Chapter 16: All Good Things Must Come to an End

«Everyone, it has been two months, and the number of sea monsters in Pudong New Area has significantly decreased. It's time for our team to disband. I won't say much more; if you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can contact me. As long as it doesn't put my life at risk, I'll do my best to help,» said Captain Ma Lie, the first to speak.

Their group of seven was not originally a team but came together specifically for the sea monster hunt in Pudong New Area. Now that the hunting frenzy has passed, disbanding the team is inevitable.

«All good things must come to an end. The camaraderie we've shared over these two months won't be forgotten. The captain is right; if any of you need help in the future, don't hesitate to ask. If I can help, I will, and even if I can't, I won't hinder you,» Qin Chen echoed.

People are emotional beings. After fighting side by side for two months, they entrusted their lives to one another. While it's often said that soldiers form the strongest bonds, this temporary team proved that their bonds were just as strong.

«Goodbye, everyone!» Lan Lan, her eyes red, was the first to leave. Being more emotional than the men, she feared she would cry if she stayed any longer.

«Goodbye!» Qin Chen was the second to leave. Though they would still be friends after today, he couldn't help feeling a deep sense of pain and reluctance.

On the beach where they had spent two months together, facing life and death, the team disbanded under the setting sun.

Returning to the garden community, Qin Chen took out his key to open the door. The sight that greeted him instantly sobered him from his farewell melancholy. Two white, stunning figures stood before him—graceful bodies, snow-white skin, and exquisite curves, paired with angelic faces. It was like heaven!

«Ah!!!»

«Pervert!!»

«Lowlife!!»

«Bang!!!»

In the next moment, Mu Nu Jiao and Ai Tu Tu, standing there stunned and at a loss, screamed, wrapped themselves in towels, and ran back to their rooms. This was the second time they'd been caught off guard like this.

«Hmm, if every time I came home, I got this kind of welcome, it would be great,» Qin Chen thought, giving an internal thumbs up to this unexpected benefit of coming home.

«Qin Chen, did you come back early on purpose, just to catch us at this time?» Ai Tu Tu and Mu Nu Jiao sat on the sofa, staring at Qin Chen with suspicion. During the two months Qin Chen was away, they had relaxed their guard, and just as they were enjoying their post-bath relaxation, he had returned!

«I never saw you two so open when I was home before,» Qin Chen said, looking at Mu Nu Jiao with great interest. He could understand if Ai Tu Tu behaved this way, but seeing the usually composed Mu Nu Jiao like this was a rare treat!

Blushing at Qin Chen's blatant gaze and recalling the earlier scene, Mu Nu Jiao wished she could find a hole to hide in.

«Hmph, don't try to change the subject. And remember, Mu Jiao is mine, so don't get any ideas, or I'll beat you up!» Ai Tu Tu, noticing Qin Chen's eyes on Mu Nu Jiao, stood up to block him, unaware that her stance provided Qin Chen with an even better view.

«Ahem, here's this year's and next year's rent.» Without saying much, Qin Chen transferred the money via his phone, silencing Ai Tu Tu with the funds. Apart from food, all she cared about was pocket money.

«Don't think I, Ai Tu Tu, am the kind of person who…» She was about to argue when she noticed the amount—300,000. Normally, the rent was 50,000 per year, totaling 100,000 for two years, but Qin Chen had sent 300,000. After splitting it with Mu Nu Jiao, she'd have 100,000 left for herself—enough to buy lots of snacks!

«Qin Chen, did you strike it rich?»

Seeing the money, Ai Tu Tu's anger dissipated, and she hugged Qin Chen's arm, eyes sparkling.

«Ahem, I did say I went out to make money to support us. I earned a bit,» Qin Chen said, enjoying the soft embrace.

«Tu Tu!» Mu Nu Jiao quickly pulled Ai Tu Tu back to the sofa, worried that Qin Chen might take advantage of her.

«Where did you earn that money? How much did you make in two months?» Mu Nu Jiao asked curiously. Her income came from her family, with no extra earnings. Qin Chen's ability to easily pay 600,000 meant he must have earned at least a million, she guessed.

«Have you heard about the monster infestation along the Pudong New Area coast? I went there to hunt monsters for money. I earned about 20 million in two months. Ah, my skills are too poor; I couldn't earn more,» Qin Chen said, lying on the sofa.

«Hunting monsters?»

«The PD area coast is called the rookie village for hunters, but it depends on the person. Without several mid-level mages, the death rate is 70%!»

«And you did something so dangerous?»

«What level are you now?» Mu Nu Jiao and Ai Tu Tu were stunned. Qin Chen was still a high school student, yet he was out fighting monsters, unlike them who were still meditating at school.

«Just reached the peak of the basic level, ready to advance to the mid-level,» Qin Chen said, not hiding his progress—he was at the peak of three basic levels.

«No way, you're already advancing to mid-level? How did you train? We're in the same class, but your progress is insanely fast!» Ai Tu Tu, like a curious baby, stared at Qin Chen, wanting to uncover his secrets.

Even Mu Nu Jiao was intrigued. She hadn't even reached basic level three, and Qin Chen was already advancing to mid-level—such a huge gap.

«I won't lose to you!» Qin Chen's rapid progress ignited Mu Nu Jiao's competitive spirit. She had a fighting spirit and, seeing Qin Chen's excellence, didn't want to admit defeat.

(End of Chapter)