Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 48

Texas looked at Kane and asked if he needed her help.

Snap—Round two, Kong suffers a crushing defeat!

“That’s right! If you need protection, I can do that too! You are my righteous man!”

Exusiai also enthusiastically expressed her willingness to assist Kane. Not long ago, they were long-term partners of Rhodes Island, but now, they seem to have completely sided with Kane.

For Texas, Rhodes Island was a good partner, but their power couldn't change the current situation in Syracuse. While Exusiai found the Rhodes Island staff kind and interesting and had asked if they had a way to cure her sister, Rhodes Island's response was to try to transfer the case to Laterano Hospital, and the medical department would try to develop a treatment plan. Ultimately, their conclusion was also to wait and see—even with Rhodes Island's technology, they couldn't forcibly cure Remian.

For Exusiai, Remian is the most important person in her life. Therefore, Kane, who saved Remian's life, is her greatest benefactor. Between Rhodes Island and Kane, her choice is self-evident.

“Thank you very much for your kindness. But I am not alone. Rhine Lab’s defense department is with me, so there is no need to worry about my safety.”

Rather, it's more accurate to say that Kane is providing a safety net for everyone. However, the sentiment shown by Texas and Exusiai alone is enough to make Kane happy—after all, they are highly trusted partners of Rhodes Island, and their "defection" at this moment is enough in itself.

With Penguin Logistics' regular deliveries arriving one after another, Exusiai's apple pie is almost done baking. The feast is ready, let's begin!

During the banquet, the Emperor took the stage first to sing a song, followed by a performance from Kong. Kane enjoyed a live performance by the rap king and the rising star idol without spending a penny.

After the two professionals finished their performances, it was the amateurs' turn: Croissant showcased a magic trick she'd learned from who-knows-where; Texas, with Kane's help, performed a Syracuse dance. Both were agile warriors, their dance moves possessing a unique, chilling beauty. Exusiai and Croissant cheered enthusiastically. But Sora, being an idol… why did she start drinking?!

Kane watched as Kong picked up the beer on the table and downed it in one gulp, his bold manner suggesting it wasn't his first time trying it.

It seems that everyone has multiple facets. Even a glamorous, lively, and energetic teenage idol might be a heavy drinker in private. Kane experienced this firsthand.

As the banquet atmosphere warmed up, everyone began to drink. The Emperor's treasures were opened one by one, and everyone's face was flushed with a slight intoxication.

Alcohol often emboldens courage, and Exusiai was the best example. Her mind kept replaying what she'd seen that day—Texas's gaze towards Kane. So, without hesitation, she asked the question that had been nagging at her:

"By the way, Texas, what exactly is your relationship with Kane? I've been curious for a long time. Didn't you say you completely broke away from the Syracuse family and severed all ties with the past? Isn't Kane the Rupert of Syracuse?"

Exusiai couldn't possibly be unaware of Kane's methods; he's clearly a decisive and ruthless individual. Considering his acquaintance with Texas, it's not hard to deduce her background.

"I'm not exactly a pure Syracuse gangster, at most I'm... someone who joined later?"

Kane did not directly address his past with Texas, as both sides had deliberately avoided the topic before.

But Texas didn't see it that way. Her cheeks were flushed, and her usually calm and collected nature was somewhat out of control under the influence of alcohol.

“Kane is also my benefactor. I’ve mentioned the Texas family to you before… Back then, I had nothing and nowhere to go. Kane helped me, introduced me to the boss, and solved my problems.”

“It’s nothing, I’ve received enough compensation. You deserve it.”

Kane made no secret of the fact that he helped Texas for his own benefit. But Texas was still grateful to him—because what he had done far exceeded the value of the Texas family itself. To antagonize the entirety of Syracuse for the sake of Texas was hardly a worthwhile deal.

"Hey? Be more specific! What you've said is like saying nothing at all! It's like only showing us the synopsis of a movie, not the actual film!"

Exusiai loves listening to stories, especially the bizarre experiences of Texas, which are simply "unbelievable" compared to the monotonous life in Laterano.

"Actually, it's nothing much... just a simple marriage alliance. Kane and I entered into a marriage relationship, and I transferred the Texas family's assets and risks to him. That's why I can live in Lungmen without any burden."

"..."

"..."

"Woo..."

Exusiai and Croissant fell silent. While they expected it to be explosive, this was going way too far! So—these two Luper's in front of them were actually a couple? Weren't they being a bit too tactless?

Miss Sora was utterly devastated. It turned out... she wasn't even qualified to compete!

The bitter wine hurts my heart, and trying to drown my sorrows only makes them worse. Now that things have come to this, what else can I do but get drunk and pray that it's all just a nightmare and that everything will be back to normal when I wake up?

Thump—Kong's head slammed heavily onto the table, bringing the banquet to a close.

“You don’t really need to take this too seriously. Our relationship is just a legal formality. In reality, we’re just friends,” Kane explained.

"..." Texas remained silent, simply sipping her drink, which was taken as tacit agreement.

"Haha, I see. I thought Texas was already married, and I was wondering how we'd get along." A friend suddenly getting married... it just feels weird.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now. I had a great time today, thank you for your hospitality."

"Kane! Once I get the order from Columbia, I'll come visit you, is that alright?"

“I’ll inform Remian.” Kane waved his hand and pushed open the door to leave. Texas then got up and followed him.

"I'll give it to you."

The two Lupo wagged their tails, leaving the game to Croissant and Exusiai.

It was already past midnight, but the streets of Longmen were still brightly lit. There were white-collar workers working overtime in office buildings, 24-hour shops, and even more luxurious nightlife venues.

Yueyi Ni's Robe, VII seems to be "..."

What's going on with Lapland?

*Thump thump*—Texas casually dropped a bombshell. How did she know? Kane was curious.

"She contacted you first?"

"No. But her involvement in the Texas family business and her sweeping reforms have caused dissatisfaction among some people—they even traveled a long distance to send me letters, hoping I would judge the situation."

"After that, I paid attention to the news—in Lappland's photos, I noticed a new mark on her neck. I initially thought it was just her personal hobby, but after seeing that photo today, I know it's not that simple."

Texas remembered the mark, and not long ago, she saw it again—this time, on Mostima. The same was true of the photograph in Kane's terminal—the center of that photograph was clearly the mark.

He truly deserves to be Texas's chosen "successor"—his insight is terrifying.

Kane felt there was nothing to hide. He told Texas about being attacked by Lappland and then subduing her. Texas listened and even thought it was a good thing; she knew her "friend's" character very well.

"She, like me, loathed life in Syracuse. It's just that I wanted to escape, while she wanted to destroy it."

“Now she certainly has that ability. At least, the Saluzzo family is no match for her.”

"that's it?"

"that's it."

Faced with Texas's questioning, Kane said he had nothing more to say. But—Texas might not know Kane deeply enough, but she knew her old friend well. Lappland was by no means a wolf that could be easily tamed, but once tamed, she would undoubtedly fawn over and flatter. Just like the mark on her neck, so intimately and conspicuously placed…

"You and her... had that kind of relationship?"

"...I think there shouldn't be any problem with this."

Kane couldn't understand how Texas had discovered the truth. Christensen and Muirses in Colombia hadn't noticed, yet Texas, thousands of miles away, was far more perceptive. Could it be that there was some kind of fated entanglement between her and Lappland?

“Although it’s only in name—I’m still your wife. This is an insult to me.”

Texas leaned close to Kane. Her eyes were glazed, her breath sweet, and the slight flush of intoxication lingered on her cheeks. Clearly—the law of alcohol emboldening the timid was still in effect.

But this time, Kane was confused—why? Wasn't it supposed to be just signing an agreement? Why did it seem like they were turning this into a real deal? What was her motive?

Chapter 109 A Pretense Becomes Real

Texas's kiss was awkward yet passionate, wrapping around Kane with a force that seemed intent on biting off his lips. Kane could feel her arms tightening around him, the force as fierce and irresistible as her kiss.

Kane had long since abandoned any semblance of gentlemanly restraint. How could he possibly push away this passionate, alluring she-wolf? But—they were currently on the streets of Lungmen. Although Kane was quite uninhibited in this regard, he wasn't in the mood for a public performance.

They need a more suitable place to continue what they haven't finished.

……

Click——

The doors of Penguin Logistics opened again, and Texas, who had been away for a moment, returned. The blush on her face had not completely faded, but under the cover of the banquet atmosphere, no one could tell whether it was burning passion or simply the effect of alcohol.

"Hey? Texas, how's it going? Has Kane left already?" Exusiai, now sober, greeted him.

Texas simply nodded in response.

"What a pity, he didn't seem to like my apple pie. He only ate two pieces... Does he not like it too sweet? But I clearly reduced the sugar in the Lateran version."

"No... I think he should like it quite a bit."

Texas still remembers the first time Exusiai baked an apple pie for her. At that time, Exusiai had little knowledge of the food customs in different parts of Terra and thought that all desserts in the world were as sweet as Laterano. When that cloyingly sweet apple pie was placed in front of her, Texas only managed to take a small bite—she hadn't quit smoking yet, and for someone who had just started smoking, the combination of the lingering tobacco taste and the excessive sweetness was really unpleasant.

Even for the sake of breaking the ice between colleagues, she could only rudely refuse. At that time, Exusiai couldn't understand Texas's subtle changes in expression and even thought that she was disliked.

Now, the experienced Exusiai is struggling to resist the urge to add sugar, but Laterano's sweet tooth remains. Kane can eat two pieces, truly a warrior in the realm of taste.

After cleaning up the mess left by Exusiai and Croissant, Texas took the completely drunk Sora back to her room—as Texas settled her in bed, the idol was still unconsciously murmuring her name. Texas assumed Sora was vaguely aware that she was taking care of her.

After Exusiai and Croissant said goodnight and went to their respective rooms, Texas stood alone in the hallway. Her breathing gradually became rapid and heavy, and her once steady steps showed a hint of hesitation. After this period of calm, she realized what she had done.

But what's done is done, and she has no regrets. She is ready to embrace a new phase of her life.

So she went back to her room and used her key to unlock the door.

As the deep blue, almost black wolf tail disappeared into the doorway, the entire Penguin Logistics fell silent once more.

The lights came on, casting two overlapping shadows on the wall. Kane stood behind her—he had been waiting behind the door, patiently awaiting her return.

That's right, the most suitable place is a dormitory in Texas.

This was originally the result of rational analysis: Kane's identity was sensitive, and no matter which hotel in Lungmen he took Texas to, Wei Yanwu would definitely receive the news within an hour at most. He might not take immediate action, but there was no guarantee that it wouldn't cause Texas trouble in the future. Moreover, Texas would need a reasonable explanation for not returning home that night.

Therefore, the best solution is to hide Kane in her room and then show herself to her companions to dispel any doubts.

As for what happens after that... because the Emperor often needs to practice singing, the dormitory of Penguin Logistics uses the highest level of soundproofing materials, so even if he turns the volume of his 30 million Lungmen Dollars speaker to the maximum, it will not disturb others.

Texas doesn't believe her voice can surpass that top-of-the-line equipment.

"You reek of alcohol... Shall we take a shower first?" Kane suggested.

"Hmm...you go first."

"What nonsense are you talking about—" Kane chuckled, with a hint of mockery.

"This bathroom is spacious enough. Come on, let's go together."

Texas, now fully conscious, felt embarrassed, but the experienced Kane was not afraid at all. Instead, he enjoyed watching her helplessness, like a hungry wolf slowly cornering its prey.

And so, Texas wanted to do something, but due to her lack of experience, she didn't know where to start. She could only be half-heartedly led into Kane's rhythm, and the two of them disappeared into the steamy bathroom.

……

"*A high-spirited and exciting Colombian pop song!"

The next morning, members of Penguin Logistics woke up one after another.

The Emperor had already begun his morning vocal practice, though he didn't sing the original tune at all—he habitually adds his own style to songs he likes. Exusiai was still in bed, having played too wildly last night and expending a lot of energy. Croissant, on the other hand, went to the Lungmen morning market early to hunt for bargains; those strange and unusual items would all be taken by the experts if you went too late.

As for Sora... the young idol, who is indulging in heavy drinking for the first time, is currently struggling with his first hangover.

Texas, however, had already woken up but had not stepped out of her room.

In a lucid state, she began to examine herself from the previous night.

Why did things get to this point between me and Kane?

She already had the answer to this question.

The primary factor was their relationship. As the young master of a mafia family, the men of the opposite sex she had encountered in her past life were either respectful and subservient servants, or ambitious and cunning young masters from other families; while boys from ordinary families would avoid her at the mere mention of the surname "Texas".

She had very few friends in the past, only three, two of whom were women.

Therefore, Kane was the only man she interacted with as an equal, and even had a harmonious relationship with.

Kane's actions have deepened the mark he left on her—his helping hand in times of crisis, his promises about the future, and even his "sparring" yesterday... In any case, Texas is ultimately a Lupo warrior, and Kane crushed her with absolute strength, which is tantamount to the most direct conquest for the underlying genes of the Lupo.

Texas had fully accepted Kane, acknowledging his attraction to her as a man. But that didn't seem to explain her eagerness and impulsiveness last night.

Her almost insane actions seemed to be driven by something behind her—and that driving force naturally came from Lappland's relentless pressure.

Upon learning of Kane's relationship with Lappland, Texas knew perfectly well what the woman would do next: she would inevitably jump in front of him and boast triumphantly, "Your husband had an affair with me, but I did it better than you."

This matter itself was of no concern to Texas, since she and Kane had a prior agreement—the marriage contract was only for the smooth transfer of the Texas family's assets.

Lappland probably even knew about this, but she did it anyway—because she would do anything to cause even the slightest trouble for Texas.

This is Lappland—her nemesis, her best friend, and the trouble she can never shake off in this lifetime.

Texas couldn't stand it—so, in order to get back on the track, to overtake and kick Lappland out of the game, she chose this almost childish way of fighting.

She won the argument, but she also lost something.

"call……"

After clearing her mind and savoring the lingering sensation in her body, Texas felt as if her long-forgotten nicotine addiction had returned. At that moment, she wanted a cigarette.

"What? Want a smoke?"

"How did you figure that out?" Texas was somewhat surprised. Had she made it that obvious?

"You used to have this expression when you wanted to smoke."