Chapter 26: A Failed Sneak-out

Night had fallen, and everyone had drifted into a sweet slumber.

A piercing scream suddenly jolted everyone awake.

The group had developed a conditioned reflex; they scrambled up, reaching for whatever makeshift weapons they could find.

"What’s happening? Did the zombies break in?!"

"It sounds like the noise is coming from downstairs."

Chi Xing, woken from his sleep, looked incredibly displeased. In his haste, he called out to a few people: "Follow me and let's go check."

Jiang Yao’s eyelids twitched. She exchanged glances with the others and whispered, "It must be something wrong with that girl who was bitten during the day."

She had warned Duan Yiren to be careful, and she didn't think Duan would be reckless enough to let the girl sleep among them.

Could it be... the girl's boyfriend?

Driven by curiosity, the group followed, leaning over the railings to look down.

Duan Yiren and her companions were staying in the building directly opposite, providing a clear view of the scene.

A young man with bloodshot eyes was being held down on the floor, acting like a madman. "Hahahaha, I’ve been bitten! None of you are getting away!"

Ji Yuanyuan’s eyes widened. "Is that boy... Xiaohan’s boyfriend? I think his name is Liao something..."

"Liao Haofeng," Jiang Yao narrowed her eyes slightly. "It looks like he’s been bitten."

"Bitten by whom?" Xiang Yu started to ask before realizing the implication, shock flashing in her eyes. "Don't tell me it was his girlfriend?"

***

When Chi Xing arrived on the second floor, the area was already in complete chaos.

Liao Haofeng was pinned to the floor by a group of people who were punching and kicking him.

Duan Yiren sat on the ground, looking exhausted and dazed.

"What’s going on?" Chi Xing raised an eyebrow and stepped forward, impatiently stopping the fight.

Duan Yiren’s gaze finally focused as she looked at him. "He was bitten by Xiaohan. He tricked us into opening the door, then rushed in and bit several others."

Chi Xing furrowed his brow. "And you? Were you bitten, too?"

Duan Yiren shook her head. Her reflexes had been quick; Liao Haofeng hadn't managed to get to her.

Chi Xing relaxed into his usual languid posture. "He hasn't turned yet. Being bitten doesn't necessarily mean you'll become a zombie."

"It’s all your fault for being useless! Why show mercy to two dying people? If it weren't for your softheartedness, none of us would be hurt!" someone cursed at Duan Yiren, then turned to Chi Xing with a sycophantic tone. "Brother Chi, we’ve discussed it and decided to follow you from now on! Look, to show our sincerity, we’ve even tied Duan Yiren up for you."

Chi Xing looked down, noticing for the first time that Duan Yiren’s hands were bound behind her back. He curled his lips, looking at her with a hint of amusement. "So this is the person you were so determined to protect. How does it feel to be backstabbed?"

Duan Yiren’s expression was numb; she couldn't even summon the energy for anger. "If you wanted to see me humiliated, then you must be satisfied."

Seeing her so lifeless, Chi Xing didn't feel the satisfaction he had imagined. It felt dull; he preferred it when she was fighting against him.

Chi Xing gestured for someone to go over and untie her. "Take the ropes off."

Duan Yiren was stunned, looking at him in confusion. Only after she regained her freedom did she snap back to reality. "What is this performance for? Haven't you been wanting me to join your side all along?"

Chi Xing gave a cynical smirk. "I’d much rather see you surrender to me willingly than by force."

"..." Duan Yiren couldn't help but mutter, "You’re insane."

Chi Xing was truly sick in the head.

Zhang Qiang’s expression shifted slightly, a forced smile still hanging on his face. "Brother Chi, what do you mean by this?"

Chi Xing’s attitude gave him a bad premonition.

Sure enough, Chi Xing glanced at him with disdain. "A loser who relies on exploiting women to get ahead—I, Chi Xing, have no interest in such trash."

Zhang Qiang’s face darkened instantly. He gritted his teeth and demanded, "What are you trying to say, Chi Xing?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. Don't you understand?" Chi Xing curled his lip. "Then let me be more blunt: my team doesn't accept just any piece of garbage."

The expressions of Zhang Qiang’s crew changed one after another.

They had counted on using Duan Yiren as a peace offering to get Chi Xing to take them in, but he had no intention of doing so at all.

Duan Yiren also looked at Chi Xing with a hint of surprise.

Chi Xing’s arrogant attitude infuriated Zhang Qiang and the others. Zhang Qiang sneered, "Hilarious. These people are willing to suck up to you, and you actually think you're someone important?"

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, Chi Xing moved. He kicked Zhang Qiang in the knee, causing the man to twist in pain and nearly collapse to his knees.

He staggered back a few steps before managing to steady himself.

Chi Xing looked down at him from his height, smiling with genuine interest. "Compared to a piece of work like you, I think I’m quite the personage."

Chi Xing’s followers stepped forward, their tones menacing. "Oh? Looking for a fight?"

Zhang Qiang quickly realized he was no match for Chi Xing. He wouldn't gain anything from a head-on confrontation, so after weighing his options, he decided to back down. "Fine. If you won't take us, we’ll leave, alright?"

Zhang Qiang led his group away, filled with resentment.

Chi Xing didn't bother stopping them. People like Zhang Qiang were nothing but a bad apple; letting them into his team would only ruin the whole pot sooner or later.

At this, the people Duan Yiren had been protecting finally realized what was happening and pleaded for her to change her mind. "Senior Sister Duan, it was all Zhang Qiang’s own idea to tie you up! We didn't lift a finger!"

"That’s right, Yiren! It was that punk’s rotten plan. We aren't with him!"

Duan Yiren curled her lip in mockery. "You didn't lift a finger, but you didn't stop him either, did you?"

Facing her calm gaze, the group fell silent.

Duan Yiren was too tired to deal with them anymore. She turned directly to Chi Xing. "I’ll join your camp, but I’m bringing some people with me."

Chi Xing wasn't surprised. He crossed his arms, looking relaxed. "Deal. As long as it isn't those rotten apples from before, it’s fine."

Duan Yiren only brought about a dozen girls, telling them to go back and pack their things.

Just as Chi Xing and his group returned to the fourth floor, the blond-haired man ran over excitedly to greet them. "Brother Chi! While you were gone, a few people tried to sneak away. Luckily, I caught them, and I’ve been waiting for you to return to deal with them!"

Chi Xing followed his gesture and saw the expressionless Jiang Yao, along with a guilty-looking Zhao Xiaoting and the others.

The blond man smugly tattled, "This Zhao Xiaoting—I’ve suspected something was off with her for a while. I never expected her to be in league with these women!"

"..." Zhao Xiaoting covered her face in despair.

It was all her rotten idea to try and slip away during the chaos; she never imagined they were being watched by the blond man!

Chi Xing’s gaze swept over each of them, lingering on Jiang Yao with interest. "Ladies, you certainly know how to give me a surprise, don't you?"

Jiang Yao decided to just throw caution to the wind. "That’s right. So, are you surprised or what?"

The others: "..."

*Sister, are you really trying to commit suicide?*