Chapter 452: A First Encounter

Chapter 452: A First Encounter

As soon as Zhang Yi and his team stepped out of their vehicle, the tension on the scene became palpable.

The soldiers from Chaoyu Base and Yangsheng Base glared at them, their eyes burning with resentment but also tinged with fear. After the Five-Armies Battle, it had become widely acknowledged that Zhang Yi’s team was formidable—provoking them was not something to be done lightly.

Zhang Yi kept his hand in his pocket, gripping his Desert Eagle, remaining on high alert. His arrival even caught Wu Di’s attention, who couldn’t help but take a closer look.

Having researched Zhang Yi’s background only recently after being assigned to Tianhai City, Wu Di had learned of his impressive rise: starting as a mere warehouse manager, leading an elite squad to challenge large-scale factions, and eventually becoming a key player among the city’s five major powers. Such a figure was impossible to ignore.

As Zhang Yi approached the Central Building, he noticed the distinctive ice channel that had been cleared by Wu Di. He immediately understood its purpose—a warning to all attendees of the Jiangnan District envoy’s power.

Wu Di’s voice rang out, “You must be Zhang Yi. Come in alone. The rest must stay outside.”

Zhang Yi smiled harmlessly. “As you wish.”

Seeing the soldiers from the other two bases already assembled outside, Zhang Yi had anticipated this arrangement. This was, after all, a meeting for faction leaders—not a gathering of their entourages.

He instructed Uncle You and the others to wait outside. If they felt cold, they could stay in the vehicle. Zhang Yi himself casually made his way into the Central Building.

Wu Di’s eyes followed him intently, almost never looking away, which made Zhang Yi feel slightly uncomfortable.

No man enjoys being stared at by another man, and Zhang Yi couldn’t help but wonder if Wu Di’s interests were... unconventional.

“Is there something on me?” Zhang Yi asked with a cheerful smile.

Wu Di crossed his arms and smirked. “I heard you’re quite strong.”

Zhang Yi resisted the urge to ask,

In which way?

If this was about the kind of “strength” between men, Zhang Yi wanted no part of it.

“Just average,” Zhang Yi replied modestly.

“Let’s spar sometime,” Wu Di said, his gaze heating up slightly.

A shiver ran down Zhang Yi’s spine.

Crap, this guy can’t really be... can he?

“No, no, I’m not into that,” Zhang Yi quickly declined. “By the way, which room is it?”

Wu Di looked a bit disappointed. “Fifth floor, third room on the left.”

“Thanks!” Zhang Yi replied, smiling as he walked away, looking every bit the friendly, harmless neighbor.

Following Wu Di’s directions, Zhang Yi headed upstairs. Along the way, he noticed other members of the investigation team stationed in strategic positions, keeping a close eye on the surroundings.

Their sharp gazes and subtle movements radiated an air of professionalism that set them apart from ordinary people. Years of specialized training were evident in their demeanor, confirming to Zhang Yi that these were elite operatives sent by the Jiangnan District.

Still, Zhang Yi wondered how much help such a small team could offer.

Lost in thought, he reached the designated meeting room. The door was open, and he walked in.

The room was spacious, with a large red table dominating the center. As Zhang Yi entered, all eyes turned toward him.

Two familiar faces—Xiao Honglian and Wei Dinghai—were already there. Both frowned upon seeing him, their gazes a mixture of wariness and irritation.

However, Zhang Yi’s attention was drawn to the man sitting at the head of the table—a middle-aged figure wrapped in a black coat and wearing oversized sunglasses.

Is he blind?

Zhang Yi thought, amused. The sunglasses gave the man an air of pretentiousness, but Zhang Yi couldn’t rule out the possibility of some eccentric preference.

Smiling, Zhang Yi introduced himself. “I’m Zhang Yi. And you are?”

As the saying goes, one doesn’t hit a smiling face. Zhang Yi’s polite and unassuming demeanor left Bian Junwu no choice but to respond in kind.

Lowering his arms, Bian Junwu replied in a cold tone, “I’m Bian Junwu, head of the Jiangnan District investigation team for the zombie outbreak.”

“Ah, so it’s Mr. Bian. A pleasure to meet you!” Zhang Yi said courteously, finding a seat and refraining from further interaction. It was his first meeting with Bian, and he preferred to remain cautious, avoiding even a handshake.

The spacious room maintained a significant distance between each attendee. Clearly, Zhang Yi, Xiao Honglian, and Wei Dinghai were all on guard.

Bian Junwu, however, appeared completely at ease. While waiting for the remaining representatives, he nonchalantly pulled a pack of Heilian cigarettes from his pocket and lit one.

No one spoke. Each had their own agenda, waiting for the others to arrive.

Finally, Xing Tian from Qingfu Base entered the room.

With a cheerful demeanor, he greeted Bian Junwu before sitting near Zhang Yi.

Xiao Honglian and Wei Dinghai shot him murderous glares. In the Five-Armies Battle, Qingfu Base’s betrayal had directly led to their defeat. Adding insult to injury, Xing Tian had looted a significant amount of their supplies after the battle.

Despite their hatred, Xing Tian remained indifferent to their hostility and started chatting with Zhang Yi.

“Old Zhang, how’s it going on your side? Those damn zombies and rats have been giving us hell.”

Zhang Yi frowned, his voice turning somber. “Don’t even bring it up. We’re constantly clearing them out—I’m so fed up I could scream!”

Leaning back in his chair, Zhang Yi sighed heavily. “At this rate, my shelter might not hold out much longer.”

Hearing Zhang Yi’s complaints, the three other faction leaders felt a twinge of satisfaction. Misery loves company, after all.

Was it a trick of the light, or did Bian Junwu’s gaze briefly flicker toward Zhang Yi after that statement?

With those sunglasses obscuring his eyes, it was impossible to tell. Perhaps it was just an illusion.

Author's Note