【Interstellar Contract Magician】Ruyuanke

Chapter 345 [Empire] Rare Warmth

"Nightingale, your words really sound like poisonous chicken soup." I looked at him, a self-deprecating smile on the corner of my mouth, and a hint of helplessness in my tone.

Nightingale raised an eyebrow and shrugged lightly, a hint of sarcasm curving into the corner of his mouth. "Poisonous chicken soup? Kid, do you think you're drinking clearing tea or honey water?" He leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes filled with his usual playful amusement. "There's no sweet soup left in this world anymore. Do you think you'll ever hear any kind of heartfelt advice?"

I rolled my eyes, too lazy to argue with him, but in my heart I had to admit that his words did hit home. Nightingale was always like this, his words were full of cold reality, but it was impossible to completely refute them.

"So, you've been relying on this kind of chicken soup to get through all this time?" I asked back unwillingly, trying to save some face.

His smile deepened, a hint of smugness threatening to spill out. "That's about right. However, for me, this bowl of soup isn't poison. It's a 'life-saving remedy.'" He spoke lightly, with a hint of disapproval. "It's your business if you don't like it, but when your life is at stake, you'll find that this 'toxic chicken soup' is more effective than you think."

I looked at him speechlessly, feeling that discussing this kind of topic with him was a complete waste of time. But I couldn't help but admire his nonchalant attitude—no matter what the situation was, he could always find a reason to persevere, even if it didn't sound very appealing.

"Okay, you have a point." I finally compromised and patted my face. "Poisonous chicken soup is poisonous chicken soup. As long as it keeps me alive, it's better than starving to death."

Nightingale nodded in satisfaction and patted my shoulder like an elder. "That's right, kid. Remember, all soups in the world are poisonous, the only difference is whether you know how to drink it. If you drink it right, it can take you a long way."

There was a hint of teasing in his tone, yet also a touch of seriousness. It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps what he was saying wasn't entirely toxic chicken soup, but rather his own unique way of living—cold, realistic, yet practical enough.

"Looks like I have to learn to drink more of this soup." I sighed, a helpless smile on my face. "Although it doesn't taste good, it's indeed... quite useful."

"I'm glad you understand." Nightingale turned and walked forward, waving her hand. "Let's go, kid. There's even more unpalatable 'soup' waiting for you ahead."

I followed him with a wry smile, but secretly decided in my heart that no matter how bad it tasted, I would survive and finish this bowl of soup.

"No wonder you are in charge of recruiting people for the team. You have great potential to be a mentor." I teased him half-seriously as I stepped forward.

Nightingale snorted coldly upon hearing this, his tone filled with his usual disdain: "What do you take me for? Do you think I'm doing this with you just to cultivate a 'genius' like you?"

"You got implicated by me." I laughed and continued in a relaxed tone, as if I was talking about an insignificant matter.

Nightingale paused, glanced sideways at me, and a helpless smile played on his lips. He seemed to be about to retort, but ultimately shook his head, his tone adding a hint of joking: "You're right—whether you're worth it or not, I really took a gamble."

I turned around with a mischievous look in my eyes: "So, do you think it's worth it?"

Nightingale actually smiled this time. His smile was unusually gentle, yet it held a certain elusive depth. "I guess so. After all, it's quite fun to mess around with a troublesome brat like you."

I pursed my lips and smiled, not asking any further questions. We both knew that this statement was his recognition of me, a kind of tacit approval of our journey together. This tacit understanding was perhaps part of the power that had sustained me to this point.

As the night breeze gently blew past, I felt an indescribable warmth welling up from deep within my heart. Although the road ahead was still full of unknowns, at this moment, I knew I was not alone.

"Alright, mentor." I deliberately emphasized my tone and looked at him seriously. "Since you think it's worth it, don't say I'm a burden to you in the future."

Nightingale shook her head and laughed, then raised her hand to ruffle my hair. "Don't be so proud, little brat. If you're really worth it, you should let me worry less."

"Don't worry, I will try my best." I replied to him with a smile, my tone was light but with a hint of seriousness.

Our footsteps gradually melted into the night, and everything around us seemed to be quiet. The aftermath of the mission, the unsolved mysteries, and those inevitable responsibilities were temporarily put aside.

At least at this moment, Nightingale and I tacitly chose to enjoy this brief peace - and a rare bit of warmth.