Chapter Ten: You Might Get Entangled~

Wen Er’s steps suddenly halted, his pupils narrowing sharply. He turned to look at Lu Meng, his eyes filled with a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Lu Meng noticed him stop and looked up to meet his gaze, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

Wen Er averted his eyes, appearing somewhat embarrassed. Silently, he cautioned himself—this little guide simply didn’t understand the implications of those words. He must not overthink it.

“Nothing. We’re almost there. Let’s go.”

“Okay.” Lu Meng found his reaction odd but didn’t dwell on it.

They stopped in front of a silver-white door. A plaque above read “Marta.”

Wen Er stepped forward and knocked.

The door opened instantly, and a voice invited them in: “Please come in.”

Wen Er glanced at Lu Meng, signaling her to follow him inside.

Lu Meng trailed behind Wen Er, feeling a bit nervous.

Inside the office sat a woman who appeared to be in her thirties, her hair in loose waves, her features strikingly beautiful.

Wen Er bowed slightly, placing a hand at his chest. “Commander Marta.”

Lu Meng quickly followed suit with a bow.

***

Marta had been expecting them. A few days ago, General Saier had informed her that a young guide would be coming, so she had prepared accordingly. But she hadn’t anticipated such an adorable little guide.

“Hello, Wen Er.”

“Hello. What’s your name?” Marta stood, her gaze resting gently on Lu Meng, exuding a warm aura.

Meeting her eyes, Lu Meng sensed no ill will and relaxed instinctively. “Hello, my name is Lu Meng.”

“Lu Meng? That’s a lovely name,” Marta complimented. “Let’s sit and talk.”

She gestured toward a nearby sofa for Wen Er and Lu Meng to take their seats.

Wen Er glanced at Lu Meng and then said, “No need, Commander Marta. My task is complete. I’ll be leaving now.”

Marta seemed quite fond of the little guide, and Wen Er was happy for him. However, since his mission was finished, he could not stay any longer.

Lu Meng felt a pang of disappointment upon hearing that he was leaving so soon. He was the first friend she had made since arriving at the military district, and she hadn’t expected such a swift farewell. Yet, knowing it was Wen Er’s duty and that he might have other tasks to attend to, she didn’t want to hinder him.

Marta nodded upon hearing this and said nothing further. “Alright, see you next time.”

After saluting her, Wen Er prepared to leave. Before departing, he glanced once more at Lu Meng, who seemed visibly downcast.

Lu Meng pouted slightly, her nose tingling. “I’ll message you often, Wen Er.”

Something soft stirred within Wen Er’s heart. He instinctively reached out to gently pat the little guide’s head in comfort.

But that would be crossing a boundary.

So he simply said, “Alright.”

With that, he turned and walked out.

Lu Meng watched his retreating figure, unable to snap out of her daze until a hand gently rested on her shoulder. She turned to meet Marta’s knowing gaze.

“Do you like Wen Er?”

Lu Meng was taken aback. “No, we’re just friends.”

Marta chuckled softly. “Just a friendly reminder: there’s no such thing as friendship between guides and sentinels.”

Lu Meng looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Seeing her confusion, Marta raised an eyebrow but didn’t elaborate. Instead, she said, “You’ll understand in time. But if you don’t like a certain sentinel, be careful not to show too much enthusiasm toward him. Otherwise…”

“Otherwise what?” Lu Meng pressed.

Leaning closer to her ear, Marta’s voice took on an enigmatic tone. “He might just cling to you.”