Early in the morning, Zhao Yuhuan went to Room 508 to find Lian Ru Ning. Lian Ru Ning rushed out, her hair still unkempt.
Seeing her bright and energetic, Zhao Yuhuan laughed, "Ah, you slept well last night, didn’t you, Lian Ru Ning? It’s reassuring being here, right? Even though there was gunfire outside, it was barely noticeable here. Oh, by the way…”
Lian Ru Ning listened with a smile, but out of Zhao Yuhuan's sight, she quietly rubbed her fingers. She was used to the soreness in her arms from fighting zombies, but to have to use her fingers so intensely was rare, and after only two rounds, she couldn't help but want to leave the hard work to Hao Jian.
Thinking of this, she gritted her teeth and silently cursed Hao Jian for being so sly, switching hands whenever one got tired and still managing to look worn out at the end, forcing her to sheepishly ask for help…
Noticing Lian Ru Ning’s slightly flushed face, Zhao Yuhuan asked, “Why’s your face so red?”
“Oh, it feels too warm,” Lian Ru Ning quickly replied, even waving her hand to fan herself.
“Yeah, it’s hot. With power reserved only for senior offices, air conditioning is a luxury here. Thankfully, we have fans…”
The two went to freshen up and then to the dining hall, where Lian Ru Ning got an extra breakfast for Hao Jian. Since Hao Jian had decided to join the Special Response Unit, their meals now matched everyone else’s.
In the dining hall, they ran into Xin Ting and Peng Mao, whom they hadn’t seen since the Sea Patrol took them for investigation the day before. Naturally, Lian Ru Ning wanted to catch up.
Peng Mao and Xin Ting had spent the whole day at the Sea Patrol’s office, not just for questioning but also learning emergency procedures for handling sudden events at sea, finishing only after 10 p.m., too late to disturb Hao Jian and Lian Ru Ning.
“Where’s Hao Jian?” Peng Mao asked.
Mentioning Hao Jian, Lian Ru Ning’s expression faltered. Hao Jian had woken before her but spent nearly half an hour just watching her sleep until she awoke.
Then Hao Jian said, “Junior sister, my fingers are trembling badly. I don’t want others noticing, so could you please bring me breakfast?”
Was that something a person should even say? Although Lian Ru Ning herself had been so lazy the night before, basking in the comfort…
“She’s resting,” she replied.
Peng Mao was incredulous. “Did she turn into a thief last night or something? Sleeping in, of all things?!”
Lian Ru Ning: Not a thief, something much more daring.
“Hao Jian’s been running around a lot lately. It’s only natural to sleep in once in a while!” Xin Ting interjected.
After eating her breakfast, Lian Ru Ning didn’t linger with them, any more conversation, and she feared she might slip up. After a quick goodbye, she grabbed the bag and returned to her room.
Back in the room, Hao Jian was already up, and the computer on the desk was gone, clearly, she had returned it to Wang Zishao. Lian Ru Ning realized then that all that talk of “trembling fingers” was just a convenient excuse!
Not wanting to argue, she placed a steamed bun and milk in front of her. “Eat up while it’s still warm!”
Hao Jian sighed, “Junior sister, I think my hand’s cramping. Could you feed me?”
“…Pushing your luck?”
“Oh, come on, don’t act so distant now that you’re dressed. Who was it who invited me in last night?”
Flustered, Lian Ru Ning stuffed the bun into her mouth, her cheeks flushing as she glared at her. “Fine, I’ll feed you. Now eat up!”
Hao Jian pointed at the bun, and when Lian Ru Ning took her hand away, the teasing continued, “Junior sister, I want milk first. You know, I love milk.”
Mortified by her words, Lian Ru Ning nearly pounced on her. She decided to fight back: “I don’t know if you like milk, but I know what that smart mouth of yours likes.”
“…”
Wow, Lian Ru Ning really leveled up her banter!
Turns out there’s a reason why those moments earn both experience and points. Last night, during a “mutual and deep exchange of thought,” she even received a reward for “having an enriching exchange with a partner.”
Of course, the system’s logic was that since they were truly engaged at the time, it only counted as one interaction.
Though Hao Jian found this system limiting, she had no desire to interrupt their connection just for points.
“This is all for your own good,” the system insisted. “Too much interaction isn’t healthy for mind or body.”
“Yeah, right. You just don’t want us racking up points by bending the rules!” she retorted internally.
But since their relationship was so natural and genuine, she let it slide.
____
After a cozy breakfast together, Hao Jian went to her tasks. Bored, Wang Zishao invited Lian Ru Ning to visit the research lab.
The lab, located on a different floor from the screening area where they’d been checked in, was now the de facto command center for Xiang City, filled with all kinds of equipment.
Lian Ru Ning recognized many of the instruments, reminiscent of her father’s lab. Watching the researchers move about, she imagined her father working similarly, surrounded by equipment.
Because the zombie virus wasn’t airborne, they kept a live zombie specimen to extract samples from as needed. Lian Ru Ning couldn’t help but worry her father might accidentally get hurt in the process…
Noticing her ID badge, someone in the lab asked, “You seem to know a bit about this work?”
Instead of claiming familiarity, she smiled and asked, “Any recent progress on the research?”
They didn’t share specifics but replied, “A little.”
Around noon, Lian Ru Ning returned to join Hao Jian for lunch. Midway through, Peng Mao and Xin Ting came by to say their goodbyes.
Lian Ru Ning was surprised, they’d only just spoken this morning.
“What brings this on so suddenly?”
Peng Mao said, "They've confirmed our identities on the other side with no issues, but due to changes in the operation, the schedule was adjusted last minute. We have to go today and will be departing first thing tomorrow."
Hao Jian paused briefly and replied, “Got it.”
The sudden parting made the atmosphere among the four of them feel heavy.
Xin Ting’s eyes turned red. Over the past half-month, they had grown accustomed to acting and exploring together. The memories of their days spent together felt like indelible marks on her heart. She really didn’t want to part with them.
"Xin Ting, you have to believe that one day, the world will return to its former state, and we’ll have the chance to meet again. Don’t be sad," Lian Ru Ning comforted her.
"Yes, we’ll see each other again!" Xin Ting went up and hugged her.
“These days, you’ve also learned how to survive. Without our protection, be careful out there,” Hao Jian told Peng Mao.
Peng Mao lamented, “We’re parting, can’t you make an exception and say something like you’ll miss us?”
Hao Jian thought about it and replied, “Whether you’re here or not doesn’t affect us much, so missing or not missing you…”
Peng Mao quickly covered his ears. “I’m not listening! That’s too harsh!”
"... You’re really getting more and more sensitive."
___
In the afternoon, Peng Mao and Xin Ting packed their things and left with the coast guard. Before leaving, Lian Ru Ning handed them a walkie-talkie. She and Hao Jian didn’t need it anymore, but it would be useful for Peng Mao and Xin Ting since it was still somewhat dangerous for them outside.
Hao Jian also gave them a solar charger and binoculars. Both items were replaceable from the store, so she wasn’t lacking them. Additionally, she gave each of them a bag of compressed biscuits and a bottle of water.
Peng Mao knew Hao Jian had a soft heart behind her sharp words. He accepted the gifts gratefully, thought for a moment, then took out a small cloth bag from inside his underwear, which held a gold necklace. "I can’t just accept all this without giving something back. I don’t have anything valuable, just this necklace that my mom made for me when she was alive. Please take it.”
“...” She was somewhat tempted, but with where he pulled it from, she could truly say she viewed gold like dirt.
Hao Jian didn’t take it, and since they were urging him to leave, Peng Mao had to put the necklace back in his underwear and bid them farewell.
After Peng Mao and Xin Ting left, Lian Ru Ning suddenly felt a sense of emptiness. The companions she’d once laughed and fought alongside had all gone, leaving only Hao Jian by her side.
Her eyes suddenly stung, and she was terrified of this feeling.
At that moment, Hao Jian stepped forward, hugged her, and said, “I’m still here.”
That simple sentence was like a balm, gradually calming her heart.
Hao Jian wasn’t just saying it, she wanted to give Lian Ru Ning a sense of security. Later that evening, she told Lian Ru Ning, “In a couple of days, we’re heading to the university town in the southern city.”
Lian Ru Ning was startled and then asked with a mix of joy and worry, “Really? But…”
“There’s no ‘but.’ While we’re safe here, since we already know where your father is, why delay?”
“And what about your mission?”
Lian Ru Ning knew Hao Jian well. Hao Jian had always been someone with a gentle heart, often willing to make small compromises for their sake. Even if she wasn’t happy about something, she wouldn’t show it in front of them.
So she worried that Hao Jian might have paid a price for this decision.
“The mission is to go back to the southern city with An Minghui and follow his instructions.”
Lian Ru Ning was surprised. “Lieutenant An is also going to the southern city?”
“Yes. Surrounding cities need to maintain close connections at all times, otherwise, ‘Wujue’ could take advantage of the gaps, which would lead to significant losses. An Minghui was assigned this mission because he has a deeper understanding of ‘Wujue.’”
Lian Ru Ning thought for a moment. “So, this mission is related to ‘Wujue’? They’ve found some leads?”
Hao Jian smiled. “Hmm, I don’t have the clearance to know the details. But An Minghui said he’s heading to the university town as well, so he had the director transfer me.”
“And the director agreed to let you go?”
“Why not? Although I was selected by him to join the ‘Special Response Unit,’ ultimately, the unit answers to higher authorities. Prioritizing the bigger picture, the members are constantly reassigned. It’s standard practice.”
Lian Ru Ning didn’t know what to say. She was thrilled at the prospect of finding her father but was also worried that Hao Jian might be reassigned to a more dangerous task afterward.
Hao Jian noticed her low spirits and added, “Don’t overthink it. Remember, most of the members in this unit are ordinary people with some special skills. The expectations for us are lower than for those within the system. We don’t get paid, just a few perks when we demonstrate our value. Aside from occasional missions, we’re mostly free. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have agreed to join.”
Lian Ru Ning finally let out a sigh of relief.
“Not feeling guilty anymore, right? Good. Now, after we shower, let’s do something fun. Otherwise, the finger cots I bought at a premium will go to waste.” Hao Jian held up a small box she’d just acquired. “These have extra beads on them, so they’re a bit more expensive.”
This box alone cost her 50 points, while yesterday’s only cost 40. She had to make the most of every single one to justify her hard-earned 200 points from a full night’s work.
“…”
Lian Running: I suspected you were up to something, and the proof is in your hands!