Chapter 5: The Big House
Song Nanxi stared blankly at the bite mark on her shoulder.
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“Why did you bite me?” Song Nanxi looked up in confusion. “Is this really a necessary part of the guide’s soothing process?”
Fang Yinnian turned his back, unable to meet her eyes. He stood in the corner, reflecting deeply. “Sorry, I lost control… Okay, that sounds like an excuse. I’ll make it up to you. Is there any gift you want? I’m really sorry.”
Song Nanxi was wearing a loose T-shirt, which could easily be pulled down to expose her shoulder. Although she did feel this shirt was too big for her, given that it was the apocalypse, having clothes at all was a blessing—what did it matter if it was a bit big? But today, she realized that having clothes too big was actually a big problem.
How could she have imagined someone would pull down her sleeve and bite her!
She had been playing nicely with the little snow leopard when suddenly she was bitten.
Song Nanxi rubbed her forehead. “You really didn’t mean to?”
“Yes, I’m very sorry. Sorry.” Fang Yinnian bowed deeply at 90 degrees to apologize.
Cui Danqin knocked on the door. “Hi, I heard some noise. Are you done? Can I come in to check the results?”
Just as Song Nanxi was about to open the door, Fang Yinnian pressed her back down into her seat and went to open it himself.
Cui Danqin immediately noticed Fang Yinnian’s flushed cheeks that hadn’t yet faded. “Looks like the result was pretty good. You seem mentally better.”
Talking about this made Fang Yinnian feel even more ashamed. “But I… hurt her.”
“Let me see.” Cui Danqin stepped past Fang Yinnian to check on Song Nanxi. Seeing the bite mark, she pulled out a candy from her pocket, tore open the wrapper, and handed it to Song Nanxi. “Bitten.”
“Hm, is this normal?” Song Nanxi licked her lips, the candy was grape-flavored.
“Both normal and not normal.” Cui Danqin took out a small notebook and pen and started writing. “It’s common for sentinels to lose rationality and follow instinct during soothing — usually it’s kisses, hugs, and cuddling. Being bitten, though, that’s a first. I’ll make a note.”
“So it’s normal? Just that the bite was an accident…” Song Nanxi concluded.
“Yes. As for why he bit… I can only guess it was an accident. After all, he lost control, so anything he did is possible.”
“Aside from that, how do you feel mentally? Your mental state, for example?” Cui Danqin shifted to ask her another question.
Song Nanxi: “I don’t feel anything. Am I supposed to feel something?”
Cui Danqin fell into thought. No feelings at all? She could only admit—no wonder this is a super A-level with a high mental compatibility.
“Team Leader Cui?” Song Nanxi, having waited too long without a reply, couldn’t help but urge.
“Huh? Oh, nothing. It’s best that your body shows no abnormalities. Because your mental compatibility is high enough, you don’t feel any discomfort. That’s a good thing.”
Cui Danqin smiled lightly. “This experience is over for now. Looking forward to seeing you in the formal class next time. Captain Fang, you can take Xiao Song through the rest of the procedures. I have something to attend to now.”
Song Nanxi obediently followed Fang Yinnian and left.
—
Next, Song Nanxi arrived at the house assigned to her. It was actually more like an apartment building, with many doors on one floor, and the one in the very middle was hers.
Curious, Song Nanxi asked, “Are these other rooms next to mine occupied? Are those my neighbors?”
Fang Yinnian blushed again. “Not yet, but there will be in the future.”
“Hmm? People will be moving in soon?” Song Nanxi stared at Fang Yinnian. “Why are you blushing? Did I say something weird?”
Fang Yinnian turned away and fanned himself with his hand to cool down. Feeling a bit better, he turned back and said, “In a few days, I will move in… Other sentinels with high mental compatibility with you will also move in one after another as your neighbors.”
“So this is the armed protection you provide?” Song Nanxi didn’t understand why he was blushing. “You’re so easily embarrassed. Captain Fang, have you never had a girlfriend?”
“Ahem.” Fang Yinnian shook his head. “No… Yes. Living around you makes it convenient to protect you at any time. We won’t all go on missions together, there will always be someone to ensure your safety.”
Song Nanxi chuckled. “No wonder you’re so innocent. It’s just neighbors—what’s the big deal? By the way, didn’t you say I would meet other sentinels? Why did you skip that step?”
“There’s an emergency meeting, so it had to be canceled for now. I’m sending you here, but I have to leave for the meeting. Here’s the key—take good care of it. The place has been cleaned, daily necessities are ready, so you can move in right away.” Fang Yinnian placed the key in Song Nanxi’s palm.
“Oh, and here’s this bracelet. It’s an identity bracelet and also a communication device—you can call or message me anytime with it. Also, my account balance is open to you, so when you buy things, just swipe this bracelet.”
“Sorry I can’t stay with you longer. Next time we meet, I’ll bring you a gift.” Fang Yinnian placed his right hand over his heart and bowed. “Hope you have a wonderful day. See you next time.”
“Bye-bye.” Song Nanxi waved him off, eager to go inside and explore her new little house!
Using the key to open the door, she realized that calling it a “little house” was wrong—it should be a big house.
A very spacious single-story apartment, with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light. There was only one bedroom, the rest of the rooms all served specific functions— a walk-in closet, a study, a tea room, and a home theater, plus a living room, a kitchen, and a large bathroom.
The overall feeling was very cozy. On the balcony stood a flower rack, which currently held only two pots of succulents, but perhaps more plants would be added here in the future.
Unfortunately, Song Nanxi didn’t have the leisure or interest to tend to flowers.
The walk-in closet was filled with seasonal clothes that fit her size, in various styles. Given the post-apocalyptic setting, they were as good as possible within practical limits—some pretty, some convenient for movement, and she could pick whatever she liked.
Song Nanxi leaned back on the sofa and began examining the bracelet on her wrist. It seemed to be a new technological product she had never seen before, probably not yet widespread among ordinary people. Now that she had it, she was no longer ordinary.
The bracelet lit up and popped up a virtual screen. Song Nanxi first saw her personal account.
After the shared balance was a long string of zeros—she guessed it was Fang Yinnian’s account shared with her. Lots of contribution points…
Then she clicked open the communication interface, which showed only one contact: Fang Yinnian. He had probably added himself.
Having explored this much, Song Nanxi closed the bracelet and walked into the bedroom, immediately throwing herself onto the bed. Ah, this felt great!
She loved these days when she didn’t have to worry about the future!
She rolled around on the bed, feeling so comfortable that she naturally closed her eyes and fell asleep—never mind, just sleep for a while first.
The room fell silent, except for some faint, subtle sounds.
A pair of eyes opened—crimson pupils fixed intently on the person on the bed.
“Xiao Xi…”
“I’ve found you.”