"I didn't expect you to be so good at massages," Nicole said, leaning limply against the sofa. She raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly surprised. "Just tell me what you need."
"Nicole, could you get me a weapon?"
Ye Qingfeng crouched beside her, his large, watery eyes filled with pleading.
"What kind of weapon do you want?"
Although Nicole didn't agree immediately, Ye Qingfeng could sense her willingness, and his eyes instantly lit up.
There's a chance!
"How about a handgun?" He immediately raised his hands and resumed gently massaging Nicole's legs in hopes of increasing his chances.
"Alright, alright…" Nicole pursed her lips and glanced at him helplessly. For his safety, this expense was unavoidable. "But let's make one thing clear—the cost will be deducted from your salary."
"Absolutely no problem!"
Ye Qingfeng suppressed his excitement and agreed without hesitation.
After all, he hadn't received a single paycheck since joining the Cunning Hares. If not for the Denny he'd gotten from system draws, he'd probably be completely broke by now.
"I'm going to bed. It'll take a few days for the item to arrive."
"Rest well, Nicole!"
Nicole waved without turning around, yawning as she headed upstairs.
I'll take it easy for the next few days, Ye Qingfeng thought, grabbing a change of clothes and heading to the bathroom. Once the weapon arrives, I'll properly test out these firearms skills. Tomorrow, I'll ask Anby if she can train me in close combat.
Humming to himself, Ye Qingfeng finished his shower, returned to his room, and soon fell asleep.
---
The next morning, Ye Qingfeng prepared a lavish breakfast.
"I didn't know you were such a good cook!" Billy—who rarely appeared in the living room sat down beside Ye Qingfeng and stared at the spread in amazement. He even mimicked wiping drool from the corner of his mouth.
"Not bad," Nicole said as she ate quietly, offering a casual compliment.
"So good. Qingfeng, so good."
Anby's mouth was already full. In her left hand was a fresh youtiao; in her right, a half-eaten baozi.
A dark vein twitched on Ye Qingfeng's forehead as he lowered his voice. "Anby, swallow your food before you talk!"
For some reason, her words sounded… strange.
Despite her usual deadpan expression, Anby was actually a serious foodie who couldn't resist good food.
Ye Qingfeng considered his cooking skills average at best, but it seemed the simple Chinese dishes he'd made had an unexpectedly strong appeal.
Compared to Anby, Nicole's eating style was far more restrained—but judging by her slightly rounded stomach, she clearly hadn't eaten any less.
Poor Billy, on the other hand, sat off to the side looking utterly dejected, watching the other three enjoy the meal without taking a single bite himself.
"Nicole, could you wash the dishes today? I need to talk to Anby about something."
"Fine…" Nicole agreed, but didn't move an inch. "Billy, go wash the dishes!"
"What?!" Billy shot to his feet, staring at her in disbelief. He jabbed a finger at himself. "Me? Wash dishes?! I didn't even get to eat, and you want me to wash dishes?!"
He looked utterly—
"I'll give you a bonus after you're done."
At Nicole's casual remark, Billy immediately scooped up a stack of plates and dashed into the kitchen.
…Thrilled?!
Ye Qingfeng glanced at Nicole in surprise.
"Let's go, Anby. It's not convenient to talk here." Ye Qingfeng took her hand and started pulling her along. "How about the park at Lumina Square?"
But Anby didn't move.
Confused, Ye Qingfeng turned around and found her completely slumped on the sofa, her belly noticeably rounded.
"So full… can't move…" Anby slowly turned her head and looked at him with innocent eyes.
"why did you eat so much?!" Ye Qingfeng tried to pull her up. "Come on, let's go for a walk to help digestion. By the time we reach Lumina Square, you should feel better."
"Qingfeng, you're so troublesome!" Anby struggled to her feet, resignation written all over her face. "Going out and needing someone to accompany you…
sigh
"Qingfeng is still such a child!"
You're the one in this house who acts most like a child! Who eats until they can't even move?!
"Sister Anby! Can we get going now?"
[Ding! Anby's favorability increased by 5%. Current favorability: 40%. Reward: Two lottery draws.]
"No problem, brother Qingfeng! Let's go right away!"
The lifeless look in Anby's eyes suddenly lit up. She grabbed Ye Qingfeng's hand and headed straight for the door.
He hadn't expected that simply calling her "sister" would increase her favorability—but hey, he'd take it.
"Wait—wait!" Ye Qingfeng's mouth twitched as he glanced at Anby's cartoon-patterned pajamas. "You're planning to go out dressed like that? Maybe… change first?"
"You're so troublesome," Anby sighed faintly before heading upstairs.
Who's the troublesome one here?!
After a while, Anby came back down wearing a black hoodie and denim shorts. Ye Qingfeng raised an eyebrow.
For some reason, paired with her deadpan expression, she gave off the vibe of a cool upperclassman. It wasn't about height more about aura.
And those shorts looked familiar… weren't they just like the ones Nicole usually wore?
Never mind. At least they could finally head out.
"Let's go, Anby."
"Okay."
Just as they stepped out, Billy—who had finished washing the dishes with eager anticipation—walked up to Nicole and held out his hand.
"My bonus."
Nicole pulled out a single Denny, wincing slightly as she dropped it into his palm before shooing him away. "Go do whatever you want. I'm going to catch up on sleep."
She'd spent most of the night contacting weapons dealers, comparing prices, and haggling relentlessly. At least Qingfeng had the decency to make a proper breakfast.
"Boss Nicole… you can't do this! At least not like this!" Billy clutched his head and wailed. "And you even looked pained! What can I do with one Denny?!"
"Stop whining," Nicole said lazily, yawning. "Once Phaethon finishes up and we retrieve the commission target, I'll give everyone a bonus."
"Boss Nicole, where's your conscience?!" Billy protested, pointing at her. "I watched you all enjoy that amazing meal, then washed the dishes, and all I get is one Denny?"
"Hmph. Conscience?" Nicole slowly turned to look at him. "How much Denny do you think conscience is worth? And if I remember correctly… your ammo's running pretty low, isn't it?"
"Boss Nicole, rest easy!" Billy said instantly, saluting. "I'll just sit quietly on the sofa! I guarantee I won't disturb you!"
"Suit yourself…"
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