Chapter 249 - 141: Old Friend

Chapter 249: Chapter 141: Old Friend

Soon enough, he saw her near the familiar registration tent. Zhang Yun was leaning against a broken concrete pillar, her head lowered as she stared blankly at the ground. As Xu Mo drew a few steps closer and got a clear look at her profile, he was slightly taken aback.

There were dark circles under Zhang Yun’s eyes, which were also faintly bloodshot—she clearly hadn’t slept well. Her brow was furrowed, and a shadow of lingering worry clouded her face, a stark contrast to her usual sharp and capable demeanor. She didn’t even notice Xu Mo’s approach right away.

Xu Mo faltered. He realized her state was most likely due to his own uncharacteristic silence and distraction the day before. He hadn’t expected his bout of low spirits to affect his partner so directly. Her silent concern went far beyond what one would expect from a temporary partner. It surprised him and filled him with a surge of warmth, but more than anything, he felt a sense of guilt.

’I was so lost in my own gloomy predictions for the future that I completely ignored the feelings of the person right beside me. Zhang Yun lost her entire team and is struggling to survive in Jiang City on her own; she must already feel insecure. As the partner she’s come to trust, my behavior yesterday must have made her anxious, and it might have even dredged up some painful memories.’

Perhaps sensing his gaze, Zhang Yun lifted her head and looked blankly in his direction. Xu Mo didn’t walk over right away. Instead, from a few steps away, he swung his arm. A small pouch, simply folded from old newspaper, sailed through the air in a neat arc, flying steadily toward Zhang Yun.

Zhang Yun instinctively reached out and caught it. The pouch felt warm and had a bit of weight to it. She froze for a second, then lowered her head and opened it. Inside were three plump, white buns, wisps of steam still rising from them.

She looked up at Xu Mo, her eyes filled with confusion and a trace of worry that had yet to completely fade.

Xu Mo had already walked over, a hint of apology mixed in with his usual calm smile. His tone was light as he said, "I was preoccupied with something yesterday, a bit out of it. Sorry I made you worry. I passed someone selling buns on the way here this morning and bought a few for you, as an apology." He paused, his smile growing a little teasing. "Of course, if you still want to treat me to dinner today to make up for the grand meal I missed yesterday, I’ll definitely be there. I won’t say no."

Zhang Yun watched him, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, her expression softened into a faint, yet clearly relieved, smile. She let out a soft "hmph," her tone lilting. "In your dreams." Then, lowering her head, she took a hearty bite of the bun. The filling was a simple mix of wild greens and a little crumbled tofu. You couldn’t call it delicious, but it was steaming hot, seasoned just right, and offered the truest comfort that food could provide.

Seeing Zhang Yun start to eat, the shadow of worry on her face gradually dissipating in the food’s warmth, Xu Mo smiled as well.

"Come on, let’s go get our gear. We still have to check on that scorched patch of land today," Xu Mo said, gesturing toward the registration desk.

"Mm-hmm," Zhang Yun mumbled, her mouth full of bun, but she was already on her feet and following him.

As usual, the two of them collected their walkie-talkies, maps, and armbands. Their patrol zone for the day was, unsurprisingly, still the charred F-6 Sector. Yet for some reason, Xu Mo felt the sunlight was a little gentler than the day before, and the smell of the scorched earth underfoot no longer seemed so irritating.