Tong Sui was slightly stunned. “What?”
It seemed he had not heard Jiang Hua asking him to leave.
“My room is very spacious; you can sleep in the guest room,” Jiang Hua said. “My living habits are quite reasonable.”
The man holding the instrument looked a bit surprised.
Jiang Hua’s strength was famous far and wide in the base, not least because he was known for his impassive character—unmoved by any advances thrown at him, regardless of who they came from.
Those around him had originally thought Jiang Hua wouldn’t be susceptible to such things.
Yet, he had come back from a mission with someone at his side.
The man glanced at Tong Sui’s beautiful face, noticing that his looks were indeed much more refined than those of the people he had seen at the base, with fair skin and a somewhat scholarly demeanor.
No wonder even Jiang Hua couldn’t resist.
Tong Sui took Jiang Hua’s hand, “Really? But didn’t you say you wouldn’t care about me once we arrived at the base?”
“……”
Jiang Hua replied, “I’ve changed my mind.”
He couldn’t bear the thought of Tong Sui crowding with those people alone. Just thinking about him having to endure that harsh environment and being coveted by those with bad intentions made him uncomfortable.
Jiang Hua decisively stated, “You came here under my name. I am responsible for your actions, hence I will keep you by my side.”
Tong Sui exclaimed, “Great!”
This was too fantastic.
He had just been worried about how to obtain biological samples from Jiang Hua; now the opportunity to live together made things much easier.
The off-road vehicle continued into the center.
From the outskirts, one could see a lot of land with scorched patches, likely once farmland that had been cleared after the mutations following the red rain.
Deeper in were makeshift tents and some chaotic self-built houses.
These places required no payment of crystal cores and, of course, lacked clean water sources or gas supplies.
Continuing further, the buildings turned into ordinary apartments.
However, judging by the numerous clothes hanging on the balconies, one could easily imagine how many people lived in a single room.
The benefit was that the number of crystal cores required for rent was not high, manageable for physically strong ordinary people who could grit their teeth and bear it.
The off-road vehicle moved deeper.
The structures became new and attractive, momentarily giving the sense of being back in the world before the apocalypse.
In front of the most beautiful building, Jiang Hua said, “Get out.”
“Oh, okay.”
Tong Sui grabbed his things and followed him out of the car.
He walked in behind Jiang Hua.
As the glass door on the first floor opened, Tong Sui felt a cool breeze and a faint scent of aromatherapy wafting out.
Jiang Hua pressed the elevator button.
Tong Sui remarked, “Team Leader Hua, this place must cost quite a few crystal cores.”
Jiang Hua replied, “It’s manageable.”
It was difficult for ordinary ability users to afford, but for someone like Jiang Hua, who often undertook missions, killing zombies was no big deal.
Crystal cores held little significance for him.
As they stepped into the elevator, Tong Sui said, “If we share this place, I should also contribute a portion of the rent.”
“You don’t need to pay.”
Jiang Hua entered the elevator, and Tong Sui hurried to follow.
The environment here was akin to high-end apartments before the apocalypse with two units per floor, likely maintained by someone responsible for cleaning, as the floors were gleaming.
Jiang Hua reached the keypad and pressed a few buttons, saying, “Let’s also register your fingerprint.”
“Oh, okay.”
Tong Sui placed his hand on the scanner, and after registration, Jiang Hua opened the door.
“You can use anything inside freely, no need to ask for my permission.”
The decor of the apartment was simply gray and white with only the most basic furniture, making it feel a bit empty and cold.
There were nearly no signs of life.
“I’ll show you to the guest room.”
Jiang Hua opened the room opposite the master bedroom, which was clean and tidy thanks to regular maintenance.
“Let me know if you need anything, and I’ll take you to the market in the base.”
Tong Sui took out the few pieces of clothing he had and hung them in the wardrobe.
“No need; I’ve already troubled you enough.”
Jiang Hua had previously thought crystal cores were meaningless to him, including the rewards he received for mission points, which were nothing more than just a numerical increase.
Now, he clearly understood that these points were necessary for ensuring Tong Sui could live in a better environment.
Jiang Hua said, “Points will expire; it would be a waste not to use them.”
“Oh, I see.”
These points earned from missions were hard-won, and watching them expire would be too much of a loss.
Thus, Tong Sui nodded, “Okay.”
“Then you can rest for now,”
Jiang Hua said expressionlessly as he stepped out of the guest room and closed the door behind Tong Sui.
He placed a hand over his heart.
It felt hot and could not cease to express his excitement.
Although they lived in adjacent rooms, the meaning of this situation was entirely different for him.
It felt like Tong Sui had entered into his inner world.
This barren land had finally begun to sprout little seedlings, breaking the long silence.
As it neared noon,
Jiang Hua knocked on Tong Sui’s door.
Having slept for a bit, Tong Sui groggily opened the door, “What’s wrong?”
He wasn’t wearing his glasses.
Water droplets glistened on his eyes, and his hair was messily tousled.
“It’s meal time; I’m taking you to eat.”
“Oh, wait for me!”
Tong Sui went inside to wash his face.
Jiang Hua leaned against the door frame.
Listening to the various small sounds coming from inside, he didn’t feel the slightest bit annoyed; rather, he found them exceptionally pleasant.
Tong Sui quickly got ready, his face still a bit damp, “I’m all set.”
Jiang Hua gazed at the little water droplets perched on the tips of his hair for a couple of seconds.
He reached out to brush them away.
“All done; let’s go.”
Jiang Hua led Tong Sui out of the apartment to a cafeteria in the central district.
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