NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 96
Chapter 96: Patience and Deception
Upon hearing Gao Junyi’s hesitant response, Chang Yi’s brow furrowed, but he quickly relaxed, a calculating glint in his eyes.
The king does not meet the king? he mused. Interesting.
In Chang Yi’s mind, there were only two possible explanations for Lu Ming’s refusal to meet. Either Lu Ming was genuinely occupied, or he didn’t consider Chang Yi a worthy opponent.
While the former was less likely, it wasn’t impossible. However, the latter scenario seemed more plausible. Despite hearing Bai Tianyu and Gao Junyi’s thoughts about Lu Ming’s superior strength, Chang Yi remained unconvinced. If Lu Ming were truly confident, wouldn’t he seize this opportunity to intimidate a potential rival?
Is he hiding? Fine, I’ll give you three days. Then, I’ll expose the illusion of your Brother Lu’s power!
With this newfound resolve, Chang Yi decided to bide his time, enjoying the shelter’s hospitality while secretly plotting his takeover. The abundance of food and drink was a welcome change from his meager scavenging in the wasteland.
However, caution was still necessary. He couldn’t afford to underestimate his opponents, especially the enigmatic Brother Lu.
Gather information, assess Brother Lu’s strength, and then strike decisively.
That day, Gao Junyi played the role of a gracious guide, escorting Chang Yi on a tour of the official shelter while carefully avoiding any meaningful interactions with other personnel. Chang Yi, surprisingly docile, reveled in the hospitality, treating his stay as a leisurely vacation.
However, Chang Yi’s true intentions simmered beneath the surface. He repeatedly inquired about Lu Ming’s background and abilities, but Gao Junyi skillfully evaded his questions. Even Chang Yi’s Mind Listening ability proved fruitless, as Gao Junyi genuinely knew very little about Lu Ming’s true strength and powers.
As night fell, Chang Yi lay in bed, Eileen nestled in his arms, a contemplative look on his face.
That’s fine, he thought to himself, a sly grin spreading across his lips. Patience is a virtue, after all. I’ll unravel the mystery of Brother Lu soon enough.
With the shelter’s comfortable accommodations and ample food supply, he could afford to be patient. Besides, he had set a three-day deadline for himself, and it wouldn’t do to break his own rules.
Glancing at the unresponsive Eileen beside him, Chang Yi sighed softly.
So love really does have an expiration date... he thought to himself. I need to get a new one.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Day 95 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Wednesday.
Chang Yi, having failed to meet Lu Ming despite numerous requests, was increasingly convinced that the elusive “Brother Lu” was nothing but a paper tiger, a facade created by the shelter to deter him.
Yet, he remained calm. He had given them three days, and three days it would be.
Rising at noon, he joined Gao Junyi for lunch. “Old Gao,” he said, a menacing edge creeping into his voice, “it’s been three days, and you still haven’t arranged for me to meet Lu Ming. You’re putting me in a difficult position...”
Chang Yi tapped his foot impatiently, his thinly veiled threat hanging in the air.
Gao Junyi, caught between a rock and a hard place, offered a placating smile. “Mr. Chang, Brother Lu truly has other matters to attend to. We didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
Gao Junyi, ignorant of the details behind Lu Ming’s schedule, offered nothing for Chang Yi’s Mind Listening ability to pick up. As Chang Yi’s patience wore thin, Gao Junyi quickly changed tack.
“I agree that Brother Lu’s approach is questionable,” he said, feigning empathy. “But I’m only here to help. Sigh... However, I do have a little bit of authority here, you see...”
He clapped his hands, and the restaurant doors opened, revealing three stunning women dressed to the nines.
Chang Yi’s eyes lit up. “This is... isn’t this...”
“Yes,” Gao Junyi confirmed, a sly grin on his face. “Ah Yu, Ah Huan, and Qiao Luo.”
Three of the four most famous female stars from before the apocalypse stood before him, their beauty and poise undeniable.
Chang Yi’s heart leaped with joy. He hadn’t expected such a delightful surprise.
Of the three women, one was adorned in a flowing cheongsam, another in a playful cosplay costume, and the last in a sleek secretary outfit. Chang Yi’s eyes were glued to them, his mind ablaze with anticipation.
As the beauties surrounded him, Chang Yi could only stammer, “This... this...”
Gao Junyi, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. “Mr. Chang,” he said with a sly grin, “please don’t be offended. I only have a limited amount of authority... But this matter is not suitable for discussion in the open. Please enjoy yourself and keep this discreet.”
Chang Yi’s resolve crumbled instantly. How could he, Chang Yi, resist such temptation?
In a daze, he heard Gao Junyi’s voice once more. “So, Mr. Chang, about Brother Lu’s situation... could you wait for two more days?”
“Sure, all right, all right!” Chang Yi mumbled, his attention now fully focused on the alluring women before him.
Three more days passed in a haze of indulgence.
Day 98 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Saturday.
At lunchtime, Chang Yi, with Ying Ying and Yan Yan nestled in his arms, inquired about Lu Ming once again.
Gao Junyi offered a placating smile. “Brother Lu is still busy, still busy...”
Chang Yi’s brow furrowed. Despite being immersed in a world of pleasure, his thoughts hadn’t been idle. In particular, he had been pondering the nature of women.
A thought niggled at Chang Yi. Once I deal with Brother Lu, won’t all the women in the shelter, including the four famous female stars, be mine for the taking? Why waste time waiting here?
Today, he had reluctantly dragged himself away from his harem, ready to stir up trouble. But before he could speak, Gao Junyi interrupted him.
“Actually,” Gao Junyi began, “today, we’d like to ask Mr. Chang for a favor.”
The word favor triggered a frown on Chang Yi’s face. However, remembering the generous hospitality he had received over the past few days, he reluctantly suppressed his growing impatience. He nodded, signaling Gao Junyi to continue.
“The Holy Tower,” Gao Junyi said, his voice grave. “Mr. Chang, are you familiar with it? The tower that appeared in the city center at the beginning of the apocalypse?”
Chang Yi had certainly heard of the Holy Tower. He knew it was important, but his knowledge of it was limited. His interest piqued, he leaned forward, urging Gao Junyi to elaborate.
“We’ve been researching it,” Gao Junyi explained, “and it seems the Holy Tower reacts to high-level Awakened individuals and zombies. Since you’re the only Level 5 Awakened in Nanxiang City, we’d like to ask you to go to the Holy Tower and investigate.”
Chang Yi quickly weighed the pros and cons. This wasn’t about helping the officials; it was an opportunity to explore a mystery that intrigued him. Besides, it was a welcome distraction from the mundane pleasures of the shelter.
“Sure,” he agreed, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
End of Chapter 96