Wu Jinchuan, a former boxer before the apocalypse, had assumed that this woman’s brother was just a weakling, someone unworthy of concern. Little did he expect the man’s strength to be overwhelming. Wu, who had relied on brute force as a professional fighter, found himself utterly powerless, forced to kneel before this stranger.
For Wu Jinchuan, this was an unprecedented humiliation.
Before he could even think about revenge, his right hand was ruthlessly crushed.
“My hand!” Wu’s voice cracked with pain and despair.
For a boxer, hands were everything. Although Wu didn’t possess any special abilities, his raw physical strength had allowed him to dominate among ordinary people. Coupled with his younger brother, an ability user, Wu had been living comfortably.
He resided in Zone B but occasionally ventured into Zone D to lure young, beautiful women. For someone like Wu Jinchuan, the apocalypse was a twisted paradise. Appearance and background no longer mattered—what mattered was strength and resources. Zone D women were the easiest targets; a small offering was often enough to entice them. Without power or backing, they posed no risk, even if trouble arose.
With over ten thousand survivors in Base No. 3, as long as he didn’t kill anyone in broad daylight, no one would intervene. Even the base authorities wouldn’t waste their time on such trivial matters.
That’s why, when he saw Ruan Ning and Gu Yicheng heading to rent a room in Zone D, Wu had assumed they were powerless and dared to act so brazenly, even in a public space.
Now, Wu Jinchuan was in unbearable pain, unable to stand. His right wrist hung limply by his side, his legs gave out beneath him, and the sound of mocking laughter from the onlookers filled his ears.
Grinding his teeth, Wu Jinchuan hissed, “Kid, don’t think you’ve won. My brother is an ability user—a member of the Dragon-Tiger Squad. Have you heard of them? If you so much as harm a hair on my head, you’re dead. My brother will never let you go! If you’re smart, let me go now, kneel, and apologize. Maybe I’ll spare your pathetic life.”
Though Wu Jinchuan spoke confidently, in his heart he was plotting revenge. He’d bring his brother back to exact vengeance, crippling this man and leaving him at the mercy of the zombies outside the base.
Gu Yicheng remained calm in the face of Wu Jinchuan’s threats. Without a word, he twisted Wu Jinchuan’s other wrist until it snapped.
“I’ll be waiting for him,” Gu Yicheng said coldly.
Wu Jinchuan let out a scream even more piercing than the first, silencing the service centre. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the handsome man standing beside the now-unconscious brute.
No one had stepped in to help Ruan Ning before, and now, no one dared to speak up for Wu Jinchuan. His arrogant behaviour in Zone D was well-known, and many had witnessed his antics. Few pitied him.
Ruan Ning, knowing the male lead’s strength, felt no sympathy for Wu Jinchuan. Seeing him sprawled on the ground, unconscious from pain, filled her with satisfaction. She was no saint who believed in repaying evil with kindness.
This wasn’t the first time Wu Jinchuan had harassed women. Whether his previous victims accepted his so-called “offers” or not, Ruan Ning didn’t care. He’d messed with the wrong person this time and deserved his bad luck.
Besides, Gu Yicheng had never looked more dazzling to her.
Watching him take action—swift, decisive, and efficient—Ruan Ning found herself in awe. Even without using his abilities, he left his opponent utterly defeated.
After dealing with Wu Jinchuan, Gu Yicheng casually pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his hands. When he glanced over, he noticed Ruan Ning staring at him, lost in thought.
“Ning Ning?” he called.
Ruan Ning snapped out of her daze, smiled, and said earnestly, “Brother, you’re amazing.”
Hearing her soft, sweet voice, the sternness in Gu Yicheng’s expression eased slightly. However, as he noticed the growing attention from those around them—especially toward the smiling girl by his side—his gaze sharpened. One cold, sweeping look sent everyone scurrying, their eyes averted.
Gu Yicheng’s thoughts darkened. He realized he had underestimated how much trouble Ruan Ning’s presence could attract, even with her face covered. While he didn’t need her with him to find the healing ability user, leaving her behind in the squad might have been the safer choice.
“I’ll take you back to the squad,” Gu Yicheng said.
“I don’t want to go back,” Ruan Ning replied without hesitation. The earlier incident made her forget her initial reluctance to stay in Zone D.
In the past month, Ruan Ning had grown tougher. She could now sleep soundly in a moving vehicle and adapt to harsh conditions. Her real hesitation about staying had been due to the potential for encounters like the one with Wu Jinchuan. But Gu Yicheng’s decisive action had reassured her.
She looked at him with determination. “I promise I won’t wander off. I’ll stick close to you. With you here, nothing will happen to me.”
Seeing his furrowed brows relax, Ruan Ning knew he had relented. Cheerfully, she grabbed his arm and said, “Let’s go exchange for contribution points!”
After the earlier commotion, the exchange process was unexpectedly smooth. When the two approached the counter, the other survivors scattered like frightened animals, clearing the way.
Surviving in Zone D required caution, and no one wanted to provoke someone who could crush Wu Jinchuan without breaking a sweat.
Ruan Ning quickly completed the exchange, wasting no time. Even the previously indifferent staff member at the rental desk was now all smiles, eager to assist them.
“I’d like the best available room,” Gu Yicheng said.
“Of course! Right away!” the staff member replied, his hands trembling as he took their card. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, fearing the man might hold a grudge for the earlier neglect.
Handing over the key, the staff member’s face turned pale as Gu Yicheng reached for it.
Watching this, Ruan Ning couldn’t help but recall her first impression of Gu Yicheng. Back then, his ruthless demeanour had terrified her, and she’d feared he might kill her on a whim. But as she got to know him, she realized he treated his own people with surprising gentleness, as long as they didn’t cross his boundaries.
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