Kingdom of Corrosion

"It’s not 20 years; it’s a lifetime," Maya said. "Even if you’re good for nothing, people will still support you. Why? Because it’s their child you’ve won over."

Lin Wu lamented, "I’ve lost big time."

Maya asked, "Did you learn to spout this nonsense after breaking up with Fire Dance?"

Lin Wu countered, "Why do you say that?"

Maya replied, "Cynical and insistent on having your own way, winning by evasion."

Lin Wu said, "No, no, no, I love life, that’s why I don’t want to hang myself on a single tree."

Maya said, "I’m not saying you don’t love life, but something that can change a person’s character must be imprinted in their heart."

Lin Wu asked, "Aren’t you tired after working all day? I’m tired, I want to sleep."

Seeing this, Maya did not say anything more. She walked to the back door, looked up at the sky through the window frame, pushed open the small door at the back, and hung a row of bullet casings there, testing their sound level as well.

Back at the resting area, Lin Wu asked, "Maya, what’s your love life like?" He had said too much himself and felt at a loss; he had to earn some interest back.

Maya glanced at Lin Wu, took some food and water out of her backpack, and said, "I almost got married six months ago."