Dependable Anastasia

"Talk about a first impression, huh?" With a shy chuckle, the woman broke the silent atmosphere which pervaded the room. For the past five minutes or so, but who was to blame?

Mr.Gray was the most uncomfortable, as these youngsters were clients, and if word of what transpired leaks out he may be accused of some unfavorable remarks. As for Yang Lin, he was struggling to shake off what he had just been exposed to. albeit, his expression returned to its neutral elegance with his unfluctuating, sealed eyes. One can only steal glances at his countenance and riddle out his thoughts.

Needless to speak of the woman's train of thoughts at the moment.

"Ahem," Mr.Gray cleared his throat and said, "I guess we all agree that nothing happened earlier. As scheduled, I accompanied young master Xi Yang to his new accommodation in order to meet with the already notified, young mistress Anastasia Cleric, who happened to have been patiently waiting in anticipation. Right?"

"Right, right." Anastasia nodded in a matter-of-fact tone. Currently, she wore a pair of light paje pants, silky nightgown concealed underneath a track jacket zipped shut. This was her attire at the spur of the moment. Although the pieces didn't match the least, it was better than…

As she heard Yang Lin's supposed surname or rather full name, she came to two conclusions. First, another eastern individual. Second, could he be related to that Xi youth? Thinking about it some more, they do like similar, though this one has the shots for being the most handsome between the pair.

What's with that silver stroke of hair? She wondered. Feeling that she was taking her time eyeing up his face, Yang Lin parted his eyelids from their temporary rest, but kept his gaze downcast in a humble manner before answering softly to Mr.Gray, "right."

Anastasia abruptly drew off her gaze once Yang Lin acted, a bit embarrassed as curiosity overwhelmed her. Western youth were quite rare in Plight City, she thought it was a stroke of luck to meet up with her now dear friend Alise under such circumstances.

After calming his heart and mind, Yang Lin took another brief glance at Anastasia. She was a tad taller than him, her physique a fair balance between supple and lean. Her breasts were fairly large in comparison to her body's proportions, and training had left its mark along with her muscular frame. Albeit, not too muscular, just enough for the scrutinizing eye to discern up-close.

He did not wish for a misunderstanding to bloom out, she could easily be driven to fashion a perverted out of him if he was caught intensively staring at her features. Therefore, with a subtle bow of his head, he said, "I'm in your care, Senior Sister Anastasia."

Finding Yang Lin's tone without a hint of nervousness, Anastasia's heart eased up a little. Even if he caught a glimpse of her assets, he was at least commendable enough for abruptly turning over instead of gawking with a gaping mouth. Thus, she could say this junior of hers earned a few respects points.

Smiling, she said, "Just call me Ann, little brother Lin." If after what they've experienced they chose to act distant and polite, it would only become an awkward obstacle to hinder the mood of their living quarters in the future. Since a rift was already crafted, it was far better for either of the two parties to advance to the other's comfort zone instead of retreating. It could be said as an unexpected breaking of ice between them.

Looking at the smiling blonde with her misty eyes, Yang Lin found himself incapable of saying no. He could only lament in his heart, not even Ming'er was to call him by his first name yet. Thinking about that, Ming'er wasn't the first woman he kissed, nor was she the first woman he'd seen nude in flesh, yet she remained the one he loved.

How ironic, this fate and its antics.

"Alright, Ann." Yang Lin said, smiling ever-so-lightly. By his side, Mr.Gray's expression was a little dark. Since when did this kid learn about being polite and well-mannered? Was this the same person who slapped the Chairman's dignity earlier?

"I'm glad to see you two getting along, then." Mr.Gray said, nodding slightly as he broke off from the dining table in the guest room. As he stood up, he said, "young master Xi will be taking the 180 sessions contract, starting in three days, today included. I will leave him in your care to familiarize himself with the training arenas, public dining floor, and so on."

"Got it!" Anastasia replied, smiling brightly with a thumbs up. Although she had her curiosity and questions, those are better left off for another time. Still, it was rather interesting to find someone who'd take their first shot on the 180 sessions. If he was to take one fight per day, that's basically sentencing himself for half a year underground.

With a soft clank, the front door to the living quarter was shut and the automated general lock operated. Now, the two were left to themselves.

"Ah! That was stressful! Mr.Gray gives me the creeps!" Not a second later, Anastasia got off her chair and skipped steps towards the kitchen, giggling to herself as her voice echoed out from within.

"Alcohol, Lin?!" She asked, the melody of her humming drifting about.

Speechless, Yang Lin gazed towards the kitchen. It wasn't until she called out for his name again did he finally reply, "N-no?..."

It wasn't that he doesn't appreciate drinking, but his tongue hadn't tasted any liquids save for soup and water for as long as he could remember. If he was going to indulge in anything, he would rather start with tea, juice, and perhaps some fruits.

Thinking about that, he said, "Ann, do we have juice or anything that isn't a spiritual drink?"

"What are you 12? Who drinks that stuff? No, I don't have any. Just wait until Alise gets here, introduce yourself, and go together to the general dining floor, buy whatever you want from there." As she spoke, she came out from the kitchen, clutching a couple of wine bottles to her chest and a few sacks of snacks sprinkled over them. Never in a lifetime would have Yang Lin thought she was the type to… Yeah… Her body is a sharp contrast to her habits, he thought.

"Aren't you supposed to look after me? Also, I'm broke, you know?" Yang Lin was speechless, she really handed her responsibilities over to her friend.

"Who cares~ Me and Alise are one and the same, I'm just prettier. She's nice, she will treat you, she's actually rich so don't worry."

"But…" Yang Lin called out. However, all he could hear in responses was Anastasia's crisp laughter as she said, "Bla Bla Bla, I'm going to watch some movies and past records of deathmatches. Unless you're dying, don't disturb me! Even if you are dying, find your way to Alise instead!"

Slam!

Her bedroom door was sealed shut.