Chapter 505: Family Matters and Inner Demons

Perhaps some issues that are too awkward to discuss with others can be spoken openly in front of family.

Having come to terms with this, Lu Xin’s gaze steadied a bit.

He revved his motorcycle and headed straight for the street market. He had a premonition that this family meeting would be important, so he prepared thoroughly—buying some fine treats to reward his family.

But what counts as a “fine treat”?

Lu Xin purchased a bottle of alcohol—twenty bucks, still pristine with its 53-degree label.

His Father loved this one above all.

Next, he strolled around the market until he found a cake shop across the street and bought a cake.

Mom adored that cake.

As for his Sister…

After much thought, Lu Xin finally settled on a high-end box of chocolates from a nearby shop.

Price: 7.80.

He decided to break off a small piece first, giving her just a bit at a time—after all, too many sweets harm the teeth.

Besides these, he bought plenty of groceries. His mood calmed and even brightened as he haggled and shopped. Finally, laden with large bags, he rode back home on his motorcycle.

Donning his apron, he entered the kitchen where, under his Father’s watchful eye, he busied himself for a while before serving dish after dish.

It was strange—though he rarely cooked, his skills were unexpectedly superb.

He switched on the light, set the table, and silently took a seat at the dining table, waiting for his family.

This time, his family seemed to notice his effort and remained quiet.

His Sister quickly climbed down from the ceiling interlayer and scampered to the table. Mom soon followed, laughing as she slipped off her shoes and comfortably sat opposite him, clearly pleased with the spread.

His Father was the last to join, sitting down heavily while carefully dragging his chair in complete silence.

Even the Skinless Dog had crept out from somewhere, lying under the table and watching cautiously.

……

……

“We haven’t really talked in ages. I suppose we can’t keep avoiding our issues forever.”

Lu Xin sat at the table and was the first to pick up his bowl. The rest of his family watched him in silence.

A profound quiet blanketed the room.

Both Mom and Father silently observed Lu Xin, not uttering a word.

Even his Sister didn’t bother to switch on that damned SpongeBob again…

The Skinless Dog obediently lay by Lu Xin’s feet, its tail twitching a few times but never daring to move.

“I seem to be facing some real issues…”

Lu Xin continued eating slowly, the only sound in the room the monotonous clink of his chopsticks against the dishes as he served himself.

“I’ve recalled so many things and am convinced of the reliability of my memories…”

“Yet sometimes, when I revisit these scenes, I feel like I’m watching them from a third person perspective…”

“There are moments when I feel as if I’m no longer myself. I know what’s right yet find it hard to do so. And sometimes, after doing something, I realize it shouldn’t have been done, but I still refuse to regret it.”

“I love the world as it is now and enjoy my life, but still…”

After a pause, he finally voiced his answer:

“It just feels repulsive.”

“So, does that mean I really am a troubled person?”

“……”

He set down his chopsticks and looked around at his family with puzzled eyes.

A sharp click broke the silence…

His Sister, small in stature, poked her little head over the table, gazing at Lu Xin with earnest, almost wistful eyes. Unsure of what to say, she hugged her box of chocolates and took a crisp bite, chewing slowly as she eyed him curiously.

Father’s expression became strangely contorted, as if he was about to sneer in derision.

In the end, he simply poured a glass of alcohol and drank in silence.

The Skinless Dog lifted its head, scanned the room, then slowly settled back down, covering its eyes with its paws.

The atmosphere in the room seemed to whisper a single question:

“Did you just realize it?”

……

……

“Everyone has their quirks, after all…”

Only Mom still wore a gentle smile as she softly said, “We just aren’t used to sharing these things. As you grow up, you’ll encounter more and think deeper about the world. Changes in perspective are perfectly natural.”

“Yes.”

Lu Xin nodded sincerely, “I believe so too.”

Scanning his family—his wall-climbing Sister, his reasoned Mom, his quick-tempered Father…

Indeed, everyone had their own issues.

He’d never judged his family for their quirks, and they in turn accepted him without reservation.

Feeling a slight easing within, he picked up his bowl and declared seriously:

“But after much thought, I’ve decided to fix myself.”

“……”

The expressions at the table grew even stranger.

For once, his Sister furtively glanced at Father, who in turn shook his head slightly at her.

Their looks spoke of resigned acceptance, as if to say:

“Suit yourself…”

……

Only Mom, patient and gentle as ever, softly laughed and asked, “So how do you plan to fix yourself?”

Lu Xin continued eating slowly, as if keeping his mind active through the act of eating.

After a long pause, he murmured, “I don’t really know.”

Glancing at Mom, he added, “Do you have any suggestions?”

She replied, “It’s a complex issue…”

In the dim light, Mom’s delicate smile emerged as she explained, “The idea of being fixed has many interpretations. Some kinds of pollution are only superficial—wipe them away and you return to your true self, free of that taint.”

“But some pollution leaves deep scars that require monumental effort to heal.”

“And the real kind of pollution can never be completely eradicated. Once you’ve been tainted, traces will always remain…”

“You might even say that pollution is ubiquitous in this world…”

“It’s like the difference between someone who reads and someone who doesn’t—the two become entirely different persons.”

“You could even argue that reading itself is a form of pollution; it alters your perspective so thoroughly that you’re never quite the same again…”

“…”

After a long monologue, she paused and looked at Lu Xin with gentle, patient eyes before softly saying,

“So if you want to fix yourself, you must first understand yourself…”

“If you think something’s wrong, figure out exactly what it is, learn about it, and master it…”

“Once you’ve completely mastered that power, you’ll have fixed yourself.”

“…”

“Hm?”

Father and his Sister looked surprised, clearly not expecting Mom to go that far.

Their eyes brightened as they subtly glanced at Lu Xin, eager for his reaction.

“That makes a lot of sense. Truly, understanding oneself is key…”

Lu Xin pondered Mom’s words, idly scooping rice until he suddenly smiled, “But it seems there’s another way.”

“Hm?”

Mom looked at him, curiosity in her eyes.

“Mental pollution is essentially the spread of a mental illness.”

“It’s as if a certain trait disrupts one’s mind, causing internal chaos.”

Deep in thought, Lu Xin continued, “It’s just like the recent experiment with the Heavenly Kingdom Plan. The Doll managed to completely cleanse the pollution traits from those in Sea Country, restoring them to their original state…”

“So what if I could clear away all the pollution traits within myself…”

“Whoosh!”

Upon hearing his words, both his Sister and Father suddenly looked up, their eyes wide with alarm as they fixed a piercing gaze on him.

Under the table, even the Skinless Dog perked up its ears, its eyes as round as copper bells.

Mom said nothing further, simply watching him intently.

“So I’ve made up my mind…”

Lu Xin fell silent for a moment, as if deep in thought.

After several seconds, he slowly raised his head, his eyes shining with determination.

Just as he was about to reveal his answer, his Sister, Father, Mom, and even the Skinless Dog all perked up their ears.

In that empty old apartment building, it seemed some unknown creatures were also listening intently.

Facing his family’s anxious expressions, Lu Xin suddenly burst into laughter, “I’ve decided to face life with even more determination.”

Sister: “……”

Father: “……”

Mom: “……”

……

With a smile, Lu Xin explained, “After all, I’ve been with the Special Cleaning Department for so long that I know a thing or two. When someone cleans away their pollution, emotional issues like depression or sensory imbalances—and not to mention lingering hallucinations—can still arise.”

“These are problems even Ability Users can’t fix, for their minds can never fully rebalance.”

“The cure is actually very simple…”

“Our training courses make it abundantly clear.”

“Just face life with optimism, and every hurdle will eventually be overcome.”

He laughed, “So if I stick to a good schedule, maintain a healthy routine, embrace a positive mindset, and work diligently with a smile on my face, then any mental issues will gradually heal, right?”

“……”

His family’s expressions grew lost and oddly puzzled.

Their smiles seemed forced—as if they were trying to mask something awkward.

Ding, ling, ling…

Just then, a phone rang sharply in the empty room, its sound piercing the silence.

The ringtone came from Lu Xin’s Black Bag—his Satellite Phone was ringing.

The family exchanged glances. Suddenly, his Sister jumped up and said, “I’ll answer the phone for you, Brother…”

She hurried over to the Black Bag, picked up the phone, and pressed the answer button forcefully.

“Is Mr. Single Soldier there?”

Han Bing’s voice boomed from the phone, loud in the confined space.

The family remained silent, their eyes meeting one another.

After a moment, Lu Xin smiled and replied, “I’m here. What’s up?”

Han Bing paused before answering awkwardly, “Tomorrow you might need to come to the Special Cleaning Department.”

Lu Xin nodded, “Alright, what time?”

“Nine in the morning…”

Han Bing responded, then hesitantly added, “Mr. Single Soldier, are you alright?”

Lu Xin, surprised, laughed, “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

After a pause, Han Bing carefully replied, “It’s eerily quiet on your end. What are you up to?”

“Quiet?”

Lu Xin, a bit taken aback, replied with a laugh, “You must be mistaken—we’re having a family meeting. It’s as lively as can be…”

“…”

There was a long silence from Han Bing before she finally laughed, “Alright then, I won’t disturb you…”

“Please…”

She paused before adding, “Send my regards to your family.”

“……”

“She really is such a considerate little girl…”

Lu Xin signaled for his Sister to hang up, shook his head with a smile, and then looked calmly at his family.

He seemed confused by their reactions, “Why do you all look so strange? Was I wrong about something earlier?”

“You’re absolutely right…”

Mom was the first to respond, clapping softly.

Then both Sister and Father exhaled heavily and joined in with cheerful smiles.

Even the Skinless Dog whimpered softly under the table.

In an instant, the family’s mood lightened, and everyone looked at Lu Xin with renewed trust and support.

“We’ll all be here to back you up…”