Have You Been to a Lumber Mill?

"That's my little sister." Yunfeng led Shu into the room. Shu scanned the surroundings: a few blackboards plastered with photos and diagrams, a table overflowing with stuff, and a pile of blankets in the corner.

That was pretty much it for furniture. Just a quick glance and Shu thought their assigned storage room felt way more upscale.

"Looks like there's some friction between you two." Shu couldn't find a place to sit down, so he remained standing.

"Yeah…" Yunfeng nodded silently. He then cleared off two stools, offering Shu a place to sit.

In the cramped room, the two sat facing each other, locked in silence for a long moment. Finally, Yunfeng sighed deeply.

"Mr. Shu, you probably overheard my conversation with my sister. So, I won't beat around the bush." Yunfeng lowered his head slightly, his dejected demeanor mirroring Yun Mengxi's as she ran off.

"You want me to take your sister with us?" Shu asked. Yunfeng nodded.

Shu fell into thought.

Taking another person wasn't actually a big burden for them. The supplies on the train were more than enough to take everyone in this shelter and comfortably reach the next destination.

Besides, when the train stops, they need at least one person to stay behind and guard it. This time it was Theresa and Himeko, who was seriously injured. But what about next time?

Back on the train, Himeko mentioned she was a semi-retired soldier, a bit of a badass, the type who could pilot mechs.

According to Otto and Himeko, if they specifically detached a carriage, the train could transport two mechs at any time.

And their next stop was ARC City. Himeko had to go with them to find operational mechs there.

Otto and Kallen were tied to the plan, and Otto's presence was needed to unlock the mech's operating system.

Given all this, the responsibility of escorting them safely would likely fall on Shu, with his [Expectation] ability. Plus, they still needed a team to gather more supplies.

The only ones left to guard the train would be Theresa and Fu Hua, and Fu Hua was still injured…

So, having one more person to help out actually sounded pretty good?

"But your sister doesn't seem very willing," Shu pointed out the most crucial issue.

"She's just a bit rebellious, she's actually very obedient." Hearing this, Yunfeng offered Shu a smile, like he was trying to sell a product.

Shu's brow furrowed instantly.

"Are you sure… your sister is just rebellious?" Shu's tone sharpened slightly as he pressed again.

Yunfeng went silent.

"Mr. Yunfeng, I'm sorry, but I overheard most of your conversation with your sister. In my opinion, the problem isn't whether your sister is willing to leave with us or not." Shu straightened up, his expression turning serious.

"Are you saying… I'm wrong?" Yunfeng also became serious, his furrowed brows radiating a subtle pressure.

"Can I ask you a question?" Shu took a deep breath.

"Go ahead." Yunfeng nodded.

"Do you even know what your sister truly likes?"

"Of course, I know." Yunfeng's expression darkened slightly. "She likes that heavy metal rock and roll…"

Shu almost lost his composure.

Rock and roll? Heavy metal rock and roll?

Yun Mengxi? That sweet-looking, seemingly delicate and helpless girl liked that kind of stuff?

Were they really into creating contrasts here?

Shu's mind helpfully conjured an image of Yun Mengxi in a studded leather jacket, smeared with pale makeup, sporting big, wavy, permed hair, holding a black guitar, and shouting hand gestures on stage.

Whoa, that's a picture I can't unsee.

Shu quickly stopped the mental image and cleared his throat twice.

"Are you sure she likes heavy metal rock and roll, or just thinks those people are cool?"

Shu felt it necessary to confirm which kind of "like" they were talking about.

"She just likes that rock… music." Yunfeng hesitated slightly, as if forcing the words out.

Shu breathed a sigh of relief. Good, Yun Mengxi just liked the music, not just thinking those people were cool.

"So, you helped her choose… the idol path?"

"Yes… after realizing she was drawn to music, I took over all the family businesses and steered her onto this path."

"So, you actually support her, then." Shu was surprised. He suddenly sensed something else was going on. "Then why did she end up on the idol path?"

"She's not suited for that kind of thing. Her voice, appearance, and other personal talents, she's just not a good fit." Yunfeng sighed again. "Conversely, her talent on the idol path is so high that many in the industry envy her."

Shu understood. On one side, she could struggle for years and end up a nobody. On the other, she was naturally gifted and practically hand-fed success. Yunfeng just guided Yun Mengxi onto a more "suitable" path for her.

Now Shu understood why Yun Mengxi had asked him about "two paths." It really was her own personal experience.

"But as you can see, even though she's successful, Mengxi isn't happy. In fact, she seems to resent me…" Yunfeng's spirits dropped again.

Resent you? Shu didn't quite agree. Maybe a little dissatisfaction and annoyance, but she did say she wanted to stay by your side… that didn't sound like resentment to him.

"She often argues with me, runs away from home multiple times, and each time I forcefully bring her back. After each time, our relationship becomes even more strained…"

"Does she have any friends outside?" Shu couldn't help but ask.

Yunfeng shook his head. "If you're talking about friends, there's really only one… and he's also my close friend—Chen Shicheng."

Whoa, tea time. [Internet slang for gossip/drama]

"Ha, they're not in that kind of relationship, if that's what you're thinking." Yunfeng saw Shu's expression change and added with a wry smile.

What kind of relationship is it then? Why do you know what I'm thinking? Shu didn't ask, but his face was full of suspicion.

Yunfeng's lips were sealed tight, his eyes briefly showing awkwardness and evasion.

Shu's eyes widened.

Whoa! Major tea!

"In any case, Shicheng and Mengxi are not like that." Yunfeng rubbed his forehead, looking a bit pained. Shu quickly nodded, afraid of Yunfeng misunderstanding something if he was even a second too slow.

I am innocent. Pure as snow.

"Does your sister know she's not very talented in music?" Shu asked again.

"I don't know…" Yunfeng seemed lost. "She doesn't talk to me much. I don't know if she knows about her talent… but she's still pursuing her own interests in private…"

Not just Yunfeng, Shu was starting to get a headache too.

This sibling relationship wasn't something that could be fixed with a simple change or someone else's advice.

But one thing was certain: if Yunfeng took a firm stance, Yun Mengxi would likely listen to him and come with them nine times out of ten.

"I'm probably not much help…" Shu rubbed his temples, feeling a bit stuffed from all the gossip he just consumed. "I can only give you a… philosophical question, I guess…"

"What is it?" Yunfeng was taken aback.

Shu cleared his throat. "If there are two paths leading to the same destination in front of you, one wide and straight but barren, and the other winding and twisting, but filled with flowers and fragrance along the way, which would you choose?"

"I think… since you're siblings, you should know which one the other would choose, right?"

Yunfeng lowered his head, silent.

"Oh, right." Shu suddenly became curious. "Could you tell me just how 'untalented' she actually is?"

"…Have you ever been to a really old-fashioned lumber mill?" (way to describe someone's lack of musical talent)

Shu was stunned.