After checking on Molly's condition at Harveys's house and having lunch there, Li Andy returned to West Suburb Church by carriage.
At this time, the two girls had packed their belongings and were quietly waiting for him by the wisteria arbor at the entrance, dragging two suitcases.
Both had changed out of their heavy nun's habits and into more revealing everyday clothes that showcased their youthful charm.
Sophia's soft blonde hair was braided into a French braid, its end tied with a cute blue ribbon.
A light rose-colored cotton circle skirt was cinched at the high waist with a thin strap, outlining her youthful and beautiful figure, its hem swaying with the breeze, gently caressing her smooth calves.
Further down were a pair of clean, square-toed leather shoes, gracefully holding her snow-white feet encased in lace-trimmed white ankle socks.
As for Youxi, she wore a white blouse with a floral collar and butterfly sleeves, paired with a knee-length sage green pleated skirt, exuding an overall elegant and dignified yet youthful and lively aura.
Her small feet were clad in low-heeled Lolita round-toe shoes, with lace embellishments on the toe and laces, hinting at playfulness; this contrasted with the demure straw boater hat on her head.
As soon as Li Andy stepped out of the carriage, his heart was stirred by the sight before him. He secretly praised himself for how wise and correct it was to invest in Harveys Garment Co., Ltd.
"Brother!"
Youxi came over and gave him a soft, sweet hug.
Sophia's cheeks were flushed, and she slightly lowered her head, nervously picking at her toes, hesitant to step forward.
Last night's experience made her unsure how to face Li Andy, with feelings of guilt and shyness intertwining, accompanying her heart's conflicted struggle.
Li Andy kissed Youxi's forehead, then looked at Sophia, raising an eyebrow and saying, "Are you shy? You were clinging so tightly, my waist was almost broken."
Sophia's face instantly turned red, like a boiled sea shrimp.
She angrily stepped forward, grabbed his collar, and gritted her teeth, saying, "You scoundrel! Don't you dare say that!"
Li Andy laughed heartily and pinched her cheek: "Now... you're not conflicted or awkward anymore, are you?"
Sophia pouted, haughtily turning her face away, her amethyst eyes sparkling with tears of emotion. She sniffled her slightly sour nose and also proactively gave Li Andy a big hug.
Youxi covered her mouth, giggling softly.
"Where are Anna and the others? Aren't they coming to see us off?" Li Andy asked, inhaling the girl's hair fragrance.
Youxi explained: "Aya and Emi's conditions have worsened a bit, Anna is upstairs taking care of them."
"Anna said... she wishes us to never get lost and to come back often when we have time."
Li Andy was stunned for a moment, then smiled and nodded: "We will."
He looked towards the attic window, pressing his hand to his chest, silently conveying: "May dawn and hope... endure."
After the carriage in front of the church departed.
Up in the attic, the gentle nun with a blindfold softly repeated: "May dawn and hope... endure, huh..."
"Anna, did you really let that Eastern boy go? Aren't you going to investigate the orphanage and Father John's matter?"
Emi, standing beside her, tilted her head and asked.
At this moment, the short nun's condition seemed rather poor, with worms wriggling beneath her eyelids.
"No investigation," Anna replied, looking in the direction the carriage had departed. "It's no longer important to us."
"Plop..."
A splashing sound came from nearby.
Aya emerged from a bucket of seawater, shaking her golden hair, revealing dense scales on her shoulders and neck: "Then Anna, can you see that boy's shadow clearly now?"
"I can't see it," Anna shook her head, "And it's become even more profound..."
Aya sighed, resting her arms on the rim of the bucket: "Then I can only sincerely hope he's really not one of the cultists..."
.....
.....
The carriage arrived at Central City, North Street.
North Street was the least populated area of Central City, bordering an undeveloped mountain forest, with some farms and ranches built within it.
Yet, despite this, it was still much livelier than the outer city and the slums.
As the three siblings stepped out of the carriage, their youthful presence, suggesting various relationships, quickly attracted the attention of many.
But when they saw the three of them walk towards the eerie mansion at the end of the street, their expressions immediately changed, and they began to whisper.
"That haunted house has residents again?"
"Who are these unfortunate souls from?"
"Looking at their attire, perhaps they are young ladies and gentlemen from other places, who were tricked into buying this house by someone."
"Those agents are truly heartless!"
"When do you think they'll leave?"
"Heh, I bet they'll be scared off by tomorrow!"
"Oh? I'll bet four days. Young people are more courageous."
"Hey, I say two days! Those two girls don't look bold."
"Three days..."
"I say one day..."
"Quick, quick, close the bets before sunset~~"
Unbeknownst to Li Andy, those eccentric neighbors were secretly betting on how long they would stay.
However, even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
Instead, he would more likely place a bet himself.
......
Perspective, back to the mansion.
Unlike the eerie exterior, the interior of the mansion was clean, tidy, and incredibly warm.
The moment the two girls stepped inside, it was as if it was destined, they fell in love with the place!
Li Andy smiled, mimicking a butler's etiquette, and gestured to them: "Welcome home, this place will always be your haven from the wind and rain."
As soon as he said this, it seemed to touch Youxi's softest heartstring.
She was exceptionally moved, her disheveled face flushed with a sickly blush, and overcome with emotion, she embraced Andy's neck in Sophia's astonished gaze.
This slightly suffocating and deep attack caught Li Andy off guard as well.
Sophia's mouth was slightly agape, her face filled with shock.
But after a few seconds, she quickly regained her composure.
It seemed as if this was how it should be, and she was simply too dull to have noticed it all along.
In her heart, she didn't feel uncomfortable at all, but rather... a strange sense of pleasure??
"I... I'll move my things to the room first!" Sophia quickly fled, dragging her luggage, feeling that if she continued to watch, she might become strange.
Indeed, some things cannot be looked at directly!
Hmm, that's what they say in the occult circles.
After a long while, the two separated in the entryway, both gasping for air.
"Not hiding it anymore?" Li Andy asked, wiping his lips.
Youxi's toes curled slightly, a little embarrassed: "It was... an accident, I lost control. Hmm... you have to blame brother."
"Blame me??"
Li Andy chuckled in exasperation, immediately deciding to retaliate.
He was ambushed just now; if it came down to physical strength and lung capacity, he had never feared anyone!
Oh, my damned desire to win is here again...
