According to the plot reminder, at this moment, the protagonist Gong and his lover have already infiltrated the Long Island base and are hiding, actively seeking an opportunity to rescue Shu Wenzhe.
While his lover operates in secrecy, the protagonist operates openly. Even with his lover’s skills, it would take considerable effort for him to locate her. In that case, why not lure the snake out of its hole and let the enemy come to him willingly?
As the leader’s beloved son, the original host had absolute authority in the base, and subordinates dared not disobey. Upon receiving the order, they immediately went to prepare. Bian Shao, as the young master, didn’t need to seek the leader’s approval for such trivial matters; he simply followed through.
The efficiency of the subordinates was exceptionally high, and within half an hour, everything was organized.
In the post-apocalyptic world, the allure of a kilogram of rice cannot be underestimated. People in the entire refugee area who heard the news gathered in the square to join the excitement.
Those who had some strength and combat skills signed up for the arena matches, while those who didn’t participate were the elderly, weak, and disabled, lacking any combat ability.
After all, no one wanted to miss out on the reward of that kilogram of rice. It had been a long time since they had enjoyed such a luxurious item.
In the southern district square, everyone’s eyes were fixed on the temporary arena that had been set up, next to which were piled mountains of rice, biscuits, instant noodles, and other food items. They couldn’t stop swallowing saliva, their eyes glowing with hunger.
However, no one dared to rush forward; the security maintaining order was entirely composed of individuals with supernatural abilities, led by the leader’s son. If anyone dared to cause trouble and anger the young leader, they would lose even the refuge of the refugee area.
“Listen carefully, today’s arena matches will be conducted in a free-for-all manner. The only rule is no killing. Everyone participating in the matches will be rewarded with a kilogram of rice. If you catch the young master’s attention, report to the inner area three days later and join the base defense team.”
Before the arena matches began, the subordinates who had received orders once again motivated the participants.
With just these two simple sentences, they ignited the passion of everyone to the extreme.
While a kilogram of rice was indeed a significant reward, joining the defense team was the real attraction.
After the apocalypse, the living conditions were harsh, resources were scarce, and there was a stark division between ordinary people and those with supernatural abilities. Massive class distinctions had emerged in society, and life in the inner and outer areas of the base were entirely different.
Living in the inner area not only meant greater safety but also receiving twice the basic aid supplies compared to those in the outer area. Furthermore, members of the defense team enjoyed even better treatment.
Most importantly, only individuals with supernatural abilities could join the defense team and enjoy better living conditions in the base.
At this moment, these ordinary people unexpectedly had the opportunity to move to the inner area and join the defense team. This was an extremely rare opportunity—how could they not be excited?
“D, I’m going all out today!”
The thrilling news excited everyone, and they eagerly anticipated the impending battles, their fighting spirit reaching a fever pitch.
Su Jingxuan surveyed the eager crowd, nodding to signal the start.
In an instant, the temporarily enclosed arena descended into chaotic combat. Everyone brought forth their maximum strength to enter the inner area and secure better survival resources.
Though they were ordinary people, human potential should not be underestimated. Three years into the apocalypse, those who had survived until now each possessed some capability. Even women and children had picked up weapons to fend off zombies, adhering to the survival rules and conditions of the post-apocalyptic world.
In the arena, participants engaged in fierce battles, their eyes bloodshot. If not for the rule prohibiting fatalities, the scene would likely have been too gruesome to witness.
Su Jingxuan sat in a chair, smiling as he enjoyed the chaos in the arena. He tilted a wine bottle back, casually taking large sips.
His drinking gestures were informal, lacking any etiquette. It didn’t resemble savoring wine but rather drinking water. If a wine enthusiast were to witness this, they would undoubtedly decry it as a waste.
Perhaps it was because the young man was exceptionally good-looking or due to the imposing aura of his status, his casual demeanor exuded a captivating and unrestrained charm.
As the spilled red wine flowed from the corner of his mouth, down his neck, and ultimately rested on his delicate collarbone, combined with the loosely unbuttoned collar, the sight was incredibly sensual and extravagant.
The refugees in the square couldn’t help but envy and resent this indulgent display.
However, Su Jingxuan remained oblivious, continuing to leisurely enjoy the brutal arena battles with a smile on his face. He tilted the wine bottle, taking casual sips.
The crowd in the square was fixated on the temporary arena where intense battles unfolded, but the atmosphere was tainted with envy and frustration. It was undeniable that the privileged young master above was living a life of extravagance while others fought for survival.
In a secluded corner behind the crowd:
Several ragged and unkempt strong men observed the scene.
“Spit! While others are fighting for their lives in the arena, this little privileged young master is up there drinking wine and enjoying the show. Truly living the high life. It’s said, ‘Behind the vermilion gates, enjoying wine and meat, one doesn’t care about the hardships on the road.’ This guy really fits the bill,” one of the men spat out, feeling indignant.
His frustration was understandable. In this refugee area where people were emaciated from hunger, the young man had a healthy complexion, casually watching the brutal fights below, enjoying wine and leisure. It was almost impossible for others not to harbor resentment.
The other strong men nodded in agreement, expressing their shared disdain. The display was indeed infuriating.
“It seems like the Long Island base is about to change hands,” a brooding young man remarked, looking at a similarly disheveled but sturdy man with deep, mysterious eyes beside him.
“Although Bian Zhaokun has taken a seat of power, he relies entirely on brute force and oppression. His son, despite being a powerful individual with supernatural abilities, shares a similar character with Bian Zhaokun—tyrannical and cruel. I’m afraid Long Island will soon be in chaos,” he added.
The subtext was clear — their opportunity had arrived.
Others displayed joy on their faces. A brutal leader would inevitably face discontent and rebellion from below. If the Long Island base descended into internal conflict, they would have a chance to infiltrate the base and rescue people.
“It’s not that simple,” the brooding young man remarked, shaking his head. His gaze remained fixed on the young man above who, despite the red wine stains on his collarbone from his extravagant indulgence, had an enigmatic expression.
The people were speechless, inwardly amazed yet worried. If the young man could control the chaos in the arena, their plan to rescue people amidst the chaos might not work.
However, they had already wasted a considerable amount of time. With each passing day, Shu Wenzhe faced increasing danger, and they couldn’t even
be sure if he was still alive.
“Leader,” the group looked worriedly at their core member. They had to take action as soon as possible.
Shu Wenzhe was the only close relative, the brother of a deceased comrade. If something happened to him, how could they face their fallen brother who entrusted them with this responsibility?
“Shu Wenzhe is just an ordinary person, but the fact that Bian Zhaokun went to such lengths to capture him and carefully conceal his whereabouts indicates that Shu Wenzhe is advantageous to Bian Zhaokun. He won’t easily harm him. Let’s wait a bit longer,” the leader reassured.
The brooding young man tried to reassure everyone, but when he looked back at the young man in the arena who continued to enjoy himself carelessly, his mood inexplicably lightened.
All distractions disappeared, leaving only the figure of the young man in the arena. He felt an unusual attraction, and his gaze unconsciously became intense, making it impossible for the person being stared at to ignore it.
Su Jingxuan, who had been vigilant about his surroundings, almost instantly noticed the gaze that fell upon him. Because this gaze was too fervent, the intense feeling was too familiar— it was a kind of soul resonance.
Setting down the wine bottle in his hand, Su Jingxuan casually leaned back in his chair. His seemingly nonchalant movements were actually a way to search for his target.
However, after searching for a while, he found nothing suspicious except for that intense gaze that persisted.
Failing to find anything, he could only give up and take out the necklace belonging to the protagonist from his pocket.
Then, he deliberately flaunted it, watching with a swagger.
A few seconds later, the people in the corner who had been staring at him realized the necklace, and their faces changed suddenly.
“Leader, it’s Ah Hui’s necklace. Ah Hui gave it to his little brother,” one of the big men exclaimed excitedly.
The voice, though not prominent amidst the tumult of the arena, was quite conspicuous to the heightened senses of advanced psychics.
Sensing the movement, Su Jingxuan locked onto the direction of the corner with his psychic power, smiling as he walked over.
Seeing the young man clearly walking towards them, the leader’s eyes darkened.
The others looked at the big man in the corner, and in their minds, countless perplexed thoughts raced by.
