“Why is Ning Ning here?”
Gu Yicheng’s lips were pale, and upon seeing her suddenly appear, his thin lips curved slightly, though his eyes remained indifferent.
Perhaps it was because the male lead’s thoughts were hard to read, or perhaps he genuinely didn’t care. Either way, Ruan Ning couldn’t detect any sign of anger from him.
Of course, she wasn’t expecting any warmth or welcome either—she had enough self-awareness for that.
But since she couldn’t see any displeasure, Ruan Ning optimistically took this as a sign that the male lead wasn’t entirely opposed to her presence.
Hmm, not being disliked was already good progress, she consoled herself.
It meant she was one step closer to her ultimate goal.
“…I missed you, Brother,” she said, feeling a bit shy after speaking, her lips curving into a timid smile.
Gu Yicheng seemed amused by her words, letting out a quiet chuckle through his nose. He beckoned her with a wave of his hand. “Come over here, let Brother take a look at you.”
Why did it feel like he was calling a pet over…?
Though she had that thought, Ruan Ning obediently approached, her wide, almond-shaped eyes fixed on him eagerly.
She had already removed her mask before entering, revealing a face as pale as jade, with delicate features and clear, bright eyes. She looked nothing like someone who had been struggling to survive for half a month in the post-apocalyptic world.
Seeing this, the curve of Gu Yicheng’s smile deepened. “It seems Ning Ning has been doing well these past few days. In that case, I feel more at ease leaving you in their care.”
It was clear that his father had indeed taken special care of her, arranging everything for her survival in the apocalypse.
That was why she could still maintain such an innocent, unworldly appearance in this harsh new reality.
Gu Yicheng couldn’t help but wonder: If one day, all the cruelty and darkness of this world were suddenly laid bare before her, would she still be able to smile as brightly as she did now?
He imagined that this little rabbit, kept safe in her ivory tower, would be utterly terrified, shaken to her core when that day came.
As these thoughts lazily passed through his mind, his expression remained unreadable, his gaze unfocused.
But Ruan Ning, with her sharp instincts, sensed a subtle danger and malice. Her heart trembled for a moment, though she kept her face obediently composed as she replied, “Captain Xue and the others have been very kind to me, taking good care of me.”
“…But I still want to stay with you, Brother,” she added quietly, her tone a bit sullen.
Gu Yicheng’s eyes flickered for a moment, but he didn’t say anything further. The conversation drifted into meaningless small talk after that.
Despite Ruan Ning’s efforts to fit in, she didn’t get to stay long before the male lead politely showed her the door.
“It’s getting late. Where are you staying? I’ll have Lin Yang take you back,” Gu Yicheng said, his tone still gentle.
Don’t be fooled by how things seemed between her and the male lead; Ruan Ning knew full well that their relationship was just a façade of familial ties.
The male lead didn’t have any real feelings for her.
In his eyes, she was merely a dispensable presence, leaving no trace in his mind, not even as significant as the enemies who had schemed against him in his previous life.
Today she was here, but in the future, coming back would be difficult.
No, more accurately, it would be hard for them to ever meet again.
Ruan Ning didn’t want this trip to be for nothing. But the person in front of her, his heart felt too distant—out of reach, invisible. No matter what small, insignificant things she did, it had no effect.
Forget it, she thought, do your best and leave the rest to fate.
If she could hold onto this golden thigh, she would; if not… well, there was nothing more she could do.
The male lead’s threshold was too high. It felt like no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t reach it.
“Don’t worry, Brother Gu. I’ll make sure to get Ruan Ning back safely,” Lin Yang said confidently. He had no issue with escorting the beauty back. The area they lived in was chaotic, so even without Gu Yicheng’s order, he would’ve insisted on accompanying her.
Just as Ruan Ning was about to leave with Lin Yang, she suddenly had a thought. She turned around and jogged back to Gu Yicheng, tilting her head slightly to look up at him with her clear, bright eyes. Her soft voice sounded harmless as she asked, “Brother, can I come find you again tomorrow?”
Before leaving, she thought it was best to book her next visit.
But given his earlier indifferent response, she was almost certain he would brush her off again with polite words.
Gu Yicheng absentmindedly rubbed his fingers together, staring at her for a long moment before he finally said, “Come earlier tomorrow.”
“Hmm?” Ruan Ning blinked in confusion, not quite catching his words.
A faint smile appeared on Gu Yicheng’s otherwise calm face. He reached out to pat her soft hair and said, “Get some good rest tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to kill zombies.”
What?
Kill zombies?
It couldn’t possibly mean what she thought, could it?!
Ruan Ning’s body froze, her heart sinking as she considered the possibility.
Excuse me… is it still too late to take back what I just said?
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