Something's Off with You

"Watch it, you're splashing urine on my feet."

"There are still plenty of seats over there. Why are you leaning so close to me? Trying to sneak a peek? Not that I'm conceited, but I guarantee my presence will make you feel inferior."

"..."

Alice: "...She continued to lie down and rest.

The next day,The group had breakfast and continued to move weapons. Each box was heavy, so the moving process was slow.

Fletcher was strong, still lively and energetic today. While others could make two trips, he could make three.

Alice observed everyone and quietly said to Hurley, "Fletcher is pretty good. You could put in a good word for him with the Base Commander when we get back."

"What's so good about him? He's just brawn with no brains," Hurley frowned, showing his disapproval.

Alice, who had just read a novel about a domineering CEO last night, scrutinized him for a moment before blurting out, "Something's off with you!"In the CEO novel, this behavior from the male lead would be interpreted as jealousy, but Hurley wasn't jealous of anything.

Hurley paused in his drinking motion and asked calmly, "What do you mean something's off?"

Alice raised an eyebrow, "Honestly, are you jealous that Fletcher is capable, and it's bothering you?"

"Nonsense," Hurley remained calm and handed her the water bottle, "I'm going to move weapons. The kettle is empty, could you fill it up for me?"

Alice shrugged, found an empty spot, and took out a chilled bottle of mineral water from her spatial storage, then poured it into his kettle.When she returned, she saw Hurley carrying a box down the hill, looking relaxed.

Alice looked on in astonishment, then went to help move weapons. Each box weighed differently, but they all felt heavier than the last.After several rounds, Alice was exhausted, but Hurley seemed to have endless energy, as if it was never depleted.

By the end of the day, they had emptied two-thirds of the weapons cache, leaving one-third for the next day.Fortunately, the trucks were large enough; they had filled two and still had one empty truck.

Alice was sweating heavily today, feeling sticky and uncomfortable, she needed a shower.She glanced around inside the truck, folded up the chairs, and took out a collapsible bathtub, pouring in half a bucket of hot water.Since there were others around, she couldn't use body wash or shampoo, so she settled for a simple rinse, better than nothing.After showering, she packed up the bathtub and then took out a rechargeable electric fan to dry her hair.Once everything was done, she stepped out of the truck. At this moment, Hurley walked towards her, still wearing the same dirty clothes from today's work.

Alice asked first, "Would you like to take a shower?"She still had unused bathtubs in her storage, with both cold and hot water available. If he wanted to shower, it wouldn't be a problem."I just need an empty bucket. They said there's well water over there. I'll fetch water and wash up in the empty house nearby," Hurley said.

Alice turned back to the car, took out two buckets from her spatial storage, then got out of the car and said, "I've already washed up. Could you bring me a bucket of water as well?"

"Sure, wait for me," Hurley said before going to fetch water for her.

Among the convoy, Alice was the only girl. Even if she washed up in the car, no one would say anything. But men were much more casual; they could find a spot and wash up anywhere, not caring if anyone saw.

When Hurley brought the water back, he couldn't help but caution, "They're bathing over there. You'd better not go."

Alice looked at him speechlessly. "Do I look like a peeping tom to you?"Why would she go over there when they were bathing?Compared to Hurley, those men were nothing in terms of physique.With this thought, Alice's gaze inadvertently lingered on him, gradually becoming meaningful.

Hurley: "..."

Alice only took a bath and hadn't had dinner yet. It was a good time to eat while they were away.Tonight, she planned to have fried rice with shrimp, along with a plate of pork and a plate of blanched vegetables.She prepared a portion and sent it to Hurley.By the time she was full and satisfied, they returned from bathing.

Someone noticed that Alice's car was tightly covered with curtains and made some cheeky remarks.

"Why cover it up so tightly? We can't see anything. If you're so shy, just don't come out with us."

"Yeah, if you're coming, there should be a dozen women. That would be fair."

"I heard your plan, kid. But one woman is indeed not enough. Too many wolves and too little meat to go around."

"Hahaha..."

"Bang~"The laughter abruptly ceased as the man struck by the water bucket angrily lifted his head. "Hurley, why did you throw that at me?" 

"Just because you're bullying a teammate, I can't just stand by," Hurley's handsome face darkened, his black eyes glaring coldly.

Emory rubbed his sore head and grew increasingly angry. Eventually, he charged forward regardless, baring his teeth and swinging his fist towards Hurley's face.

Hurley smirked coldly and effortlessly kicked him away.

Emory crashed heavily onto the ground. Having just taken a shower, he was only wearing shorts, and the exposed parts of his body were scratched by the stones. He angrily got up, clutching his waist, his eyes glaring crimson at Hurley.

Fletcher and others quickly stepped in to restrain him. "We're all part of the same team. Let's talk things out instead of fighting."

Others couldn't understand, but Fletcher knew that Hurley and Alice were 'a couple'. Emory's jokes had crossed a line, and it was no wonder Hurley was angry.

The others also realized this and immediately stopped Emory. "You've got a foul mouth. Don't talk nonsense next time."

Although they said that, those who had been joking just now were also feeling a bit guilty.

Emory spat on the ground, pushed away those restraining him, and left.

The others dispersed as well.

Hurley picked up the bucket and placed it in the trunk. As he opened the car door, he noticed a hot dinner waiting for him.

A faint smile appeared on Hurley's handsome face as he picked it up. Upon inspection, it contained two meat dishes and one vegetable dish, all of which he liked.He wasn't picky about food, and his eating habits were similar to Alice's.

Hurley started eating right away. After a busy day, he was truly hungry.

Meanwhile, Alice was not unaware of the recent conflict. Men just liked to joke around without restraint. She hadn't intended to pay it any mind, but she was surprised to find that Hurley was even angrier than she was.

Alice's lips curled slightly upwards as she continued lying down, reading her manga. With something to distract her, time flew by quickly.

Almost every night, when it was time, Alice would voluntarily put down her electronic devices and prepare to sleep.

In the middle of the night, the faint rustling sound outside resumed. Alice thought someone was getting up to use the restroom, so she paid it no mind.