When he saw the line for “Sandrone,” Alex really was like the Balladeer—he couldn’t hold it together anymore.
Thinking back carefully, he clearly never had any contact with her.
How could this friendship level still be negative?
Was it because he often went to her Research Institute of Engineering?
But the problem was…
he had never even stepped inside!
Alex shook his head helplessly, gathered his thoughts, and walked into a fairly decent-looking bakery.
“Officer, may I ask what you would like to buy?” As soon as the middle-aged owner saw him, he immediately greeted him respectfully.
Alex felt his shriveled coin purse in his pocket and said, “Give me a dalieba.” dalieba is the most common staple food for people in Snezhnaya, with two main characteristics: it’s large and it’s hard.
Usually the size of a washbasin, the crust is as hard as stone, making a “thump thump” sound when tapped, but the inside is surprisingly soft.
Besides that, it has a very prominent advantage—it’s cheap.
It perfectly suited Alex’s current dire financial situation.
Although the owner was slightly disappointed, he still carefully packed a dalieba for him.
After paying, Alex carried the heavy dalieba and walked toward Sandrone’s Research Institute of Engineering.
Before long, he arrived in front of a simple yet magnificent building and then stood at the door waiting.
Time passed slowly, and before he knew it, evening had arrived.
The orange-yellow afterglow spilled onto the ground, like a layer of gentle crushed gold.
Just as Alex was leaning against the wall and his eyelids were starting to droop, a Damselette approached with light, graceful steps.
She was dressed in blue and white Moon Goddess attire, wearing an exquisite hollow-out white silk blindfold, her eyes slightly closed, looking like a strand of cold moonlight falling from the night sky.
“Lady Columbina, are you here so early today?” Alex stood up straight and greeted her with a smile.
Columbina nodded slightly, her voice flowing like a clear spring: “Sandrone doesn’t allow me to sing while she’s sleeping, so I have to sing before she falls asleep.” “You really are a genius!” Alex gave a thumbs up and praised her sincerely.
As he spoke, he handed her the dalieba he was carrying: “Lady Columbina, this is for you.” Columbina looked down at the hard bread as big as a washbasin and asked somewhat blankly: “Why are you giving me food again?” “Because I am your devout believer,” Alex responded with a serious expression.
“Is that so?” A look of confusion appeared on Columbina’s face, “But…
I can’t feel your faith.” Alex was taken aback, then explained with a bit of embarrassment: “Uh…
maybe my faith isn’t pure enough yet.” He paused and said sincerely: “But please accept my gift; I have absolutely no ill intentions!” Columbina tilted her head slightly and thought seriously for a moment.
Finally, she reached out her fair and smooth hand and took the dalieba, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome!” Alex waved his hand with a smile, “I have things to do, so I’ll be going now.” Just as he was about to turn and leave, Columbina suddenly called out to him: “Wait!” Alex paused and looked back: “What is it?” “What is your name?” she asked.
Alex’s mouth twitched slightly.
He had already brought her food several times, but she hadn’t even remembered his name.
“Alex.” He gave his name speechlessly.
Columbina nodded gently, as if recording it solemnly.
Only then did Alex truly take his leave.
After he walked away, Columbina slowly unwrapped the dalieba’s packaging, sat on the steps in front of the research institute, and munched on it with relish.
Even though the bread was salty and hard, and even hurt her teeth to bite, she didn’t mind at all.
In a short while, the washbasin-sized dalieba was eaten clean by her.
Then, she stood up, humming that ethereal and distant song, and walked slowly into the research institute’s gate.
“Dormi, cara Columbula…” …
After saying goodbye to Columbina, Alex detoured back to that bakery on his way home.
“Officer, do you want another dalieba?” the owner asked politely.
“No,” Alex shook his head, “Give me a Milk bread.” A man shouldn’t mistreat himself.
The owner didn’t waste any words and quickly packed a sweet and soft Milk bread for him.
Walking out of the shop, Alex headed home under the dim yellow glow of the sunset.
After about a thirty-minute walk, a rather simple house gradually came into view.
He walked to the door, took out his key to open it, and flipped the light switch.
The orange light inside spilled out, adding a touch of Warmth to the cold space.
He walked to an old desk and sat down slowly.
On the desk lay a yellowed photo—the picture showed a young Sumeru couple holding a little green-haired girl, their smiles gentle and bright.
He reached out, his fingertips gently stroking the photo, and whispered: “Uncle, Auntie…
and Little Lai…” When he first transmigrated, his body had become that of a ten-year-old child.
If this couple hadn’t adopted him, he would have frozen to death in that ice and snow long ago.
Later, due to poor health, he had been unable to help them.
However, by the time he recovered his health, it was already too late.
Now, the only thing he could do was…
Alex’s gaze gradually turned cold, revealing an unshakable determination.
Just then— With a “bang,” the door was kicked open directly by a fair and smooth leg.
Amidst flying wood chips, Rosalyne stepped inside.
Her charming face was full of indignation, her chin slightly raised, and her full chest trembled slightly with her steps.
A red and white ornate dress clung to her figure, the fabric stretching over smooth and seductive curves, showing both flamboyance and an undeniable sense of pressure.
“You idiot!” She glared at Alex in annoyance, her pale grey eyes burning with anger, “Do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused?” Alex’s expression was calm as he slowly stood up, walked to her, and his lips curled slightly: “Lady Rosalyne, I’ve said before, ‘I’m not an idiot’.” “Not an idiot?” She sneered, and reaching out with a hand encased in black lace, she grabbed his collar and pulled him close, “I’ll give you one minute to explain yourself!” A faint scent of Cecilia flowers lingered around his nose, cold and alluring.
Alex did not back down, looking directly into her eyes: “That evil cannot continue.
Otherwise, it will lead to complete chaos!” “Speak clearly!” Rosalyne frowned slightly and spoke with a hint of dissatisfaction.