Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Is This a Compliment?
"Commander."
Just as Mo Chen was studying the item description, Rapi walked over.
"Need something?"
Mo Chen closed the system interface.
"Yes."
Rapi nodded. "The upcoming mission to the surface is expected to last a month. We'll need to bring essential food and supplies. To ensure we're prepared for unforeseen situations, I recommend bringing at least one and a half months' worth of supplies."
She seemed well-prepared, clearly experienced in this process.
"Got it."
Mo Chen nodded, already making plans. He could supply himself with the system, so food and water wouldn't be an issue. But he couldn't let others see that; he had to keep up appearances or risk exposure.
Besides, the Nikke still needed some food, water, and other essentials, which all had to be accounted for.
Rapi offered, "Is there a specific store you usually shop at? You can tell me the name, and I'll go pick things up for you."
Mo Chen was about to hand over some money when he realized—he didn't have any!
Awkward.
Since arriving, he'd been fighting Raptures above ground, where there wasn't a soul in sight, so he hadn't needed money. And now, back in the Ark, there hadn't been much use for it either.
Sifting through this body's memories, Mo Chen's expression turned wry.
Just like him, this body was part of the proletariat, practically wiped clean.
He checked every pocket but barely found enough for a few basic expenses.
Rapi noticed his strange expression and raised an eyebrow. "Are you worried I'll skim off the top or take a cut for myself? I can provide purchase receipts and invoices…"
"No, that's not it."
Mo Chen waved his hands, realizing she misunderstood.
He couldn't help but feel that Rapi was quite savvy.
Rapi looked even more puzzled. "Then what's holding you back? If you're uneasy, you're welcome to accompany me."
"It's not about trust."
Feeling a little embarrassed, Mo Chen admitted, "Believe it or not, I don't have any money."
"No money?"
Before Rapi could respond, Anis interjected.
"What? With your noble air, that's hard to believe."
Anis looked at him with surprise and confusion.
"I really don't have any money," Mo Chen said with a helpless shrug.
Anis squinted at him suspiciously, then spoke with a hint of doubt. "So, Commander, you're telling me… you're a complete penniless pauper?"
Mo Chen: "..."
It was the truth, but hearing it phrased like that made it sting a little.
Anis's eyes went wide as she took a step back, astonished. "Where'd all your money go? Lost it gambling? Blown on something shady? Or did you waste it on an inflatable—"
"Stop, stop, stop!" Mo Chen quickly covered her mouth, steering her to a corner as people nearby gave them curious looks. "Don't go saying stuff like that. I'm a law-abiding citizen, alright?"
Anis gasped as she pulled his hand off her mouth. "Are you trying to suffocate me?"
"Nikkes don't need air," he shot back.
"Says who? Nikkes can suffocate too! That's discrimination!"
Anis peeled Mo Chen's hand away, giving him a light slap and an eye-roll.
After a brief squabble, Anis tilted her head, peering curiously at him. "So, you really are broke?"
"Flat broke."
"Don't get upset; I was just joking. Commander, you're too easily ruffled," she said, edging closer and smiling slyly. "But if you're really out of cash, I could lend you some."
"You'd lend me money?" Mo Chen was surprised.
"Yep," she nodded. Then, as if it bore repeating, she added, "Just so you know, I don't have a lot."
Mo Chen felt a mix of appreciation and amusement. In a world where borrowing was rare and money lent was often lost, her offer felt unexpectedly kind.
She nudged his side with her elbow, grinning. "Aww, are you touched?"
"Yeah, a little." For the first time, Mo Chen thought Anis was pretty decent.
Anis patted her chest confidently. "This is no big deal; we're pals, right?"
As she spoke, he couldn't help but notice the faint curve of her collarbone peeking through her shirt, slightly damp with sweat. But she quickly added, "Just make sure you pay me back with interest."
"Wait, interest?" Mo Chen's gaze snapped back, taken aback.
"Of course," she said with her hands on her hips, looking entirely justified. "I mean, how often does a noble guy like you need help? Gotta seize the moment, right?"
Mo Chen: "..."
"Give me back my gratitude."
"Too late! Haha!" she laughed mischievously, casting a quick look around before slipping him a small card.
"What's this?"
Anis lowered her voice. "Didn't you need money? Just ask if you're short. But don't forget—I don't have much."
For the third time.
Mo Chen felt both amused and genuinely touched. Just then, Rapi spoke up.
"But, Commander, how could you not have funds? Didn't you complete missions recently, including the last one?"
Rapi looked puzzled. "Or… perhaps there was an error in the central government's computer system? If so, you could just submit an action report manually."
"An action report?"
Mo Chen paused, suddenly remembering that was indeed a thing he should've done.
Rapi noticed his expression and gave a small nod as if realizing something. "Commander, may I ask—did you ever actually submit your action reports?"
"Oh, that? Yeah, of course I submitted it," Mo Chen replied, feigning understanding as he cleared his throat. "About the supplies… I'll handle it myself."
The truth? He hadn't submitted a single report.
Rapi's piercing question followed, "Commander… do you even know where to submit those reports?"
"Well, obviously..." He wanted to bluff his way out, but under her steady, ruby-like gaze, he finally gave in with a sigh. "Fine, let's go submit them together."
"Woah~~"
Anis put on an exaggerated look of surprise, covering her mouth dramatically.
"No way! In this world, there's actually a commander who's selfless, doesn't care about money or fame, and is completely penniless?"
Mo Chen's mouth twitched.
He really wanted to give this girl a slap.
Anis, noticing the look in his eyes, grinned and batted her lashes at him playfully.
"I was complimenting you."
"Then thank you very much."
Some compliment that was...
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