Chapter 184 - 171: Too Sensitive, Loan Sharks at the Door (3)

Chapter 184: Chapter 171: Too Sensitive, Loan Sharks at the Door (3)

"Not at all."

Xie Shaokun waved his hand dismissively.

"It’s Monday, and it’s after three in the afternoon. I must be interfering with your work."

"It’s my fault. I didn’t find out about your work schedule beforehand. I’ll be sure to pay attention next time and check your availability before asking you out."

Chen Ziqi said.

"It’s really not a problem."

Xie Shaokun waved his hand again, then hesitated for a moment before saying, "I’m on a team with a group of people. We specialize in exploring and dealing with the aftermath of the Mist Event."

"Really? No wonder you’re so capable."

Chen Ziqi said, her face full of admiration, "Everyone on your team must be incredible, right?"

She had developed a keen interest in this team.

She hadn’t been idle these past few days. She’d been gathering all sorts of information and had even secretly joined a group chat dedicated to discussing the Mist Event, a topic whose public discussion was being suppressed by the authorities.

She’d learned a lot, though the information was a mix of truth and rumor. She planned to take this opportunity to ask Xie Shaokun about it.

But regardless of what was true or false, one thing was certain: the world was changing. It was far less safe than she’d imagined, and she had to cling to one of the Strong People for survival.

And so far, Xie Shaokun was the strongest and most suitable backer she had met. That was why she had taken the initiative to ask him out again and again.

"They are. They’re all pretty incredible."

Xie Shaokun thought of Yu’s power, Little Nannan’s talent for shooting, Hong She’s superpower and ruthless nature, and how even those two sunflowers could kill with lethal surprise.

"I really wish I could join you guys."

Chen Ziqi tested the waters.

"Last time I asked the team... everyone on the team said no to you joining."

Xie Shaokun explained, "Because everyone who joins our team has to be useful."

"Thank you. You’re so good to me."

Chen Ziqi said with great understanding, "I’m just an ordinary girl with a little bit of courage, that’s all. Joining you would only slow you down. I’m self-aware enough to know that."

"Your team made the right decision. They’re very rational."

"Your team will definitely go far."

"I’m sorry."

Seeing how understanding Chen Ziqi was, Xie Shaokun couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt.

"What are you apologizing for?"

Chen Ziqi became even more magnanimous and understanding. "You didn’t do anything wrong," she said.

"In fact, I think it was a bit rash of you to recommend me to the team without thinking it through. You can’t let personal feelings get in the way. If everyone acted like you, the team wouldn’t get very far at all."

She was actually being sincere about this.

Because she desperately wanted Xie Shaokun to go further and become stronger. That way, she would be safer too.

Compared to winning over an entire team, she was much better at winning over the man right in front of her.

"Ziqi, you’re amazing."

Xie Shaokun felt more and more that the woman before him was thoughtful and understanding.

"Alright."

"Let’s not talk about this anymore."

"You know, yesterday I saw a pair of twin sisters, and I was so envious of them. When they grow up, they’ll always have someone to talk things over with. Unlike me. I’m an only child, so I have to rely on myself for everything."

Chen Ziqi decided to probe into Xie Shaokun’s family situation. "It feels very lonely sometimes."

"It does."

"What about you? How many brothers and sisters do you have?"

"Me? I’m an orphan. I grew up in an orphanage. Oh, and Little Nannan is just a younger sister I took in later."

"Oh? I’m so sorry. You’re not mad at me, are you?"

"It’s nothing. I’m used to it."

"Oh no, I really put my foot in my mouth. What should I do? How about this: today’s my treat! And don’t you dare try to pay."

A warmth spread through Xie Shaokun’s heart.

’This girl is so kind. Later, I’ll pretend to go to the bathroom and pay the bill. I just wonder if she’s still scared at night. If she is, I’ll keep watch in the living room for her.’

For the rest of the day, the two of them went shopping, saw a movie, and so on. They talked and laughed, their bodies bumping into each other from time to time, looking just like a couple.

But what they didn’t know was...

A young man with a crew cut had noticed them. After getting a clear look at Xie Shaokun’s face, he was overjoyed. ’It really is you, Xie Shaokun! I actually found you! Tsk, tsk... Brother Dong said whoever catches you gets a five-thousand-yuan reward!’

He immediately called a few of his buddies.

They surrounded them.

And then they were all beaten to the ground.

Watching the retreating figures of Xie Shaokun and Chen Ziqi, the crew-cut youth’s face was filled with resentment. He touched his swollen right cheek, then immediately picked up his phone and made a call. "Brother Dong, I found Xie Shaokun."

"He’s with a woman, and they’re having a grand old time..."