Chapter Twenty-Five: A Conversation with Huo Tian

“I didn’t make any decisions on my own; I consulted Han Shuqing beforehand. Since you think it’s a good idea, she’ll keep your bed warm from now on.” Huo Tian took out a cigar, lit it for himself, then handed me one and lit it as well.

This was my favorite back in the old era. Every mission, I’d always carry one. Compared to cigarettes, its flavor was far more enticing.

Clamping the cigar between my lips, I took a deep drag, and in that moment, it was as if I’d been transported to paradise—relaxed and at ease.

“Brother Huo, you’re being awfully generous, giving me such a beautiful woman for free to warm my bed. I imagine there must be conditions attached, no?” I squinted at Huo Tian, trying to catch any expression on his face.

He laughed, “No conditions at all, absolutely none. You saved my daughter; we’re friends now. Friends don’t make demands—that’s too clichéd! Our compound isn’t lacking for anything; we have a sizable enterprise. If there’s anything you want, just let me know. My word carries weight here.”

Ha! As if I’d believe that.

It was all too obvious. He wanted me to settle here. Anyone could guess the meaning: once I leave, his promises are worthless, and everything here would have nothing to do with me.

But this aligned perfectly with my own plans. I intended to stay temporarily, figure out how to reach Tianzhu in ZZ City, and bring plenty of ironware to replenish Tianzhu’s energy supplies.

This journey would be harder than climbing to the heavens.

“To be frank, our compound suffered heavy losses during the recent resource expedition. Even Captain Tong Jia died heroically. We’re in dire need of someone like you, Brother Cao—skilled, calm in crisis, and charismatic.” Huo Tian gazed steadily at me.

I wondered what Huo Bing had told her father about me, and the details of Tong Jia’s death… And all this flattery—what nonsense, though Huo Tian was sharp enough to be truthful.

I could just about accept it.

“Oh, but rest assured, Brother Cao! Our captain’s death has absolutely nothing to do with you… He was accidentally bitten to death by those half-human, half-demon things. And honestly, he died well, truly well!”

“…”

“Brother Huo, let’s be candid and cut out the games. I don’t intend to leave anytime soon. As for Han Shuqing, during my stay here, she’s my personal property. I take privacy and security of my possessions very seriously, so…” I exhaled a ring of smoke, smiling across at Huo Tian.

This favor was easy for me to accept; I didn’t have to sacrifice anything, and I’d get a stunning companion for nothing—why not?

Huo Tian lifted his hand to stop me from continuing. He picked up the intercom from the table and called, “Lower Section Management Office.”

“Copy, copy!”

“Send two women to escort Han Shuqing and her daughter to Room 66 in the Middle Section. And be gentle.”

“Understood!”

After this, Huo Tian looked at me, “Brother Cao, does this arrangement meet your approval?”

I drew in another intoxicating breath of cigar, and after exhaling, replied, “You wouldn’t keep me here just to enjoy myself, would you? Tell me your plans or intentions.”

Huo Tian paused, then tentatively said, “I hope you’ll stay—just protect Xiao Bing.”

“No.” I didn’t hesitate to refuse. Truthfully, the job was quite comfortable—most would jump at it. All that’s required is to keep Miss Huo safe, nothing more. What a cushy gig.

But I had more pressing business—improving my genetic ecological chain. I needed to hunt corpse breeds outside. Besides, what a joke, having me protect someone—I’d be wasted in such a role.

A professional executioner hasn’t fallen so far as to make a living as someone’s bodyguard.

Huo Tian clearly hadn’t expected my refusal. In his view, such a good deal was impossible to decline. He stared at me, unsure what to do. “She’s my only precious daughter, my lifeblood. Yesterday’s outing nearly ended in disaster; it scared me half to death.”

Bang!

The study door burst open. Huo Bing stood angrily in the doorway. “Father, if he doesn’t agree, so be it! I don’t need his protection! Let him protect Han Shuqing instead!” With that, she stormed out.

I smiled quietly, saying nothing. Though Huo Bing had changed profoundly, under the eagle’s wing she still played the pampered heiress at times.

Now I understood what she meant earlier about arranging a cushy position—it was the bodyguard idea she’d suggested to her father.

“I’ll join the scavenger team. For personal reasons, I need to explore the world outside and hunt corpse breeds for practice.” I had planned my goals before coming here, and chose this compound simply because it was safer.

Of course, having borrowed someone’s precious territory, I couldn’t expect a free lunch; I understood that well enough.

Huo Tian rubbed his forehead, evidently troubled. My refusal and Huo Bing’s anger had thrown him off balance.

When he heard my words, he looked at me sharply. “That would be best. With your skills—single-handedly slaying a third-level corpse breed—you’re perfect for the scavenger team, which is short-handed. Since Tong Jia has fallen, Brother Cao, you…”

“Let me be clear: I won’t take the captain’s position. I’m not interested, and as a newcomer, I don’t command respect. I’ll join the scavengers, but my actions outside will be my own. I won’t be bound by anyone.” I cut Huo Tian off directly.

He pondered, then reluctantly nodded. The scavenger captaincy was no small role—central in the compound. Tong Jia’s death left the position coveted by many.

I’d heard that the captain’s benefits were top-tier: resources, environment, everything assured.

If Huo Tian had simply handed the job to me, trouble would surely follow—discontent among the scavengers. He must have spoken impulsively.

One thing was certain: Brother Huo wanted to win me over. He wouldn’t have offered such favors just for Huo Bing’s sake.

The Ruined Era was truly survival of the fittest. If you’re strong enough, you’ll be welcomed anywhere—though you might also face isolation, envy, and hostility.

“Very well, let’s leave it at that for now. I respect your wishes, Brother Cao. As for your solo actions, I agree. Once a new scavenger captain is chosen, I’ll instruct him accordingly.” Huo Tian stubbed out his cigar, straightened his glasses, and addressed me seriously.

I rose, shook his hand, and smiled, “Then let’s cooperate happily. Don’t worry; I won’t freeload. Acting alone is just my habit, but I’ll help the compound find supplies.”

After bidding Huo Tian farewell, I turned and left. In the living room, I passed Huo Bing, her face full of resentment. I smiled at her and walked away.