Hidden meanings in words

Hearing the sound of the car, it wasn't just Brother Chen who was excited; everyone else collectively sighed in relief, feeling like they had just survived a disaster. But just at that moment, Brother Chen noticed the cold smile on Yu Yang's lips, and a strong sense of danger flashed through his mind. He felt something was off, but before he could think further, he heard the "bang" of a gunshot!

His heart seemed to stop and he whipped his head around, only to see one of his men fall flat on his back. The machete in his hand dropped to the ground with a "clang" of finality.

Brother Chen saw that his man had been shot in the chest. As he fell, blood gushed from the bullet hole and quickly pooled on the ground. At the same time, the car stopped, and a man stepped out of the open door. Brother Chen recognized him in an instant – it was Captain Qiu Yiming of the Superpower Team.

His brow furrowed, and seizing the moment Yu Yang paused, he quickly walked over to Qiu Yiming with a flattering smile and said, "Captain Qiu! Thank goodness you've come, otherwise we might have been in real danger."

However, what he didn't expect was for Qiu Yiming to just give him a cold glance before striding over to Fang Yuxin with concern, asking, "Xinxin, what happened?"

At that, Brother Chen's smile froze, and he understood that they had truly kicked an iron plate. He hadn't anticipated that not only were these two strong, but they also had a relationship with Qiu Yiming! And judging from the concerned look on Qiu Yiming's face, their relationship was anything but ordinary!

Thinking this, he couldn't help but curse the person who had first suggested staying here. If not for that suggestion, he wouldn't have offended someone he shouldn't have!

Fang Yuxin hadn't expected Qiu Yiming to come, but now that he had, things would be much easier to handle. So, she simply explained, "Not long after you left, these people came to take our house."

Brother Chen knew he was in trouble and quickly blurted out, "It's all a misunderstanding!"

But Qiu Yiming snorted sarcastically, "A misunderstanding? Do you think I'm blind?" He had arrived just in time to see someone wielding a machete at Fang Yuxin and had shot without a second thought.

Soon after, another car arrived with two people in military uniforms stepping out. They assessed the situation briefly before approaching Qiu Yiming and asking, "Captain, what shall we do with these people?"

Qiu Yiming glanced over at Brother Chen and the others, and with a hint of disdain, he ordered indifferently under Brother Chen's pleading gaze, "These people have violated the Safe Zone's regulations, breaking into homes with ill intent. Take them all away!"

By then, all of Brother Chen's companions had lost their ability to move and lay on the ground, except for Brother Chen and two women hiding in the car. The two military-clad individuals had no choice but to drag each person into the vehicle. The back of the vehicle had a bed where everyone was crammed together, including Brother Chen, the two women, and the unfortunate soul shot by Qiu Yiming.

Qiu Yiming directed his subordinates to leave first and then turned to Fang Yuxin and Yu Yang, explaining, "I forgot to tell you earlier that this development area has been chosen as a temporary Safe Zone. Apart from law enforcement officers, no one is allowed to kill within the Safe Zone. Things are somewhat manageable now, but as more survivors arrive, housing will become a serious issue. Besides these people, others will likely covet your home, so from now on, you must be careful and stay safe."

He paused, seeing that Fang Yuxin and Yu Yang had taken his words to heart, before continuing, "Actually, if you join my Superpower Team, you could be considered law enforcement and would get to enjoy better treatment, and no one would dare target your house again."

His words served as both a reminder and a warning. Even though they had previously refused, he hadn't given up on recruiting them. The recent events had shown him their strength was even greater than he had anticipated, making him all the more reluctant to let them go.

Fang Yuxin responded, "My brother and I aren't considering this for now, but we'll think about your offer. I appreciate your concern for us."

Had Yu Yang been the one to speak, Qiu Yiming might have found it hard to refrain from arguing, but since it was Fang Yuxin, it wasn't his place to persuade further.

Yet, Yu Yang suddenly asked, "Is Fang Mengyao with you? Did she join your Superpower Team?"

Qiu Yiming's expression remained unchanged at the question, though his eyes flickered slightly. "Indeed, she has joined my Superpower Team and is now one of my team members. Her Spatial System superpower is of great importance to the team, making it much easier to gather resources when we're out," he explained with rightness, as if it were purely professional, without a hint of personal agenda.

Yu Yang nodded, "Since she's with you, let it be. After all, she has severed ties with the Fang Family now. Where she goes and what she chooses to do is her freedom."

Hearing this, Qiu Yiming's heart jolted. He was aware that there was a rift between Fang Mengyao and the Fang Family, but he hadn't expected a complete disconnection. He didn't doubt Yu Yang, understanding his character and standing in the Fang Family. If Yu Yang said so, it had to be true.

With this realization, a wave of unease washed over him. Now that Mengyao had broken with the Fang Family and he had kept her by his side, how would Fang Yuxin react? Would she resent him for it?

Qiu Yiming couldn't help but glance toward Fang Yuxin and anxiously said, "Xinxin, I agreed to Mengyao's inclusion in the team solely for her Space superpower, nothing else. Please... please don't be mad at me, okay?" His voice became tentative by the end.

Yu Yang, however, narrowed his eyes disapprovingly at Qiu Yiming's words.

Fang Yuxin simply smiled slightly, unconcernedly responding, "Of course I know why you value her. It's just her joining the Superpower Team, why would I be mad? As my brother said, she has nothing to do with the Fang Family anymore, what she does is her freedom, and who you appreciate is your freedom, too. Do you really see me as someone so petty?"

Qiu Yiming studied her expression carefully, not seeming to lie, and finally breathed a sigh of relief. Because the night was falling and the men he had apprehended needed to be dealt with immediately, as well as the necessity to report to his superiors, he didn't stay long and quickly departed.

On his way back, Qiu Yiming suddenly recalled the look on Fang Yuxin's face, feeling an inexplicable pang of anxiety. He slammed on the brakes, contemplating her expression. His face gradually darkened and grew more troubled.

He suddenly realized that Fang Yuxin was an intelligent woman, and her words had obviously hidden meanings!