Blair took the instant hot pot from him with a shy smile and started eating. The others shared their snacks with her too. She felt self-conscious about taking their share. She had nothing to share with them after all. Niles sensed her worries. He said, “Blair, don't worry about it. Once we're back in Alorith, I'll ask Wesley for some money to treat them to a big dinner on the fifth floor of the Alioth Building.”

One of the girls' eyes went wide in surprise.

"Niles, did you just say the fifth floor of the Alioth Building? The one in the Shining

International Plaza?"

“Uh-huh. Is there another Alioth Building?" Niles replied casually, biting into a cucumber as he looked at the girl.

Before she could grace him with a reply, the others scrambled to give their snacks to Blair.

“Blair, here. Have mine. I have a lot," one said.

"I have bread, some sweet potatoes, and chips. What do you want?" another offered.

“Blair, are you thirsty? I have drinks. Would you like to have some milk? Or how about some juice or coke? If you're hungry, I also have some eight-treasure porridge," someone else cut in.

Blair was startled by their enthusiasm. They were all like Niles—warm and vigorous.

Niles pulled them away from her as he scolded, “Leave her alone. You're scaring her. Go sit down!"

“Yes, you guys, relax. Or we will Lose the big dinner on the fifth floor of the Alioth Building," someone echoed.

“That's right. You! Niles asked you to behave. What are you doing? Sit down! Who're you looking at, man? I'm talking to you,“ another man bantered with one of his coworkers.

As soon as they were back in their seats, they started joking. Blair laughed so hard her belly ached.

She felt that she had made the right decision in taking this trip.

Night descended. While everyone else was in their berths playing on their phones, Niles snuck into the toilet and made a phone call.

“Grandpa, can you find out Wesley's schedule for tomorrow?"

“Why are you asking about your brother's schedule in the middle of the night? You do know that his work is highly classified, don't you? There is a high chance that you're breaking the law when you nose around like this and ask suspicious questions."

"I know, I know. But Grandpa, I'm taking Blair to see him. We're already on the way to the border. If she doesn't get to meet him while we are there, she will be terribly disappointed."

“The border is very far from the city. Why are you taking her all the way out there?"

Niles lowered his voice.

"I'm not sure if Blair has gotten over the mental trauma she had suffered during that incident with Wesley. It's possible that she is still in depression. She has seemed unhappy ever since. But every time she sees him, her eyes light up like Christmas

But Wesley is hardly around. A few days ago, my coworkers decided to take a trip to the border. I gathered this was a good opportunity for their reunion. Don't you think so, Grandpa?"

Keith grunted.

“Finally, you have done something right. I'll ask around tomorrow and figure out a way to help them meet.”