Tony hummed before saying, “Don’t you think that Nelly ‘s gentler than before?” Ben blinked. “But Nelly ‘s always been gentle.”
“What are you talking about? She used to be so inflexible. It’s not that she’s gentler now, but…
something else.” Tony wracked his brain for the right word, but despite his long contemplation, he failed to find a suitable term for the feeling.
Ben studied him from head to toe. “Tony, you used to be Nelly ‘s die-hard fan. No matter how Nelly is, she’s always the best person in the world to you. What’s wrong? Have you changed your mind?”
“I…” Tony pressed his lips tightly together before saying, “Nelly ‘s still the best person I know. I’m just pointing a fact out.”
“And the fact is that people change. Doesn’t that apply to you as well?” Ben questioned. Tony nodded after a while. “You’re right.”
At Tony ‘s speechlessness, Ben chuckled.
“Fine. Ignore everything I said!” Tony huffed and turned to leave.
Ben walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “All right. I know what you mean. I’m not dumb, so how can I not sense Nelly ‘s change?”
Tony turned to look at his brother. “Then why did you pretend not to know anything?” “I just wanted to see you rendered speechless.”
“You-”
Just as Tony was about to retort, Ben interrupted, “Regardless of everything, I’m fine as long as her change is for the better.”
Tony nodded in agreement. “That’s true, but I am worried about something.” “About what?”
“We asked Nelly whether or not she found the truth last time, and she told us yes. But she refused to tell us who it was.”
Ben continued, “So you’re worried that Nelly will continue trying to seek revenge?”
“It’s not a worry; she’ll surely do that.”
Ben lowered his gaze for a moment before inclining his head. “Nelly ‘s been troubled by this for so many years. She’s not going to let it go so easily.” Then, he lifted his head to look at Tony and asked, “What do you think about this?”
“Since Nelly wants to settle this herself, I think we should find out who it is. Even if we don’t intervene in this, we can at least have our guards up,” Tony pointed out.
Ben bobbed his head. “Agreed.” “I’ll leave this to you, then.”
The younger boy continued bobbing his head, but he soon registered what Tony had just said. “What?”
Tony laughed at him. “I’m sure you’ll do this well.” “No, wait, why me again?”
“You’re the most obedient child of us all. You’re not as chaotic as Donna , and you’re not as nosy as I. Nelly has always been most contented with you, so you’ll catch her off guard if you were the one to ask her,” Tony pointed out.
“Tony , you-”
“We’re taking turns. If anything crops up again, it’ll be my turn,” Tony quickly said. “Well, then you should go first!”
“I’ve already asked her, and you saw how Nelly responded. That’s why I’m sure she won’t say anything if I were to ask her instead.”
“I’m always glued by your side. Won’t she know that you’ll know if I ask her about it?” “Then come up with a plan and fish for information from her as nonchalantly as you can.” “Are you overestimating my capabilities, or are you underestimating Nelly ‘s capabilities?” “Just try. We’ll think about what else to do if it doesn’t work,” Tony insisted.
What else could Ben say after that? He could only give Tony another glance before reminding
him, “You said it yourself. It’ll be your turn next time.”
“Of course!” Tony nodded fervently with a sincere look on his face. Ben then let go of him and walked toward his bag.
After taking out a drawing book, he turned to head out of the room. “Where are you going?” Tony cried out after him.
“To look for Nelly and fish for what we want.” With that, he pulled the door open and stepped out. Tony curled his lips as he watched his brother leave.
Once Ben was gone, he turned back to his computer. On the screen were Sam ‘s numerous messages.
The last message he sent was: Tony Jackson , are you trying to play dead? Respond to me!
Despite Sam ‘s impatience, Tony took his time typing his reply: I’m just chatting with my dear mommy. No need to rush me.
Meanwhile, in the room, Nelly was sitting by the side of Alpha Kilian ‘s bed. Just as she adjusted the blanket and sat down, someone pushed the door open. It was Ben .
“Nelly .”
Nelly lifted her head to look at Ben . “Not heading to bed yet?”
Ben walked over to her. “I couldn’t sleep, so I came to have a chat with you.” As he spoke, he passed the drawing book to her.
Nelly lowered her gaze to look at it.
Nelly ‘s concern wasn’t the biggest problem for her. To her, the biggest worry she had was regarding Ben ‘s future.
I don’t know what the future holds for someone like him.
After a long moment of pondering, Nelly looked at the boy. “Ben , do you really like to work on these designs?”
Ben nodded. “I love it.”
Nelly continued, “First of all, your situation is unlike Tony ‘s. But I’m sure of one thing. Both of you are intelligent kids with unparalleled talents. Ben , to be honest with you, I don’t know what the future holds for you. But I support you in the things you do. Other than that, I have a few words for you.”
Ben gazed at her. “What is it?”
Nelly took a deep breath while her eyes were still locked on Ben . “Ben , using your design and thoughts on the wrong party will cause irreversible hurt and damage to many people and countries. That’s why I hope you will use it on the correct people and that you will be a person that contributes to society and the country. Making a weapon is all about protecting people, not hurting them. Do you understand?”
Ben didn’t think things through before. To him, it was merely an interest that motivated him previously. However, Nelly ‘s words knocked some sense into him. He finally realized that there were still many aspects and concerns that he had to ponder about.
Understanding what Nelly was talking about, Ben contemplated for a second before nodding. “All right, I understand. Don’t worry, Nelly . I won’t turn into a bad person. I will become a person that you will be proud of.”
Nelly smiled upon hearing Ben ‘s response. She closed the album before focusing her gaze on the latter. “I will always be proud of you no matter what you do in the future. Your existence itself is what I’m proud of.”
Looking at Nelly , at this moment, Ben finally understood what Tony had meant. With her soft-spoken manner, it seemed like a light radiated from Nelly .
Ben smiled and nodded. “All right. I got it.”
In response, Nelly reached out and caressed his head.
At that exact moment, Ben mumbled, “Nelly !” before leaning his head onto Nelly ‘s arm.
Nelly paused. He and Tony had always acted cute before me since they knew how to. Ben ‘s action warmed my heart, though.
She leaned in, so the boy could feel more comfortable lying in her arms. “What’s the matter?” Nelly asked.
“I was really, really worried about you during the time that you were gone.”
Nelly peered at Ben ‘s round and cute head. Ben acting coy brought out inexplainable feelings in Nelly .
The woman lowered her gaze and murmured, “I’m sorry for worrying you.”
“Nelly , you don’t have to be sorry. I know that’s something that you can’t get over. No matter what you do, we will always support you.”
Nelly reached out to stroke Ben ‘s soft hair.
Ben lifted his eyes, focusing them on Nelly before asking, “But then, Nelly , when can you finish exacting revenge for Granddad?”
The mention of revenge sent disappointment flashing across Nelly ‘s eyes. “I’m afraid I can’t do that anymore.”
“Huh?” Ben ‘s face scrunched up. “Why?”
Nelly took a deep breath as regret filled her eyes. “Because he is dead.”
Ben looked at her. He thought about it for a second before questioning, “Who is dead?” Nelly lowered her eyes and looked at Ben . “General Will.”
Ben froze. “You mean the General Will from Midnight fang pack ?” Nelly nodded.
Ben paused before looking at Nelly . “He’s gone? What happened? When did that happen?” Why didn’t we hear anything about General Will’s death?
“Today!” Nelly replied.
“Nelly , you’re so well informed. We haven’t heard anything yet!” Ben spoke. “I got the news from Alpha Dave.” Nelly gazed at Ben .
Ben nodded his head thoughtfully. “Who killed him?” “Boss.”
“What? Internal conflict?”
“Something like that. Anyway, being unable to end him myself…” Nelly remarked as regret filled her eyes.
Ben didn’t know what to say. After a while, he said, “I think it’s because Granddad doesn’t want you to dirty your hands. That’s why he let things turn out this way.”