Chapter 601: The Return Journey

Chapter 601: The Return Journey

Deng Shentong was at a loss for words.

He wasn’t an idiot—of course he understood that Zhang Yi was politely declining his invitation.

But Zhang Yi still gave him enough face. His words made it very clear. He, Zhang Yi, was a defensive genius who simply didn’t enjoy running around risking his life every day.

It really wasn’t suitable for him to join the Investigation Team.

After staring at Zhang Yi for a few seconds, Deng Shentong suddenly laughed.

Pointing at Zhang Yi, he said, “You really are something. Smooth-tongued, strong as hell, yet so damn... cowardly.”

“Cautious!” Zhang Yi corrected him.

“But don’t you get bored staying in that ghost place all day?” Deng Shentong looked at him playfully. “People, once they gain power, will always crave an outlet to show it off. Otherwise, they’ll feel this emptiness inside.”

“Are you really planning to hole up in one corner for the rest of your life?”

Zhang Yi nodded honestly. “I can.”

What’s wrong with staying alive?

Besides, it wasn’t like he was suffering in the mountains or anything. His home environment was great—no worries about food or clothes—and he was surrounded by plenty of beautiful women.

Life is so comfortable, why the hell would I go out there and fight? I’d have to be crazy!

Deng Shentong: “...”

Deng Shentong’s eyes showed a hint of confusion. He couldn’t quite understand Zhang Yi’s mindset.

But then again, that was normal.

The things Zhang Yi wanted were things Deng Shentong was born having.

Deng Shentong was chasing after the dream of being a hero, enjoying supreme glory and the thrill of battle.

“You...” Deng Shentong pointed at Zhang Yi, wanting to say something, but eventually sighed helplessly.

“Fine, everyone has their own aspirations. Since that’s how you feel, I won’t force you.”

“But if you ever change your mind, you can contact me.”

“Not that I’m desperate for you to join my squad. I’m just giving you the opportunity. You’d better come find me early, or if I meet someone more suitable, you’ll have to settle for being a backup.”

Zhang Yi was laughing like crazy inside, but on the surface, he said sincerely, “Thank you, Captain Deng! I’ll seriously consider it when I get back.”

Although Zhang Yi had declined Deng Shentong, he had done so while giving him enough respect.

Deng Shentong didn’t get upset—in fact, he ended up chatting with Zhang Yi for a long time.

Even though Deng Shentong looked like the typical rich second-generation playboy, he was actually quite tight-lipped.

He was happy to talk about food, fun, and random topics, but whenever Zhang Yi tried to fish for information about Linhai City, Deng Shentong smoothly dodged the subject every time.

Zhang Yi silently noted,

This guy’s no fool after all. Definitely not someone to underestimate.

The two chatted for a while, and their personalities weren’t too incompatible.

As night fell, Zhang Yi stood up to take his leave.

“Hold on, I’ve got a little gift for you,” Deng Shentong said, snapping his fingers toward the door.

A maid walked in, carrying a black case.

Zhang Yi eyed the box. “What’s this?”

Deng Shentong chuckled. “Open it and see.”

Zhang Yi nodded, took the box in hand—it was surprisingly heavy—and opened it.

Inside, tightly packed, were pitch-black bullets!

“Origin Bullets!” Zhang Yi blurted out. There had to be at least a hundred Origin Bullets in there!

According to Lu Keran, just one Origin Bullet cost no less than 100,000 before the apocalypse.

Now, with resources so hard to come by and production conditions so limited, its value could easily be ten times that.

And Deng Shentong just casually handed him a box of a hundred?!

Rich kid behavior at its finest!

Zhang Yi put on a flustered expression. “Captain Deng, this... this is too much! I can’t accept something so valuable.”

Deng Shentong waved it off with a calm smile. “This kind of thing is nothing to me. But you, you probably need it, right? Just take it. It’ll come in handy one day.”

Seeing his attitude, Zhang Yi stopped declining. “Then I’ll thank Captain Deng properly. If you ever need anything from me, just say the word. I’ll do my best.”

Deng Shentong nodded with satisfaction.

“Alright, let’s leave it at that for today. Next time you visit Blizzard City, we might get another chance to meet.”

Zhang Yi casually stored the Origin Bullets into his spatial storage.

This little trick clearly piqued Deng Shentong’s interest.

Zhang Yi then left the Deng residence.

Deng Shentong watched Zhang Yi’s departing figure, feeling a trace of regret.

Spatial abilities like that are incredibly rare. If I could have someone like him on my team, it would make missions so much easier.

Not to mention, Zhang Yi’s combat strength isn’t weak either.

Bai Chunyu walked up behind Deng Shentong and asked, “Captain, did Zhang Yi agree to join our Investigation Team?”

Deng Shentong replied calmly, “No, he declined.”

Bai Chunyu was shocked. “What? He actually refused?! Do you know how many people would kill for this opportunity? And he just turned it down?”

Deng Shentong’s lips curled slightly. “Maybe that’s what makes him interesting.”

Heh, you’ve caught my attention, man!

“But you still gave him a whole box of Origin Bullets!”

Deng Shentong smiled indifferently. “It’s just a box of Origin Bullets. No big deal. As long as someone is useful to me, I’m willing to pay any price to win them over.”

“Those aiming for kingship and dominance can’t be stingy about trivial things.”

“Even if Zhang Yi never joins my Celestial Squad, today’s favor will make sure he remembers my generosity.”

Bai Chunyu took a deep breath and respectfully saluted.

“Captain, you’re wise indeed! Your intellect and generosity are truly admirable!”

...

...

Zhang Yi left the Deng residence, where a driver was already waiting. Seeing him approach, the driver promptly invited him into the car to take him back.

Zhang Yi couldn’t help but think better of the Deng family.

Originally, he thought that rich kids from big families must all be arrogant and domineering, the type who destroy anyone who dares oppose them.

But Deng Shentong’s demeanor made him realize that not all second-generation heirs were like that.

Even after Zhang Yi turned down the invitation, Deng Shentong didn’t show the slightest dissatisfaction.

Making friends with someone like this isn’t a bad thing,

Zhang Yi thought to himself.

He got into the car and returned to the apartment.

Once he got back, the rest of the team immediately gathered around to ask how his talk with Deng Shentong went.

After hearing his story, everyone finally relaxed.

Luckily, Deng Shentong hadn’t made things difficult for Zhang Yi.

Otherwise, causing trouble on Blizzard City’s turf would’ve been bad news for Zhang Yi.

And they couldn’t afford to be separated from him.

Zhou Ke’er asked, “So, what do we do next? Are we heading back?”

Zhang Yi thought of the superhumans back in Daze City, his eyes dropping slightly as he replied calmly, “Time to head back! And let’s prepare a little gift for them while we’re at it.”

Author's Note