Chapter 253: A Stroll Through the City

Chen Jing had always known Lu Xin was a very considerate person.

But under the current circumstances Lu Xin’s thoughtfulness struck her as strangely unsettling in a way she couldn’t quite describe.

For instance after single-handedly dealing with the Sea Country’s S-level Ability User he’d meticulously considered that she was busy and hadn’t disturbed her. Instead he waited until she finished her tasks before bringing up his request. Also his slow soft tone now seemed to imply that his need to return wasn’t particularly urgent.

In reality the very fact he brought it up specifically showed how important returning was to him.

This considerate attitude paradoxically threw her off leaving her unsure how to respond.

So she could only slow her pace and say with a smile, “Alright I’ll relay this to the higher-ups. Try not to worry for now.”

After getting Lu Xin’s reply she hung up the phone.

…

“So is this genuinely about personal matters or is it some kind of change brought on by entering the Second Stage?”

Chen Jing’s question quickly sparked discussion among a group of people. Professor Chen Liqing who specialized in the Doll’s guidance and stability work commented, “Besides saying he has personal matters he specifically mentioned it’s not convenient for him to accompany her right now. Could this mean that after entering the Second Stage Mr. Lone Soldier is finding it harder to resist the Doll’s influence?”

“If that’s the case we need to separate them as soon as possible!”

…

“Entering the Second Stage should theoretically strengthen his resistance in this area.”

Professor Bai spoke up on the channel, “The characteristic of the ‘Gaze Glasses’ is stabilizing emotions. So theoretically even if he normally couldn’t resist the Doll’s negative influence wearing these glasses should allow him to… though the duration is uncertain.”

“Based on this analysis the problem still lies with Mr. Lone Soldier himself.”

“This isn’t unexpected. According to our regulations entering the Second Stage requires a series of observations recordings and even adjustments. Because of Mr. Lone Soldier’s special circumstances he immediately began the cleanup operation on the S-level Ability User’s mental entity right after entering the Second Stage. He hasn’t had the chance for proper observation and recording yet. Experiencing some minor changes is quite normal.”

“In fact if there were no changes between the first and Second Stage it would indicate our work had failed.”

“Of course given Mr. Lone Soldier’s unique nature his Second Stage process didn’t involve enhancement only strengthening stability. So the possibility of losing control is nonexistent… or rather it’s even lower than before… Other potential issues require further research.”

…

“You handle these professional assessments.”

Regarding Professor Bai’s analysis Mr. Su’s attitude was refreshingly direct, “I only care about one thing: how do we guarantee nothing goes wrong?”

He couldn’t resist adding, “A young man with such high ideological awareness is so rare…”

“Guaranteeing nothing goes wrong is a broad concept.”

Professor Bai chuckled, “But regarding your current worries I have only one piece of advice: Don’t be nervous.”

…

Professor Bai’s words left everyone listening slightly stunned.

Was this the lead-up to another one of his famous sayings?

“Handle Mr. Lone Soldier’s request according to the rules.”

Professor Bai indeed began to elaborate smiling, “And tell him frankly about the things we need him to do separately.”

“If you have personal feelings and want to help him help him. If you’re dissatisfied with him disliking him is also fine.”

“Outside of work every one of you has the right to express your own likes and dislikes.”

“Even in the future when dealing with the issue of Ability Users everyone needs to understand one thing.”

Professor Bai paused here his deep voice resonating through the channel, “You have your own thoughts your own fundamental attitudes. Any attempt to change or disguise these attitudes is actually a form of distortion.”

“When you start to fear and doubt them from the bottom of your heart how can you possibly achieve acceptance and understanding?”

“Mental Pollution is the transmission of emotion the distortion of perception. The first lesson all of you need to learn is to ensure your own mentality is authentic and positive. You must remember it’s not just Pollution Sources that can pollute others…”

“Every person possesses the ability to pollute.”

“When these Pollution Sources and Ability Users begin to influence our city.”

“Are we ourselves not also influencing them?”

…

…

“Your request for leave has been approved by the higher-ups.”

Less than ten minutes later Chen Jing called back her voice smiling:

“The attack from the Sea Country has been resolved and the mission to accompany the Doll isn’t urgent right now. Besides you just underwent the Second Stage. Putting you two together at this time would have made us uneasy anyway. Of course you can go back…”

“The high-speed trains are currently suspended. If you need it I can arrange a helicopter to take you…”

“It’s a bit of a shame though. You came all the way to the Main City. Aren’t you going to have a meal or go shopping with your colleagues?”

…

Chen Jing’s attitude was unexpectedly reassuring putting Lu Xin at ease. He hadn’t expected her to be so frank.

Talking with her now felt significantly more comfortable than before.

“A helicopter isn’t necessary that’s too high-profile…”

His mood brightened slightly as he answered honestly, “Actually I did have plans for that originally. To take advantage of this trip meet up with colleagues wander around the Main City see the sights and buy some gifts for my family…”

“But my colleagues are probably busy right now wouldn’t you say?”

…

As he spoke he glanced out the window.

Beneath the Red Moon the Main City appeared quiet but faint sounds drifted from various corners near and far.

He knew countless people were bustling about in that seeming quiet.

There must be an overwhelming amount of work to do now. When the Second Satellite City was attacked it took a long time to finally stabilize the situation. Now the Main City had suffered an even more terrifying attack undoubtedly requiring far more extensive cleanup efforts.

He knew full well that if he expressed any interest Chen Jing would certainly arrange for people to accompany him. Perhaps if he just asked Chen Jing would immediately have all his colleagues drop their work to have a party with him.

But what was the point of that?

Still having come all this way without being able to properly look around left him feeling a little disappointed…

As Lu Xin mulled this over a cool fragrance wafted near him. Turning his head he saw the Doll had come close beside him. She was also looking out the window at the vast expanse of lights in the Qinggang Main City.

Lu Xin asked curiously “What’s wrong?”

The Doll gently nudged his shoulder then looked back out the window.

Lu Xin suddenly understood a flicker of surprise in his eyes, “Are you saying you want to go shopping with me?”

A happy expression spread across the Doll’s face and she nodded her head vigorously.

“What?”

Chen Jing heard Lu Xin’s words through the phone her voice tinged with surprise, “The Doll wants to go out with you?”

Lu Xin replied puzzled, “She didn’t say it but that seems to be the meaning…”

“…She can go shopping?”

…

“Of course not.”

Chen Jing said quickly, “The Doll’s special nature means occasional brief appearances in front of ordinary people are acceptable…”

“But doing things like shopping and eating like a normal person would mean contact with too many ordinary people. Nobody can afford to take that risk… Besides the Doll has always been very quiet before this. She never showed any desire to go out and play.”

“It always seemed like leaving the safe house for missions was enough for her.”

…

Listening to her words Lu Xin couldn’t help but think of the S-level Ability User from the Sea Country remembering his pale face.

Never shopping never going out just staying cooped up in a safe house only leaving when assigned a mission…

…Living like that is really not normal at all.

He had already dismissed the idea of actually going shopping or having a meal with his colleagues.

But now since he was requesting leave and interrupting his time accompanying the Doll he felt a twinge of guilt towards her.

Furthermore he could clearly see that the Doll genuinely wanted to go out with him.

So he thought for a moment struck by a sudden idea, “What if she wears a mask? Could she go shopping like a normal person then?”

“I’m afraid not…”

Chen Jing replied slowly after hearing this, “This method was suggested a long time ago. Several types of masks specifically designed for the Doll were even created along with special scarves to wrap around her face and so on. However subsequent observation revealed that the Doll’s skin is very delicate and she also suffers from a degree of claustrophobia. Wearing a mask is actually a very painful experience for her.”

“Covering her face with an umbrella is already her limit.”

…

“If that’s the case…”

Lu Xin was momentarily unsure how to reply. It was indeed a very difficult situation.

He turned to look at the Doll making a helpless expression.

The Doll stood beside him for a moment then as if understanding something her expression turned unhappy and she silently walked away.

Watching her retreating back Lu Xin felt a pang of sympathy.

But right now there was nothing he could do…

…However before that thought fully passed he saw the Doll walk into the bathroom and quickly emerge again.

She was holding a bath towel and had wrapped it around her head leaving only her two eyes showing.

Those eyes looked at him curving happily into crescent moon shapes.

…

“What happened?”

Chen Jing on the other end of the phone noticed Lu Xin’s silence and asked with concern.

Lu Xin looked at the Doll and after a moment couldn’t help but burst into laughter a genuinely happy laugh.

“She wrapped her head up like a rice dumpling…”

Lu Xin replied still laughing then said to Chen Jing on the phone, “I think I’ll take her out to play after all.”

Chen Jing on the channel was silent for a moment then chuckled, “I’ll make the arrangements.”