Wang Zhigang fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"Brother, killing him could land you in trouble. Hereâs what you do: you leave town for a while. Iâll resolve this matter for you, and then you can return!"
This was the best solution Wang Zhigang could think of.
After all, this young man in military uniform, by his own admission, seemed to have connections up the ranks. Moreover, he himself had been appointed by the military to establish a connection between Central City and the military headquarters!
However, what Wang Zhigang took into account did not exactly align with Wen Yuâs thoughts.
Or rather, the disparity in strength between Wang Zhigang and Wen Yu was too great, making their perspectives naturally divergent.
Seeing the urgency in Wang Zhigangâs eyes, Wen Yu shook his head.
"No need. You can get in touch with the military headquarters, right?"
"I can, but..."
Before Wang Zhigang could finish his sentence, Wen Yu patted him on the shoulder.
"Iâll talk to them. I have some matters to discuss with them anyway. As for that idiot just now, trust me, thatâs not a problem!
"They should thank me, really. Itâs a good thing I was in a good mood today! Otherwise, the trouble wouldnât be mine to deal with; itâd be the militaryâs!"
Before Wang Zhigang could react, Wen Yu waved to the baby army not far away.
"Children, letâs go. Iâll take you into the city."
...
Although Central City didnât have anything like a permanent resident card, there was a saying that held true even before the apocalypse: Having connections makes things easy!
Wang Zhigang treated Wen Yu as a friend, a benefactor. So when Wen Yu requested permanent residency for these children, Wang Zhigang naturally agreed.
At the same time, Wen Yu learned something from Wang Zhigang. It turned out the entrance fee had initially been proposed by that military-uniformed man. Wang Zhigangâs original intention had been to keep Central City completely open, making it a safe haven for all survivors from Mudanjiang City. Unfortunately, his idea was opposed by everyone. Now, even though the military-uniformed man was dead, the rule had been established, and Wang Zhigang himself was a beneficiary! Wang Zhigang no longer voiced any objections to the entrance fee.
The benefits of power can indeed gradually corrupt people!
At this moment, Wen Yu stood beside Zheng Ye, patting Zheng Yeâs head.
"Iâve brought you here; from now on, youâll have to rely on yourselves."
Wen Yu felt an indescribable emotion towards this baby army.
In his previous life, Wen Yu hadnât thought so much; he had been constantly struggling against death!
But in this life, especially after returning from Chaihe Town, Wen Yu increasingly felt that this world was truly shitty!
At least, children are innocent; they shouldnât have to shoulder pressures that even adults canât handle.
With a slight sigh, Wen Yu took Star from his head, placed him next to the now smaller Cyclops, and then retrieved a few Level 2 magic crystals from his space ring.
"Take these; strive to become stronger. Since youâve chosen to be the leader of these children, you must also bear the corresponding responsibility. This is all the help I can offer you!
"Remember one thing! Ultimately, people have to rely on themselves to survive!"
Hearing Wen Yuâs words, Zheng Yeâs vision blurred with tears.
After a while, Zheng Ye took the magic crystals from Wen Yuâs hand and nodded emphatically at Wen Yu.
"Thank you, thank you, Uncle! Youâre a good person!"
Wen Yu straightened up and shook his head at Zheng Ye.
"Iâm not a good person, really. But Iâm sure you will all become good people. Come on, keep it up!"
With that, Wen Yu stretched out his clenched right fist.
Seeing this, Zheng Ye wiped away the tears welling up in his eyes with his dirty sleeve and stretched out his right fist too.
One large fist and one small, they slowly bumped together.
Then, Wen Yu turned around and walked over to Wang Zhigang, waving to Zheng Ye.
"Remember, my name is Wen Yu. If we meet again, call me Brother Wen Yu! Big Brother!"
"Got it, Uncle!"
"Thank you, Uncle!"
"Goodbye, Uncle!"
Hearing Wen Yu, the children walking away with Zhang Wen started shouting out to him.
A soft chuckle escaped Wen Yu, and the corners of his mouth twitched.
Turning his head to look at Wang Zhigang, who was trying to suppress a smile, Wen Yu asked seriously, "Do I really look that old?"
Wang Zhigang gave Wen Yu a careful look and said earnestly, "Seriously, you need a shave, a bath, and a change of clothes!"
...
Wen Yu carefully observed his appearance in the mirror. After a while, he shook his head.
"Uncle Wen Yu, HEHEHEHE!" How fitting!
He hadnât had a mirror for some time, and the conditions hadnât allowed him to take care of his personal hygiene. At most, heâd wash his face and brush his teeth. So, the first time he saw a mirror, Wen Yu was genuinely shocked by his own reflection! A perfectly good Sequence Number 2, transformed into a beggar!
When Wang Zhigang asked Wen Yu whether he wanted to contact the military headquarters first or clean himself up, Wen Yu chose the former. Then Wang Zhigang produced a mirror...
Which is how Wen Yu ended up in the bathroom.
Sounds continued to drift in from outside. Wen Yu could sense Cyclops and Star rolling around on the large, soft bed.
No doubt, the room outside would be a complete mess by the time he finished!
"Star, Star, come over, Iâll show you something fun!"
Cyclopsâ barks were heard, followed by sounds from the television in the living room.
Central City had mostly restored its power supply. Power might be scarce, but given Wen Yuâs status, electricity was unlikely to be a concern for him! Wang Zhigang would undoubtedly provide Wen Yu with the best hospitality. Case in point: the 105-inch television in the living room!
But what on earth were those suggestive moans and pleas in Japanese coming from outside?
"Wow..."
That was Starâs awed voice.
"WOOF."
"Cool, right? Humans really know how to have fun... Tsk tsk, that position..."
"By the way, are you hard yet?"
"Dog Bro, youâre disgusting! Weâre not even the same species, yet youâre enjoying this so much..."
"WOOF."
"This Big Bro is just asking if youâre hard?"
Star was male, a fact Wen Yu and Cyclops had discovered back in the forest. So, Cyclops considered him a good buddy. Moreover, Cyclops had made a solemn vow to groom Star into a true Playboy.
This was all for the sake of contributing to the great Earthâs biodiversity!
However, this was clearly a case of coercive, brutal grooming. Star was still just a kid!
So, Wen Yu rushed out of the bathroom. Grabbing Cyclops by the scruff of his neck with one hand and Star by the tail with the other, he headed straight for the bathroom.
Then, the roomâs door opened, and Wang Zhigang walked straight in.
"By the way, Brother Wen Yu, what would you like for dinner..."
Before he could finish, Wang Zhigang glanced at the 105-inch television, then at the completely naked Wen Yu. The older manâs face instantly flushed with embarrassment.
"COUGH, COUGH. My apologies, wrong room! By the way, the door lock is here."
Only when the sound of the door closing echoed did Wen Yu finally react! Then, a dense wave of goosebumps prickled his skin.
"Could I claim my dog did this?"
Wen Yu muttered, the desolation in his voice sending a shiver down Cyclopsâ spine.
Unfortunately, in the vast room, aside from Star and Cyclops, there was no one else to hear him...