books44 Chapter 424 [Empire] New Year Red Mission
Chapter 424 [Empire] New Year Red Mission
I seemed to be sleeping in Nightingale's bedroom again. When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar ceiling and furnishings. My memory of last night was a little hazy, and my head felt heavy, as if some invisible force had ripped my consciousness away. We often shared a bed when we were on missions, but it was unusual for me to so openly occupy his bedroom.
The bedroom curtains were slightly opened, and the morning light shone through the gap onto the bed. The air was filled with a light woody fragrance. I frowned and stretched, feeling the fatigue in my body and the confusion in my mind.
I looked down at myself. I was still in the same pajamas I'd casually thrown on the previous night. It seemed as if, in this environment, I'd lost my alertness and composure. I felt a little disappointed that Nightingale wasn't by my bedside, but I wasn't surprised. After all, his life had always been like this, full of rhythm and structure, and he wouldn't tolerate any disruption.
I stood up and sat up. The surroundings were still decorated in the same exquisite yet somewhat desolate style. The paintings on the wall were selected by him, and everything seemed so natural. The silence in the air made me feel a little uncomfortable, as if silently reminding me that this was not my world.
However, my steps unconsciously led me to the window. Through the window, I looked out at the street scene outside. The sun had already completely bathed the city, but the winter chill still lingered. I was still feeling a little depressed, but at least I could enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
Just as I was standing by the window, lost in thought, I heard light footsteps outside. Turning around, Nightingale appeared at the door. He was still wearing a smart suit and looked calm, as if nothing that happened last night mattered to him.
"Awake?" His voice was calm, yet with a hint of familiar warmth. "Did you sleep well last night?"
I nodded, and though a smile played on my lips, I felt a nameless sense of oppression in my heart. It felt like I was being bound by an unknown force, unable to fully escape.
Nightingale walked in, glanced at my bed, and said casually: "You can continue to stay here and rest, or you can continue to deal with your own affairs. There will be a new task for you today."
A new mission? My heart skipped a beat as I realized he was already preparing for what was coming next. And I, on the other hand, wasn't fully prepared to face it.
"You know, I don't like being ordered around," I whispered, almost to myself.
Nightingale's eyes flashed slightly, but she didn't refute immediately. She just reached out and picked up the cup on the bedside table and drank slowly.
"But that's the way it is in our business," he said, his tone calm, but the depth of his words was not lost on me. "You get used to it, or rather, you eventually get used to it."
His words left me speechless. I don't want to be defined, nor do I want to be pushed around all the time. But on this path, it seems there isn't much choice.
I stood in front of the window, looking at the street in the sun, but asked myself in my heart: What should I do to stop following the path set by others?
I looked at the mission message Lin Hao had sent me, and my mouth twitched. A New Year's red bear costume? What kind of mission was this? It felt like a street event during the Lunar New Year holidays. I couldn't help but take a deep breath, thinking that this might be a simple mission. At least wearing a bear costume would give people a lighthearted and cheerful feeling.
However, after actually putting on the doll costume, I realized it wasn't as easy as I thought.
First, the costume was so large it practically wrapped me into a ball, and it was incredibly hot inside. Every movement was a struggle, and I nearly tripped over the heavy headgear. People seemed to be treating me like a street doll, stopping to take photos. A few children even ran up to me, grabbing my arms and asking for a picture.
As I struggled to maneuver through this awkward and ridiculous situation, I wondered if this was the most absurd mission of my life. But then I looked up and saw the shops lining the street decorated in festive colors, red lanterns hanging high, the air thick with a festive atmosphere, and the occasional laughter of passersby. Suddenly, I understood: this mission wasn't about making a fool of myself on the street, but about letting everyone experience a little bit of the festive atmosphere.
But this is a real mercenary mission that requires payment.
Well, the mercenary guild isn't always a law of the jungle. There's always a touch of humanity. In times of urban crisis, they stand shoulder to shoulder with the military as a protective force.
Ye Lin is right, ruffian mercenary, I agree with this statement.
The ruffians also have their own tough tenderness, though less so.
So, I stopped worrying and just blended in with the crowd's festive mood. Even though I could barely turn around, I still "jumped" around on the street, striking all kinds of awkward poses to please everyone.
Suddenly, I heard a familiar laugh. I turned and saw Lin Hao standing not far away, his face filled with a helpless grin. He seemed to be filming a video, and playfully made a "Hey, can you give me a big bear hug?" gesture. I felt helpless, but I walked over and did my best to give him a bear hug, which made passersby laugh.
This simple task, though it seems absurd, actually brought a little lightness to my mood. Maybe, sometimes, all we need is some simple warmth and laughter, not too much complexity.