Chapter 28: The Long-Term Plan and a New Recruitment

‘Hmm…’

Xiao Xi fell into deep thought.

Although the difficulty was immense, it wasn’t necessarily an impossible task.

He took a deep breath, then slowly, painstakingly, began to withdraw his other arm.

One percent progress.

Ten percent.

Fifty percent.

Seventy percent.

Ninety percent.

One hundred percent!

Success!

Xiao Xi let out a sigh of relief. He glanced up at Sister Yuan, who remained in a deep slumber, clearly exhausted.

Deciding to leave Sister Yuan undisturbed, Xiao Xi turned his head towards the window. Facing the two figures outside, he raised both arms above his head, forming a heart shape.

Phew~

‘That should be enough, right?’

‘But why the heart gesture? Was that part of the battle plan too?’

“Pfft~”

Senior Sister pointed at Xiao Xi inside the room, giggling incessantly at Xiao Meng. “Look, look! Big Brother’s heart gesture!”

“No, no, I’m not looking! Get him out here, Senior Sister! Don’t we have important things to discuss? Hurry… let’s talk business!”

Xiao Meng huffed, turning her head away, though she secretly tried to peek inside. Senior Sister smiled faintly, then picked up a walkie-talkie and called into the room: “Xiao Xi, Xiao Xi, calling Xiao Xi! While Sister Yuan is asleep, come out and talk with us.”

Huh?

Inside, Xiao Xi was caught off guard by the instruction. ‘Come out and talk? Uh…’

‘I can’t move, can I?’

‘If I get up, will my sister really not wake up?’

Xiao Xi nervously glanced at his sister again. Her eyes remained closed, yet he was genuinely afraid. What if she woke up the moment he stood? How would he explain himself?

‘Sneaking around like this, it definitely wouldn’t look like I was doing anything good. Sister would surely think that, wouldn’t she?’

‘Hmm…’

“No, I can’t… Sister’s asleep, and she’s hugging me. I can’t move.”

Xiao Xi tried his best to lower his voice, hoping to communicate with Senior Sister while his sister slept, without waking her. Couldn’t they just say whatever it was over the walkie-talkie?

“Pfft, Xiao Xi, you even managed to make a heart gesture, and you’re saying you can’t move? Haven’t you already unknowingly broken free?”

Senior Sister cleared her throat before continuing: “There are some things I need to discuss with you and Xiao Meng in person. It’s best if you come out. If you get caught when you go back, just say you went to the restroom. It’ll be fine.”

Uh…

Xiao Xi looked down at himself. Indeed, it seemed he had unknowingly slipped out of his sister’s embrace. He was free to move now.

‘Ahem, since Senior Sister has something to discuss, I suppose I should try.’

Xiao Xi carefully steadied himself against the table in front of him, slowly rising from Sister Yuan’s arms. He glanced back at his sister, who slept so peacefully.

Relieved, Xiao Xi turned back around and slowly exited the room. Only after he had completely left the shop did he finally let out a breath, quickly jogging towards Senior Sister.

As he reached Senior Sister, she grabbed both Xiao Xi and Xiao Meng, pulling them behind a flower bed. Standing before Senior Sister, they suddenly felt a little awkward.

Senior Sister…

Uh, she wore a mischievous grin at the moment, but it didn’t seem… particularly angry.

“Ahem!” Senior Sister cleared her throat and announced, “Tonight’s operation is pretty much concluded here. As for the results… well, we’ve accumulated rich experience?”

“Uh… doesn’t that just mean no progress at all?” Xiao Xi muttered from the side. Senior Sister playfully patted his head and asked benignly, “And whose fault do you think that is? Hmm? Xiao Xi-chan?”

“Ahem…” Xiao Xi turned his head away, not daring to speak further. Gao Meiyou was rather pleased with his reaction; at least his attitude of admitting guilt was sincere.

“Of course, I bear some responsibility too. Next time, we’ll learn from our mistakes.”

“N-next… next time?” Xiao Xi looked up at Senior Sister, who returned a confident smile. “That’s right! Next time. Are you perhaps thinking of giving up, Xiao Xi?”

“No… I… I just thought Senior Sister would be very busy and might not… help again.” Xiao Xi stammered. He had never expected Senior Sister to be so patient, to care so much about his personal affairs, especially when she had so many others seeking her help.

“Well~ I never give up on anyone who asks for help, unless they willingly give up themselves. So, Xiao Xi, I won’t stop until you choose to give up. Hmm… dealing with that woman, Sister Yuan, is indeed more complicated than I anticipated. She truly lives up to her reputation as a school celebrity.”

“In that case, our plan will proceed as I originally intended. This will be a long-term strategy, possibly taking several months or even a year or two? Hmph hmph, either way, I’ll keep helping. Xiao Xi, Xiao Meng, you must both be patient!”

“While I did consider the option of you simply running away from home, I figured you wouldn’t have anywhere to go, and after all, that’s still your home. Moreover, evasion is only a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. Therefore, Xiao Xi, I believe continuing our battle plan is necessary. This is absolutely the optimal solution to the problem, so please trust me!”

“So… to ensure the long-term implementation of our plan, I would like to… Xiao Xi, Xiao Meng, I want to invite you both to join the Volunteer Club. While I’m helping you, you can also assist me with some tasks, which will give me more time to advance the plan. Would you be willing to join the Volunteer Club?”

After Senior Sister’s effusive speech, delivered with twinkling eyes, both Xiao Xi and Shi Meng felt a surge of emotion. They had never imagined Senior Sister would go to such lengths, even preparing to help them for several months, or even a year or two.

‘Alright then. Since Senior Sister cares so much about my situation, Xiao Xi felt he had no reason to refuse. The Volunteer Club… the Volunteer Club!’

‘Why do I get the feeling Senior Sister just wants to recruit people?’

Ahem!

‘That’s not important! The point is, contributions are mutual. Therefore, it’s our undeniable duty to restore the glory of the Volunteer Club!’

Xiao Xi and Shi Meng nodded, signifying their agreement. Senior Sister smiled, extending her hand and offering them two membership application forms. “Then—welcome, my new members! From now on, I won’t be a lone commander. You must listen to Senior Sister, alright~”

Hiss—

‘Why does Xiao Xi feel… Senior Sister’s tone is a bit like his sister’s now…’

However, despite that…

‘Xiao Xi actually quite liked hearing that tone.’

“Please… please take care of us, Senior Sister…” Xiao Xi bowed. Xiao Meng followed suit. “Senior Sister, I… I’m a bit clumsy, so I’ll leave my brother’s matters to you.”

“Phew~ Don’t worry, Xiao Xi. When you’re at home… don’t overthink things. Just live normally. When it’s time for the operation, just follow my command. And… we’ll disband here tonight. Everyone go home. Xiao Xi still needs to go back with Sister Yuan. What about you, Xiao Meng? Going with them? You can just say you happened to run into them.”

“I…” Shi Meng hesitated, then shook her head. “I’ll go home first. Brother… you and Sister, come back early. I’ll wait for you at home.”

“Alright… I’m heading back…” Xiao Xi nodded, turned, and headed towards the milk tea shop!