Chapter 84: The Freeloader Arrives

Since Renault flawlessly completed Peter's commission, there had been an increase in similar escort missions.

It seemed Renault's reputation had spread from Peter, making him a favorable option due to his credibility and more reasonable rates compared to Griffin's.

If Renault hadn't declined long-term escort jobs, he might have edged out the Griffin commander in the affluent district.

Thus, several months flew by.

...

"Commander, why haven't you been taking commissions lately?" SPAS-12 asked Renault, serving herself sausage while glancing at MG3 before speaking.

It was evident that the question wasn't her own but instigated by MG3, who became concerned about receiving her salary on time after Renault informed several clients that he wouldn't be taking commissions for a while.

"Why? Don't I deserve some rest? I'm not a workaholic. I've been working nonstop for weeks, driving for half a month without a break. I barely even went home. If I keep this up, I might work myself to death."

Most importantly, Renault's plan for the full-coverage powered exoskeleton hadn't started yet. He'd earned plenty of money, but there was no spare time to begin the project.

"Work yourself to death? Are you serious, Commander?"

Hearing Renault's words, MG3's face contorted oddly. She'd never heard of anyone working themselves to death just by sleeping in the passenger seat all day!

"Are you just looking for an excuse to take a vacation!?" SPAS-12 pointed out, unable to hide her observation from Renault.

Renault didn't attempt to conceal it either. He put down the newspaper and directly asked MG3, a question he'd been meaning to ask for a while.

"Still, you always ask for the salary but i never saw you once buy things along with the dolls. Is there any particular reason?"

After all, MG3's behavior of frantically saving money seemed somewhat different from his memory of her.

However, some deviation was expected. Although the personality settings of each model of tactical doll were fixed, their experiences could cause unpredictable changes. Renault had already lifted the root protocol restrictions on his dolls, further amplifying these changes.

"What do I want to buy? I haven't really thought about it... I just wanted to earn more money; I haven't thought about how to spend it."

MG3 realized she was somewhat at a loss. She'd been focused on saving money without considering what she actually wanted to do with it.

"Maybe it's because our previous employer was so stingy, even requiring us to buy our own ammunition? So, you wanted to save more money to buy ammunition?" SPAS-12 suggested, reminiscing about their former employer with a mouthful of sausage.

"If you can't figure it out, don't dwell on it for now. It's not worth it. Don't worry about your salaries; the commissions from this period will keep you fed for the next two years," Renault reassured them, waving his hand dismissively.

One person moving doesn't affect the whole forest. Renault, a robust individual, wouldn't starve just because he couldn't find work. If all else failed, he could go to North Africa and plant rubber trees; after all, rubber prices were rising, ensuring profit.

"Yeah, you're right." Renault's words helped MG3 see things clearly. She scratched her head, lowered it, and started eating her breakfast.

"In a couple of days. It's almost time."

Today seemed to be the 18th; in two days, it would be New Year's Eve. They could eat it then.

"Okay..." SPAS-12 pouted, clearly dissatisfied that she couldn't eat the cured meat that had been hanging in the factory for almost a month. But since the Commander said they could eat it in two days, she'd patiently wait.

"Yoho! Smells great! I brought Yellow along to mooch a meal! What's for breakfast today?" Renault was contemplating the main components of the powered exoskeleton when he heard a clear voice from the entrance of the factory.

The newcomer wore a short cheongsam, her long hair braided into two twists on either side of her head, with two ponytails below. She also wore sunglasses on her forehead and carried an orange cat in her arms. Both the woman and the cat were staring towards the kitchen, indicating that the invitation to mooch a meal was genuine.

"Oh? Why is it you again? This isn't Griffin; you seem awfully eager to mooch meals here!" M1911 was speechless at the sight of the person at the door.

This person was becoming overly familiar!

They'd only exchanged a few words in the wealthy district recently! Why was she suddenly clinging to them like glue?

"Hey, don't say that! I can't eat much either. Besides, I brought gifts this time!"

The newcomer placed her orange cat on the ground and lifted the handbag hanging from her left arm.

"Gifts? Let me see... This? Are you sure this is a gift? Isn't it an attempt to murder us?" Nagant was the first to approach and peek into the newcomer's handbag.

However, what caught her eye first was a bag of bright red dried chili peppers!

Just seeing the bright red color of the peppers made Nagant feel a spicy taste rising in her mouth!

"Hey! How could it be? These are the rare Second Jingxiang Chili Peppers I worked so hard to get! These peppers are extremely rare now!"

"Oh? Second Jingxiang? These things are indeed extremely rare here. It's impressive that you managed to get them! Well done, they smell delicious!"

Renault's eyes lit up, and he picked up one chili pepper, sniffing it before complimenting her.

"Hehe! Commander Renault really has good taste! And there's more than just chili peppers! I also brought a lot of Sichuan peppercorns! They're all top quality!"

"Yeah, indeed. But with all these spices, are you planning to have hot pot at our place?"