Chapter 14: Explanation and Departure

Chen Yanyan felt as if a heavy stone weighed on her chest, making it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Every word from the woman before her was suffocating, and the more she pondered, the more fearful she became.

It's often said that women have two faces. While Chen Yanyan used to think of this as a stereotype, facing Yuruo now, she realized how true it could be.

She stood in a daze, unsure of what to say when it was her turn to speak. Mustering her courage, she voiced her suspicion:

"Are you saying... you did that to Lin?"

As soon as she finished, Chen Yanyan realized her mind must have stalled—how could she ask such a foolish question...

She wished she could slap herself.

Zhang Yuruo was momentarily taken aback, but she quickly smiled and nodded:

"Yes, I did."

"Six years ago..."

The burning curiosity in Chen Yanyan's heart made her blurt out:

"Did Lin cheat six years ago?"

Zhang Yuruo continued smiling, looking at Lin Youzhi's remains below:

"It wasn't about him finding someone else. I finally realized he never loved me. His sweet words were just a way to leverage my father's connections..."

"Even if we severed ties, as long as my father is Zhang Erhe, Lin Youzhi could still climb the ranks in Haicheng."

"So, six years ago, I started adding something to his meals until he was completely incapacitated. Then I focused on my health and appearance so he would regret it forever..."

"This kind of torment, wanting but unable, and he couldn't touch a hair on me..."

"We lived like strangers for years. He replaced me with young, pretty women like you to maintain his dignity as a man in front of his friends."

"Luckily for me, he couldn't do anything."

Having said this, Zhang Yuruo opened the window and flicked her cigarette onto Lin Youzhi's remains.

Chen Yanyan dared not make a sound, seeing the woman before her as a stranger, a cold-blooded killer.

Zhang Yuruo's casual tone, as if discussing mundane tasks like grocery shopping, starkly contrasted with the gravity of her words.

It was hard to imagine such a gentle and considerate woman had such a ruthless side. Just this morning, she kindly brought Chen Yanyan to the master bedroom to change clothes.

The story's absurdity rivaled a melodrama. Chen Yanyan had always thought Lin Youzhi left her untouched because he was a gentleman...

Who knew the truth was so melodramatic?

Chen Yanyan, filled with retrospective fear, thought of Lin Feng sleeping in the master bedroom. Her brow furrowed as she questioned:

"What about Lin Feng?!"

Zhang Yuruo, surprised, turned to her:

"That's what I need to explain to you."

Her eyes softened, a hint of warmth breaking through the aloofness:

"Lin Feng is a good kid. After his parents left, I took care of him. Over the years, despite countless times alone together, he never crossed the line..."

"I saw the admiration in his eyes, mixed with youthful vigor, yet he restrained himself, unlike others outside."

"So, I offered myself to him and plan to entrust him to you..."

Chen Yanyan frowned, puzzled:

"What do you mean by entrusting him to me? Are you leaving Lin Feng?"

Zhang Yuruo nodded, then shook her head:

"The rescue helicopter has only one."

"It's not for us but for rescuing key professors from Haicheng University. The seats are already filled, with no room to spare. Even my spot was secured through my father's connections..."

"So, only I can leave at the university."

Chen Yanyan took a deep breath, unprepared for the sudden change, her hope for survival dashed. She asked:

"Does Lin Feng know about this?"

Zhang Yuruo nodded calmly:

"He's known for some time."

"In bed, he told me he prefers the thrill of the apocalyptic city over returning to a mundane life."

"So after sending me off, he'll enjoy fighting the giant insects, striving to grow stronger."

"This catastrophe is the greatest upheaval humanity has faced since its inception."

"I believe in Lin Feng. He'll return safely, becoming humanity's strongest."

Listening to Zhang Yuruo's words, the sweeping tides of history seemed to unfold before her.  

If not witnessed firsthand, who would think this gentle housewife, who cooked and cleaned daily, possessed such foresight?

Chen Yanyan couldn't help but reflect on the differences in perspective and worldview shaped by class differences.

Yet she still didn't understand why Zhang Yuruo wanted to entrust Lin Feng to her.

Before she could ask, Zhang Yuruo continued:

"My father needs my help, and I need his influence to secure a future that can support Lin Feng..."

"Staying by his side wouldn't be as effective."

"So, I need a woman with him to guide him when he faces dilemmas, ensuring he isn't deceived by other women."

"With your looks, you were probably a campus beauty in college, right?"

Chen Yanyan nodded. Her looks and figure were nearly perfect. Without Zhang Yuruo's constant exercise and maintenance, enhanced by wealth, she couldn't compare.

Zhang Yuruo smiled, continuing:

"So you've probably experienced and can recognize the true nature of some women."

"Lin Feng's emotional intelligence isn't high. He was once deceived by a scheming woman in college. I need you by his side, not necessarily to see through people, but to avoid most bad ones..."

"Of course, after today's experience, you should know staying with Lin Feng is more beneficial, despite the danger, than escaping with nothing."

With that, Zhang Yuruo stepped forward, looking at the young, beautiful woman, reminiscent of her younger self:

"Honestly, I envy you..."

"Alright, I've said my piece..."

"Go rest. I'll take the second watch."

Chen Yanyan felt relieved, quickly leaving on tiptoe. Watching her slender figure disappear, Zhang Yuruo added:

"Oh, I'll look after your parents and family when I return. Just focus on staying with Lin Feng."

Chen Yanyan stumbled, regaining her composure, turning to smile:

"Thank you, sister-in-law... Yuruo."

Watching her disappear into the darkness, Zhang Yuruo, in the moonlight, gently touched her abdomen, picked up the cigarette pack from the balcony, crushed it...

And tossed the shredded pack out the window.

"It's time to quit..."

...

The next morning, as dawn broke, Lin Feng awoke, refreshed.

The aroma of meat wafted from the living room.

Yuruo, who took the second watch, had been cooking century egg and lean meat congee, now filling the air with its fragrance.

Lin Feng dressed and emerged, hugging her waist from behind, peering over her shoulder.

"Chen Yanyan isn't up yet. You should rest a bit more."

Sensing him behind her, Zhang Yuruo teased:

"Or sleep with you?"

"Stop it. We're leaving today. Don't get weak-kneed. There are plenty of women at the university, just don't forget your sister-in-law."

Lin Feng, sincere, held her hand:

"You were my first, Yuruo. I'd never forget, even in death."

Zhang Yuruo huffed, blushing like a young girl, turning to kiss him deeply. After a while, she let go, tapping his chest:

"Don't talk about dying. It's bad luck. Remember, coming back alive is what matters."

"Go wash up. The congee's ready. I'll wake Chen Yanyan."

Lin Feng nodded, patting her tender behind, heading to the bathroom.

Half an hour later, after breakfast, Lin Feng, unaware of the night's events, felt well-rested.

Chen Yanyan rubbed her eyes, packed her work outfit and stockings in a bag, gathered her gear, and with the remaining supplies, the three lifted their shields, knives, and guns

, ready to go.

It was 5:30 AM.

Lin Feng checked his legendary handgun, its 600-round space magazine fully replenished.

Leading the way to the door:

"Let's go!"