Four Eyes subtly sighed, shaking his head at his younger twin's lack of awareness.

Ling Li barely suppressed a smile before turning back to Kim Kim, waiting.

Kim Kim's lips twitched. She knew what her mother was saying was correct — but that didn't mean she liked it.

"And you, Chin Chin," Ling Li said, her voice carrying finality, "you need to behave well."

The younger twin, still chewing, bobbed her head enthusiastically.

"Chin Chin, behave! Chin Chin, behave!"

Kim Kim's expression darkened even further.

She shot a glare at her sister, her irritation practically tangible, while Chin Chin, oblivious to Kim Kim's frustration, continued eating without a care in the world.

Four Eyes glanced at his eldest daughter, observing the storm brewing within her tiny frame. He exhaled lightly, already accepting defeat.

Not long after, Shi Min and the rest returned.

The dining hall, previously filled with the warmth of conversation and routine, seemed to shift the moment the group walked in. There was an undeniable weight to their presence—an energy thick with frustration, tension, and lingering traces of failure.

Kim Kim exhaled quietly, her relief palpable the second her older brother stepped into view. She felt safer when he was around, like a shield against whatever had just transpired just now.

Naturally, Shi Min, as keen-eyed as ever — picked up on the unease almost instantly. His sharp gaze flickered toward his younger sister, taking in the way she sat stiffly, her small fingers curled against the edge of the table. Something was off.

"What's wrong?" he asked, voice steady but probing. His eyes narrowed slightly. "What happened to Kim Kim?"

Ling Li, ever perceptive, intercepted before the conversation spiraled into unnecessary concern.

"Don't worry about her," she said smoothly, gesturing toward the table. "Have a seat—all of you. Eat first."

Shi Min hesitated for only a fraction of a second before obeying, lowering himself into a chair beside Kim Kim before scooping her into his lap.

Ling Li studied the group closely — Mushu's storm-dark expression, Shi Min's tightened jaw, El Padre, and El Capitan's uncharacteristic silence. It didn't take much to realize that whatever their task had been, it hadn't gone as planned.

Still, she asked, if only to confirm what she already suspected.

"How was your task?"

Shi Min, ever direct, did not sugarcoat.

"Solaris escaped."

The words were sharp. Cutting.

His brows crunched together, his displeasure etched deeply into every angle of his face.

Silence weighed down the table for a moment, the impact settling into everyone's bones.

Ling Li took a slow breath, calmly assessing. She could tell that the failure still hung in the air around them, curling into their thoughts like an unwelcome shadow. The disappointment was thick — but frustration? That was even thicker.

She knew better than to push the conversation now.

"Alright," she finally said, voice cool, measured. "Eat first. Let's talk about it later."

She didn't have to say it twice.

Everyone began their meal, though the tension remained — unspoken, heavy, lingering.

Solaris had escaped.

And no one was happy about it. Most especially Lily.

The lingering warmth of their meal had barely settled when Ling Li straightened, her expression shifting into quiet seriousness.

"Shi Min, everyone who was with you — come to the living room. We need to discuss Solaris."

Her tone was firm, carrying the weight of authority that left no room for hesitation.

Around the room, movements followed swiftly.

Those who had gone out with Shi Min exchanged glances before rising to their feet, instinctively falling into step behind their young master. Meanwhile, the others — those who had spent their time training — headed toward their respective rooms to freshen up, their minds focused elsewhere.

As they walked into the living room, the air seemed to thicken.

Solaris.

The name alone was enough to cast a shadow over the space.

Ling Li settled into her seat beside Four Eyes, her fingers lightly tapping against the armrest as she waited for everyone to gather. Her sharp eyes flicked toward Shi Min, expectant — ready to hear everything.

Shi Min inhaled deeply as he took his place, his gaze steady, his mind recalling every chilling detail.

The conversation was about to begin.

And the fate of Solaris hung in the balance.

The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as the group prepared to delve into their discussion — when suddenly, a booming voice shattered the moment.

"Hello, everyone! Long time no see!"

The entrance doors flung open as the Russian President strode in, his energy as unrestrained as ever. Behind him, Butler Peng followed with quiet discipline, and trailing in their wake were six aides, each burdened with lavish gifts stacked in their arms.

El Padre wasted no time, his voice dry with a reprimand. "We just saw each other two days ago. How long was it for you to make this havoc?!"

The Russian President snorted loudly, planting his feet firmly as he threw his arms up with exaggerated indignation. "Hey, Brother! Two days is still two days! Can you not be pricking at me all the time? You're such a party pooper — hmph!"

A barely concealed smirk curled on Ling Li's lips as she observed the exchange from her seat beside Four Eyes, who merely flicked his gaze toward the spectacle, mildly amused.

El Padre leaned back, arms crossed, eyes sharp with knowing amusement. His voice carried that distinct edge of directness, cutting through any pretense.

"Heh, Old Man, don't think I don't know why you're here." His smirk was almost taunting, though his tone remained measured. "You need Madam's help to deal with Solaris."

The Russian President visibly bristled, letting out a deep huff before attempting to compose himself.

El Padre was merciless. No hesitation. No sugarcoating.

"Have you cleaned up the area?" The question was almost rhetorical — El Padre already knew the answer.

The Russian President clicked his tongue, throwing him a glare.

"You! No one will say you're mute if you don't talk!" He huffed again before sighing, arms thrown up in surrender. "And yes, I sent my special forces to handle the corpse — to keep everything under wraps."

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