The newcomer looked at Richard in some surprise.
Richard understood perfectly when he saw this. The newcomer was overwhelmed by the warmth of a veteran squad member.
Having only recently joined the squad himself and experienced how little attention newcomers received, Richard felt he ought to do something for the newcomer to help him fit into the group quickly.
Precisely because he had experienced that awkwardness, he did not want other newcomers to go through it again.
Most importantly, Richard inexplicably found this newcomer agreeable and instinctively wanted to get close to him and look after him.
Richard immediately put his arm around the newcomer's shoulders. The newcomer was rather tall, so Richard had to stand on tiptoe:
"Don't worry. With me looking after you, you'll soon discover our squad's unique charm."
The newcomer asked, "Do you... go to the Pastry Shop often?"
"Ha, of course!"
"Are you... very familiar with the place?"
"Obviously!"
Richard tossed his head, trying his best to angle his fringe just right against the evening breeze and match his expression to the moonlight for the perfect touch of world-weariness:
"Ah, they're all pitiful people. Either their fathers owe gambling debts or their younger siblings need to go to school. So I help whenever I can."
"You..."
Richard raised a hand and interrupted, "Can't help it. I'm just that kindhearted."
At that moment, Neo and Kallen walked over. Everyone silently put on their masks. Whenever the captain appeared, the atmosphere of the entire squad changed instantly.
"Let me introduce our newcomer..."
At this point, Neo looked at Kallen.
Kallen immediately continued, "Our newcomer, Memphis."
The newcomer remained silent;
Richard nudged the newcomer in the chest with his elbow and teased:
"That name sounds just as awful as my dad's."
"Tonight is a cleanup mission. Three Whip