At 7:30 AM in New Eridu, the members of the Cunning Hares gradually awoke.
Ye Qingfeng drowsily climbed out of bed and shuffled like a zombie to the bathroom to wash up. Only after emerging did he fully wake up.
"Good morning..."
Anby, still in her pajamas, sat on the sofa. Seeing Ye Qingfeng come out of the bathroom, she greeted him plainly before making her own unhurried way to the bathroom.
"Good morning."
Ye Qingfeng yawned and headed into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for everyone.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yan had woken up early at 6:30 AM. She spent half an hour preparing a simple breakfast and getting ready, then left her apartment before 7:20 for a twenty-minute jog around the neighborhood.
After returning home to shower, she completed all her pre-work preparations and left for the Public Security commission to clock in.
Miss Zhu Yan certainly maintained a busy morning routine. Now, let's shift our focus to Miss Qingyi.
Qingyi had also finished charging at 6:30 AM. She spent half an hour on full-system maintenance and arrived promptly at Glimmer Square by 7:00 AM. However, her destination wasn't the Public Security Bureau but a nearby park.
The park was filled with elderly residents exercising in the morning light. Upon seeing Qingyi, they greeted her warmly.
"Qingyi, you're here! Come, let's play a round. I'm sure I can win this time."
An elderly man quickly arranged the chess pieces on a stone table and beckoned her over.
Qingyi sat at the table but didn't immediately begin playing. First, she placed the teacup from her back on the table, poured herself a cup of tea, and only then commenced the day's chess matches.
An hour later, Qingyi had effortlessly secured three victories. As work time approached, she bid farewell to everyone and strolled leisurely toward the Public Security Bureau.
"Alright..." murmured the elderly man she'd just played, his attention still fixed on the chessboard. "Such a good move... how did I still lose..."
At 8:20 AM, Zhu Yan and Qingyi met at the entrance of the Public Security Bureau.
Zhu Yan: "Good morning, Senior Qingyi!"
Qingyi: "Ah, Zhu Yan... so energetic first thing in the morning."
While New Eridu's officers were beginning their workday, in a certain bedroom at the Cunning Hares, a pair of slender feet abruptly kicked off the blankets. Nicole drowsily crawled out of bed as sunlight streamed through the window, warming her skin.
"Beautiful weather today! Perfect for making money."
Nicole threw on a jacket, hummed a cheerful tune, and walked briskly from her room. A delicious aroma wafting up from downstairs caught her attention.
"Suddenly I'm starving... Let's see what they've cooked up so early."
Clutching her flat stomach to quiet its protests, she hurried downstairs.
"Nicole, you're finally awake. I was just about to wake you."
Anby sat primly on the sofa, her small feet swinging gently. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, she turned slowly.
"What do you mean 'finally'! Making it sound like I'm lazy! I work tirelessly for the Cunning Hares every day. What's wrong with sleeping a bit longer when I'm so busy?"
Nicole lightly flicked Anby's forehead, tilting her chin up in mock indignation.
"Morning, Nicole."
Ye Qingfeng carried four steamer baskets over, setting them casually on the table. Still wearing his apron, he settled into the most comfortable armchair.
Yesterday, besides purchasing daily necessities, he had suggested buying kitchen supplies. Nicole had approved the expense, recognizing them as essential items. They had even made a trip to the market.
All the ingredients were acquired thanks to Nicole's formidable haggling skills.
"Hey now! That's my spot... reserved for the boss of the Cunning Hares!"
Nicole struck a authoritative pose, then suddenly relented. "But since I'm so understanding, I'll let you have it... Ahem, how much Denny did you get from the Public Security Bureau yesterday?"
"Qingfeng! What did you make? It smells wonderful!" Anby's eyes remained fixed on the steamer baskets. "Can we eat now?"
"Go ahead. They're steamed buns and shumai! Be careful, they're hot." Ye Qingfeng spoke gently, like an caring older brother well completely ignoring Nicole question he then turned to Nicole with a faint smile.
"Since Nicole values this seat so much, how could I take what she loves? You sit here, Anby. Let's eat together!"
With that, Ye Qingfeng moved to sit beside Anby.
Anby opened one of the steamers. She picked up a piping hot bun and took a large bite. Overcome by the heat, she puffed little breaths through her parted lips. "Meat buns, they are so good."
[Ding! Anby's favorability +5%. Current: 20%]
Ye Qingfeng chuckled at her reaction. "I'll get some milk from the refrigerator."
Nearby, Nicole stood frozen, confused by Ye Qingfeng's earlier ignorance.
"Boss Nicole, aren't you hungry?"
After finishing her bun, Anby finally noticed Nicole standing there. She picked up two buns and offered one to her.
"Here's your milk." Ye Qingfeng returned with three bottles, handing one to Anby before offering another to Nicole. "And one for you, Nicole..."
Seeing Nicole still motionless, he simply placed the milk in her hand. He sat beside Anby, accepted the bun meant for Nicole, and took a substantial bite himself. He then finally answered Nicole question calmly recounted yesterday's events.
Naturally, he omitted most details involving Zhu Yan, concluding his story after leaving the Public Security Bureau without mentioning subsequent encounters.
Guilt washed over Nicole's features. She had assumed Ye Qingfeng had deceived the Public Security Bureau out of a substantial sum. Having forgotten about it last night, then seeing the Cunning Hares' desperate financial situation this morning, she had felt compelled to target his reward money.
Now she felt genuinely remorseful.
"Well..."
Though she felt her actions were somewhat justified by circumstances, the fact that she had considered taking advantage of a new member so quickly made her cheeks flush with shame. She felt awkward whether she stayed or left.
"There's 300,000 Denny on this card. Use it for now." Ye Qingfeng, seeming to understand Nicole's dilemma, placed a card on the table before her. "Let's eat breakfast before it gets cold."
Having survived years on New Eridu's streets, Nicole was nobody's fool. Similarly, Ye Qingfeng's three years among serious offenders had sharpened his perception.
He recognized the Cunning Hares' financial struggles and appreciated their hardships. More importantly, they had genuinely welcomed him.
Before his imprisonment, Ye Qingfeng had constantly pursued money. But those three years inside had diminished his attachment to wealth.
Besides, the Cunning Hares provided food and shelter, and he currently had no pressing need for large sums.
Consider it repayment for Nicole bringing him into the Cunning Hares...
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