Chapter 193

As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with genuine anticipation.

Ni Mengxue couldn’t help smiling.

The thought of a future together, one in which Lu Yucai would still be by her side, filled her heart with a happiness she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

She gently grabbed his hair and lifted his face toward hers. Then, she straddled him and whispered, "You know, you look the most handsome when you say things like that."

Lu Yucai smiled softly.

"So, will there be a reward for me?"

Ni Mengxue chuckled.

"Of course. I have one for you."

With that, she leaned forward and kissed him again.

After spending some time together, the two eventually settled down to sleep.

For Lu Yucai, however, the night was pure torture.

For the past few days, he had been craving the chance to get closer to Ni Mengxue. She was now so slim that he could practically hold her waist with one hand.

But his attraction to her had never depended on her appearance.

Even when she had been chubby, he had found her attractive. From the moment the current Ni Mengxue had appeared in that body, he had found himself drawn to her. Whether she had pimples covering her face or possessed her current flawless, milk-pale complexion, his feelings had never changed.

Unable to settle down, he eventually went to take a cold shower.

As the water poured over him, he suddenly realized just how drastically his life had changed.

There had been a time when he wouldn’t have dared to shower for an entire month because he was afraid he might not have enough water to drink.

Now, he had enough water to shower every day. Even when the weather was unbearably hot, he no longer needed to worry about wasting water.

Food was no longer a concern either. He could have almost anything he wanted, from noodles to various vegetable dishes.

The base was currently planning to establish a meat production facility, although the project had been put on hold for the time being. He knew Ni Mengxue was planning to unlock the animal-breeding function through the system.

He only hoped it would happen soon.

Once meat became available, his wife would undoubtedly be delighted. He had noticed long ago how much Ni Mengxue loved eating meat.

He intended to make sure she always had plenty of it.

The following morning, Lu Yucai arrived at his office and found Pei Xiuhai and the other soldiers already undergoing their training.

He was satisfied to see them maintaining their training routine. This was precisely why he intended to remain strict with them.

However, the moment he entered, none of the soldiers greeted him as they should have. Instead, they deliberately ignored their general.

Lu Yucai remained calm.

"All of you will run thirty additional laps for ignoring your general."

The soldiers exchanged glances but didn’t say anything.

Pei Xiuhai, on the other hand, frowned when he noticed how relaxed Lu Yucai looked.

Seeing him so unbothered only strengthened Pei Xiuhai’s belief that Lu Yucai was unworthy of his position.

Today, everyone was scheduled to participate in a scouting mission. Although the previous patrol had supposedly gathered valuable information, most of their findings were things Lu Yucai had already analyzed.

According to the reports, four-legged jackals had been roaming around the southern side of the base, which was closer to the main entrance and opposite the river. However, Lu Yucai had already anticipated this possibility.

The soldiers had also reported sightings of four-winged wolves. Lu Yucai had previously noted their unusual behavior, including their apparent aversion to him, based on what he had learned during his military service after the apocalypse.

Another finding was that these wolves generally traveled in large packs. Lu Yucai had already considered that possibility, too. Even though the wolves had mutated, their natural habit of living and hunting in packs was unlikely to have changed significantly.

In the end, the supposedly valuable reports had merely confirmed his earlier suspicions.

The other soldiers couldn’t help thinking that Pei Xiuhai was being rather foolish.

Pei Xiuhai, however, was furious. He believed Lu Yucai had stolen their work and was now pretending that he had already known everything.

’How shameless! He’s taking credit for his subordinates’ work and acting as though he’s some great general!’

His subordinates were equally displeased and kept urging him to take action against Lu Yucai.

Just as the group was preparing to leave, Lu Xiu and Fu Jing arrived. Looking at the soldiers gathered for the mission, Fu Jing couldn’t help expressing his interest.

"I want to come along, too!"

Lu Yucai shook his head.

"Little Fu Jing, it would be better if you stayed behind."

However, Fu Jing wasn’t willing to give up.

"Please take me with you. I want to experience it for myself!"

Having been born and raised in a small, sheltered place, he had never ventured beyond the base. Naturally, he was extremely curious about the outside world.

Pei Xiuhai noticed Lu Yucai’s reluctance. Wanting to spite him, he deliberately spoke up.

"Come on, General Lu. If a child is making such a sincere request, you should grant it."

Unexpectedly, Pei Xiuhai’s suggestion received support from the others.

"Yes, General Lu! Please bring him along."

Lu Yucai understood exactly what they were trying to do. They wanted to make things difficult for him by bringing someone inexperienced on a dangerous scouting mission. However, he didn’t argue.

He turned toward Fu Jing and spoke seriously.

"I’m leaving my younger brother in your care."

With that, he quickly slipped away.

Lu Yucai was left speechless.

’Wasn’t he the same protective brother who wouldn’t let his younger brother out of his sight? Why has his attitude changed so much?’

However, he didn’t dwell on it for long. The group soon set off.

The area surrounding the base was covered in dense forest, making survival outside its walls particularly dangerous. Numerous mutated animals lurked among the trees, and even a seemingly peaceful stretch of woodland could conceal deadly threats.