Ark Simulator, Aren't I Without a Physical Form? Chapter 474

Mostima stretched lazily and yawned, as if she had just woken up, her lake-blue eyes carrying a hint of innocence. "Nothing much~ just checking the news and scrolling through social media. In the morning in Siesta, you have to keep up with what's happening locally, right?" Her tone was relaxed and natural, but Fiammetta keenly caught a fleeting, mischievous glint in the depths of her eyes, a glint of something like "almost caught."

Fiammetta didn't believe her nonsense. Reading the news? Scrolling through social media? When did Mostima become so interested in the social lives of ordinary people? And that expression of hers clearly suggested she was appreciating something... private, something interesting. Could she be watching some shady adult film or... strange photos? Fiammetta's cheeks flushed slightly, too embarrassed to think any further. But she was certain Mostima was up to no good!

"Really?" Fiammetta replied indifferently, without pressing further. She knew that getting the truth out of Mostima was harder than climbing to heaven. She changed the subject, her gaze sweeping towards the hallway leading to the master bedroom. "Where are Lemuen and Su Rui? Aren't they up yet?" At this time, Lemuen should already be up preparing breakfast.

Upon hearing this question, Mostima's smile instantly became meaningful. She tilted her head, lightly tapping her chin with a finger, her eyes filled with amusement and understanding. She drawled out her words in a suggestive tone, "Those two... are probably still asleep. Last night... they were so 'exercising' intensely, they must be exhausted~ They need a good 'rest' to replenish their energy~"

She deliberately emphasized the words "exercise" and "rest," glancing towards the master bedroom, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Her expression, her tone, and the blatant implication in her words made it clear to anyone what she meant.

Fiammetta's face flushed red instantly! Although she had a fiery and direct personality, she was surprisingly innocent and easily embarrassed when it came to matters of the heart. Mostima's blunt and explicit teasing made her instantly feel extremely awkward, not knowing where to put her hands and feet!

"You... what nonsense are you talking about!" Fiammetta stammered, both embarrassed and angry, her bloodshot eyes filled with panic. "Lemuen and Su Rui... they..." She wanted to say that they had a very proper relationship, but the words just didn't sound right. After all... what Mostima said seemed... not entirely impossible? She had gone to bed late last night and seemed to have vaguely heard some slight noises from the master bedroom... Thinking of this, her face turned even redder, like a ripe tomato.

"What nonsense am I talking about?" Mostima spread her hands innocently, but her eyes became even more cunning. "Young people, when they're deeply in love, it's normal. And look at how cold Little Su is, maybe she's secretly... hehe..." She let out two meaningful chuckles and didn't continue, but left Fiammetta with even more room for imagination.

Fiammetta was so uncomfortable by her words that she wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground! She glared at Mostima and said angrily, "You... you have such an unhealthy mind! I'm not talking to you anymore!" She stood up, wanting to escape this embarrassing topic and this messenger whose mind was full of lewd nonsense.

"Hey, don't go!" Mostima called out with a grin. "I'm just stating the facts! Look, we're all up, except for those two. Doesn't that say something?" She pointed to the empty dining room and kitchen. "Besides, wouldn't it be better to let them sleep a little longer? We can go make ourselves something to eat, right? I know a good breakfast place nearby, it's on me!"

Volume 17, Chapter 1067: Don't Guess.

Fiammetta stopped and hesitated. She was indeed hungry, and... staying here to face Mostima's teasing made her feel uncomfortable. Going out for breakfast seemed like a good option. She nodded, agreeing to Mostima's suggestion, but still couldn't help blushing and muttering under her breath, "... Stop speculating about Lemuen and Su Rui."

Mostima shrugged noncommittally, her face still bearing that knowing smile. She stood up, stretched, and elegantly adjusted her robe. "I'll go change. See you at the door in ten minutes?" With that, she hummed a tuneless little tune and walked cheerfully toward her room.

Fiammetta watched her retreating figure, then glanced at the closed door to the master bedroom, her face still burning. She shook her head violently, trying to banish Mostima's unhealthy thoughts from her mind, but a hint of curiosity and... a subtle envy that she herself was unwilling to admit rose involuntarily in her heart? Lemuen and Su Rui... were their relationship really that good?

She shook her head, no longer wanting to think about these messy things, and turned to go back to her room to change her clothes.

Meanwhile, in the master bedroom, just as Mostima had "predicted," Su Rui and Lemuen were indeed still fast asleep. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting dappled patterns on the disheveled sheets. Su Rui remained tightly embracing Lemuen, his chin resting on the top of her head, his breathing even and deep, his face radiating a rare, profound tranquility. Lemuen nestled in his arms like a small animal seeking protection, a serene smile playing on her lips. A faint, ambiguous atmosphere filled the air, confirming that something... physically demanding had indeed happened the previous night.

They were completely unaware of the discussion taking place in the living room about their "vigorous activities," or the potentially misunderstanding-inducing "intimate" photos on Mostima's phone. A new day began quietly, bathed in sunlight and... in the seeds of a mischievous prank planted by Mostima. Meanwhile, Fiammetta, filled with embarrassment and a touch of curiosity, was about to be drawn by Mostima into a small "adventure" she knew nothing about.

Mostima, dressed in a light linen dress, hummed an off-key tune as she walked briskly out of her room.

Fiammetta had already changed her clothes and was standing in front of the living room's floor-to-ceiling window, gazing absently at the shimmering sea outside. A faint blush still lingered on her face, clearly still feeling uncomfortable about Mostima's blatant teasing earlier.

"Hey, Fiammetta, ready?" Mostima grinned and patted her on the shoulder. "Shall we head out for some food?"

Fiammetta snapped out of her reverie and nodded, but her gaze couldn't help but linger on the closed door to the master bedroom, her expression complicated. She was indeed hungry, but the thought of leaving Su Rui and Lemuen alone in the room to "rest" made her feel uneasy.

Mostima keenly caught her glance, a mischievous glint in her lake-blue eyes. She suddenly leaned closer to Fiammetta, lowered her voice, and said in a seductive and mischievous tone, "What? Still worried about them? How about... we sneak off to see if they're awake? Just in case... they need help?" She deliberately emphasized the word "help" in a suggestive way, and even winked at Fiammetta.

"You... you're crazy?!" Fiammetta like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, instantly bristling with fur. Her bloodshot eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed crimson. She frantically waved her hands and backed away. "No! Absolutely not! How... how could we disturb them!" She simply couldn't imagine what she and Mostima would see if they barged in... Oh my god! Just thinking about it made her so embarrassed she wanted to dig her toes into the ground! Su Rui's murderous glare and Lemuen's humiliation... she couldn't bear it!

Seeing Fiammetta's panicked and embarrassed state, Mostima couldn't help but burst out laughing, her laughter shaking her head. She waved her hand, her tone teasing, "Oh, just kidding! Look how scared you are! Don't worry, I'm not that rude—interrupting someone's good time will get you struck by lightning!"

Fiammetta breathed a sigh of relief, but still glared at Mostima with lingering fear, and said irritably, "That kind of joke isn't funny at all!"

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore." Mostima knew when to stop, her relaxed smile returning. She changed the subject, her gaze sweeping towards the open kitchen. "But... speaking of which, is it a little... not very considerate of us to just go out to eat like this?" She stroked her chin, feigning thought. "Look, Su Rui and Lemuen have had a 'hard' night, they must be starving when they wake up. As guests, shouldn't we... show them a little something? Like, prepare a loving breakfast for them?"

The suggestion surprised Fiammetta for a moment. Prepare breakfast? She glanced at the kitchen, then at the master bedroom. It seemed... to make sense? Although Mostima's choice of words still made her blush a little, preparing breakfast for her late-rising companion did sound like a thoughtful and normal idea. Moreover, it would avoid directly facing any potentially awkward situations.

"Hmm...you're right." Fiammetta nodded, the blush on her face fading slightly, revealing a serious expression. "We should prepare. Lemuen usually gets up early and does all the preparations, but today...let us do it."

Seeing that Fiammetta had taken the bait, Mostima's eyes flashed with a triumphant smile, but she quickly concealed it. She pulled Fiammetta toward the kitchen, opening the refrigerator to check the ingredients as she said in a casual tone, "However, preparing breakfast requires some attention to detail. Especially... we have to consider the tastes of a certain picky young master." She deliberately dragged out her words, implying something.

Fiammetta immediately understood that she was referring to Su Rui. Thinking of Su Rui's utter aversion to sweets, she nodded in agreement. "Yes, Su Rui doesn't like things too sweet. We need to make something savory."

"That's right~" Mostima took eggs, bacon, toast, and some vegetables from the refrigerator and began washing them with practiced ease. "So, things like jam, honey, and donuts are all out of the question! We need to make something... substantial." She picked up an egg, weighed it in her hand, and a mischievous smile appeared on her lips. "For example, should the fried egg be runny or hard-boiled? I bet Little Su might prefer it runny, because it's... tender?" She slipped her own opinion into her words.

Volume 17, Chapter 1068: A Relatively Normal Breakfast

Fiammetta's face flushed again, and she quickly interrupted Mostima's train of thought, "Just... just do it normally! Fry eggs, bacon, toast, and heat up some milk or make some juice." She didn't want to discuss Su Rui's "taste" any further.

"Okay~" Mostima readily complied and began cracking the eggs deftly. Although she always seemed nonchalant, she was surprisingly skilled with her hands, her movements clean and efficient. Fiammetta also rolled up her sleeves and helped wash the vegetables and chop the tomatoes, preparing to make a simple salad.

The two busied themselves in the kitchen. The bacon sizzled enticingly in the frying pan, the eggs gradually solidified in the hot oil, and a slice of golden-brown bread popped out of the toaster with a "ding." The aroma of food gradually filled the air, easing the slightly awkward atmosphere from before.

While frying bacon, Mostima chatted casually with Fiammetta: "Speaking of which, Fiammetta, what do you think... how do Su Rui and Lemuen usually get along?" She asked seemingly unintentionally, but her eyes were secretly observing Fiammetta's reaction.

Fiammetta, who was chopping tomatoes, paused when she heard this. She thought for a moment and replied, "They... are very good. Although Su Rui seems cold, he takes good care of Lemuen. Lemuen also very tolerant of him." Her answer was rather formal, carrying a sense of protectiveness towards her friend.

"Just 'care' and 'tolerance'?" Mostima raised an eyebrow, her tone inquisitive. "I think Little Su is especially... um... 'vivid' in front of Lemuen? Haven't you noticed? That awkwardness of his, that way of clearly caring but stubbornly refusing to admit it, is most obvious in front of Lemuen." She laughed as she spoke, "Like a stubborn little child who needs to be coaxed."

Fiammetta listened to Mostima's description and thought about it carefully. It seemed... that was indeed the case. In front of others, Su Rui was purely cold and distant, but in front of Lemuen, although she also had a cold face, she would always reveal some subtle emotional fluctuations, such as impatience, disdain, and even... occasional indulgence and compromise? This contrast was indeed very... special.

"Maybe...yes." Fiammetta nodded, gaining a more concrete understanding of the relationship between Su Rui and Lemuen. She used to think that Su Rui was strong and unapproachable, Lemuen gentle and resilient, and that the two were a perfect pair. But now it seemed that the unique, intimate atmosphere between them, which was difficult for outsiders to penetrate, did indeed have a deeper bond.

"So," Mostima said meaningfully, picking out the fried bacon, "When preparing breakfast for them, you have to cater to their preferences. Lemuen might like some sweet juice, but for Little Su, it has to be pure milk or black coffee, and don't put anything on the toast." She seemed to know Su Rui's tastes very well.

Fiammetta thought it made sense, so she followed Mostima's advice and prepared Su Rui's breakfast separately: fried eggs, bacon, plain toast, and a glass of milk on the side. For Lemuen's breakfast, she added a small glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a little bit of jam.

Breakfast was quickly prepared and placed on the table, looking plentiful and tempting. There was still no movement from the master bedroom.

"It seems they won't be getting up anytime soon." Mostima wiped her hands, looked at the food on the table, and blinked. "How about... we eat first? We can leave some warm in the pot for them."

Fiammetta thought about it and agreed. Waiting would only make things awkward. So the two of them sat down and began to enjoy the breakfast they had prepared themselves.

During the meal, Mostima didn't bring up Su Rui and Lemuen again, but instead chatted about the local customs and culture of Siesta and their upcoming travel plans, creating a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Fiammetta gradually relaxed as well, ceasing to think about those blush-inducing and heart-pounding thoughts.

However, she didn't notice that while she was eating, Mostima's gaze would occasionally drift towards the master bedroom, a faint, amused, and expectant smile playing on her lips, as if she were waiting for something... to unfold.

Meanwhile, in the quiet space of the master bedroom, the sunlight gradually brightened. Su Rui, seemingly awakened by the aroma of food, frowned slightly, unconsciously tightened her embrace of Lemuen, uttered a muffled murmur, and drifted back to sleep. It would be some time before they discovered the "thoughtful" breakfast in the living room, and perhaps the subtle atmosphere that Mostima had carefully cultivated that might follow.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting bright patches of light on the bedroom floor, announcing that it was getting late. Enveloped in a warm and comforting feeling, Lemuen was the first to slowly awaken from her deep sleep.

The moment consciousness returned, the first thing she felt was a strange sensation all over her body, a mixture of languid satisfaction and slight soreness. Next came the firm, warm embrace, and the even, hot breath spraying against her neck. Su Rui was still like a large koala, almost completely nestled in her arms, his silver head buried in her neck, his arms possessively wrapped around her waist, so tightly that she could barely move.

Lemuen shifted slightly, trying to adjust her position, but found that all the bones in her body felt as if they had been disassembled and reassembled, carrying a soreness and fatigue from intense exercise. Fragments of the passionate and chaotic memories from last night flooded her mind like a tidal wave, instantly turning her cheeks bright red, the color spreading to her ears. She instinctively shrank back, only to have the arms wrapped around her tighten even more. Su Rui let out a muffled, dissatisfied grumble from deep in her throat, as if protesting her "restlessness."

Lemuen's heart raced involuntarily. She cautiously turned her head, wanting to see if Su Rui was awake, but met a pair of half-closed, sleepy, and languidly content dark eyes. Had Su Rui woken up sometime earlier, or had he never been truly asleep? He was staring at her intently, his gaze not as sharp and cold as usual, but veiled with moisture, carrying the hazy feeling of just waking up and a... almost pleading dependence?

"Awake?" His voice was terribly hoarse, with a magnetic quality that came from just waking up, like a feather gently brushing against the heart.

"Hmm..." Lemuen's voice was also a little tight, with a hint of embarrassment afterward, "It seems... I overslept." She looked up at the glaring sunlight outside the window, and tried to turn her head to look at the clock on the bedside table, but her movements were restricted by Su Rui's tight embrace.

Volume 17, page 1069: What's the rush?

Su Rui seemed oblivious to the passage of time. Instead of letting go, he buried his face deeper into her neck, took a deep breath, and let out a satisfied sigh as his nose brushed against her delicate skin. His arms tightened, closing the last gap between them, and he clung to her like a leech, lazily muttering, "... What's the rush?"

His tone carried an air of self-righteousness, as if he were lazing in bed, as if nothing was more important than holding her and sleeping right now.

"But... Mostima and Fiammetta ..." Lemuen said in a low voice with some concern. As the lady of the house, it felt a little impolite of her to sleep until noon.

"They must have woken up a long time ago." Su Rui interrupted her, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible disdain and...certainty? "Maybe...they've even finished breakfast." He closed his eyes, as if stating a perfectly simple fact.

Lemuen was taken aback. "Breakfast? How did you know?"

Su Rui nuzzled her neck again, like Big Cat dependent on its owner, and mumbled, "... It smells good. The smell of bacon and toast." His sense of smell was extremely keen; even through a door, he could detect the lingering aroma of breakfast in the air.

Upon hearing this, Lemuen carefully sniffed the air. Sure enough, besides the fresh scent of their shower gel and... a hint of something intimate, there seemed to be a faint aroma of roasted meat and wheat bread wafting through the air. It seemed Mostima and Fiammetta had not only gotten up but had also prepared breakfast themselves? This relieved her slightly, but a wave of guilt washed over her. It was her turn to take care of everyone...

"So..." Su Rui's voice, heavy with sleepiness, interrupted her thoughts, "Sleep a little longer." He announced, tightening his grip on her arm, clearly indicating he didn't want to get up.

Seeing him so relaxed and dependent, a rare sight indeed, Lemuen's heart melted instantly. All her worries about etiquette and time vanished. She reached out and gently hugged him, her fingertips running through his silver hair, stroking it tenderly, and whispered, "Okay, sleep a little longer."

The warm sunlight bathed the two in their embrace, filling the air with a tranquil and cozy atmosphere. Su Rui seemed to truly enjoy this lingering feeling in bed; he adjusted himself into a more comfortable position in Lemuen, his breathing gradually becoming even and long, as if he were about to fall asleep again. Lemuen also closed her eyes, feeling the steady heartbeat and warm body temperature of the person in her arms, a tremendous sense of happiness and contentment enveloping her. To be completely relied upon by him like this, to have this peaceful and intimate morning light, was more important than anything else.

After an unknown amount of time, perhaps half an hour, perhaps longer, Su Rui seemed to have finally slept enough. He slowly opened his eyes, the sleepiness in his dark eyes fading, returning to his usual clarity, but that languid and relaxed feeling still lingered. He slightly raised his head, looking at Lemuen's face, which was close to his, with a gentle smile, and his eyes flickered.

"I'm hungry," he announced succinctly, his tone returning to its usual indifference, though his ears were slightly red.

Lemuen couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Then... shall we get up? Let's go see if they've left us breakfast?"

This time, Su Rui didn't object. He released his arms from Lemuen and reluctantly sat up. After stretching his stiff and sore limbs, he got out of bed first, his movements still showing the languor of aftermath. He picked up the robe he had tossed on the back of the chair and casually draped it over himself, then walked to the bedside, bent down, and picked Lemuen up, blanket and all.

"Go wash up first." He carried her towards the bathroom.

After a quick wash, the two changed into clean loungewear. Su Rui pushed Lemuen's wheelchair, opened the bedroom door, and walked into the living room.

The living room was indeed empty, and the dining table was spotless, but the lingering aroma of food in the air confirmed Su Rui's suspicions. On the kitchen counter, there was a small note, and next to it were two plates covered with insulated covers.

Su Rui pushed Lemuen over and picked up the note. It had Fiammetta's slightly messy but neat handwriting. "Lemuen, Su Rui, we're going out for a walk. Breakfast is keeping warm in the pot, remember to eat. -- Fiammetta" Next to the note was a small, cute smiley face.

Lemuen felt a warmth in her heart as she looked at the note. Fiammetta was such a thoughtful and considerate girl.

Su Rui lifted the insulated cover, revealing two carefully prepared breakfasts: perfectly fried sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon around the edges, golden-brown toast, and a small vegetable salad. Beside them were two glasses of milk and a small pot of black coffee.

It's worth noting that the two breakfasts are served slightly differently. One has a thin layer of jam on the toast and milk on the side; the other has plain toast and black coffee on the side.

Lemuen immediately understood. She picked up the breakfast with jam and milk and smiled at Su Rui, saying, "Look, Fiammetta is so thoughtful, she even remembered your preferences." She was referring to the plain toast and black coffee, clearly prepared especially for Su Rui, who disliked sweets.

Su Rui looked at the breakfast that perfectly suited his taste, a barely perceptible flicker of emotion flashing in his dark eyes. He hummed in response, then picked up the breakfast, pushed it to the table, and sat down to eat. His movements still carried the languidness of early morning, but he ate quite quickly.

Lemuen picked up her own portion and ate it in small bites. The fried egg was cooked perfectly, the bacon was crispy, and the toast was soft. Although simple, it was full of care. As she ate, she thought of Mostima and Fiammetta, her heart filled with gratitude. It was so good to have such friends.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, filling the dining room as the two quietly enjoyed their belated breakfast. Although they had overslept and still felt the lingering fatigue of the previous night, the tranquility and warmth of the moment made Lemuen feel that this was the most beautiful morning since the start of their vacation. As for Su Rui, although his expression remained blank, the relaxed aura emanating from him and the slight upturn of his lips revealed his good mood.

Where Mostima and Fiammetta went or when they will return seems unimportant for now. Enjoying the tranquility of their time together is the most important thing right now.

The warm sunlight streamed into the restaurant as Su Rui and Lemuen quietly enjoyed the belated breakfast thoughtfully prepared by Fiammetta. The food was simple yet delicious, carrying the warmth of friendship. Su Rui finished the last sip of his black coffee; the bitter, rich liquid slid down his throat, dispelling the last trace of sleepiness. He put down his cup, his movements still carrying a hint of post-coital languor, but his eyes had regained their usual clarity and sharpness.

Volume 17, Chapter 1070: My Own Share

Lemuen finished her portion, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and smiled with satisfaction and gentleness. "Fiammetta is so thoughtful, she even remembered whether there was jam on the toast." She looked at the empty cup in front of Sulei, which only had coffee stains, and felt a warm feeling in her heart.

Su Rui gave a noncommittal "hmm" in response. He stood up and began efficiently clearing the tableware. Although a hint of relaxation lingered in his movements, his efficiency was remarkable. He quickly gathered the plates, cups, and cutlery together and carried them to the kitchen sink. This seemed to be a habit of his; he cleaned up immediately after eating, disliking procrastination and mess.

Lemuen pushed her wheelchair behind him, wanting to help. Su Rui waved her hand, indicating she didn't need to move. "I'll do it." His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. He turned on the tap, the water gushing, and began washing the dishes. Sunlight shone on his focused profile and his rolled-up sleeves, water droplets splashing into tiny sparkles. At this moment, he was no longer the cold-faced executor, but more like a domestic, responsible...ordinary young man? Though his demeanor remained aloof.

Lemuen leaned against the kitchen doorway, quietly watching his busy figure, her heart filled with peace. This kind of ordinary, everyday interaction was a precious happiness to her.

As Su Rui washed the dishes, something seemed to strike him. His gaze swept across the living room, which was empty except for the note Fiammetta had left on the table. Mostima and Fiammetta ... They said they were going out for a "stroll," but knowing Mostima, that troublesome woman, and Fiammetta's role as an executor, the word "stroll" probably meant more than that. Especially given the riots that had just occurred in Siesta last night.

A fleeting, almost imperceptible thought crossed his dark eyes. Although he disliked meddling, they were all living under the same roof now, and Fiammetta was rather... sensible (at least she prepared decent breakfasts). If they really went to deal with some trouble and made a mess of things, it might end up affecting him and ruining his rare peaceful vacation.

Thinking of this, Su Rui frowned almost imperceptibly. He put down the dishes he was washing, dried his hands, walked to the living room, and picked up the portable terminal that he had casually tossed on the sofa.

"What's wrong, Su Rui?" Lemuen asked, somewhat puzzled, when she saw his action.

"See what they're doing," Su Rui replied succinctly, his tone as flat as if he were saying, "Check the weather." He unlocked the screen, his fingertips rapidly tapping on the virtual keyboard, bringing up a complex program. Multiple split screens instantly appeared on the screen, displaying a map of Siesta city, traffic monitoring footage, and some encrypted channel fluctuation analysis data.

His movements were practiced and swift, as natural as breathing. His dark eyes sharply scanned the scrolling information stream on the screen, his brain working at high speed, filtering out irrelevant noise and searching for any clues that might be related to Mostima and Fiammetta. He didn't directly track their locations (that would be too intrusive on their privacy and could trigger Mostima's countermeasures, causing unnecessary trouble), but instead used indirect methods such as analyzing public network data, abnormal traffic camera footage, and the activity of encrypted signals on specific frequency bands to deduce their general movements and possible purposes.

Lemuen watched him intently operating the terminal and didn't disturb him. She knew Su Rui had his own methods and boundaries. She simply waited quietly.

A few minutes later, Su Rui's brow relaxed slightly. Through cross-referencing, he roughly determined Mostima and Fiammetta's area of activity—a relatively remote dockside warehouse district in the old city of Siesta. It was a melting pot of people and a possible hiding place for some who had escaped the riots the previous night. At the same time, he captured a fragment of a poorly encrypted communication belonging to the Laterano Outer Intelligence Network, the content of which seemed to be related to "investigating the remaining forces" and "ensuring port security."

It seems Fiammetta came with a mission from Laterano, while Mostima... is most likely just there to "join the fun" or provide some kind of "assistance" (or perhaps, create some kind of chaos?). The mission doesn't seem particularly dangerous; it's just routine cleanup and intelligence gathering. With Fiammetta's abilities, plus Mostima, that troublesome but incredibly resourceful guy, they should be able to handle it.

"In the Old Wharf District." Su Rui shut down the terminal and said to Lemuen, "Clearing out the small fry. No major danger." His tone carried a hint of knowing "I knew it" and a touch of disdain, as if to say, "I knew they couldn't stay idle."

Lemuen breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but a hint of concern still flashed in her eyes. "The Old Wharf District? The environment there is rather complicated. Will they be alright?"

"Fiammetta can handle it," Su Rui said confidently. He had basic trust in Fiammetta's fighting ability and sense of responsibility. As for Mostima ... he declined to comment; that woman always managed to solve problems (or create problems) in unexpected ways.

Although she judged there was no major danger, Su Rui still narrowed her eyes almost imperceptibly as she looked at the complex structure of the key warehouses in the Old Wharf District and the somewhat inconsistent personnel flow data displayed on the screen. The terrain there was conducive to concealment and ambush, and if the other side was prepared, it might cause Fiammetta and her group some minor trouble. Although this "trouble" was likely to be within a controllable range, if it dragged on or caused too much of a commotion, it would ultimately affect her mood.

He hesitated for half a second. Then, he reopened the terminal and began to operate rapidly with his fingertips. This time, he accessed a deeper interface with obvious hacking characteristics. He did not directly interfere with Fiammetta's actions, but rather, like a chess player hidden behind the scenes, he began to silently "clean up the chessboard."

He first used his privileges (or rather, technical means) to temporarily block the signals from public surveillance cameras in several key locations in the Old Wharf District, creating a brief blind spot. Next, he intercepted a poorly encrypted communication signal, suspected to be used by remaining rioters, and slightly modified the time and location information to create a minor confusion and misleading effect. Finally, he casually adjusted the patrol route data of a City Defense Force squad conducting a routine patrol near the dock area, "unintentionally" bringing their path closer to the warehouse area where Fiammetta and her group might encounter trouble.

Volume 17, Chapter 1071: How useful can a little bit of information be?

The whole process took less than two minutes. Su Rui's movements were fluid and expressionless, as if he were simply playing a simple strategy game. After finishing, he closed the terminal again and casually tossed it back onto the sofa.

"Alright," he said casually, then turned and walked back to the kitchen to continue washing the dishes he hadn't finished. It was as if the underhanded maneuver he had just made, which could have influenced the local situation, was as insignificant as simply dusting off a plate.

Although Lemuen wasn't entirely clear on what Su Rui had done, she could guess from his focused expression and rapid movements that he was providing some form of "help." Watching Su Rui stand back in front of the sink, looking nonchalant as if nothing had happened, she couldn't help but chuckle. This awkward guy, clearly concerned for his companion (or more accurately, maintaining his own peace and quiet), insisted on doing it so subtly and... arrogantly.

"Thank you, Su Rui," Lemuen said softly, her tone filled with understanding and gratitude.

Su Rui paused in his dishwashing, turned his back to her, and mumbled an "Mmm," his ears turning almost imperceptibly red. He quickened his washing pace, seemingly wanting to end the conversation as soon as possible.

After cleaning up the dishes, Su Rui dried her hands and walked over to Lemuen. The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle sea breeze was blowing.

"Now," he looked down at Lemuen, his dark eyes regaining their previous languid calm, "It's all over. Where do you want to go? Or... just stay home?" His tone was casual, leaving the choice to her, as if the little incident from earlier had never happened.

Lemuen looked at him, a gentle smile blooming on her face. She reached out and gently took his hand. "Just stay home, soak up the sun, read a book, it's nice."

Su Rui nodded and squeezed her hand in return. For him, as long as trouble didn't come knocking and she was by his side, anywhere was the best vacation. And he had already nipped any potential trouble in the bud in his own way. Now, he could finally enjoy this hard-won peaceful time that belonged only to the two of them.

Siesta City Hall, an elegantly decorated meeting room with a panoramic view. Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the sky is a clear blue and the sea stretches to the horizon, a stark contrast to the serious and slightly tense atmosphere inside. Two groups of people sit on either side of a long mahogany negotiating table.

On one side stood a small Laterano delegation led by Fiammetta. Today, Fiammetta wore a well-tailored dark blue Executor suit, her long, fiery red hair tied up high, giving her a capable and spirited appearance. She sat upright, her crimson eyes gleaming with focused determination as she methodically explained Laterano's intentions to deepen cooperation in areas such as Originium Arts applications, security and defense, and certain trade sectors. Beside her sat several Laterano diplomats and accompanying advisors, their expressions equally serious.

On the other side were representatives of the Siesta Municipal Government, led by the Vice Mayor in charge of Foreign Affairs and Security, a middle-aged man who looked shrewd and capable, with his hair neatly combed. Beside him sat several heads and advisors from relevant departments. Their expressions were polite, yet carried a hint of barely perceptible caution and... a subtle sense of superiority. After all, as a thriving tourist city, Siesta often held a certain degree of initiative in negotiations.