Outside the building, Hong Zhengyuan took deep breaths of fresh air, waiting a long while for the heat in his face to dissipate. Tugging at his collar, he saw Chi Jing leaning against the wall with a blade of grass in his mouth. His temper flared instantly. "Fuck, instead of resting inside, what are you doing out here playing the cool guy?"
Chi Jing looked back at him and handed him a blade of grass. "Just getting some air. What about you? Didn't you go in to find water? Why’d you come back out?"
Hong Zhengyuan took the grass and popped it into his mouth. "I’m getting some air too. Once I got out, I realized I wasn’t even that thirsty…"
Chi Jing let out a chuckle. "Is that so? Because back there, you looked like you were dying to snatch Meng Siyao’s cup and lick it clean, you idiot."
Hong Zhengyuan nearly choked on the grass juice and punched Chi Jing’s shoulder. "What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Just a joke." Chi Jing rubbed his shoulder, biting through the grass with a grin. "Why such a big reaction? If that water could scald her lips like that, who would even dare drink it?"
While the speaker intended nothing by it, the listener took it to heart. Hong Zhengyuan instinctively thought of Tang Nai’s slightly swollen lips—how they had yielded and formed a soft indentation under Jin Xiao’s fingertip. That bright red slit between her lips looked as though it would exhale not breath, but lava capable of scorching everything to ash.
Unbeknownst to him, he chewed the grass to a pulp, but he couldn’t taste a hint of sweetness. His throat only felt drier and more parched.
"Don't make jokes like that. You know I hate her…"
Chi Jing smiled but said nothing.
Hong Zhengyuan frowned and spat out the grass, changing the subject. "Where’s… where's the Boss?"
"He disappeared right after he stepped out. Probably went on patrol again. Starting tomorrow, you need to keep a close eye on that woman. Jin Xiao has already been injured several times because of her. There’s no telling what kind of trouble she’ll stir up next. I’m not at ease."
Hong Zhengyuan finally regained his composure. "Don't worry, I'll keep a tight leash on her. I won't let her be even the slightest burden."
As their voices faded into the distance, a wisp of smoke drifted from around the corner.
Jin Xiao leaned against the wall, his fingertip resting near the sharp contour of his cupid’s bow. An ember flickered in the darkness. He inhaled the scent of tobacco mixed with a faint, almost imperceptible sweetness, drawing it deep into his lungs before slowly exhaling.
His brow was furrowed, his pupils reflecting the moonlight like dark, swirling voids surrounded by stardust. He didn't step out from the shadows until the fire of his cigarette had completely died out.
The night wind carried away any lingering traces of scent that shouldn't have been there. His eyes returned to their usual state of cold indifference.
The deep night pressed down, and the mournful wails of zombies and the wind seemed to echo through the air.
Jin Xiao returned last. The others prepared to sleep while three of them stayed by the fire for the night watch.
Just as Hong Zhengyuan sat down, he saw a neatly folded jacket on the ground. He blinked and reflexively looked at Chi Jing. Chi Jing instinctively picked up the garment and draped it over himself, only to have a ghostly sweet fragrance waft up from the collar—as if someone had taken a sip of snow-dusted plum blossom nectar and slowly exhaled it against his neck.
Chi Jing’s brow twitched. He shot a glance at Jin Xiao behind him before nonchalantly taking the jacket off.
"I almost forgot. I’ve worn this jacket for years and meant to throw it away ages ago. How’d it find its way back?"
Jin Xiao walked over, his gaze immediately falling on Tang Nai, who was lying down with her back to everyone. She enjoyed the best treatment in the team, possessing a compact sleeping bag. Currently, she was curled up inside it, with only the back of her head visible. She looked like a piece of tinned fruit, sealed airtight so that not a single puff of air could escape.
"Meng Siyao fainted today, so I just tossed your jacket over her head," Hong Zhengyuan said, plopping down on the ground to poke at the fire. "Since it’s back now, it means she probably looked down on it. That woman didn't even forget her dresses when she was running for her life; why would she keep a raggedy jacket? Returning it to you was probably her being 'merciful.'"
Jin Xiao sat down next to Hong Zhengyuan and said, "If you don't want it, take one of mine."
Chi Jing chuckled. "It was an old rag meant for the bin anyway…"
As he spoke, he gripped the jacket, intending to toss it into the fire, but suddenly noticed something was off. The jacket had clearly been treated. He remembered a bloodstain on the cuff, but now it was spotless. Though a lingering fragrance remained, it was much lighter than what he had smelled during the day.
If he could smell it at all, it was because the scent was simply too alluring. Warmed by the fire, it became like melting honey, enveloping him in a warm, sweet shroud the moment he touched it.
He paused for a moment, then threw the jacket onto Hong Zhengyuan’s head. "Yuan-zi, you throw it. I’m too lazy to move."
Hong Zhengyuan’s face was suddenly smothered by the clear fragrance. Startled, he immediately flung it toward the fire. Fortunately, Jin Xiao was quick enough to hook it out with his hand.
Embarrassed by his overreaction, Hong Zhengyuan muttered under his breath, "If it's meant to be burned, just burn it. Why save it? No one’s going to wear clothes that woman has dirtied anyway."
Jin Xiao handed the jacket back to Chi Jing, looking him in the eye. "It’s a waste to throw it away. Keep it for when the temperature drops."
"I’m not used to wearing the Captain’s clothes, so I guess I’ll have to make do with this," Chi Jing replied with a smile, tossing it back into his pack.
Jin Xiao laughed. "Don't worry. I'd never let you go out naked."
Hong Zhengyuan listened to the two of them banter as usual, but for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to smile. He glanced back at the soundly sleeping Tang Nai and let out a frustrated huff.
Tang Nai lay a moderate distance from the fire. Having stood in the wind for a long time waiting for the clothes to air out, her eyelids were now exceptionally heavy.
Luckily she had a sleeping bag; she could get a good night's sleep. She had been relieved to learn that Meng Siyao owned one. After all, if the temperature got too low… she instinctively thought of that cup of water from earlier and felt a lingering fear. Even now, her lips were still swollen. A temperature that was merely uncomfortable for others was a "catastrophic disaster" for a piece of milk candy.
To become a normal human, she had to work harder at completing her tasks.
Just as she touched the corner of her mouth, she felt a gaze fixed on her. She looked up to see Gu Qing smiling at her. "Goodnight."
Tang Nai was stunned, feeling a bit lost. The female protagonist didn't "hold a grudge"; she truly was a kind person.
"Go-Goodnight."
"Mr. Xi, goodnight to you too."
【You really are… Fine, goodnight.】
The next morning, Tang Nai woke up in a daze. Everyone was washing up in an orderly fashion. She didn't see Jin Xiao or Chi Jing; the system informed her they had gone on patrol.
Wang Ya gave her her morning water. Because water was scarce, the morning ration served for both washing and drinking. Tang Nai used it with extreme caution. Just as she finished washing, the system came online:
【New task: In the original plot, after being scolded for wasting food yesterday, Meng Siyao became flyblown with rage. She wanted to use her friendship to force Hong Zhengyuan to fetch her a basin of water to wash her feet.】
"?"
Tang Nai was stunned.
【What’s wrong? Was I not clear enough?】
Tang Nai replied hesitantly, "But water is so scarce right now. Wasting it is wrong."
【Don't worry, Hong Zhengyuan won't agree. This segment is mainly to consolidate your persona as a resource-waster.】
Tang Nai realized.
Right. Hong Zhengyuan hated Meng Siyao. If she made such a demand, he would surely scold her. Once Jin Xiao and the others returned and Hong Zhengyuan complained, everyone’s dislike for her would definitely reach a new level.
At that moment, Hong Zhengyuan was standing by the door washing up. The morning dew was heavy. He wore a thin black tank top, and his military trousers hung loosely on his hips, his body carrying the lethargy and casualness of early morning.
He poured half a bottle of water over his head, and with a shake of his short, stiff hair, a spray of crystal droplets hit the ground.
Tang Nai tentatively took two steps toward him. Hong Zhengyuan immediately looked up, alert. "Looking for Jin Xiao? He went out ages ago."
Tang Nai shook her head. She glanced left and right to see Gu Qing and the others washing up; they had all pricked up their ears the moment she approached. Thus, she said, "I’m looking only for you."
Hong Zhengyuan was first taken aback, surprised she was looking for him specifically. Then, his brows shot up in anger at her entitled attitude. Who did she think she was, assuming he’d even want to speak to her?
Tang Nai took a small breath and prepared to speak.
After a night of recovery, her lips had returned to normal. Her face, free of heavy makeup, looked translucent in the morning light, the fine peach fuzz on her skin visible. She looked like a woodland sprite clad in the softest human skin.
Hong Zhengyuan squinted at her, suddenly curious to see what kind of scheme she was cooking up this time. "Fine, whatever it is, say it."
Tang Nai said, "There isn't enough water to wash. Go… go fetch a basin of water for me. I want to wash my feet."
First, Hong Zhengyuan was dazed by the sweet fragrance coming from her. He cursed inwardly—how much perfume did this woman put on in the morning?—while trying to control his breathing to appear normal. Then, his pupils shrunk in shock at her words.
"What did you say?!"
Ignoring everyone’s stares, he instantly grabbed Tang Nai by the wrist.
Tang Nai winced from the pain of his grip, but she repeated herself anyway.
"Fine, fine, fine." Hong Zhengyuan laughed out of sheer rage. "Wasting food yesterday wasn't enough for you? Today you're pushing it even further. You think just because Jin Xiao is protecting you, I won't dare do anything to you?"
Tang Nai murmured, "Then you can call him back…"
Hong Zhengyuan was about to explode when he suddenly realized something. With Jin Xiao’s stubborn personality, if he really came back, he might actually indulge her once for the sake of Meng Siyao’s father. Her asking for Jin Xiao to return was definitely intentional. No, he had promised Chi Jing last night that he’d keep an eye on Meng Siyao. No matter what schemes she had, he couldn't let her succeed!
"You think I'll fall for your trick?" He let out a cold laugh and pulled Tang Nai along. "I'll see for myself just what kind of trouble you're trying to stir up!"
In front of everyone, he dragged Tang Nai to the stairwell behind the building.
"If anyone dares to follow, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Wang Ya and Zhou Ping stared with wide eyes. Wang Ya said, "Meng Siyao is really something else. Stirring up trouble the moment Captain Jin is away. No wonder Brother Hong is so angry."
Zhou Ping whispered, "Should we go tell Captain Jin?"
Wang Ya scratched her head. "This is their private business. Those other people didn't move, so it’s hard for us to interfere."
After saying that, she instinctively looked toward Gu Qing. Even though Gu Qing was usually quiet and kept a low profile, they unconsciously relied on her whenever something happened.
"Gu Qing, what should we do?"
Gu Qing twisted the ring on her index finger, her long lashes lowering in silence.
Before Tang Nai could react, she was pushed down onto the stairs by Hong Zhengyuan. She turned her head to avoid the stinging sunlight.
Hong Zhengyuan looked down at her. "Meng Siyao, what is your real goal?"
"…" Tang Nai emphasized: "I want a basin of foot-washing water fetched by you. If you’re unwilling, I can… find Jin Xiao."
How could it just be a basin of foot-washing water? To him, it was poisonous sludge meant to dismantle their team, a bowl of Meng Po Soup meant to dissolve their morale!
Hong Zhengyuan was so angry he almost laughed. He absolutely couldn't let her find Jin Xiao. If they indulged her once, the team’s cohesion would be ruined.
"Fine. I’ll fetch it for you right now. I want to see if you actually wash them!"
Seeing Hong Zhengyuan storm off, Tang Nai lowered her head. "Mr. Xi, why did he actually go to get water? What do I do next?"
【…】 The system was uncharacteristically silent for a moment. 【Don't worry. Water is too precious; there's no way he'll actually get it. He's just trying to intimidate you.】
Tang Nai nodded.
A moment later, Hong Zhengyuan actually returned carrying a basin of water. His aggressive brows were knitted tightly as he slammed it down at Tang Nai’s feet. "You wanted water? Wash!"
Tang Nai looked at the clear, clean water in the basin. Her throat moved. She looked at Hong Zhengyuan, then back at the water.
Hong Zhengyuan let out a cold snort. "What, afraid I poisoned it? Put acid in it? Or is it that you were just being unreasonable and only wanted to make things difficult for me? Meng Siyao, did you really think I’d be as easy to talk to as Jin Xiao…" He approached step by step, leaning down to stare her in the face. He looked at her translucent cheeks, her trembling eyelashes. His gaze flickered away for a split second before snapping back. "You have no idea what someone who has slaughtered zombies is capable of…"
Tang Nai felt her breath hitch from his proximity and quickly shook her head. "I’ll wash right now!"
Their noses nearly brushed past each other. Hong Zhengyuan held his breath and instantly straightened up. He exhaled involuntarily, staring at her intensely.
Being watched by eyes more scorching than the sun, Tang Nai felt as if a hole was being burned into the top of her head. She slowly began to unfasten the straps of her high heels, asking the system what to do in her mind.
The system remained eerily silent.
The red straps circled her ankles like the red string used to peel a lychee. Her fair toes emerged and curled shyly in mid-air. It was only then that Hong Zhengyuan noticed her wrist was bruised. He had only gripped it casually—how had it turned blue?
Just like yesterday’s hot water. He could have downed the whole cup, yet she had been scalded until she was swollen… Dammit, she was so delicate!
At this moment, Hong Zhengyuan desperately wanted a smoke. He tilted his chin, signaling for her to continue.
Tang Nai slowly unfastened the other strap. She lifted her legs over the iron basin, looking at Hong Zhengyuan hesitantly, waiting for him to lose his temper and save the basin of water.
Hong Zhengyuan impatiently kicked the basin. Startled, Tang Nai’s toes instantly dropped into the water. To her surprise, the water was freezing cold, and her feet immediately went numb. She couldn't move; her lower half felt like an ice sculpture. She asked haltingly, "Is… is this okay?"
"Fuck…" Hong Zhengyuan cursed silently. She was the one being unreasonable, yet somehow he felt like the villain. "Why aren't you moving? Do you want me to wash them for you too?"
Tang Nai lowered her head. "It’s a bit cold…"
That water had only sat in the trunk for a night… Hong Zhengyuan thought about how exaggeratedly delicate she was. Perhaps she was acting again. So, he crouched down and placed his hand on the iron basin. His fingertips turned red, and steam instantly began to rise from the surface of the water. He was about to give her a mocking look when he suddenly heard a soft cry.
"Ah!"
The sound was short and sharp. A white shadow flipped out of the water and brushed across his face. The tip of his nose caught a hint of something soft, a fragrant dampness that slid across his chin.
Startled, Hong Zhengyuan instinctively grabbed it, only to feel as though he was holding a clump of cotton. Soft, trembling, and seemingly boneless, it overflowed his palm. He looked down instantly. A drop of water fell from his nose into the ripples below.
He saw a single foot curled up, trembling as it lay in his palm.
She had actually stuck her foot in his face?
Fire rose in his chest as he glared at Tang Nai.
"Fuck, is it really that hot—"
The rest of his words seemed to be swallowed by someone, leaving only his trembling eyes. At that moment, Tang Nai was slumped against the steps, her chest heaving. It was as if the heat had steamed through her entire body; her skin was flushed pink, and her face was a deep crimson. Sweat clung to her winding hair, dampening her neck. Her wet eyelashes fluttered uneasily. She covered her face with her arm in embarrassment, but she couldn't hide her slightly parted lips. Every breath she exhaled was warm, moist, and sweet.
If he hadn't been touching her body, he would have thought she was about to melt away.
"—hot."
He rasped out the final word. His throat moved as if the fire in his heart had instantly scorched his windpipe.
Tang Nai nodded, her voice muffled. "Mmh… it’s very hot."
Her lips moved, but she didn't elaborate. It wasn't the painful heat from before, but a heat that felt like it was going to dissolve her, a heat that sapped all the strength from her body. She had absolutely no control over herself, as if she were reverting to her original form and dissolving into the water. However, no one but herself could possibly understand this terror.
She simply lowered her arm, her long lashes still wet. "So… so can I wait for the water to cool a bit before I wash?"
Hong Zhengyuan controlled his breathing and said nothing. Her toes were a soft red, still shivering slightly, yet they lay submissively in his palm like something boneless, awaiting his command.
—She must be playing the victim, Hong Zhengyuan thought. She must be acting delicate, maybe even performing… She wants to bewitch me just like she bewitched Jin Xiao. He had countless reasons to shove her away and leave her sitting there in her pathetic state. And yet, his fingers seemed to disobey him, suddenly tightening their grip.
Suddenly, a cough came from behind them.
In an instant, Hong Zhengyuan’s scalp prickled.