Chapter 161: What is she looking at?

The girl lowered her head slightly, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

Although she didn’t say it outright, Red could clearly read the hidden gloom beneath her lowered eyes.

This reminded him of his old self.

Back then, for Liz’s birthday, he had gone out of his way to prepare a sumptuous dinner, but in the end…

She hadn’t appreciated it at all.

Instead, she had looked rather displeased and asked, “Why spend so much money on a useless cake?”

Even though it was money he had painstakingly saved.

Thinking about it now, he realized that he truly was a bit immature back then.

Red gave a bitter, self-mocking shake of his head.

Time flows, and the roles reverse.

Now, he was like the clueless Liz from back then, and Litt… had become the one holding out her sincere heart, only to be neglected, just like he once was.

He couldn’t… he couldn’t let those clear eyes before him be shadowed in the same way.

“No, Litt, it’s nothing important anymore.”

He stepped forward and gently said to Litt, “Let’s go home.”

“Hey! Red! You—”

Mason became anxious as soon as he heard this, lowering his voice to stop him.

This wasn’t something trivial!

How could it just be left at that?

“When you get that Magical Doll back, I’ll make sure to get you the best, most beautiful one.”

Hearing this, Mason immediately clasped his fists.

“Yifu, rest assured! I’ll go through water and fire without hesitation! I’ll definitely bring that Lost Lamb back to you safe and sound!”

Watching Mason dash off in such a hurry, Litt couldn’t help but speak up.

“Uh… There really is something you haven’t finished yet, right? If it’s truly something important, you really don’t need to mind me, work is important.”

“It’s not all that important.”

Red shook his head.

Of course he couldn’t tell Litt the real truth.

“Let’s go back. It’s getting late.”

After experiencing so much danger and coldness in the Dungeon, even though it had only been two days, Red felt his entire body and mind relax the moment he stepped into the house.

It was the first time he’d ever felt this way.

Back when he was with Dawnblade, even returning to the base on the surface, he could never really relax—there was always more work to be done.

But now, things were different…

This small house, though not large, was truly warm and cozy.

It felt like it had really become a safe harbor for him.

Litt saw Red sit on the sofa, his whole body relaxing, looking like a melted slime, and couldn’t help but let out a soft, adorable giggle.

“Red, just take a rest. I’ll handle dinner.”

“How could I…”

Red was about to help out in the kitchen, but before he could get up, Litt’s small hand pressed down on his shoulder.

She wore a somewhat playful expression.

“Men handle things outside, women handle things at home. You’ve already been through so many dangers outside, how could I let you busy yourself with these simple household chores?”

“…Alright.”

Seeing Litt so insistent, Red really didn’t want to spoil her good intentions.

More importantly… he was indeed a bit tired.

Just back from the Dungeon, he’d originally planned to go with Rotos and the others to that Demon Puppet shop for some mental and physical relaxation.

But before he could even unwind, that Magical Doll had vanished into thin air, as if something had happened.

In the next few hours, he was like a headless fly, dragging lead-heavy legs around with Mason, rummaging through dark alleys, searching everywhere…

And the result?

Naturally, it was all for nothing.

Now, not only did his body feel thoroughly drained, but his spirit was like a spent lamp—completely unable to light up.

Red nearly “crashed” into the wide, soft sofa in the living room, letting out a long groan that sounded like his bones were falling apart.

His heavy eyelids drooped, and his vision grew blurry.

The sofa was cleverly placed—just a glance up, and he could see the kitchen beyond the open partition, without any obstruction.

Litt was standing with her back to him, her slender figure busy under the warm light.

She expertly tied that slightly faded floral apron around her waist, making a neat butterfly knot at her back.

A few soft strands of hair slid down beside her neck, swaying gently with her movements.

There were soft clinks of pots and bowls, the sound of water dripping as ingredients were washed, the rhythmic, lively chopping of a knife on the cutting board…

All these ordinary, homely sounds at this moment were like the gentlest lullaby, making his eyelids grow heavier.

When it came to cooking, the part that took the most time was always the preparation: picking vegetables, washing, slicing, seasoning.

Once all was ready, the actual cooking might take only a moment.

But none of this seemed to be a burden for Litt.

Her movements were fluid and graceful, carrying a poise and precision honed over years.

One person, in her own little world, working methodically—the slender figure held a resilient strength, as if she could support all the warmth of this little corner on her own.

Red lay quietly on the sofa, his gaze unconsciously following that figure in the kitchen.

His mind started to grow hazy, and without realizing it, Red drifted off to sleep.

He didn’t know how much time had passed, but in a daze, he felt someone nearby.

That familiar scent of the girl lingered at his nose.

“This… sleeping like this, you’ll catch a cold, you know.”

Red slowly opened his eyes a little.

He saw Litt by his side, murmuring to herself about something.

Only then did he realize, perhaps because he’d rolled over in his sleep, his shirt had come up a bit.

And there was one more thing…

As Red gradually woke up, he finally noticed Litt’s gaze wandering over his body.

The girl’s attention seemed focused on his abs.

Red couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed—he dared not open his eyes.

After all, it was only a little awkward for him now, but if he opened his eyes, it might turn into something embarrassing for both of them.

“Mm…”

Litt muttered softly, “I shouldn’t wake him.”

Saying so, the girl went upstairs, and from her room, she fetched a blanket.

Red squinted his eyes, trying to observe her as secretly as possible.

He watched Litt take the blanket, but instead of covering him right away, she continued staring at his stomach for a while.

What is she doing?

At this point, Red still couldn’t figure out what Litt was looking at.

Just as he was lost in wild thoughts, trying to guess what was on Litt’s mind, a small, cool hand suddenly landed on his stomach, gently touching his abs.