The shadowy figure seemed to sniff something, its expression contorted, eyes bulging with abnormal excitement. But then, it sniffed again, as if detecting an unpleasant odor. Finally, with a gritted resolve, it gradually disappeared into the hallway.
Those who had rushed forward, having failed to buy Luo Xiao Le's weapons, pushed to the very front. Their journey had shown them how potent these weapons were, and they were eager to enhance their own combat prowess. Those who already possessed Luo Xiao Le's weapons, knowing how comfortable they were to wield, also scrambled to buy them.
This scene caught the attention of Qin Ming Yang's team. "Go and find out what they're doing. It's so noisy," Qin Ming Yang said, slightly displeased. "Yes, young master."
Mo Chen's group, however, was in a predicament. "But we can't transfer money via phone now. How can we buy them?"
"Can we use valuable items we have on us?" Luo Xiao Le asked, blending into the crowd as if wanting to buy. "Don't joke, what would a big shot want with our belongings? To open a second-hand store?" someone chuckled.
"Yes," Mo Chen suddenly replied. Everyone was shocked. "So the big shot is a collector who sees money as dirt!" they exchanged glances, as if they suddenly understood. They had assumed his demand for money earlier wasn't for practical use, but merely for collection. The big shot was truly a big shot, with such unique hobbies! Everyone in their hearts reached this conclusion.
Not long after, the person Qin Ming Yang had sent to gather intelligence spotted in a corner, to his astonishment, many people stripping off their belongings. Smartwatches, phones, expensive-looking designer necklaces… The special forces soldier's expression turned serious, and he returned diligently to report. "Young master, that Mo Chen… seems to be a local tyrant! He's making everyone hand over their things!"
Qin Ming Yang was dumbfounded. That person, who appeared refined yet possessed such formidable strength, was actually involved in such dealings? He adjusted his glasses, thinking he had misjudged. "Then there's no need to protect them anymore." He had initially intended to recruit Mo Chen into his team. With these weapons and Mo Chen, he would be invincible. However, members of the Qin family had to have clean backgrounds; otherwise, it could give others leverage and jeopardize his future. He waved his hand, and the other special forces soldiers retreated. Their attention returned to the scene.
The crowd over there was completely unaware of what had transpired with Qin Ming Yang's group. They excitedly shed their now-useless "luxury items" in exchange for the weapons beside Mo Chen. Most people received their weapons and began to play with them joyfully. "Alright, stop fiddling with them, keep a low profile!" Luo Shu reminded them. Reluctantly, they put their weapons away. Those three from Luo Xiao Le's team were truly bothersome!
Those who admired Zuo Ran exchanged knowing glances. They turned their heads to see Zuo Ran sitting in the wind, her hair gently brushing her cheek, looking unperturbed. They suddenly felt that even in the apocalypse, there were beautiful scenes. Luo Xiao Le watched as all the weapons were distributed. Her bright, clear eyes curved into a crescent moon. She hadn't expected people to have so many valuable items on them. She subtly slipped behind Mo Chen. Taking advantage of the crowd's distraction and Mo Chen's large frame, she instantly stored everything in the mall.
[Your account has received 24000, balance 34950 mall coins]
The "money-grubbing" Luo Xiao Le was already joyfully beating her war drums in her mind! She was one step closer to leveling up! Having resolved the issue of transactions, Luo Xiao Le found a spot where she could see Qin Ming Yang's team from the side, but they couldn't easily see her. She sat cross-legged, propped her chin on her hand, and pondered. What was the relationship between her uncle and brother and the Qin family, that they had to blend into the team to protect Qin Ming Yang? If Qin Ming Yang knew how to activate the ring, and saw her location, would he suddenly attack and try to snatch her ring… Many scenarios flashed through her mind. But the outside was too dangerous. Luo Xiao Le decided it was best to wait and see. Since she feared being discovered by her uncle and brother and couldn't approach them, she might as well follow them for now and observe from the shadows. This was her original intention in seeking the other ring.
As others suddenly found a moment of respite, they saw the bright sun. Gradually regaining their composure, they began to whisper and laugh amongst themselves. Time seemed to have returned to before the apocalypse. They were still in clean universities, taking confident steps towards their futures, shining brightly. But now, they had to trudge through the dirt every day, risking being torn apart and devoured, constantly fleeing. This was no life for humans!
Mo Chen's gaze swept through the crowd, landing directly on Luo Xiao Le. He noticed Luo Xiao Le subtly glancing at Qin Ming Yang throughout the day, staring at him. A surge of unbidden emotion rose within him. Did she like that type? A noble poodle-like toy poodle? Without noticing who was beside him, he coldly addressed a nearby girl, "Lend me a mirror."
The girl, however, happily produced a delicate small mirror she carried. As she opened it, his sharply defined jawline, his nose like a towering mountain, and his deep-set eyes instantly appeared in the reflection. But for the first time, he felt a hint of dissatisfaction with his own face. His features were too sharp, he evaluated himself silently. His expression slowly darkened. But the girl was inwardly ecstatic. Mo Chen finally noticed me! My previous strategy worked!
That girl was Zuo Ran. Seeing Mo Chen lost in thought, her heart fluttered, and she quietly shifted closer to Mo Chen. She hadn't expected him to notice her as soon as she approached! Hah, men, always so stubborn! she thought with a secret smile. His sensitivity towards her made her confident that before long, Mo Chen would be hers. Let others watch them, this golden couple, with envy! A pleased smile touched her lips.
On the other side, Luo Xiao Le, who had been watching for the whole day, felt her eyes grow weary. Yet, she had observed nothing. This Qin Ming Yang, despite his gentle, dog-like appearance, possessed a composure beyond his years. All day long, apart from checking his watch, he had remained motionless, lounging leisurely on that specially made folding chair. Wait… checking his watch… Was he waiting for something? Luo Xiao Le was filled with curiosity.
Zhu Hui, beside her, had also been watching Qin Ming Yang all day. Seeing that Qin Ming Yang hadn't even glanced their way, she felt a pang of disappointment. If only there was a chance for him to notice her. She prayed silently in her heart.
Everyone had experienced the most "leisurely" day of their lives. As night slowly descended, the sky outside the platform once again turned dark. Everyone found their own corner and settled down to sleep. Luo Xiao Le had intended to check the lower floors to see if there were more weapons to enhance. But for some reason, since nightfall, her eyelids had been twitching.
By the campfire, a figure that appeared to be asleep was trembling slightly. "Mmm…" she seemed to be stifling a sob of pain, biting down hard on her arm to prevent herself from making any sound. "Xu Ling Yan, why aren't you asleep yet…" Zuo Ran, next to her, sensed her unusual behavior and asked her with annoyance. She turned her head and saw Xu Ling Yan's entire body had turned red like a cooked shrimp, curled up beside her and shivering uncontrollably. "What… what's wrong with you…" Zuo Ran asked, somewhat panicked. "Don't scare me." She abruptly reached out to touch Xu Ling Yan's forehead, then yanked her hand back. Her face was filled with terror. "You… you have a high fever!"