicken her pace to walk alongside Su Rui. She turned her head, her gaze falling on his sharply defined profile, and spoke softly, her tone carrying the composure and methodical planning of an executor:

"It seems the progress on the Kong Gou side is going much better than we expected. The basic coordination points you explained today, though demanding, hit the nail on the head. If they can truly digest and absorb them, and practice diligently over the next few days..." She paused briefly, quickly assessing the team members' potential and training intensity in her mind, "In about three or four days, no more than five days, we can arrange a formal acceptance test. If their teamwork, emergency response, and basic tactical execution capabilities meet the preset minimum requirements by then, they should have the initial ability to deal with the common Originium Slug infestations and small-scale security incidents in this area."

Upon hearing this, Su Rui slowed his pace almost imperceptibly, his obsidian-like eyes lazily glancing at her, his tone still as indifferent as if discussing the weather. "So?" He had always only cared about the final result and efficiency, lacking patience for the process.

Lemuen was already used to his reaction. She smiled slightly, her lake-blue eyes appearing exceptionally clear and bright under the evenly distributed cold light from the ceiling of the passageway. "So, if the inspection goes smoothly, my main responsibility here—assisting in stabilizing the situation and establishing initial self-defense capabilities—will be essentially complete. At that time, I can prepare to return to Laterano, submit a detailed report of the operation to the Cardinal, and apply for subsequent, regular resource support and a long-term observation period for this area."

Return to Laterano.

Volume 17, Chapter 1008: The Cat Who Successfully Stole Fish

These words were like a precise key, clicking softly and instantly unlocking the usually tightly closed door to "interest" or "expectation" in Su Rui's eyes. Although his handsome face remained largely expressionless, the low-pressure atmosphere surrounding him, born from being forced into "boring instruction," dissipated and diluted at a visible speed. Returning to the familiar, well-equipped Holy City, with at least decent food and training grounds, and free from this dull and tedious atmosphere—this clearly visible prospect was far more appealing than continuing to linger in this "steel box" he rated so low. He had even begun to list the priorities for his return: checking if the custom-made gun parts had arrived, having a hearty meal at his usual barbecue restaurant, and... getting rid of Lemuen's "social" nagging.

"Hmm." He responded very briefly, acknowledging the timetable and the arrangements for the future. Then, as if recalling some unpleasant experience, he added, with a clear sense of separation, "Don't expect me to be there for the inspection." He had grown to loathe playing the role of a patient instructor; it was nothing short of torture for him.

"Understood," Lemuen nodded readily, a sly smile curving her lips. "I'll take full responsibility for the acceptance and assessment. Young Master Su Rui, all you need to do is sign your esteemed name on the final report to prove that you 'visited and guided' and 'gave high praise'." She deliberately used exaggerated official language, with a clear sense of mockery.

Su Rui let out a soft snort, too lazy to respond to her obvious teasing, but her mood had clearly improved a lot since her return date was now set, and even the monotonous metal corridor seemed more pleasing to the eye.

"However," Lemuen's tone softened, her voice carrying a relaxed air, as if she were planning a short trip, "Before we officially leave, we need to spend a little more time carefully inspecting the other key functional areas of this Mobile City. We need to check not only security, but also ensure that the Energy Core, water supply system, and material storage facilities—lifelines—are without major flaws. After all, the final report we submit needs to be as comprehensive and objective as possible, leaving no obvious hidden dangers." This was a professional ethic deeply ingrained in her as an executor of Laterano, and it was justified, necessary, and beyond reproach.

Suri's brows furrowed again, forming a shallow "Chuan". Still need to patrol? And it sounds like there are a lot of projects? He really has no interest in the corners of the city, those boring pipes and dashboards, and even thinks it is another form of waste of time. But "before leaving" This highly tempting premise, as well as the undoubted seriousness and sense of responsibility in Lemuan's words, made him swallow the objections and complaints that were on his lips. It was only the last few days anyway. Just like completing a to-do list, he would tick off one item after another, and the patience would be over. He convinced himself so.

"... Whatever you want." He maintained his reluctant and uninterested tone, but didn't object, which was tantamount to tacit agreement.

Lemuen looked at his unwilling yet forced-to-compromise expression, and a smile spread across her eyes like ripples on a lake after a pebble had been thrown in. She pushed her wheelchair closer to him until the armrests were almost touching his legs. Then, she reached out and naturally took his arm, leaning her weight against him slightly—a gesture filled with dependence and intimacy.

"Actually," she tilted her head back, allowing him to see more clearly the starlight twinkling in her eyes, her voice lowered, with an alluring whisper, as if sharing a secret, "The so-called inspection tour, official business is only a small part of the reason. The main reason is that I want to 'walk' this place around properly with you one last time before I leave. Just the two of us."

Her fingertips unconsciously traced light circles on the strong muscles of his forearm, carrying an ambiguous hint: "It's like... like putting a complete and solemn end to this shared experience, which wasn't exactly pleasant, but was very special for us. And..." she drawled, her eyes gleaming with even more mischief, "Maybe in some hidden corner, we can discover... an unexpected little secret that belongs only to the two of us? Like, a secluded corner with a particularly beautiful sunset? Or, a little shop selling strange but delicious snacks?"

Her words cleverly transformed the tedious and mundane official inspection into a warm, adventurous farewell ceremony just for the two of them. More importantly, her repeated emphasis on "just the two of us" and "a little secret" precisely struck a soft spot in Su Rui's heart—he might vehemently dislike the constraints and boredom of the city, but he certainly didn't dislike, and could even say secretly cherished, the undisturbed time he spent alone with Lemuen. That feeling, as if the whole world consisted only of the two of them, was something no amount of hustle and bustle could replace.

Su Rui lowered his eyelids, his thick, silver eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath his eyes. His gaze fell on Lemuen's face, so close to his own, watching the fine downy hairs on her fair skin, the slight upturn of her lips in anticipation, and the clear reflection of himself in her lake-blue eyes. The touch of her arm around his was warm and real, seeping through the thin fabric. Her faint scent, a blend of her natural fragrance and a hint of sweetness, lingered around his nose, like the most effective tranquilizer. All the words of rejection and impatience swirled on his tongue, ultimately melting away in this warmth, transforming into an almost inaudible sigh of helpless yet sweet indulgence.

He didn't speak, but the arm that was linked with hers tightened slightly, making her lean against him more comfortably and securely. This silent gesture was far more persuasive than any words; it was the most direct and tender response he could give.

Lemuen smiled contentedly, like a cat that had successfully stolen some fish, and gently rested her head on his arm, feeling his steady pulse and warm body temperature.

The lights from the ceiling cast long, intertwined shadows of the two figures onto the gleaming metal floor. She began to plan their next route in a light, cheerful tone:

"Well... shall we first go to the Energy Core to check the operation logs and pressure indicators? Then we'll go around to the water supply and purification system in the lower block. The structure there is quite complex, and we need to carefully check the filter units and pipe pressure. Finally, if we still have time, we can visit the central market and a few major residential areas to check the supply of essential goods. Anyway, we still have plenty of time, so we can take our time and not rush."

Volume 17, Chapter 1009: A Secret

Her tone was relaxed and cheerful, as if this were not official business to be checked, but a leisurely, purposeful stroll or date.

Su Rui let out a low "hmm," acknowledging her arrangement. He adjusted his posture, pushed the wheelchair, and headed towards the Energy Core she had indicated. His steps were no longer as hurried and escapist as before, but instead revealed a rare calmness and ease. Indeed, in his eyes, this city was still full of unbearable flaws: a rigid layout, a dull atmosphere, incompetent managers... But at this moment, because of the warm companionship of those around him, because of the subtle sense of cherishing the impending separation, and because of the unspoken expectation of intimate solitude hidden beneath the veneer of official business, even this final, tedious inspection seemed to be infused with a unique, secretly sweet anticipation.

Lemuen leaned comfortably against him, feeling the subtle changes in the muscles of his arm beneath her palm as he moved, listening to his steady breathing and the soft creaking of his wheelchair wheels. A tranquil and overflowing sense of happiness filled her heart. She knew that Su Rui's compromises weren't about the city or these official duties, but about her. And she was happy to use this last time together to weave warm memories, just between the two of them, into these tedious procedures. Whether the inspection itself would uncover any major problems? That became secondary. Enjoying this companionship was her true, unspoken purpose.

First stop: Energy Core

The Energy Core was located in the heart of the city. A massive Originium reactor hummed low, and a complex network of pipes and instrument panels crisscrossed the area. The staff seemed somewhat nervous upon their arrival. Lemuen expertly reviewed the operation logs, inquiring about several key parameters, while Su Rui stood to the side with her arms crossed, her gaze sweeping over the intricate structure. Occasionally, she would point out a detail where energy transfer efficiency could be optimized, her professional insight putting the responsible technicians to shame. The entire process was efficient yet somewhat bureaucratic; Lemuen didn't find many opportunities for intimacy.

Second stop: Water supply system

In contrast, the water purification system located in the lower levels of the city was much quieter. The air here was humid, with a faint smell of disinfectant. Huge purification tanks were arranged in an orderly fashion, and pipes stretched out like a spider web. Lemuen carefully checked the water quality monitoring records and the filter unit replacement logs, confirming that everything was operating normally. The old administrator in charge of this place was a taciturn Sarkaz who stepped aside after reporting the basic situation.

Just as she finished inspecting the main equipment and was heading towards the exit, passing a row of water pump units in a corner that were humming slightly, Lemuen suddenly stopped her wheelchair.

"Su Rui, wait a moment," she said softly.

Su Rui stopped and looked down at her, her eyes questioning.

Lemuen pointed to a small space behind the drainage pump unit. "There seems to be an observation window there, where you can see the deep water purification process. I'd like to take a look." That was actually a very weak reason.

Su Rui, unsuspecting, pushed her around to the back of the unit. Sure enough, there was a small, round observation window there, with flowing clean water outside. But more importantly, this corner was very secluded, shielded by the tall unit, forming a relatively independent and private space, with only the faint noise of the instruments running.

Lemuen didn't immediately look out the observation window. Instead, she turned around and looked up at Su Rui. Under the cover of the crew's hum, she reached out and took Su Rui's hand.

"There were so many people watching at the Energy Core just now," she said softly, her tone tinged with a hint of coquettish complaint. Her lake-blue eyes shone brightly and captivatingly in the dim light.

Su Rui paused for a moment, then understood her intention. He looked around to make sure no one was there, and the businesslike indifference on his face from the patrol instantly melted away, replaced by a gentle tenderness mixed with helplessness and indulgence. He took her hand in his and gently scratched her palm with his fingertips.

"You're such a troublemaker," he said softly, his tone unusually gentle.

Lemuen, taking advantage of the situation, gently pulled him closer. Su Rui obediently leaned down. In this secluded corner surrounded by machines, she softly kissed his lips. Unlike her previous kisses, which were either passionate or soothing, this kiss was gentler, more lingering, carrying a secret, sweet joy and a sense of cherishing. Only their warm breaths and the faint sound of flowing water in the distance accompanied them.

When the kiss ended, Lemuen's cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes were glistening with tears. Looking at Su Rui Ruijin's face so close to hers, she whispered, "This is... a 'little secret' I discovered during the patrol."

Su Rui blushed, straightened up somewhat awkwardly, and softly hummed in agreement, but didn't let go of her hand. This unexpected, slightly adventurous intimacy certainly added a completely different touch to the monotonous patrol.

"Alright, we're done looking. Let's go." Lemuen pointed contentedly to the observation window (though she hadn't actually looked at it), a sly smile of smug satisfaction on her face.

Su Rui pushed her away from the corner and continued the inspection. For the rest of the journey, the atmosphere between the two became noticeably more harmonious and intimate, their occasional glances carrying a tacit warmth. Lemuen even felt that checking the supply of ordinary goods at the market became more interesting because of the person beside her.

In the coming days, this Mobile City may continue to operate at its usual rhythm, but it will unknowingly become the backdrop for a unique memory. This memory includes the awkward yet unwavering companionship of the cold-faced executor, the subtle wisdom of how a gentle young woman cleverly transforms tedious official duties into sweet dates, and the tenderness and reluctance that quietly grow beneath the routine. All of this is simply to make the "goodbye" less abrupt at the moment of parting, to ensure that the weight of the memories is enough to sustain the next reunion.

Several days passed quietly and peacefully. As planned, Su Rui and Lemuen conducted a final inspection of the Mobile City's key systems, including energy, water supply, and public services. Although the process still retained a bureaucratic formality, the unspoken warmth and understanding between them was tempered by the "little secret" incident in the corner of the water supply system last time. While Su Rui still scoffed at the city's various "flaws," his complaints noticeably decreased. He mostly silently nudged Lemuen, listening to her clearly analyze the data, and only occasionally, when she asked a question, would he point out a subtle hidden danger or potential for improvement in his incisive way.

Volume 17, page 1010: Assessment and Acceptance

Finally, the scheduled day for the inspection and assessment of the Security Force arrived.

At dawn, when Su Rui and Lemuen arrived at the training ground in Warehouse Zone Three again, the scene before them was significantly different from a few days ago. Twenty team members, dressed in uniform dark gray uniforms, stood in relatively neat rows. Although the nervousness of the new recruits was still evident, their eyes held a newfound composure and focus, and their posture was much uprighter, showing the beginnings of a disciplined military unit. Kong Gou stood at the front of the line, his face showing undisguised tension and anticipation. Upon seeing the two arrive, he immediately jogged forward and gave a slightly awkward salute.

"Lemuen, Mr. Su Rui! The entire Security Force is ready. Please give instructions!" Her voice trembled slightly with excitement.

Lemuen smiled and nodded in response, her gaze sweeping over the entire team with a hint of approval in her heart. She pushed her wheelchair to the pre-arranged observation position on one side of the field, while Su Rui stood behind her with his arms crossed as always, his face expressionless, but his dark eyes were like the most sophisticated radar, silently assessing everyone on the field.

"Let's begin, Captain Kong Gou," Lemuen's voice was clear and calm. "Just proceed with the assessment process we agreed upon earlier."

"Yes!" Kong Gou a deep breath, turned to face the team, and began to give instructions.

The assessment consisted of several parts: first, a demonstration of basic physical fitness and drill discipline; second, the rapid disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of firearms; third, emergency response and handling procedures for simulated emergencies (such as small groups of Originium Slug attacks, resident disputes, etc.); and finally, and most importantly, team coordination shooting drills.

The basic training went smoothly. Although the team members had different physical abilities, they were all able to meet the basic requirements. Although their formation movements did not yet reach the level of elite troops, they had begun to develop a sense of discipline and obedience. In the weapons maintenance exercise, most team members were able to complete the disassembly and assembly within the allotted time. Although their movements were somewhat clumsy, their steps were correct, showing that the Kong Gou had put in the effort in basic training.

Su Rui watched in silence the whole time, occasionally frowning almost imperceptibly when a teammate's movements were not smooth enough or their reaction was a little slow, but she did not directly reprimand them as she had last time. Lemuen, on the other hand, occasionally jot down the key points she observed in her notebook.

The subsequent emergency response assessment encountered some minor hiccups. In the simulated "market riot" scenario, the assistants playing the rioters (played by other team members) became overly emotional, exceeding the scope of the contingency plan. This caused a brief period of panic in the response team, leading to communication breakdowns and almost escalating into a real scuffle. Kong Gou was so anxious that he was sweating profusely and almost rushed in to intervene.

Just then, Su Rui, who had been observing coldly, suddenly uttered a single word in a low but penetrating voice. "Calm down."

His voice seemed to possess a strange magic, instantly bringing the somewhat out-of-control team members back to their senses. The team leader in charge immediately adjusted the strategy, forcibly pulling the team back to the pre-set procedure, and ultimately completed the mission without any major incident.

Lemuen glanced at Su Rui, a hint of a smile flashing in her eyes. She knew that although he appeared indifferent on the surface, at crucial moments, his calmness and control, stemming from absolute strength, would still inadvertently reveal themselves, acting as a stabilizing force.

The final highlight was a team-based shooting drill. The venue was simulated as a street environment with cover, and multiple targets at different distances and moving speeds were set up in the distance to simulate the invasion of Originium Slug.

"Group A, flank to the left, crossfire to cover the fan-shaped area A! Group B, suppress from the right, use burst fire to eliminate high-speed targets! Group C, provide central support, fill the fire Blank!" Kong Gou issued the orders tensely according to the plan.

The team members quickly moved into their assigned groups. Although their movements were not yet fully refined, and there were some delays and communication difficulties in their coordination, it was a far cry from the chaotic, individualistic shooting of a few days prior. They began to consciously find their teammates' firing rhythm, provide mutual cover, and attempt to form a simple fire network. While the bullet impacts were not perfectly distributed, they generally covered the pre-designated danger zone, and several simulated high-speed moving targets were successfully "killed."

Su Rui's eyes followed the team members' every move closely. He saw the awkwardness in their coordination: sometimes two players would aim at the same target at the same time, wasting firepower, and sometimes leaving obvious gaps in their defense; he also saw the lack of communication: gestures and commands would occasionally confuse, leading to inconsistent actions. But more importantly, he saw progress, the nascent form of something from nothing, from chaos to preliminary order. In just a few days, these team members had transformed the basic concepts he had emphasized in training, such as "crossfire," "complementary rhythm," and "risk sharing," from theory into a rough but real practice.

When the last set of targets was cleared and the whistle blew to signal the end of the exercise, the training ground fell into a moment of silence. The team members stood there, panting, nervously awaiting the final judgment.

Kong Gou jogged up to Lemuen and Su Rui, his face a mixture of exhaustion, nervousness, and anticipation.

Lemuen closed her notebook, a gentle yet approving smile spreading across her face. She first praised the efforts of Kong Gou entire team, "You've all worked hard! The progress these past few days has been remarkable, especially in teamwork. You've already shown a basic understanding of collaborative combat, which is truly impressive."

Then she turned to Su Rui, seeking his final opinion with her eyes. After all, his evaluation was more authoritative when it came to combat and training.

All eyes were on Su Rui. The team members were on tenterhooks, fearing that this demanding and sharp-tongued "instructor" would once again give a devastating evaluation.

Su Rui remained silent for a few seconds, his usually expressionless face revealing no emotion. His gaze swept over the tense faces on the field again, finally settling on Lemuen's face, where he uttered three words clearly in his characteristically calm yet undeniable tone:

"That's enough."

That's fine.

These three simple words, like a pardon, instantly eased the tense atmosphere in the entire training ground. Kong Gou let out a long sigh of relief, almost bursting into tears of joy. The team members also showed expressions of relief and unbelievable joy. They actually... received the approval of this cold-faced man? Although it was only the bare minimum of "okay," it was still an unprecedented breakthrough!

Volume 17, Chapter 1011: Congratulations!

Lemuen's smile widened. She knew that hearing "it's good enough" from Su Rui carried the same weight as receiving an "excellent" evaluation from someone else. It meant that he believed the team had met the most basic functional requirements and was ready for practical operation.

"Mr. Su Rui means," Lemuen explained to the team members with a smile, "That your training results have met expectations and you have acquired basic security maintenance capabilities. Congratulations!"

A suppressed but excited cheer suddenly erupted from the stadium.

"However," Lemuen's tone shifted, becoming more serious, "This is just the beginning. There are still many areas where you need to improve and strengthen, such as the emergency communication problems and coordination issues that surfaced today. The road ahead is long, and you need to continue your diligent training and constantly learn from your experiences."

The team members responded in unison, "Yes! We will remember your teachings!"

The acceptance and assessment were successfully completed. Lemuen then briefed the Kong Gou on some follow-up work arrangements and precautions, such as patrol scheduling, equipment maintenance, and coordination with city management.

Leaving the training ground and walking back to my accommodation, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the roof, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

"It seems we can prepare to go back." Lemuen leaned back in her wheelchair, her tone carrying the ease and satisfaction of completing an important mission. "Although this team is still inexperienced, they have laid a solid foundation. With proper guidance, they should be able to become a stabilizing force in this city."

Su Rui hummed in agreement, pushing the wheelchair with steady, light steps. He was clearly pleased to be leaving this place, but what pleased him even more was that he no longer had to worry about these "rookies."

"Your 'good enough' assessment made them incredibly happy," Lemuen teased him with a smile. "I never expected Young Master Su Rui to have such a 'lenient' side."

Su Rui scoffed, his tone as arrogant as ever. "It only meets the minimum standard. It's far from 'qualified'." But in the slight upturn of his lips, Lemuen caught a faint, almost imperceptible, hint of... satisfaction?

Perhaps, deep down, this arrogant young master wasn't entirely oblivious to the visible progress his "works" had made, even if he was forced to. It's just that his way of expressing approval was always so awkward and concise.

In any case, the security issue of this mobile site has finally been resolved to a certain extent, providing some reassurance. Their mission here is also about to come to an end. Next, it's time to return to Laterano, and... the peaceful time they've been looking forward to, a time undisturbed by official duties. Thinking of this, even Su Rui felt that the monotonous metal corridor in front of her seemed much more pleasing to the eye.

The successful completion of the acceptance test was like a heavy stone finally falling to the ground, bringing a perfect end to this journey full of surprises and challenges. On the way back to their temporary accommodation, even the air seemed to be filled with a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Su Rui pushed the wheelchair with more steady steps than usual, even with a hint of lightness that was almost imperceptible. Lemuen leaned against his arm, feeling his steady heartbeat and the relaxation that came after the burden was lifted, a gentle smile always on her lips.

However, just as they were about to reach the entrance of their residence, Su Rui's pace suddenly slowed down, and she finally stopped in the middle of the passageway.

"Hmm? What's wrong?" Lemuen looked up at his sharply defined jawline with some confusion.

Su Rui didn't answer immediately. His obsidian-like eyes gazed in a certain direction at the end of the passage, as if he were thinking about something. A rare, almost hesitant expression flashed across his face. This was extremely uncommon for him.

After a few seconds, he looked away, then looked down at Lemuen, his tone still calm, but with an undeniable decisiveness. "Before leaving, go to one more place."

Lemuen blinked, somewhat surprised. All the scheduled official business had been completed, and she had assumed Su Rui would be eagerly packing his bags, not wanting to stay a moment longer. What place could it be that he specifically wanted to visit before leaving?

"Where to?" she asked curiously.

Su Rui didn't answer directly. Instead, he pushed his wheelchair, turned around, and headed in the opposite direction from his residence. His goal was clear, his steps firm. He passed through several relatively quiet internal passages and finally stopped in front of a heavy metal door that required authorization to open. This was the entrance to the core area of the water supply system—the upper observation platform of the water purification plant.

Su Rui took out her access card (probably "borrowed" from the administrator during a previous patrol and never returned it) and swiped it on the scanner. With a slight hydraulic sound, the heavy metal door slowly slid open to both sides, and a breath of fresh air, carrying moisture and a faint smell of ozone, rushed out, which was fresher than the lower area.

Behind the door was a spiral ramp that extended upwards, encircling the massive water purification tanks. Su Rui pushed Lemuen, slowly ascending the ramp. Sturdy railings lined both sides of the ramp, beyond which lay the vast and complex interior of the water purification plant: several enormous circular water purification tanks lay like silent behemoths below, crisscrossed by pipes of varying thicknesses, emitting low rumbling sounds of flowing water and soft machine hums. The light here primarily came from the indicator lights on the equipment and the cool white light streaming from the ceiling, creating a space distinct from the outside world, imbued with a sense of technology and tranquility.

Lemuen quietly let Su Rui push her upwards, her heart filled with curiosity. She didn't understand why Su Rui would be interested in this place. Although it was clean and orderly, it was essentially a functional industrial area, far removed from what she knew Su Rui to be interested in.

Finally, they reached the top of the ramp—a spacious circular observation platform. The platform was surrounded by a transparent reinforced glass railing, with a metal mesh floor beneath their feet, offering a clear view of the surging water deep below. It was almost the highest point of the entire water supply system, providing an excellent vantage point.

Su Rui pushed the wheelchair to the edge of the platform, directly facing the observation window of the largest water purification tank below. From here, one could see the clear water flowing inside the tank, illuminated by special lights, displaying a translucent turquoise hue, slowly rotating and flowing at a constant, soothing pace, like a huge, vibrant sapphire. The friction between the water and the tank wall produced extremely subtle sounds, which, mixed with the low hum of distant machinery, created a peculiar, calming white noise.

Volume 17, Chapter 1012: The duty here is over.

Su Rui released his grip on the wheelchair, walked to the railing, and casually placed his hands on the cold metal bars, gazing down at the flowing azure below. He didn't speak, just stood there quietly, his back appearing somewhat aloof in the cool light, yet strangely blending into the tranquil atmosphere.

Lemuen didn't disturb him. She sat quietly in her wheelchair, following his gaze to the seemingly eternally flowing water. At first, she didn't find anything special about the sight, but as she looked, she suddenly began to understand.

In this noisy, rough, and ever-present Mobile City rife with problems and conflicts, this water purification plant, located in the heart of the city, especially its elevated platform, seems like a forgotten sanctuary. Everything here operates according to the purest laws of physics: the speed of the water flow, the purification process, the rhythm of the machines—all are so orderly, stable, and predictable. There are no foolish arguments, no troublesome accidents, no interpersonal relationships to deal with, only the unchanging flow of water and the faithful operation of the machinery.

This absolute sense of order and tranquility might be a rare comfort and relaxation for Su Rui, who is accustomed to finding control amidst chaos and challenges and who actually deeply dislikes uncontrollable factors. The scene here is unlike the deliberately created tranquility of Holy City (which is often accompanied by religious solemnity and the pressure of rules), nor is it like natural scenery full of uncontrollable variables (weather, creatures, etc.). It is a man-made, precise, understandable, and reliable "quiet."

After a long while, Su Rui turned her head slightly, her gaze still fixed on the water. Her voice was lower than usual, with a hint of barely perceptible softening. "After all these days of commotion, this is the only place... where I can still stay."

He didn't look at Lemuen, as if he were talking to himself. But this simple sentence revealed the reason he chose this place—he needed to find a corner in this chaotic steel city where his tense nerves could relax. And this place, isolated from most of the noise and interference by its height and technology, leaving only the sound of regular flowing water, perfectly met his needs.

Lemuen's heart melted instantly. She pushed her wheelchair to his side, standing beside him as they gazed at the tranquil blue expanse below. She reached out and gently took his hand, which was resting on the railing. His fingertips were slightly cool, but he didn't reject her touch.

"Yes, it's quiet and comfortable here," she softly agreed, saying nothing more, simply keeping him company.

The two stood side by side on the high ground, gazing at the eternally flowing water below, letting time slip by unnoticed. The platform was quiet, save for the sound of the water and their breathing. Su Rui's usual sharpness and impatience seemed to be washed away by the tranquil water, leaving only a rare serenity. Lemuen felt this peace, her heart filled with tranquility and happiness. She was glad that Su Rui had brought her to this "secret corner" before leaving, to share this precious quiet with her.

After an unknown amount of time, the afterglow of the setting sun began to shine through the special glass skylight at the top, painting this blue and white space with a warm orange-red hue. The flowing water, reflecting the light, refracted a dazzling halo of light, creating a beauty that seemed almost unreal.