This bad guy really doesn't know discretion

After I finish using the bathroom, I head outside where my brother is working out. The sun begins to sink below the horizon, tinting the sky an orange color. The training ground is alive with groups of soldiers in full exercise, their shouts and movements harmonizing into a rigorous choreography.

I spot my brother in the distance, his dusty uniform testifying to the intensity of the day's training. He sees me coming and approaches, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

-So, how did it go?, he asks me, his searching gaze searching for an honest answer.

I shrug my shoulders, trying to downplay the event. 

-Nothing special, I said evasively 

He nods, seeming to accept my answer without insisting. 

-Okay, it's time to eat. Shall we go to the canteen?

I respond with a simple "Yes," and we set off towards the canteen building. The sound of our footsteps on the gravel mixes with the echoes of military exercises in the background. 

-I'm glad you came, little brother, my brother suddenly admitted to me 

I look at him in surprise.

-I always wanted to invite you to come here, he said to me, but you never had the time

-I will make sure to come see you more often big brother, I smiled at him tenderly 

The canteen, a vast concrete building, stands before us, promising a moment of respite and comfort after a trying day.

As we enter, we are greeted by the tantalizing smell of food, a mix of simple yet nourishing dishes. The long tables are already occupied by other soldiers, their faces tired but satisfied. We take our seats with our trays, ready to share a moment of tranquility before obligations call us again.

-So what are they serving today?, asks my brother, with a smirk.

I glance at my tray. 

-Rice, chicken, vegetables. Nothing special, but it does the job.

He laughed softly, nodding. 

-Sometimes that's all you need.

We eat in silence for a few minutes, savoring the simplicity of the meal and the rare opportunity to chat.

-Aren't you tired of being a soldier?

-Yes, he told me, but I am happy to serve my country

-It's true that, saying that, it's a great goal, I replied while thinking. 

-Yeah, he smiled at me 

-But I think you might have to think about another career?, I admitted to him 

-Why?, he asked me, are you afraid that I will die 

-Yeah and on top of that I would like to be an uncle, I told him 

Evening falls slowly, bringing a welcome coolness. The lights in the canteen create a warm atmosphere, a temporary refuge from our rigid and disciplined daily lives.

From a distance, I see Sheng Xing, the two buttons on his collar undone before discreetly looking away. I feel his gaze staring at me, insistent and piercing, but I pretend not to see anything, focused on my plate. However, the atmosphere changes slightly, enough for my brother to notice.

-Is something going on?, he asks me, his eyebrows furrowing slightly with worry.

I shake my head, trying to minimize the situation. 

-No, nothing special. 

My brother doesn't seem totally convinced, but he doesn't push it any further. 

-Okay, he said, but I have the impression he's watching you.

The meal continues in relative tranquility, but I am increasingly aware of Sheng Xing's presence.