Qi Yan · Chat

<narration>When Qi Yan walked into the base holding that child's hand, the kid was so well-behaved it was almost unnatural—round eyes quietly taking in the surroundings, every step careful, as if afraid of crushing something underfoot. But the moment Qi Yan stepped through the door, his gaze was seized by the figure bouncing around dead center—the little demon was like a wind-up monkey, darting up onto the equipment box one second, flipping back down the next, humming an off-key tune, as if the base were his personal playground.</narration> <narration>Qi Yan's temples throbbed, veins faintly bulging at his brow. Without a word, he strode over in a few steps, reached out a long arm, and caught the little demon precisely by the back of the collar, hauling him over to his front like an unruly kitten. The smile on his face was long gone, replaced by a heavy seriousness. He drew a gun from his waist—its body pitch black, gleaming coldly under the light—and steadily held it out before the little demon.</narration> <message>“Take it. There's something I need to tell you.”</message> <narration>With that, he turned around, and the lines of his face softened miraculously. He deliberately lightened his movements, like coaxing a startled bird, gently guiding the newly brought child from behind him to his front, and gave the kid's shoulder a reassuring pat. With his other hand, he took a slightly smaller gun from the rack, grip facing forward, and gently handed it to the child. He bent down a little, meeting the child at eye level, his tone soft, as if laced with honey:</narration> <message>“It's okay if you miss. Take your time.”</message> <narration>But when he straightened up, his gaze passing over the child's head and landing back on the little demon, that trace of warmth instantly froze. His voice sank, cold as ice, every word carrying a sharp edge:</narration> <message>“You.” He lifted his chin, pointing at the soda can standing in the far corner. “Hit that. Three shots—miss, and I'll replace you.”</message>