4 {Arc 1} Part 3: Then It is Decided

"X-Xie Ye...why...w-why?"

"You should have already know why..."

"I-I...look, Xie Ye...I'm—"

"Sorry? Sister. You should know my attitude toward what you did, so why are still asking me to join you?"

"I just want to keep you safe Xie Ye. Come on, it will be safer with me. You are the only actual family I have left, please come with me!"

"What about them? I know what you did. They are gone, they are really gone." Xin Ying stared at her coldly.

"I...they...they deserve it. Do you know what they are actually like? Okay, now, Xie Ye, we can talk about this another time. Come with me and my group. I don't want to leave you alone or with others. This is the apocalypse and you are my brother, it's better for siblings to stay together during a time like this. It is my duty to take care of you."

The other 5 people stood at the sidelines, deciding to not intervene and just watched the siblings argue. It seems to be a family matter.

"No."

"Xie..."

"Just no."

Xie Hua stopped nagging him for a moment, before she started to speak again. This time, her voice was unlike the pleading and gentle voice she used before—her voice was clear and stern.

"Xie Ye. We are going. Now." Xie Hua glared at him, her eyes showed danger. It was as if she would attack at any moment.

Despite her changing methods and try intimating him to come with her, Xin Ying still didn't cooperate. If Xie Hua really had a brother named Xie Ye, then Xie Ye would have probably listen to her. But she doesn't.

This persona is made especially for Xin Ying, so any choice he made will not raise the suspicion of him being a world-traveler—but there are some exceptions. But still, the system basically has that covered.

"No. You can go with your friends. I do not want to stay with you."

"Xie Ye...Xie Ye, you don't have a choice, you have to go with me. They are dead, so I'm your closest family and as an older sister, I am responsible—"

"Miss Xie? Can you please stop? I know that he is your brother, but can you please stop using family as an excuse?"

Everyone turned to the voice. It was Gu Sha that had spoken. Jin Fei nodded, agreeing with her best friend.

"From what I heard, you seem to have done something wrong. I'm not accusing you, but from what that boy said, it seems like you had...perhaps you had kill some people...?"

Xie Hua's eyes widen a bit, "Wh—what...no...I..." She stuttered.

Jin Fei sharply glared at her.

"It...It was...they deserved it." The black haired girl closed her eyes for a few seconds before opening them again, looking determined.

"Pfft, ha ha ha!" A laugh startled everyone.

They all looked at the person who laughed—Xin Ying—alarmingly.

The boy had a small smile, his royal blue eyes shimmered slightly. Both the charming smile and shimmer in his eyes disappeared after a moment and was replaced by the boy's usual nonchalance.

The others dazedly continued to stare at him.

"Excuse me. I just can't control myself for a moment there." Xin Ying let out a small sigh, "Anyway, thank you for speaking up for me, Ms. Gu. And...Xie Hua...I told you, I do not want to go with you and your group. I will probably just be a burden."

"Xie Ye...but then...won't you be alone? Or do you already have a group?" Xie Hua finally backed down.

Lei Ziyuan was still dazed from the boy's smile, he snapped back to attention when Xie Hua spoke. He tried to stepped in, but it was futile, as Xie Hua quickly stopped him from going further.

"He can join my group—"

"Absolutely not. No offense Mr. Lei, but due to the conflicts between our teams, I do not think that it is a good idea for my brother to join you."

"Ah...I understand. Sorry." Lei Ziyuan apologized, flashing another smile to hide the annoyance and bitterence he felt at her objection.

Shen Yu looked at the boy, unable to believe that he was dazed by just a smile earlier. And it was just the smile of a...a 16 years old youth...the age where they are all rebellious and annoying...

The boy is kind of odd though...hm...

"I will be fine by myself, Xie Hua."

"No, that's—"

"Why don't he come with us?"

Gu Sha smiled kindly at Xie Hua. "Me and Jin Fei had decided to join those two's group. Your brother can join the group with us. Is that a feasible idea?" She pointed at Peng Jiren and Shen Yu.

Xie Hua didn't reject Gu Sha's suggestion. The teen's instinct told her that Gu Sha is a reliable person, unlike Lei ZIyuan. Xie Hua's instinct had screamed deceit and falsehood when Lei Ziyuan smiled.

Xie Hua trusts her instinct. It was something that had kept her alive and willful. It was something she know she can rely on. It's definitely more reliable than her biological parents...

She looked at her brother, he didn't object. Seems like he's fine with it.

"Thank you! Please take care of him for me. Xie Ye may seem a bit cold, but he's a great child. I'm sure he can help you in some ways."

Gu Sha smiled, the young woman's smile warmed Xie Hua. "Then it is decided."

Xie Hua gave Xin Ying a long hug, she then thanked Gu Sha, Jin Fei, Peng Jiren, and Shen Yu a few more times before leaving.

Lei Ziyuan left shortly after Xie Hua left.

The remaining five went inside to talk about team arrangements.