His words eased the heavy atmosphere, changing the mood.
But Bai Youwei wasn't happy.
She frowned slightly, staring at Shen Mo, thinking: Why does it have to be Shen Mo? Why can't it be someone else?
Then she looked around, realizing that everyone was either old or young; there really wasn't a suitable candidate. Tan Xiao was young and energetic, but no one trusted him with this.
Yan Qingwen was capable, but two people on his side were already injured. It wouldn't be fair if no one from her and Shen Mo's side contributed.
Sometimes, logic was easy to understand, but feelings were a different matter.
Bai Youwei pursed her lips, sitting silently among the group, saying nothing.
Cheng Wei Cai said, "The plastic bags are in the second cabinet from the right in the kitchen. The cling film is also there."
Shen Mo nodded slightly and went downstairs to prepare.
Although it was summer, the temperature wasn't high at all. On the contrary, it was rather cold, let alone having to soak in the dark, chilly rainwater.
Bai Youwei stayed in the attic, listening to Cheng Wei Cai, who had followed Shen Mo downstairs, chattering away. He kept reminding Shen Mo to be careful, to come back up quickly, and to tie a rope around himself so he could tug on it to signal if anything happened.
She also wanted to say something to him. Supporting herself with her hands on the floor, she slowly moved her body, inching towards the stairs leading down from the attic.
She saw a group of people surrounding Shen Mo.
Besides the fussing Teacher Cheng, there were also Yan Qingwen, Su Man, and Tan Xiao.
Yan Qingwen said, "We've already searched the first floor repeatedly. The question now is, is it possible that after being soaked in rainwater, there have been changes on the first floor that we haven't considered… For safety's sake, let's first make sure we get the waterproof bags and cling film."
Su Man interjected, "Brother Yan, why don't I go too?"
Yan Qingwen shook his head. "You're not a good swimmer. If there's any danger after you go down, he'll have to find a way to save you. Underwater is different from above water; every second could be life-threatening."
Tan Xiao wanted to go down, but Shen Mo refused him as well.
"You stay up here and watch the rope," Shen Mo said.
Bai Youwei stayed at the attic entrance, quietly watching the group downstairs. Shen Mo stood among them, tall, calm, composed, and full of strength. He had everyone's recognition and trust.
And she could do nothing.
Until she could think of a way, she could only huddle in this small attic. If Shen Mo weren't there, she would have to wait for someone else's moment of compassion to offer her a sliver of protection.
Bai Youwei unconsciously clenched her fists. She suddenly realized that she was actually superfluous…
It's the game that gave me the illusion of self-reliance, and the game can shatter that illusion at any time.
Not far away, Shen Mo looked up.
Bai Youwei froze, then saw Shen Mo walking towards her, up the stairs, and stopping in front of her.
He was tall, and even sitting down, slightly bending over, he could block the light in front of her. The dimness made the distance feel closer, and Bai Youwei held her breath.
"I'm going down," Shen Mo said.
Bai Youwei pursed her lips, turning her face to the side, and replied lukewarmly, "You've already made your decision, so why tell me?"
"Are you in a bad mood again?" Shen Mo asked, amused.
She didn't look at his face, but judging by his tone, she could imagine the helplessness and annoyance on his face.
Whatever, let him think she was being moody and throwing a tantrum.
I don't care, Bai Youwei thought indifferently.
A hand reached out and grasped hers.
Bai Youwei froze. Before she could react, her hand was placed on Shen Mo's abdomen.
Bai Youwei: "…"
Shen Mo: "Feeling better now?"
Bai Youwei: "…"
She moved her fingertips slightly. The firm and warm touch inexplicably soothed her heart.
"Mm… a little better," she whispered.
Shen Mo let go of her, ruffled her hair, got up, and left.