Richie had a flash of inspiration. "Why don't we go to a photo studio and take pictures today?"
Twilight smiled, his eyes narrowing. "I was just about to suggest taking pictures at a photo studio today. Great minds think alike, Richie."
Richie chuckled inwardly. Of course he and Papa Twilight had the same idea. He had known what Papa Twilight was thinking and said it first.
"Really, Father? Does that mean we're on the same wavelength because I'm your biological son?" Richie lifted his little face and blinked his big eyes.
Yor covered her mouth as she laughed, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "Yes, Richie and Mr. Loid really are on the same wavelength. You certainly are father and son."
Anya threw her arms up excitedly. "I'm Father's biological daughter too!"
Twilight gave an awkward laugh. Surely only children who weren't biologically related would feel the need to emphasize it!
Under the circumstances, if he denied that they were his biological children, people would probably start gossiping.
"Stop saying things like that, you two. You're only making it sound suspicious," Papa Twilight chided.
The four of them left the clothing store and headed to the photo studio.
As they left, the manager and the shop assistant stood at the entrance to see the family off personally.
The gray-haired shop assistant stood in the doorway. "Miss Yor has finally found someone right for her. I wish them happiness."
The manager replied, "I hope it lasts. Personally, I'd never date a man with children."
On the way to the photo studio, Twilight told Yor that the spare outfits should also be ready before the interview.
Yor walked with her head lowered, feeling a little shy. "I feel rather bad about buying so many."
Twilight looked at Yor. "You look lovely in colors other than red and black too. Besides, you'll be going out more often from now on."
Yor lowered her head without speaking. She only wore red and black because bloodstains wouldn't show when she killed someone, and they were easier to wash out.
With other colors, like blue or purple, bloodstains were difficult to remove. After a single killing, she wouldn't be able to wear that dress out again.
Anya happily reached toward the sky. "Ootings! Ootings!"
Twilight spoke earnestly to Yor. "You go to that shop often, right? Since you'll keep going there, remember to tell the manager about our marriage next time."
Yor agreed. "Ah, you're right, Mr. Loid."
Outside the photo studio, the words "Photo Studio" floated in midair. Was this Cold War-era magnetic levitation technology?
Richie stared thoughtfully at the sign outside for several seconds.
He couldn't figure out why the sign was floating in midair.
Inside the photo studio, they posed for a family portrait.
Yor sat in a chair, Twilight stood beside her, Anya stood in front of Twilight, and Richie stood directly in front of Yor.
The photograph captured that instant.
Anya looked aggrieved, Yor was shy and demure, and Twilight looked poised and gentlemanly, holding both arms protectively around the family.
Richie flashed his pearly whites, narrowed his eyes slightly, and made a peace sign at the camera.
At that moment, time stood still. They looked like a real family, warm and harmonious.
After the photograph, Twilight took Anya and Richie to a patriotic speech.
"We in Ostania uphold our relations with Westalis..."
Eden Academy placed great importance on its students' patriotic education, so they needed a thorough understanding of history and politics.
Anya stared wide-eyed, listening to the chaotic voices around her. Pay me, pay me.
Beat him to death! Traitor! Baldy! They killed my whole family...
Baldy, baldy, baldy...
Anya looked unwell, her brow tightly furrowed in distress.
Richie, who was the same height as Anya, was the first to notice her discomfort. "Anya..."
Richie called softly, but Anya didn't respond at all.
As Anya hovered on the verge of fainting, Richie fixed his eyes on the top of her head and listened to the voice in her mind.
Anya was terribly agitated inside. It was far too noisy here.
"Father, Anya isn't feeling well. Let's get her out of here!" Richie caught Anya as she began to collapse.
Twilight felt guilty. Did this frighten her?
Twilight hurriedly picked Anya up and rushed away.
Once they were away from the crowd, Anya's mind instantly quieted. Without those clamoring voices, she returned to normal.
Anya had no way to block out those voices. Perhaps this was the pain of mind reading.
Richie's heart ached for Anya. His little sister was so young, yet she already had to bear the darkness in people's hearts and learn how cruel life could be. It was heartbreaking.
But in that brief instant, he seemed to have heard Anya's inner voice. Had his talent for mind reading awakened?
Zhang Si knew that Richie had never developed any talents before his death. Was it wrong for him to take matters into his own hands and make decisions for Richie like this?
But he didn't know what triggered the awakening of a talent either. He could only let it happen.
Richie broke into a nervous sweat inwardly. This won't have any bad effects, will it?
By the time they reached a quiet alley, Anya had recovered. Resting against Twilight's shoulder, she blinked her big eyes and said adorably, "Father, Anya's hungry."
Twilight was surprised. "You're better already? Really better?"
In the restaurant, Anya sat across from Twilight, with Yor on his left and Richie on his right.
Anya grabbed food from her plate with her hands, stuffed it into her mouth, and chewed vigorously.
Being forced to hear other people's thoughts had used up a great deal of energy. Anya's body desperately needed calories now.
Richie slumped over the table, drowsy. He had also used mind reading earlier, which had drained a great deal of mental energy. He was utterly exhausted and needed to rest and sleep.
Twilight was about to drink his coffee when he glanced at Anya. "Wait, Anya. Don't just pick out the nuts, and don't eat with your hands."
After correcting Anya, Twilight turned a bewildered gaze toward Yor. "Miss Yor, what are you..."
At that moment, Yor was admiring the knife and fork in her hands. They were simply perfect tools for killing. This was the knife of her dreams.
Yor lovingly ran her fingers over every inch of the blade. Smooth and fine, it gleamed with a cold light. It was truly beautiful.
Looking to his right, he found Richie fast asleep on the table, occasionally grinding his teeth with a squeak.
Richie might have been a little malnourished, which would explain why he ground his teeth in his sleep.
Looking at the three of them, Twilight couldn't help sighing inwardly. I've been a spy for over ten years and completed countless missions, yet once again-
Hearing Twilight's thoughts, Anya answered him. "Don't worry, Father!"
Twilight grew alert. "About what?"
Twilight knitted his brows. Did I choose the wrong people after all?
Anya paled in alarm. Even the food in front of her lost its appeal.
Twilight quickly changed his thinking. No, relying on them was asking too much in the first place. Other people's standards, especially those of amateurs,
Should never determine whether a mission succeeds or fails. Anticipating every possible scenario, preparing for it, and acting according to a meticulous plan-that's the cardinal rule.
In that case, I'll list every possible question the interviewers might ask and have them memorize the perfect answers. Or I could simply assist them from the sidelines.
As Twilight thought it over, he even said the final sentence aloud.
Listening to Twilight's inner monologue, Richie realized that he had already adjusted his thinking and didn't need any encouragement. Still, Richie casually said,
"That's right, Father! Don't lose confidence. We can do it! As long as we memorize all the perfect answers, we'll definitely pass the test!"
After Richie spoke, Twilight stared at him in puzzlement.
Richie was horrified. Oh no. Those things were all in Twilight's head. He never said them aloud.
Yet Richie had heard them. Would Twilight grow suspicious of him?
Richie's pupils trembled. What do I do?
Before you continue