Chapter 1238 - 707: Testing the Waters

Chapter 1238: Chapter 707: Testing the Waters

Shange’s sinister eyes swept around the group, but anyone who made eye contact with him unconsciously lowered their head or averted their gaze.

"Hehe, a bunch of cowards, what’s there to be afraid of?"

Shange sneered with disdain, then turned to Baldy and Black Bear and said,

"We’re all abroad now; can’t you two think bigger? We’re preparing for big things!"

"Shange is right, our vision was too narrow."

Hearing Shange say this, both men quickly nodded in agreement.

"We still don’t know the ins and outs of that kid as for the others—"

"Baldy, aren’t you into that chick? Go chase her, there’s nothing wrong with pursuing love, right?"

"Love, haha, nothing wrong with that!"

Baldy touched his head, his eyes gleaming as he stared at the woman in the distance.

At night, it was time for dinner again.

"Yuanqing, dinner’s here."

The cabin door opened, and a crew member yelled at the door.

"Here, added a chicken leg for you."

"Hehe, thanks, bro."

Qin Yuan said with immense gratitude.

"When I get to country M and make a name for myself, I will surely repay you a hundredfold, big brother."

"Heh, kid, stop feeding me pie in the sky. By the time you make something of yourself, I’ll probably be six feet under."

The crew member chided with a laugh.

"How’s that possible? Big brother, you’re strong and healthy; you’ll surely live a long life."

"Borrowing your auspicious words."

The crew member, Zhang Baohu, was already forty-six this year and planning to retire after a few more years of work.

Zhang Baohu had a son and a daughter, who, although they had only entered society a few years ago, were already mid-level managers at their company; soon he could return home to enjoy his retirement.

These were all things Zhang Baohu had told Qin Yuan during their casual chats.

And Qin Yuan had lied to him, saying he was an orphan, so Zhang Baohu took special care of him, sharing his own chicken leg with Qin Yuan.

Of course, Qin Yuan didn’t know about that.

"Don’t call me ’bro’ all the time; just call me Old Zhang; that’s what everyone calls me."

"Alright, Old Zhang."

"Okay then, go back and eat. Later, I’ll let you guys out for some air."

"Have you been going stir-crazy being cooped up in here for so many days?"

"Actually, it’s not too bad, just a bit stifling."

For Qin Yuan, this kind of environment was child’s play.

Even without food or drink, he could last for ten days to half a month inside.

"Keep on fronting."

"Alright, I’m going back now. I’ll come to unlock later."

"Sure thing!"

After Old Zhang left, Qin Yuan turned and returned to his spot.

Just as he was about to tuck in eagerly, he noticed from the corner of his eye that someone was staring at him.

To be precise, staring at the food on his plate.

It was the little girl—Niuniu; she was still hungry, especially for that big chicken leg, drooling with desire.

"Come here, Niuniu; are you hungry? Mommy has something tasty here."

The woman said as she turned to block the girl’s view.

"Niuniu, the uncle has already given his food to you, we can’t ask for more."

The woman crouched down to whisper to the little girl, who did not respond.

"Then, can I exchange my favorite toy for it?"

Niuniu said innocently.

On hearing this, the woman’s face showed a bitter smile, and she shook her head.

"Alright then."

Niuniu looked utterly dejected.

Their conversation was overheard by Qin Yuan, but this time, he didn’t intervene.

"Baldy, your chance has come."

Shange curled his lips slightly, speaking calmly.

"Chance?"

Baldy was slow to catch on.

"Are you dumb? Don’t we have those self-heating meal packs? Just take one over."

Black Bear slapped Baldy on the head.

"Oh, right, right, right."

Baldy suddenly realized, then picked up a box of self-heating rice.

"Shange, we don’t have much of this left, do we really need to?"

At this point, Scarface spoke up.

Hearing this, Baldy paused and looked at Shange.

"No worries, it’s just food. It’s just a means to an end; what’s one box of rice?"

"Besides, they might not even want it."

Shange said with an indifferent smile.

Hearing Shange’s words, Baldy grinned, "Shange, can I go over then?"

"Go ahead."

Shange gave a slight nod.

"Miss, I have some food here; you guys eat it."

Baldy approached the mother and daughter with eager friendliness.

"No need, thank you."

The woman flatly refused.

And the little girl surprisingly didn’t cry or make a fuss but looked strangely at Baldy.

Maybe in her eyes, Baldy was not a good person.

And the scene at noon had just proved that point.

"Don’t be like that!"

"Look, the kid’s drooling over here, and it’s not good to keep eating bread and biscuits."

"The kid’s growing; even if you don’t eat it, you can’t let her suffer, right?"

It had to be said, Baldy had quite the gift of gab, speaking with emotion and reason, anyone would think he made sense.

"No thank you."

But the woman still rejected him coldly, and directly said, "Also, please stop harassing us."

The woman’s blunt response sent a shadow across Baldy’s eyes.

"I’m giving it to you, so take it. Why are you being polite with me?"

Baldy’s tone began to grow aggressive.

"And you, a woman on your own with a child, it’s not easy. Why not just go with me?"