That afternoon, they played five rounds in all: three wins and two losses. It was a great victory for the Alliance of the Oppressed in its rebellion against the big bad sister.
Unfortunately, Xiaoxiao died horribly in every round.
Her heart was pierced; her neck was snapped; she was blown to pieces; burned to ashes; pounded into meat paste.
Thankfully, it was only a game.
The three of them opened their pods, still wanting more. Soft white light spilled from the pods, brightening the dim Quiet Chamber. Its door was already open, and a Longhaired White Cat sat on the empty floor facing them, posture perfectly upright, little head bowed low. It had fallen asleep.
At the sound, it suddenly woke, lifted its head, and rubbed its eyes with a paw.
Then it stared at them.
"Mm~"
"Huh!"
Chen Shu was a little surprised. "Didn't you go out to have fun? When did you get back? How did you know we were here?"
"Woof~"
"What did it say?"
"Nothing meaningful." Ning Qing walked over and picked up the White Cat.
"What do you mean, nothing meaningful?"
"It didn't want to answer you, so it made a random noise," Ning Qing explained as she headed out. "Just to brush you off."
"..."
Chen Shu followed, speechless. At the same time, he turned and exchanged a secret glance with Xiaoxiao, reinforcing their alliance.
That night.
Because it was too hot, Chen Shu moved dinner to the dining room.
Remote in hand, Chen Banxia adjusted the dining room air conditioner and asked casually, "Do you only use this dining room in summer, apart from when the weather's bad?"
Xiaoxiao came over carrying a plate of Tomato and Egg Stir-Fry and answered quietly, "When it's cool in summer, we eat in the courtyard too."