Chapter 66: Care Hidden in the Shadows

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Zhong Yuxiu recalled the speeches she had listened to during her time at the interstellar academy: “A speech is nothing more than a personal reflection, a semester summary, words of motivation and encouragement, and hopes or expectations for the future. Just write around these points, and it will be fine.”

Luo Ban seemed to consider her words, then nodded after a moment.

“Once I’ve written it, may I bring it to you for your review?”

Zhong Yuxiu smiled softly. “Of course. Bring it to me when you’re ready, and I’ll take a look at it. It’s getting late, you should return to your dormitory and get some rest.”

“Thank you.” Luo Ban stood up and said, “Sorry to have delayed your return home. Please take care on your way.”

“Thank you for your concern. See you tomorrow.”

After Luo Ban left, Zhong Yuxiu gathered her things, locked the door, and headed downstairs.

Hao Nan appeared from the side staircase, joining her. From the other side, Tian Shangguo caught up with them before they reached the bottom.

They walked out of the campus and onto the empty street. Hao Nan asked, “Comrade Zhong, will you be attending classes at the school again tomorrow evening?”

“Yes,” Zhong Yuxiu replied, glancing back at him through the dim light before continuing on. “I’ll probably need to go for another three or four days. If you have anything you need, you can let me know.”

“All right, we understand.”

They walked in silence until they neared the compound, where the lights shone brightly.

The gate guard recognized them, and the three entered the compound smoothly. The night was bright as day, the paths illuminated by the electric glow.

The Zhong family’s small building stood silent and dark. Tian Shangguo moved ahead to unlock the door and switched on the lights inside. The sudden brightness filled the entire hall, including the dining area.

Outside, in the shadows, a tall and imposing man watched as the hall lit up, his gaze flickering. He had no intention of going inside; once he was certain the owner had returned, he turned and left. At last, he could sleep easily tonight.

Zhong Yuxiu walked to the sofa and sat down, exhaling a long breath and letting her body relax. Hao Nan closed the door, fetched three cups of warm water, and brought one to Zhong Yuxiu first.

“Comrade Zhong, please have some water.”

“Thank you.” She raised her hand to take it, sipping lightly. The cup warmed her hands. “I’m a bit hungry. Are the two of you hungry as well? I’ll have Goudan prepare us a midnight snack.”

Hao Nan hesitated, lips moving slightly. He was, in fact, rather hungry.

“Thank you, Comrade Zhong.”

“I’ll call Goudan.” Zhong Yuxiu smiled, set down her cup, and headed upstairs. At her door, she entered and closed it behind her. “Goudan, I’m home.”

“Welcome back, Master.” Goudan emerged from the laboratory. “Master, you look weary. You should rest well. You’re a beautiful woman and must always stay lovely.”

“Even when I’m tired, my looks haven’t suffered.” The original owner’s features were delicate and charming; even weariness could not make her unattractive.

“Master is right. Now you’re the kind of pitiful beauty who can move others to tears.”

Zhong Yuxiu’s mouth twitched. “That’s what you call a white lotus, not a beauty. It’s frightening how little you know.”

Goudan tucked his hands behind him, shaking his head in a very human way. “Is that so? Based on my original data and the programs you’ve installed, I am far more knowledgeable than most people. I am a robot standing on the shoulders of giants.”

“Cheeky,” Zhong Yuxiu said, pushing aside his mechanical head. “I’m hungry, and so are Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo. Right now, we’re counting on you—our giant-shouldered, knowledgeable Goudan—to feed us.”

“Yes, Master. Certainly, Master. No problem, Master.”

Shaking her head, Zhong Yuxiu led Goudan downstairs. “Make plenty. We all have big appetites.”

Sleep comes easily on a full stomach; it’s hard to doze off hungry.

Beep beep beep. Sensing outsiders, Goudan automatically entered mute robot mode and headed to the kitchen.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo watched the kitchen. Every time they saw Goudan, they couldn’t help but feel he was almost human; the more time they spent together, the stronger this impression became.

Zhong Yuxiu glanced at them but did not stop their observation. What did it matter if they saw? As long as Goudan didn’t speak, no one would ever know his true nature. Whatever kind of robot she said he was, that’s what he would be.

No arguments allowed.

Using the ingredients on hand, Goudan prepared three bowls of shredded pork noodles: clear broth, the noodles topped with pork and garnished with seasonings, all served on a tray in three large bowls.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo immediately got up to receive the tray.

“We’ll take it, we’ll take it. Thank you for the midnight snack, Goudan.”

Goudan remained in place, hands still in the tray-carrying pose. Zhong Yuxiu smiled when she saw this. “Goudan, please heat some water for me. I’ll soak my feet in a bit.”

Beep. With the order received, Goudan turned and headed to the bathroom, fetched a wooden basin, and then returned to the kitchen.

Zhong Yuxiu walked to the dining table and, along with Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo, finished the noodles. Her face, chilled by the wind outside, finally felt warm again.

Tian Shangguo carried the bowls and chopsticks to the kitchen to wash. Upon entering, he saw Goudan standing by the stove. “You don’t need to stand guard here, Goudan, just keep an eye on things.”

Beep.

“Just come back in when the water’s hot,” Tian Shangguo said, finishing the washing and heading back to the hall. “Comrade Zhong, Hao Nan and I will wash up and sleep first. You should rest early, too.”

Comrade Zhong’s mind was a priceless treasure.

“All right, you two go ahead,” Zhong Yuxiu replied.

Tian Shangguo nodded and went upstairs with Hao Nan to fetch their clothes, then entered the bathroom.

With nothing else to do, Zhong Yuxiu leaned back on the sofa and closed her eyes to rest, attempting to hone her mental strength. She couldn’t advance further yet, but she could make her control more refined and skillful.

Beep beep beep.

Zhong Yuxiu opened her eyes. At some point, Goudan had approached, carrying a steaming wooden basin. She had been so focused on her training that she hadn’t noticed. Only at home could she let down her guard like this; she would never dare to do so outside.

“Set it down. I’ll soak my feet.”

Goudan silently placed the basin, then squatted as if to wash her feet for her.

Zhong Yuxiu quickly stopped him. “You can’t touch such hot water with your mechanical hands—it would damage your circuitry.”

Beep beep beep.

“All right, go upstairs and bring down my change of clothes. I’ll need them for my bath later.”

Beep. Only then did Goudan desist and head upstairs. Shortly after, he returned with a set of daily clothes—since there were no pajamas, she’d have to wear casual clothes after her bath.

Hao Nan and Tian Shangguo opened the bathroom door, and a wave of steam poured out. Goudan tilted his mechanical head, scanned the area with his sensors, then returned to Zhong Yuxiu’s side.

“Comrade Zhong, we’re off to bed. Good night,” Hao Nan said.

Zhong Yuxiu looked back and smiled softly. “Sleep early.”

“Good night,” Tian Shangguo replied with a slight nod.

The two went upstairs together, and with their absence, the living room seemed quieter and a little colder.

Goudan could not speak, and Zhong Yuxiu had no desire to talk either. After soaking her feet, she took the clothes from Goudan and went to the bathroom to wash up. Goudan took the basin, emptied it, washed it clean, and put it away.

“Goudan, go upstairs and make my bed, then charge and go on standby.”

Beep beep.

With the command given, Goudan followed her instructions precisely.