books44 Chapter 394 [Empire] Observer
Chapter 394 [Empire] Observer
I didn't run into Lin Hao today. I guess he was out on a mission. I don't know if he didn't have class or if he skipped it, but he didn't even call me. After all, I'm kind of his "mercenary mentor." But anyway, it's good that he's independent. A junior mercenary out there wouldn't be taking on any dangerous missions anyway.
I sighed, picked up my spoon, and stirred the soup in my bowl, my eyes wandering again. Lin Hao, though he wouldn't say it, was always a bit arrogant. He always felt independent and didn't need to rely on others. Whenever we talked about a task, he always had an "I can handle it" attitude, as if he never lacked confidence.
But, on reflection, perhaps this was precisely what motivated him to become a mercenary. After all, in the mercenary world, individual ability was everything. A freshly minted kid like him, with no background, relied on his own drive and resilience. While his reluctance to rely on anyone sometimes seemed a bit unkind, it certainly showed he was working hard.
I glanced down at my plate, then picked up my chopsticks and shoved some food into my mouth. It didn't taste particularly good, but it satisfied my basic needs. The noise in the cafeteria gradually grew noisier, and the air was filled with the aroma of food, but it couldn't keep me focused.
I've long understood Lin Hao's situation. Ultimately, he wants to prove himself and doesn't want to live forever in the shadow of others. I've said before that he should quickly master his own abilities and become completely independent, instead of constantly relying on others. Although he readily agreed, who knows if he's struggling internally?
Lin Hao and I haven't known each other very long, but we get along pretty well. Lin Hao was a bit naive at first during those missions, but now, he's able to go out on his own to take on missions, which shows that he's gained some confidence.
I sighed and brought my thoughts back to the present. Lin Hao's growth also filled me with emotion. Every time I saw him progress from a clueless beginner to independence, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride, and even a hint of reluctance.
After all, there is always a special kind of emotion when it comes to the "disciples" that one has personally brought up.
I had already eaten most of the food on the plate, so I put down my chopsticks, picked up the water glass and took a sip.
Still, I've fulfilled my role as a mentor. If Lin Hao wants to be independent and challenge his limits, that's his choice. As a bystander, all I can do is watch him progress step by step, be a supporter, keep an eye on him from afar, and maintain an invisible caring attitude.
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the cafeteria door: "Hey, are you eating?"
I jerked my head up and saw Lin Hao appear at the cafeteria entrance. He was wearing his usual military jacket, his hair a bit disheveled, and a hint of fatigue in his eyes, but the smile on his face remained bright. He spotted me sitting in the corner, waved, and came over to sit down.
"Why didn't you come to bother me today?" I asked him with a smile, although I felt relieved in my heart.
Lin Hao threw his backpack on the table and sat down before saying, "I went on a mission and just got back. I'm exhausted today."
"What mission?" I couldn't help but ask. Although I knew he wouldn't tell me too much, I still wanted to confirm it.
"There's no danger, it's just a guard mission. The mission is simple and you can make a little money." Lin Hao said it lightly, as if this kind of mission was no longer worth mentioning to him.
I nodded, feeling relieved. Thinking back to his previous missions, which had been somewhat dangerous, I couldn't help but feel worried. Now it seemed he was much more stable than I'd thought.
"Remember to call me next time," I said softly, still smiling, "You kid, do you really think I've completely let go?"
Lin Hao was stunned for a moment, then smiled: "Okay, okay, I'll definitely call you next time. Didn't you say that I should learn to be independent?"
"Yeah," I nodded with a smile, but a complex emotion welled up in my heart. Perhaps it was really time for him to be independent.
"So you are independent now?" I teased him with a smile.
Lin Hao raised his eyebrows and a mischievous smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "I've just started, how can I be considered completely independent? But at least I'm less dependent on you than before." He pretended to be relaxed and took a sip of water, as if to hide something, but the gleam in his eyes did not completely subside.
My heart moved slightly, and my smile deepened. I lowered my head and gently stirred the food in the bowl. "Well, it's true. You just took on a task and were able to arrange the plan yourself and completed it quite well. It can be seen that you have improved."
He coughed, looking a little embarrassed. "Hey, don't make such a big deal. I just did some basic stuff. It's no big deal."
"Basics?" I chuckled and raised my eyebrows. "Although the escort mission is not a dangerous one, it is also a challenge for you. Don't take yourself lightly." I put down my chopsticks and glanced at the subtle emotions that emerged in his eyes. I couldn't help but think that this guy is really much tougher than I thought.
Lin Hao paused, his eyes flickered, and then he regained his relaxed demeanor: "Alright, alright, stop praising me. I can't handle it."
I secretly sighed. This guy, despite his tough exterior, harbors a certain insecurity. Every time he starts to act overconfident, he'll inadvertently reveal a hint of vulnerability. It seems, after spending so much time with him, I've already gotten to know his character. Perhaps he doesn't want others to see his insecurities, constantly trying to present a "better" version of himself.
"Okay, I won't praise you," I said softly, "but remember, don't always be so anxious to prove yourself. Take your time, and you'll find your own rhythm."
Lin Hao stared at me, seemingly pondering the meaning of my words. After a moment, he nodded, his voice slightly lowered: "Well, I understand."
We sat in silence, with an unspoken understanding between us.
I sighed, picked up the soup in the bowl, and whispered, "When you have a mission in the future, remember to notify me. After all, I am your mentor." I don't expect him to rely on me, but at least I can lend him a helping hand when he needs it.
Lin Hao smiled, with a hint of gratitude in his eyes: "Okay, no problem."
I nodded, a warm feeling welling up inside me. This guy, despite his tough talk, at least he still remembered our friendship. Perhaps as he matured into a true mercenary, my presence would fade, but at least, I was there for him during those early days.
After lunch, we chatted for a while. Lin Hao mentioned that he might have missions in the next few days, and I continued to remind him to be careful and not to be too aggressive. Before leaving, Lin Hao turned around and smiled, "Teacher, don't worry, I will be careful."
As I watched his figure gradually disappear at the cafeteria entrance, I couldn't help but think back to those days—I, too, was once a young person, confident yet inevitably lonely, just starting out. I, too, once had a mentor. He walked a long path with me.
Time flies. Lin Hao's growth may be faster and more determined than mine, but everyone needs to walk their own path. As a bystander, I can only be a bystander, just a bystander.