27: Chapter 27 Solitude

Afternoon.

"Is it just the two of us today?"

"Just the two of us..." Ayanami grabbed his wrist and pulled him into her room.

For today, she had specifically gone to look up the games the Commander used to play.

The results were quite surprising.

Moving from one prison to another, even a game like Hearts of Iron IV was considered relatively easy with a short gameplay cycle.

A Hardcore Gamer, Ayanami thought helplessly.

Of course, at least he still knew how to enjoy himself.

"What would the Commander like to eat?"

She took drinks from her small refrigerator and rummaged through drawers for various snacks—all unbranded. Li Ming had specifically opened a production line for their entertainment after they arrived, but at least the taste and health standards were guaranteed.

Li Ming waved his hand in refusal. After Fujian began his training, she had controlled his diet—partly for weight loss and partly for proper nutritional intake. Simply put, he could eat what he was supposed to, but everything else was restricted.

Ayanami didn't insist. Regarding her Commander... her oath partner, her husband, and the person closest to her, she wanted to understand him more deeply.

Taking advantage of the end of his training, she had gone to Fujian to ask for control over his entire afternoon.

Hu Jian had this morning's "training" alone with the Commander, and Laffey monopolized the Commander's sleeping time. The remaining time was squeezed by the Commander's own various affairs. Honestly, Ayanami felt...

The Commander is really busy.

It seems that after we arrived, he hasn't had any time for himself at all.

Her gaze fell back on the Commander; he was currently surveying her room.

Although Ayanami was a girl who loved games, she hadn't yet upgraded to a shut-in. Although her room wasn't meticulously maintained, it wasn't messy either.

According to Z23's experience, as long as she acted a bit firm... maybe not even firm, Li Ming would accept her requests.

She took out a spare laptop and held it out to Li Ming with both hands.

"Commander, play with me." Expressionless.

"Eh?" Li Ming was stunned for a moment, but he still took the laptop.

"Play what?" Li Ming asked. Muscle memory forced him to open the computer.

"Is there anything the Commander wants to play?" Ayanami tilted her head and looked at him.

Li Ming fell silent. He hadn't played computer games for a long time. The time was probably since the latter half of his second year in high school during exam preparation?

"I... I don't know what to play." Li Ming shook his head and looked at Ayanami, "Is there anything you want to play?"

"Let's try red alert first." Ayanami turned on her desktop, "Does the Commander still remember how to play?"

"Of course!" At the mention of red alert, Li Ming got excited, "I've been playing red alert since I was four!"

Enthusiastically, he opened Mental Omega, started LAN mode, and set up a one-on-one on the ceasefire line.

Then he was slaughtered.

Then it was best of three...

Best of five...

Li Ming waved his hand, "You're good, I really can't beat you!"

He stretched, "I'm done, I don't want to look for more abuse..."

"Then how about playing a co-op game?"

"Co-op?" Li Ming thought for a moment, "Sure, but my skill level is very poor."

As it turned out, it wasn't just poor; it was absolutely terrible. Although Ayanami's skill level could always save the day, Li Ming, who had a "clear self-awareness," saw Ayanami go from relaxed at the beginning to serious later on, and he knew he was putting pressure on her.

Unknowingly, he was dragging her down.

——————

In the end, the two of them watched anime together.

Ayanami had seen most of the old anime, but for Li Ming, who had basically never watched anime, it was a standard rarity.

Ayanami's mind wasn't on the anime. Looking at the Commander who was engrossed in watching, Ayanami felt strangely complicated.

He was trying his best.

He was working hard to chase after something, even if that goal seemed a bit foolish.

But she knew very well who he was doing it for and why.

"Commander, what happened to the scar on your left arm?"

She finally decided to lay her cards on the table and ask about what she wanted to know.

"Oh, this? It's just a utility knife, it's nothing."

"It is something." Ayanami stood up, holding his left hand and blocking his gaze.

"Commander, as your wife, I have an obligation to understand your difficulties and troubles... and to get through them with you."

"...Ah?" Li Ming was stunned.

She gripped his hand tightly; his hand was very rough.

He finally reacted, smiling bitterly as he tried to deflect.

Her attitude was very firm. He had already confessed to them, but he could not accept himself.

But if emotions were measured by ability, then what would be the point of all this?

She held his hand against her face.

Li Ming felt her determination, just like everyone who had ever cared for him with various intentions, but this time, she was pure.

He couldn't feel the hearts of others, but he believed she would be like this.

He decided to trust his decision for once.

She sat back down, but this time they were very close, leaving Li Ming with a question.

Wife or hot-blooded anime, which is more important?

Although he really wanted to choose the hot-blooded anime, as expected, his wife was more important.

This wasn't betrayal; it was a difficult choice.

After all, she was leaning against him now, gradually occupying his whole body, just like when Laffey slept.

He didn't hate this feeling. The thoughts in his heart were like a joke, completely forgotten at this moment, only wanting to indulge in this beautiful moment.

What a terrible guy I am; in any other world setting, girls would definitely have come after me with a wood-chopping knife.

Li Ming narrowed his eyes and cast his gaze toward the corner of the room.

That was her rigging, a Ship-Slaying Sword, the tool she used to protect everything she cherished.

I also want to protect you all just as you protect me.

If all this... if you are all real, I will do everything in my power.

I hope by then I will be able to protect you.

The fatigue accumulating every day turned into substance, and his body, unable to sleep due to anxiety, reached its limit.

His consciousness drifted away along with her scent.

He fell asleep, Ayanami watched as his breathing gradually became steady, and she gently pinched his face.

So rough, it seems he hasn't protected himself like this normally.

Gently bringing a blanket to cover him, Ayanami thought for a moment and then gently crawled into the covers as well.

I don't need you to be strong, nor do you need to be gentle. Once you led us toward the future, and now we will protect you as you continue to grow.

Until forever.

And today, this afternoon, please allow me to be a bit greedy and monopolize you.

I finally understand how Laffey feels. This feeling... it really is addictive.

...

...