Sam couldn’t understand why Zoe had such an unusual reaction to something that seemed quite normal.
It’s common for young people to have bumps and bruises. Sam even remembered frequently scraping his knees as a child, his shorts often stained with blood – and it was never a big deal to his parents.
So why was Zoe reacting so strongly?
Despite his reluctance, Zoe persisted and rolled up his sleeve, revealing the bruise on his arm.
Sam noticed her slightly dazed expression as she looked at it. The bruise certainly wasn’t severe enough to warrant such a reaction; even the best acting would seem awkward and forced in this situation.
So, Sam discreetly pulled his hand back.
"Don’t worry, it’s just a minor injury, it’ll heal in a few days. Ah, I need to head home, bye."
With that, he hurriedly left the elevator and quickly disappeared into his home, almost like he was fleeing.
Sam thought Zoe’s mental state seemed a bit off, which is why he decided to make a quick exit.
After a shower, Sam noticed the bruises on his arm and above his belly button, clearly a result of his lack of fighting skills.
Considering this, he thought it might be necessary to improve his combat techniques, or perhaps rely on the system for some self-defense methods, especially since Brody was still a potential adversary.
Having made himself a simple meal and eaten, it was already dark outside, around eight o’clock.
Feeling somewhat bored, Sam was about to play a game when the doorbell rang.
He went to answer it and saw Zoe standing there, holding a box.
This time, she wasn’t dressed in anything particularly enticing, just simple home clothes - a short-sleeved T-shirt and denim shorts.
Yet, her figure was still quite alluring. Her shapely legs and striking bust size were definitely eye-catching.
"Zoe.. what brings you here? Is something wrong?"
Zoe looked into Sam’s eyes. "Well, I saw you were hurt earlier and got a bit worried, so I thought I might help you treat the wound."
Sam’s expression was slightly unnatural.
"It’s really nothing, just a minor injury. I’ll heal quickly at my age."
But Zoe’s eyes suddenly hardened with determination.
"You can’t just leave it untreated, right? Trust me, a simple treatment will help your wound heal better."
Saying this, she walked right in, grabbed Sam’s arm, and without further ado, entered his living room.
Sam hardly had time to react before Zoe forcefully seated him on the sofa.
"Roll up your sleeve a bit, don’t let it get wet with the solution."
"Okay."
Sam couldn’t continue to make a fuss. Although with his current physical condition, such a minor injury didn’t really need any treatment.
He even suspected Zoe was making a mountain out of a molehill, trying to use this minor injury as an excuse to create an opportunity for close contact.
Surprisingly, Zoe was quite serious in her treatment, even though their bodies were very close.
She didn’t make any overt or covert moves to get closer to Sam, instead focusing intently on applying the solution to his arm, almost like a nurse.
After the application, she gently blew on it, her warm breath covering Sam’s arm, extremely gentle.
This tender moment made Sam forget what kind of woman Zoe was in the game.
After finishing, Zoe showed a genuinely happy smile.
"There, all done. Just try not to get it wet tonight or tomorrow morning, and avoid touching the area until the solution has fully worked, okay?"
Sam nodded, then looked at her curiously. "I got it, but Miss Zoe... were you ever a nurse? Your technique seems very skilled."
Zoe laughed, "Of course not, I’ve always been an office worker. But I used to often treat my younger brother’s wounds. He was quite restless, always getting into conflicts and fights outside, often coming home covered in bruises."
I see...
But Sam noticed Zoe’s smile gradually fading, as if recalling something, leading to her somber mood.
Hesitating, he said, "Your brother is really lucky to have such a gentle sister like you."
Zoe’s smile seemed a bit forced this time.
"I wasn’t a competent sister, or else I wouldn’t have only been able to do this much. I couldn’t control him, leading to him..."
"Did something happen to your brother?" Sam caught onto something.
Zoe glanced at Sam, then turned her head away.
"He got into a fight once, and unexpectedly, the other person had a gun, so..."
"Sorry."
It was indeed such a matter. That’s why her expression seemed so downcast earlier.
Zoe smiled, a tinge of melancholy and poignant beauty in her expression. "No need to apologize, I’m the one who should be sorry."
"Why?"
"Did I scare you in the elevator?"
Sam didn’t respond, and Zoe seemed somewhat embarrassed as she spoke. "I noticed the injury on your arm at that time. It reminded me of the many times my brother came home hurt. And you are about the same age he was... So, I couldn’t control my emotions. I might have scared you, I’m sorry."
Everything was clear now.
The scene in the elevator wasn’t an act or a deliberate setup. This made Sam feel a bit ashamed; it seemed he was overly sensitive, often assuming the worst in situations.
After a moment of hesitation, Sam spoke softly. "It’s okay, I’m not that easily scared. On the contrary, I feel bad for always needing your help. So, I deliberately avoided you at that moment."
"Is that so? I thought you disliked me."
"Why would I dislike you?"
"Because that night I..." Zoe almost blurted out but stopped abruptly.
The air turned ambiguous, a faint blush appearing on her delicate and charming face. She averted her gaze, seemingly unable to meet Sam’s eyes.
Sam looked at Zoe curiously. "Are you talking about the night you were drunk? But nothing special happened between us that night, right? You don’t need to worry about it."
Hearing this, Zoe seemed relieved. She took a deep breath, organizing the little box she had brought, and then looked at Sam.
"Okay, I should go now."
"Alright, Miss Zoe, have a good rest."
"Um... If it’s okay, can I ask you for a favor?"
Zoe looked a bit awkward, even shy.
Sam looked at her curiously. "What is it?"
"Well... The term ’Miss Zoe’ sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? Too formal. Could you... could you call me ’sister’?"
Her eyes were full of hope and a bit of nervousness.
Sam was taken aback. "Sister?"
"Yes, exactly! Is that okay?!"
She seemed excited by the idea, her eyes almost shining.
Is she seeing Sam as a younger brother, trying to shift her feelings of regret over her own brother’s death onto him?
Could this be the breakthrough to achieve a Good ending in the game?
Sam didn’t reveal her inner thoughts but hesitated before nodding.
"I’ll try, so should you rest early, ’sister’?"
Zoe smiled tenderly and alluringly, boldly taking Sam’s hands.
"Alright, Sam, remember to be careful. Don’t get hurt, don’t fight with others. Promise your sister, okay?"
"Okay, I understand."
"Thank you, Sam. Stay safe and live well."
Zoe gaze was gentle and fluid like water.
Moving, yet enigmatic.
This gentleness didn’t seem feigned; it appeared genuinely heartfelt, almost like a prayer.
If possible, Sam truly wished she were his real sister.
But inside, he could only bitterly smile.
I want to live well too, sister. But if that day ever comes, what kind of feelings will you have when you kill me?