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

On the television screen, the City Defense Force ' clearing operation was nearing its end. The open flames on the main streets were extinguished, the smoke gradually dissipated, and only some cleanup work was being carried out in an orderly manner. The sound of sirens also became sparse, indicating that this sudden riot was about to come to a complete end.

The night in Siesta has returned to a tranquility dominated by the sound of the waves.

Su Rui seemed finally completely relieved (or rather, finally felt the noise was tolerable enough). He adjusted to a more comfortable position in Lemuen, his breathing becoming even and long, and this time he was truly asleep.

Lemuen looked down at his peaceful sleeping face, his long silver eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath his eyelids, and his tightly pursed lips softening. Her heart was filled with an indescribable happiness and peace. This seemingly aloof and trouble-averse boy always protected her and fulfilled even her smallest wishes in his most awkward and dishonest ways.

She gently pulled a thin blanket over them and covered them both, then closed her eyes, feeling the steady heartbeat and gradually even breathing of the person in her arms.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, and all was quiet. Only the ripples in the pool water still gently swayed, reflecting the starry sky and the lovers who nestled together and protected each other in the turbulent night. For Lemuen, the storms outside had subsided, and the harbor in her heart was forever calm because of him.

The first rays of morning sunlight, like the gentlest fingers, softly parted the thin mist on the Siesta horizon, scattering golden light across the sea and sneaking into the bedroom through the gaps in the slightly open curtains. Lemuen slowly awoke, enveloped in a warm and reassuring feeling.

The moment she regained consciousness, the first thing she felt was the soft touch of the bed beneath her and the warmth of the light down comforter covering her. She stirred slightly and realized she was comfortably lying on the large bed in the bedroom, not in the wheelchair where they had snuggled together on the terrace the night before. She paused for a moment, then realized— Su Rui must have carried her back to bed after she fell asleep.

This realization warmed her heart. She turned her head to look at the other side of the bed. Sure enough, Su Rui wasn't beside her. She wasn't surprised; Su Rui had always been a light sleeper and liked to wake up early.

The bedroom was quiet, save for the faint sound of waves crashing outside the window and the cries of early-rising seagulls. A faint, crisp scent, characteristic of Su Rui, filled the air, along with a barely audible... hum of electronic devices.

Lemuen propped herself up on her arms and sat up slightly, her eyes searching the room. Soon, she spotted Su Rui's figure on the single sofa by the window.

He sat with his back to the bed, facing the sunlit sea outside the window. His posture was somewhat casual, one leg bent and resting on the edge of the sofa, the other casually stretched out on the floor. He wore a simple white cotton T-shirt and lounge shorts, his silver hair gleaming softly in the sunlight, slightly disheveled, carrying the languid feeling of just waking up. He held a portable terminal in his hand, the screen lit up, playing some images. The terminal was connected to headphones, so the sound wasn't playing aloud.

He was watching intently, the lines of his profile clear and delicate in the morning light. His long, silver eyelashes drooped, obscuring the emotions in his eyes, only his tightly pursed lips revealing a thoughtful expression. The sunlight outlined a fuzzy golden edge around him, making him appear less cold and hard than usual, and more like a youthful calm.

Lemuen gently lifted the covers, not wanting to disturb him, and simply leaned quietly against the headboard, watching his focused profile. Her heart was filled with the unique tranquility and contentment of waking up in the morning. It felt so good to wake up like this in the sunlight and see him the first thing you see.

She was curious about what Su Rui was looking at. Was it a report on the aftermath of last night's riots? Or was she dealing with official business from Laterano? She pushed her wheelchair and quietly slid to the sofa, getting closer to it.

When her gaze fell on the terminal screen, she couldn't help but pause slightly in surprise.

What was playing on the screen was not a news program or a document report, but a series of edited, high-definition combat videos! Judging from the perspective and content, it was a live recording of the firefight between the Siesta City Defense Force and those rioters last night! Some of the footage came from an aerial view, some from the perspective of street corner surveillance cameras, and there were even a few extremely tricky moving images that seemed to have been filmed from the rioters' side or rear or from inside their bunkers!

Su Rui seemed to be watching and analyzing the videos repeatedly. His fingers would occasionally swipe across the screen, pausing, zooming in, slowing down, or switching to a different angle. His eyes were focused and sharp, like the most sophisticated scanner, capturing every detail in the footage—the tactical movements, firepower, and movement routes of the City Defense Force soldiers; the weapons, equipment, personnel distribution, and reaction speed of the rioters; even the street environment and the use of cover.

Volume 17, page 1057 is merely a pastime.

He observed very carefully, his brows sometimes furrowing, sometimes relaxing, and occasionally he would lightly tap a spot on the screen with his fingertip, as if marking something. His expression didn't seem like he was watching a spectacle unrelated to him; it was more like an experienced commander reviewing a battle, or a meticulous instructor evaluating a trainee's performance.

Lemuen looked at his serious expression and understood. He was analyzing last night's battle. Was it because he had anonymously provided intelligence, and she wanted to see the effect? Or... was this just a habit? An instinctive assessment of potential threats in his surroundings? Or simply... a pastime to pass the time?

She didn't disturb him, but quietly stayed to the side, watching his focused profile. Sunlight streamed through the window, dancing on his long eyelashes and casting small shadows on his straight nose. This Su Rui, devoid of her usual indifference and impatience, exuded a unique charm, a charm born from her focused intellectual activity.

After a long while, Su Rui seemed to have watched a key battle scene several times before slowly exhaling and taking off his headphones. He rubbed his slightly sore temples, leaned back on the sofa, and wore an expression that seemed to be a mixture of... boredom and disdain.

"Full of flaws," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with undisguised contempt. "Slow to react, clumsy in coordination, how many opportunities they wasted." He clearly had a very low opinion of the Siesta City Defense Force ' performance in actual combat.

Only then did he seem to notice the movement around him, turn his head, and meet Lemuen's smiling gaze.

"Awake?" His voice was still slightly hoarse from just waking up, his tone calm and natural, as if he weren't the one who had just given such sharp commentary on the battle.

"Hmm." Lemuen nodded with a smile, pushing her wheelchair closer to him. "Watching last night's video?"

Su Rui hummed in agreement, casually setting the terminal aside, seemingly having lost interest in its contents. "Just browsing," he said nonchalantly, as if it were merely an insignificant entertainment video.

"What did you see?" Lemuen asked curiously.

Su Rui curled his lip, his face once again displaying that "unbearable" expression of disgust. "A bunch of rabble against a bunch of... poorly trained rookies." He paused, then added, his tone carrying a hint of condescension. "If it weren't for my intelligence, they would have spent at least another hour or two more, and the casualty figures would have doubled."

Although he spoke casually, the information revealed in his words subtly moved Lemuen. It turned out that he had not only read the report but also accurately assessed the changes in the battle situation and potential casualties before and after intelligence intervention. This insight and calculation ability were truly astonishing.

"So... you're confirming that you've been helpful?" Lemuen teased him deliberately, a sly glint in her lake-blue eyes.

Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Su Rui immediately bristled, his ears turning slightly red. He turned his face away and denied it firmly. "Who confirmed it! I was just... bored anyway!" He would never admit that he cared a little about the effect of that anonymous intelligence!

Seeing his awkward expression, Lemuen couldn't help but chuckle. She reached out and gently took his hand, saying softly, "Alright, alright, I was just bored. But... thank you, Su Rui. Because of you, many people might have avoided getting hurt."

Su Rui snorted but didn't say anything, though she didn't shake off her hand, letting her hold it. Sunlight streamed through the window, warmly illuminating their clasped hands.

"What do you want for breakfast?" Lemuen changed the subject, no longer teasing him. "Should I make it? Or should we eat out?"

Su Rui thought for a moment. The commotion from last night had just subsided, and things might still be a bit chaotic outside; he didn't want to deal with it. So he said, "... Just make something simple at home." He paused, then added, "... Not too sweet."

Lemuen smiled and nodded, "Okay~ Then I'll fry you some eggs and bacon? And heat up some milk?"

"Mm," Su Rui responded, which was taken as agreement.

Lemuen pushed her wheelchair toward the kitchen. Before leaving, she glanced back at the terminal Su Rui had casually placed on the sofa; the screen was still frozen on a paused frame of a battle scene. A slight thought struck her. Su Rui ... perhaps he wasn't as indifferent to everything as he appeared. Was he simply observing, assessing, and... protecting the tranquility he cherished in his own way?

That morning, watching his profile as he intently analyzed the video, sensing the thoughtfulness beneath his awkwardness, Lemuen felt she understood him a little better. This understanding made the love in her heart, like the sunlight outside the window, grow even warmer and brighter.

A moment later, Lemuen returned to the bedroom with the prepared breakfast, pushing her wheelchair. On the plate were two simple breakfasts: perfectly fried sunny-side-up eggs, slightly charred bacon, golden-brown toast, and two steaming glasses of milk. The aroma of the food instantly dispelled the last trace of morning chill from the room, bringing a warm and comforting atmosphere.

Su Rui remained seated on the single sofa by the window, the morning light bathing him in a soft golden glow. He no longer looked at his terminal, but instead tilted his head slightly, gazing at the shimmering sea outside the window, his eyes somewhat vacant, as if lost in thought, or perhaps simply daydreaming. His silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, his long eyelashes drooping, obscuring the emotions in his eyes, making him appear less sharp than usual, and more serene and... subtly languid.

Lemuen placed the plate on the small round table next to the sofa and softly called out, "Su Rui, breakfast is ready."

Hearing the sound, Su Rui turned his head, his gaze shifting from the window to the plate. He showed no expression, simply giving a soft "hmm," and picked up his glass of milk, taking a small sip. The warm, fragrant liquid slid down his throat, causing him to squint slightly, a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction appearing on his face.

Lemuen picked up her milk and sipped it, her gaze fixed on Su Rui's face. Watching him quietly drink, she recalled his focused analysis of the battle video earlier, and then his anonymous intelligence-sending actions last night, a soft smile crept into her heart. She put down her cup, leaned forward slightly, and, a mischievous glint in Su Rui lake-blue eyes, softly asked in a teasing tone:

"Su Rui ~ I saw you were watching so intently just now... Didn't you always say you didn't want to interfere in other people's affairs because you found it troublesome? Why are you so concerned about the 'professional competence' of the Siesta City Defense Force?" She deliberately dragged out the last syllable, with a hint of teasing.

Volume 17, Chapter 1058: You're right, but...

Su Rui paused almost imperceptibly in the hand holding the cup. He raised his eyelids, his dark eyes sweeping over Lemuen indifferently, meeting her smiling, all-seeing eyes. He didn't answer immediately, but simply took another sip of milk expressionlessly, then placed the cup back on the table.

Lemuen didn't urge him, but just smiled and looked at him, waiting for his answer. She knew that Su Rui would definitely make up an excuse, and it would definitely be the kind of awkward yet cute excuse.

Sure enough, Su Rui was silent for a few seconds, as if organizing his thoughts or thinking of a convincing reason. Then, he reached out, not to take the food, but... very naturally, gently rubbed his fingertips against Lemuen's warm, soft cheek, which was almost touching his own as he leaned in.

His fingertips carried a slight morning coolness, their touch gentle, like a feather brushing against her skin. This sudden, intimate gesture startled Lemuen, and a faint blush involuntarily rose to her cheeks.

After a brief pause, Su Rui withdrew his hand, picked up his fork again, forked a piece of bacon, and put it in his mouth, chewing slowly and deliberately. His gaze returned to the sea outside the window, his tone flat, with a matter-of-fact, even slightly disdainful air, as if stating a perfectly simple fact:

"If this isn't resolved quickly, our travel plans will be affected."

He paused, seemingly feeling that the reason wasn't sufficient, and added, a hint of impatience in his tone. "Do you want to spend the next few days listening to sirens and seeing the streets in ruins? Or do you want to be restricted in your movements due to martial law or security concerns?" He glanced at Lemuen, a hint of doubt flashing in his dark eyes. "Do you really want that?"

"Trouble," he concluded, as if last night's "meddling" was purely to avoid bigger trouble and to ensure their own comfort and convenience during their vacation, and had nothing to do with any compassion or sense of responsibility.

Lemuen was taken aback by his "righteous" explanation and his serious demeanor, which seemed to be purely for "selfish" reasons. Then she couldn't help but burst out laughing! Her shoulders trembled slightly as she laughed, and her lake-blue eyes curved into crescent moons.

"Oh, I see!" She deliberately drew out her words, feigning sudden realization. "It's so that our 'travel plans' won't be affected! Su Rui, you're so thoughtful!" Her tone was full of teasing and doting.

Su Rui's ears turned slightly red from her laughter. He glared at her, somewhat embarrassed and angry, and said in a harsh voice, "What are you laughing at! Eat!" He lowered his head, forcefully forked up a fried egg, and stuffed it into his mouth, as if he were sulking with the food.

But Lemuen saw through his awkward reaction and slightly reddened ears, realizing his true feelings hidden beneath the excuse of "avoiding trouble." He wasn't worried about the trip being disrupted; he clearly... he heard her worry from last night about "hoping it would end soon," and that's why he intervened! He didn't want her to worry, didn't want the chaos in this city to ruin her vacation! It's just that this proud guy stubbornly refused to admit it!

This realization made Lemuen's heart feel as sweet as if it were soaking in warm honey. She stopped laughing, picked up her fork, and began to eat breakfast. But she couldn't stop smiling, and her gaze gently fell on Su Rui, looking at his slightly embarrassed profile as his thoughts were exposed, finding him incredibly adorable.

"Yes, you're right." Lemuen echoed him softly, "Luckily the problem was resolved quickly, so we can go out and have fun today without worry. Thank you, Su Rui, for being so thoughtful." This time, she didn't tease him; her tone was sincere and gentle.

Su Rui slowed his chewing. He raised his eyelids, glanced quickly at Lemuen, met her gentle, smiling eyes, then quickly lowered his head again, mumbling a "hmm," the blush on his ears seeming to deepen. He didn't speak again, just silently ate his breakfast, but the low pressure emanating from him because of being "mocked" quietly dissipated.

The warm sunlight bathed the two of them, and the only sounds in the room were the soft clinking of cutlery and their steady breathing. The sea breeze blew in through the cracks in the window, carrying a fresh, salty scent. Last night's commotion seemed like a distant memory, and a new day began in tranquility and warmth.

Lemuen knew that Su Rui's seemingly cold and hard heart was actually softer than anyone else's. He was just not good at expressing himself, or rather, he used an extremely awkward and proud way to carefully protect everything he cared about. And to be protected by him so carefully was the happiest thing in the world for her.

She quietly reached out and gently grasped Su Rui's hand, which was resting on her lap, under the table. Su Rui's fingers twitched slightly, but she didn't pull away; instead, she gently squeezed back. Although it was only a brief touch, it conveyed a silent warmth and tacit understanding.

This morning was made all the more beautiful by a simple breakfast, a joke, an awkward explanation, and a tacitly understood hand-holding. After a minor hiccup, the Siesta vacation seemed to be heading in a sweeter and more stable direction.

Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the two in a warm glow. The aroma of breakfast and the rich scent of milk filled the air. Su Rui and Lemuen quietly enjoyed their breakfast in a cozy and peaceful atmosphere. Although Su Rui's expression remained largely unchanged, his tense features softened considerably. He ate his fried egg in small bites, his movements unhurried and deliberate.

Just as he forked up the last piece of bacon, ready to put it in his mouth, an extremely strange feeling, like a cold electric current, instantly surged through his entire body!

Everything around us seemed to freeze in that instant!

Outside the window, a seagull, wings outstretched as if about to take flight, hovered in mid-air, every detail of its wings clearly visible, yet motionless. The folds of the curtains, billowing in the wind, were frozen at their fullest curve. The dust particles dancing in the air seemed to have been paused, frozen in the light. Even the steam rising from the plate seemed to solidify into twisted, unchanging white ribbons.

The whole world fell into an absolute, deathly stillness. The only sound seemed to be his own... the steady, powerful beating of his heart, and the faint echo of blood flowing through his veins.

Su Rui's fork-in-the-carrot with his fork abruptly stopped at his lips. His pupils contracted sharply, a piercing, hawk-like alertness flashing in his dark eyes! This wasn't an illusion! Time... had been stopped?!

Volume 17, Chapter 1059: Time Cannot Be Stopped

Almost instinctively, Su Rui's muscles tensed instantly, like a cheetah poised to pounce. His mental focus was intense, his senses spreading outwards like a spiderweb, trying to pinpoint the source of any anomaly or potential threat! He abruptly turned his head, his gaze like lightning, shooting towards the direction from which his senses found the most incongruous—

Right behind him on the sofa back, a figure had appeared out of nowhere!

Mostima!

She remained as relaxed and at ease as ever, dressed in a light linen dress, her short, SilverAsh hair motionless in the still air. Her signature, enigmatic smile graced her face, and her lake-blue eyes were fixed on him, filled with... undisguised surprise and... intense interest?!

Their eyes met!

Su Rui's heart sank! It was her doing! Time stopped? Such an unbelievable thing, done by Mostima?! What is she trying to do?!

Mostima's surprise was equally evident. She seemed completely unprepared for Su Rui to retain consciousness and mobility even while time was stopped! Her gaze swept over Su Rui's hand still holding the fork, her slightly turned head, and her sharp, cold black eyes, as if examining an extremely interesting and rare specimen that exceeded her expectations.

"Oh my..." Mostima clicked her tongue softly, her voice unusually clear in the absolute silence, carrying a hint of amusement. "How...surprising, Little Su. You're...unaffected?" She took a step forward, her movement fluid and natural, as if the surrounding time-space freeze had no effect on her. She leaned closer to Su Rui, almost touching his face, carefully examining his eyes, as if confirming something.

Su Rui's muscles tensed! He wanted to retreat, to question, to retaliate! But in this bizarre, time-frozen realm, he felt as if he were stuck in sticky glue, every movement becoming incredibly difficult and sluggish, far less agile than usual. He could only stare intently at Mostima, who was so close, his dark eyes burning with icy rage and extreme vigilance, squeezing out a few words through clenched teeth. "What... are you doing?!"

Mostima ignored his anger, instead smiling even more brightly at his reaction. She put her index finger to her lips in a shushing gesture, her eyes gleaming like a cat that had just stolen some cream. "Don't be nervous~ It's just a little... test? Or rather, a... reward?" Her voice was alluringly magnetic.

A reward? Su Rui's brows furrowed into a tight knot! He simply couldn't understand this crazy woman's thought process!

However, before he could react, Mostima suddenly leaned down and, to Su Rui's astonishment, gently but with an irresistible force, kissed his lips!

The touch was warm and soft, carrying her unique scent, a blend of worldly dust and exotic spices. The kiss wasn't deep; it was more like a mischievous touch, imbued with a strong sense of possessiveness and marking, lasting... how many seconds? In this timeless environment, Su Rui couldn't quite tell.

Su Rui's mind went Blank! He hadn't expected Mostima to pull this stunt so suddenly! The intense feeling of being violated and the absurd rage instantly overwhelmed his reason! He wanted to push her away, to tear this reckless woman to pieces! But his body felt as if it were bound by invisible shackles, his movements as slow as a movie in slow motion!

When the kiss ended, Mostima straightened up, licked her lips, and wore a satisfied smile, her eyes filled with triumphant pride and a deeper curiosity. She looked at Su Rui's expression, frozen in shock and anger, as if admiring a perfect work of art.

"It tastes good~" she commented flippantly, then winked at Su Rui, "This is... a little reward for keeping the secret~ Little Su, you have more secrets than I imagined~ How interesting!"

Having said that, she appeared as abruptly as she had, her figure swaying slightly, like ink spreading in water, instantly blurring, and then completely disappearing into the still air.

The very next second after she disappeared--

"Whoosh--"

The cries of seagulls, the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the rustling of curtains, even the rising steam from the plates... all the frozen sounds and movements, as if a play button had been pressed, instantly returned to normal! Time began to flow again!

Su Rui remained frozen in place, head turned away, fork raised to his lips. The warm, soft touch and strange fragrance still lingered on his lips, reminding him that the absurd scene he had just witnessed was not a hallucination! His face flushed and paled in turns, his chest heaving violently, his dark eyes filled with disbelief, shock, and... a strange, inexplicable tremor that even he couldn't understand?

"Su Rui? What's wrong?" Lemuen's concerned voice came from beside her. In her view, Su Rui had simply stopped eating, turned her head to look behind the empty sofa, and her expression became extremely strange. The brief pause just now was completely irrelevant to her.

Su Rui snapped back to reality! He quickly suppressed all outward emotions, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't let her know! Absolutely not! He took a deep breath, shoved the bacon he'd been holding into his mouth, and mechanically chewed it, finding it tasteless. Then, he picked up the juice glass beside him, tilted his head back, and gulped it down. The icy liquid slid down his throat, seemingly extinguishing some of the inner turmoil and... that damned, lingering sensation!

After finishing his juice, he put down the glass, raised his hand, and roughly wiped his lips with his sleeve, as if trying to remove something unclean. A noticeable blush uncontrollably spread across his cheeks, reaching his ears. Trying to remain calm, he turned his face away, looked out the window, and said in as indifferent a tone as possible, "... Nothing. I just choked a little."

His voice carried a barely perceptible hoarseness and tension.

Lemuen glanced at his slightly flushed cheeks and ears, and at his abrupt gesture of wiping his lips, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes. Choked? Wiping his mouth? Something felt... off. But she didn't detect any unusual energy fluctuations, simply assuming that Su Rui might be feeling unwell or in a sudden bad mood.

"Oh, then drink some water to help you relax," Lemuen suggested softly without giving it much thought.

Su Rui hummed in agreement and said nothing more. He picked up his fork again and silently ate the rest of his breakfast, but his mind was already far away. Mostima... time stopped... that kiss... her words about "secret" and "unaffected"...

Volume 17, Chapter 1060: What does she want to do?

What on earth is going on?! What is that crazy woman trying to do?! What has she discovered?!

A barrage of questions and intense dissatisfaction surged through his mind like a tidal wave. He felt as if he were trapped in a vast fog woven by Mostima. What bothered him most was that he discovered that his reaction to the kiss earlier... besides anger and disgust, seemed... to include a faint, forcibly ignored... physical reaction? This made him feel even more ashamed and furious!

He forced himself to focus on the food in front of him and Lemuen beside him, trying to dispel the chaotic thoughts in his mind. But the lingering, eerie soft touch on his lips and Mostima's inquisitive and playful eyes were branded into his memory.

The latter half of breakfast ended in an atmosphere that appeared calm but was actually turbulent beneath the surface. Su Rui struggled to maintain a facade of composure, but her heart was in turmoil. Mostima's sudden "visit" and that inexplicable kiss undoubtedly added an even more bizarre and unpredictable layer to this trip to Siesta. Su Rui knew that things... probably wouldn't end so simply. That troublesome woman definitely had more tricks up her sleeve.

After breakfast, Su Rui spent longer than usual clearing the table. He stood by the sink, the water rushing, the cold water washing over his long fingers, trying to wash away the lingering, eerie softness and the peculiar scent of Mostima that clung to his lips. He pursed his lips, a suppressed rage and a sense of unease at being forcibly invaded swirling in the depths of his dark eyes. That madwoman! Time stop? A kiss? What was she trying to do?! A "secret"? What had she discovered? A series of questions coiled around his thoughts like venomous snakes, making him agitated. He shook his head violently, trying to shake off these chaotic thoughts along with the water droplets. Now was not the time to dwell on this; he couldn't let these emotions affect Lemuen.

"Su Rui, shall we go for a walk?" Lemuen's gentle voice came from behind him, like a refreshing breeze, slightly dispelling the gloom in his heart. She pushed her wheelchair to the kitchen door, her lake-blue eyes filled with anticipation for a new day, as if none of the ups and downs of last night and this morning had ever happened. "After all that commotion last night, I wonder how it is outside now? The air should be better, right?" She tilted her head slightly, sunlight streaming through the window onto her soft cheeks, carrying a pure and healing power.

Su Rui turned around, looking at her smiling face, and the turmoil in his heart miraculously subsided somewhat. He nodded, his movements a little stiff, but his tone remained as steady as possible. "Mm." He needed fresh air, needed real, flowing images to cover up that absurd memory. He picked up the thin jacket (a simple dark gray hoodie) draped over the back of the chair, put it on neatly, zipped it up to his chest, and then walked behind Lemuen, grasping the wheelchair's handle. The familiar metallic feel of his palm brought back a sense of control.

Pushing the wheelchair out of the villa, they were immediately enveloped in warm, humid air, carrying the rich scent of the sea and sunshine. Unlike the slightly stifling atmosphere indoors, the outdoor world was full of life. The tropical plants lining the private path had lush, verdant leaves, glistening with morning dewdrops in the sunlight. Birdsong was crisp and melodious, and the rhythm of the waves lapping the shore in the distance was eternal and soothing. Su Rui took a deep breath, trying to fill his lungs with this natural air, untouched by any strange forces.

As the wheelchair rolled along the tree-lined path towards the main seaside street, the sounds of people gradually grew clearer and louder. When the wheelchair finally traversed the last stretch of cobblestone path and entered Siesta's most bustling seaside promenade, the scene before him caused Su Rui to pause almost imperceptibly. A fleeting hint of surprise flashed across his usually half-closed, seemingly indifferent black eyes.

The trail was packed with people, a cacophony of voices.

Tourists in brightly colored beach shorts and bikinis, wearing oversized sunglasses, surged like a tide; children, holding cotton candy or adorable balloons, darted and played among the crowd like happy little animals, their laughter like silver bells; street vendors hawked their wares energetically, the air filled with the aroma of grilled seafood, the sweetness of tropical fruits, and the distinctive coconut scent of sunscreen; the outdoor seating areas of cafes and restaurants were already packed, with people leisurely sipping coffee, eating breakfast, chatting and laughing, enjoying the pleasant seaside morning light. Further out on the golden sand, countless colorful parasols and deck chairs were scattered, people swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball, creating a dynamic scene. Laughter, music, and the sound of waves intertwined to form a lively holiday symphony.

If it weren't for the faint scratches and scorch marks still remaining on some of the railings along the path, and the several sections of damaged road surface and collapsed flower beds cordoned off with bright yellow warning tape, where workers in hard hats and small, noisy machinery were busy repairing them, it would be hard to believe that just over ten hours ago, a gunfight, explosions, and riots had taken place here, filling the air with smoke and panic.

The city of Siesta, along with its residents and tourists, seemed to possess an almost tenacious vitality and a rapid healing ability. The trauma of last night was quickly covered up, the memory of terror deliberately forgotten, replaced by an intensified, almost carnival-like atmosphere of seizing the moment to enjoy the holiday. This almost absurd, stark contrast gave Su Rui a cold, ironic... amusing feeling. A barely perceptible, almost ethereal smile curved his lips, a condescending, detached observation of humanity's instinct for self-preservation and selective amnesia.