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By the time Lin Mo got home, it was already 9 p.m.The moon hung high in the black sky, casting its pale glow over the distant, brightly lit mansion, which looked like a beacon in the dark ocean. The plants on the surrounding slopes rustled in the breeze, and Lin Mo felt an odd sense of nostalgia as if he'd been away from home for a long time.
Stepping out of the Delamain cab, the polite AI driver bid him farewell as the car pulled away. Lin Mo walked up to the steel gate, its towering three or four meters giving off a cold, imposing air.
He had a bad feeling.
After a few moments of silence, Lin Mo pressed the intercom button. His voice was low as he spoke into the microphone:
"Hey, sis, it's me. Can you open the gate?"
A minute passed. No response.
Lin Mo glanced up at the surveillance camera mounted above the gate. The lens was focused squarely on him.
"Sis... it's kinda cold out here," he said, putting on a tone that hinted at vulnerability.
There was a soft click. The gate slowly slid open.
He sighed and stepped inside.
The usually active security bots that patrolled the grounds were nowhere to be seen, and the sprawling estate seemed quieter than usual. Though the lights were on in the mansion, the warmth they gave off seemed distant. Lin Mo spotted his sister's Aerondight S9—a sleek, luxury hovercar—parked in the driveway. The silver-gray exterior gleamed under the pale moonlight, smooth and polished like a finely crafted mirror. It was a ride that only someone like his sister, Xu Wanxue, could afford.
As he approached the main entrance, Lin Mo tried the door. This time, it opened smoothly.
His Biomonitor authenticated with the house's system, and the heavy wooden door swung open.
Standing in the entryway was Xu Wanxue, leaning casually against the wall. Behind her, the mansion's interior was illuminated by countless lights, giving the space a surreal glow. The crystal chandeliers on the high ceilings sparkled like stars, an elegant display that contrasted sharply with the cold air between them.
Without a word, she tossed a thick coat at him. It landed squarely on his head.
Lin Mo froze. This whole scene felt oddly familiar—like something out of a bad XBD.
He half-expected her to yell, "You're not welcome here anymore!" and throw a suitcase full of his clothes at him.
"I'm sorry, sis. I shouldn't have stayed out so late," Lin Mo said, trying to soften the tension.
Xu Wanxue didn't respond. She simply turned and gestured for him to follow. Silently, he trailed after her.
As they climbed the stairs to the second floor, Lin Mo's eyes drifted over her figure. Even in her loose pajamas, his sister's elegance was undeniable. She had matured into a striking woman, her beauty only enhanced by time.
He couldn't help but let his mind wander to absurd scenarios—like Xu Wanxue pulling out a sledgehammer to give him a good old-fashioned lesson or maybe tossing him into the mansion's backyard for the night.
But instead, she led him to the small kitchen on the second floor.
The mansion's layout was unique. The second floor was even larger than the first, designed for comfort and panoramic views of Night City. From the balcony, one could take in the entire city skyline—the towering megastructures, the neon glow, the streets bustling with life, and the endless sea of lights. It was a breathtaking sight that could soothe even the most troubled mind.
The small kitchen was a special place for Xu Wanxue and Lin Mo. When tensions rose between them, it was often here that the air cleared. The private bar on the second floor, filled with premium liquor, and the soft, relaxing music playing in the background often helped to dissolve any lingering resentment.
Tonight was no different. By the time Lin Mo realized it, he was already sitting on the balcony, a plate of food prepared by his sister in front of him. The familiar taste of charred meat brought a wave of nostalgia as he ate, pulling out the edible parts.
"You know why I'm mad, right?"
Xu Wanxue stared out at the skyline, her hand swirling the red wine in her glass, eyes distant.
"Because I came home late," Lin Mo muttered between bites.
"Don't play dumb with me," she said with a bitter smile, taking a sip of the wine.
Lin Mo didn't answer. Silence stretched between them.
"Tell me the truth, Mo. Are you testing how far you can push me because you know I won't stop you?" Her voice was sharp, but her expression was filled with sadness.
Lin Mo's stomach dropped. She didn't need to explain her boundaries—they both knew them well.
Xu Wanxue's only limit was Lin Mo.
"I'm not a kid anymore," Lin Mo said, putting down his chopsticks.
"I know. You've always been mature for your age. Sometimes, I forget how young you really are. Your face might still look like a kid's, but I know that's just a mask you wear. But no matter how grown-up you feel, you're still my little brother. That will never change."
Her voice softened, almost pleading. "Please, Mo, promise me you'll stop taking these risks. I can't... I can't lose you."
Lin Mo's gaze drifted back to the distant city lights, the sprawling chaos of Night City. "I'll try."
Xu Wanxue sighed. "Tell me, Mo. What are you chasing out there? What could possibly be worth risking your life for? Is there anything I can't get for you?"
Lin Mo turned to face her. Xu Wanxue had always been beautiful, but time had only made her more captivating. And yet, there were faint lines of fatigue around her eyes—years of stress, the weight of responsibility, and the worry she bore for him.
"Xu Wanxue," he said, meeting her gaze, "I want to become a legend. Not just in Night City—but in the world."
Her expression didn't change, but her grip on the wine glass tightened.
"A legend?" she repeated softly, as if testing the weight of the word.
"Yes. And nothing less."
She looked at him for a long moment before her lips curved into a sad smile. "My foolish little brother..."