Chapter Ninety-Nine: Arrogance

Qin Yu had originally planned to rest after dinner, but unexpectedly encountered someone she hadn’t anticipated.

Looking at Zhang Yang and his companions, Qin Yu smiled gently and said, “Long time no see.”

Zhang Yang glanced at Qin Yu in surprise, then replied, “Long time no see.”

“Captain Zhang, what brings you here?” Qin Yu asked, noticing the awkward expression on Zhang Yang’s face.

Zhang Yang rubbed his nose, glanced at the scorched earth nearby, and then at Zhao Meng, who stood beside Qin Yu with a hint of pride. He knew the commotion earlier must have been caused by Zhao Meng and her fiery temper. He decided not to pursue the matter further.

Observing the group around Qin Yu, Zhang Yang understood she had found new companions. There was the short Tao, the elegant Nangong Yao—who always maintained his poise before strangers—and Wang Bing and others behind her.

Zhang Yang sighed softly. Qin Yu, in this apocalypse, was bound to become a formidable leader. What a pity she was a woman. Thinking of certain high-ranking figures in the military, Zhang Yang’s gaze grew deep and contemplative.

Breaking the silence, Qin Yu asked, “Zhang Yang, what are you doing here?”

Zhang Yang was momentarily taken aback, then curved his lips into a smile and said, “We were out on a mission, lost track of time, and by the time we reached the base, it was already closed. So we had to wait outside.”

In truth, Zhang Yang was lying. They had been here for almost two weeks, waiting for Chen Yang and his team to return. Once they came back, his status would change dramatically. He wanted to take remedial measures before Chen Yang delivered the mission, or rather, before Chen Yang handed over those treasures to the higher-ups. What those measures were, only Zhang Yang knew.

Qin Yu paid little mind to whether Zhang Yang spoke the truth. Though she had spent some time with him and his group, she always knew they belonged to the military. Unlike Wang Bing and her own people, Zhang Yang and his companions were still young and retained their passion for the army, so she never sought to persuade them to join her team.

Upon hearing Zhang Yang’s explanation, Qin Yu merely smiled and prepared to bid him farewell. At that moment, Zhao Meng, standing to the side, muttered absentmindedly, “Zhang Yang? What’s his connection to Chen Yang?”

Zhang Yang caught Zhao Meng’s words, and a flash of light appeared in his eyes. Ever since Chen Yang had been sent on that mission, he could still hear about the team’s movements, and occasionally their news. But about a week ago, no matter how they inquired, there had been no further information about Chen Yang and his group. Sometimes he wondered if they had met with misfortune, but he knew Chen Yang’s strength and character; usually, he’d make others his shields while keeping himself safe.

After so long without news, Zhang Yang was actually a bit anxious. He feared Chen Yang might have completed the mission without his knowledge, but since the base hadn’t reported anything, he felt lost and unsure what to do.

Now, hearing that Zhao Meng had met Chen Yang, did it mean Qin Yu and her group knew his situation well?

Zhang Yang looked at Qin Yu, urgency coloring his voice. “Qin Yu, did you encounter someone called Chen Yang? Where did you meet him? How is he?”

Qin Yu was startled by Zhang Yang’s anxiety—could they be old acquaintances? If he found out she killed Chen Yang, then...

With this thought, Qin Yu’s lips curved into a faint smile, and she replied, “We did meet Chen Yang at Kaiyuan Town. When we saw him, he was fine, but we soon parted ways, so I don’t know how he is now.”

Zhang Yang’s eyes lit up instantly, and his gaze toward Qin Yu grew heated. He asked, “Kaiyuan Town? Did he tell you anything?”

Qin Yu glanced at him coolly and said, “We were just passing acquaintances. Why would he tell us anything?”

Zhang Yang knew Chen Yang’s mission was at Kaiyuan Town, and when he heard the name, he remembered Qin Yu had once taken a mission there as well. Logically, there should be nothing left to attract anyone, so why did Qin Yu and her team go there?

With that thought, Zhang Yang’s look toward Qin Yu became inscrutable. After glancing at those nearby who were listening intently, he said to her, “Captain Qin, could we talk inside the tent?”

Qin Yu nodded and signaled Wang Bing and the others with her eyes to keep watch outside. She glanced at Zhang Yang and stepped into the tent first.

Zhang Yang looked at Wang Bing and the others, then turned to his own team. “Wait outside,” he instructed.

He entered the tent. Inside, Qin Yu sat on the ground, watching Zhang Yang as he came in. “Captain Zhang, what do you wish to discuss?”

Zhang Yang sat across from her, took a deep breath, and stared directly at Qin Yu. “Qin Yu, be honest with me. What really happened between you and Chen Yang’s group? We’re on opposing sides, so you can rest assured.”

Qin Yu studied Zhang Yang and found his eyes filled with sincerity. He met her gaze head-on, without the slightest attempt to evade. This meant one of two things: either he was telling the truth, or he was pretending just to probe her. But based on what she knew of Zhang Yang, it was likely the former.

Relaxing, Qin Yu patted her jacket and smiled. “In that case, I won’t hide it. We didn’t part from Chen Yang’s group—in fact, we did some things together.”

“You went for those so-called treasures, didn’t you?” Zhang Yang asked gravely.

Qin Yu paused, then nodded. “Yes.”

“And then? Did you get them? Where are his people? Did you split up?” Zhang Yang’s tone was anxious.

“‘Treasures’—well, they were just supplies and weapons. I don’t know where you heard there were treasures there. As for Chen Yang and his group, I killed them, because he wanted to control us and make us help him get those so-called treasures.”

Qin Yu watched Zhang Yang closely, wanting to see his reaction to Chen Yang’s death. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yang visibly relaxed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

Even if they were enemies, as fellow soldiers, was it really appropriate to sigh in relief at the news of a comrade’s death? Qin Yu mentally complained, but outwardly kept her calm smile, watching Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang looked up, about to ask more, but was interrupted by a tremendous explosion outside.

He and Qin Yu exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in the other’s eyes—something had happened!