Yan Jin walked through the hollow corridor toward the familiar pool room. The scent of blood and age hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the place he was returning to after only days of rest. The old man in charge glanced up from his usual spot, eyes narrowing as he saw Yan Jin approach.
"You again?" the old man muttered, a mixture of annoyance and concern in his voice. "What do you want this time?"
Yan Jin blinked, taken aback by the tone. The old man's words were gruff, but there was something in them that felt oddly familiar—like his grandfather back on Earth, someone who cared but would never admit it outright. The unexpected warmth caused Yan Jin to lower his guard, and before he knew it, he sat beside the old man.
