At midnight, a dense, inky darkness enveloped the land.
Li Andy pushed open the door, his figure appearing somewhat weary.
"Andy!"
Sophia, who was sitting on the bed, suddenly sprang up and asked anxiously,
"Are you... are you alright?! Should we run?!"
Under the bed at her feet, two bundles were haphazardly placed, as if ready for an immediate escape.
Li Andy couldn't help but be momentarily stunned, then shook his head, saying, "It's alright, no need to go. Sister Anna is not like Director John."
"Then... what is Youxi's compensation? Will her internal organs also be like Sister Amy's?!" Sophia's body trembled slightly. Not long ago, unable to suppress her curiosity, she had secretly gone to the bell tower and witnessed Sister Amy's "feeding."
That scene was unforgettable for her.
Li Andy shook his head and replied,
"Don't worry, Youxi has a special constitution; she doesn't need compensation."
"Doesn't need?" Sophia was a bit startled, her gaze shifting slightly.
Li Andy slowly approached the bed, took out the longevity lock he had retrieved from Sister Anna's hand, gently caressed it, and then carefully placed it back around his sleeping sister's fair neck.
Although the longevity lock's effect was gone, it was one of the few things Youxi's parents had left her, so it was better to return it to her.
"My sister..."
Looking at the girl's peaceful sleeping face, Li Andy's thoughts were a tangled mess.
Based on the current situation, if Youxi was compared to an unstable bomb, then he was the control button restraining this bomb. The two of them were essentially bound together.
But there was one thing that greatly confused him.
Why was he the anchor point, and not Sophia?
Clearly, at the orphanage, their relationship was far better than his and his fake sister's. Moreover, in the middle of the game, the 'girly' atmosphere between these two girls almost overflowed the screen.
Furthermore, how was this broken anchor point chosen?
Would it change in the future? Would there be more of them?
Numerous questions lingered, and Li Andy's brow gradually furrowed.
He had asked Sister Anna these questions just now, but she said nothing.
She only gave him a dagger covered in runes and a mischievous admonition—【"Don't betray your sister. If you can't do it, hehe, I suggest you... make the first move."】
It was as if she was saying that a life-or-death choice was inevitable between him and Youxi.
"Phew..."
Li Andy let out a long breath, his gaze shifting to the side, where he saw Sophia staring blankly at Youxi, seemingly pondering something.
"Sophia!" Li Andy's brows immediately furrowed.
"Wh-what?" Sophia was startled by him.
Li Andy's expression became exceptionally serious:
"You're not thinking... that you can also borrow those things without paying a price, like Youxi, are you?"
"No, I can't? Sister Amy said I also have a lot of potential, maybe..."
"Fool!" Li Andy reprimanded, cutting her off, "No price often means a higher price!"
Sophia's expression stiffened, and her stubbornness was instantly provoked:
"You're the fool! If Youxi can borrow, why can't I?! I've had enough of that feeling of not belonging anywhere! You're all moving forward, why should I wait here?!"
Li Andy froze, opened his mouth, and finally let out a soft sigh, raising a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, a headache beginning.
Sophia, meanwhile, turned her head away, her lips pressed together in silence.
The air in the room became somewhat oppressive.
After a moment, Li Andy spoke again, his tone exceptionally gentle, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you two were so uneasy. I truly have no right to stop you. But... if you really want to borrow those things, could you please discuss it with me first before making a decision?"
Sophia lowered her eyes, remaining silent for a long time, then replied in a low voice:
"Got it..."
Li Andy subtly exhaled in relief, forced a smile, and ruffled the girl's hair: "You rest first and take care of Youxi. I promise, we will definitely have our own independent home in the future, and we won't feel out of place anymore."
Sophia's body trembled slightly, then she nodded gently.
Li Andy patted her shoulder, said "Good night," and then left the room.
Sophia sat quietly by the bed, her eyes cast down, lost in thought.
After a long while, the lights went out, darkness enveloped the room, and a muffled murmur echoed in the air:
"Our... home?"
...
...
Morning, West Suburb Church.
The eight o'clock bell chimed, and the last elderly worshiper departed.
In the empty hall, only Li Andy and Yuquan Youxi remained. This location was already remote, and since it wasn't a Sunday, it was unlikely anyone would visit during the upcoming hours.
"To be honest, being a priest isn't so bad after all."
Li Andy, seeing no outsiders around, sat down casually on a pew in front of the statue. "Though the pay is a bit low, it's laid-back and a stable public service."
Youxi, carrying two breakfasts, sat down beside him, tilting her head slightly, a smile in her eyes: "Brother, you look very good in a priest's robe."
"It's alright."
Li Andy smiled and straightened his sleeve. White collar, black robe, a cross on his chest—it was elegant and refined. If he added a pair of glasses, he would be a perfect example of a refined scoundrel.
Today, he had taken a day off to spend time with his sister and work as a part-time priest.
Children left behind often had many psychological issues, not to mention an orphan with a difficult fate like the female protagonist of a horror game.
Therefore, the necessary companionship could not be neglected.
As for the academy, he could let things ferment for a while first.
Besides, Sophia was watching over things there.
His taking leave did not mean he approved of Sophia's leave.
Under Li Andy's threat of docking her pay, even if the blonde girl pouted, she still had to obediently go to work and school.
"Brother, eat breakfast."
Youxi handed over a clay bottle of milk.
"Mm."
Li Andy took the milk but did not drink it immediately; instead, he carefully observed his sister.
Youxi's complexion was good today, her face rosy, and her eyes bright.
However, the hair under her headscarf had not returned to pure black but had become a gradient white, similar to "ear-loop dyeing."
Yin and Yang intertwined, light and shadow accompanying each other.
She exuded an ethereal aura, yet with a hint of charm.
It was as if another, completely opposite side was hidden beneath that pretty face.
"Youxi..." Li Andy paused slightly, "If you feel any discomfort in your body, you must tell me."
"Mm, Brother, let's eat breakfast first."
Youxi happily narrowed her eyes, her smile sweet.
Then, the plate next to her floated in mid-air, moving to his front.
Li Andy couldn't help but narrow his eyes. Through his soul's vision, he saw a tall Faceless Nun, bowing and holding the plate, standing respectfully before him.
"Youxi, have you thoroughly tested your abilities? For example, how strong is this Nun's wrist?" Li Andy thought for a moment and asked.
"No."
Youxi shook her head, pondered for a moment, then raised her hand.
The next second, the long bench they were sitting on slowly floated into the air.