The protagonist who hates losers is so sweet to me.

Song Xinqi’s brow twitched: “What’s going on?”

Yu Qing explained everything that had happened in the safe zone to him. He didn’t know if he understood everything.

“I’m dead?” Song Xinqi’s downcast eyes cast a shadow, “They really dare to say that.”

Leaning against the bed, Yu Qing felt that he had said everything he needed to. Now all he had to do was wait for him to come back and deal with the problem: “So when are you coming back?”

“Immediately.”

Hearing Yu Qing’s soft, dependent voice, Song Xinqi felt that strange tingling sensation again. It seemed that every time he heard his voice lately, his emotions were becoming increasingly uncontrollable.

So when Yu Qing said, “Then what about my food?”, Song Xinqi’s tone suddenly turned harsh: “If you can’t protect your own food, what’s the point of telling me?”

Yu Qing: “…” Why the sudden outburst?

“Then I’ll just have to go hungry.” Yu Qing said.

Song Xinqi exhaled sharply: “Go find Wei Zheng, he’ll take you to get food.”

After that, he added: “This is the last time I’m helping you. Stop coming to me with every little problem. I have no obligation to solve your troubles.”

The communication link was abruptly cut off.

Yu Qing thought, What an unpredictable person.

He could never understand Song Xinqi’s thought process. As long as he didn’t have to go hungry, it was fine.

With Song Xinqi’s permission, he called for Yu Xiaoxue and went to find Wei Zheng. Yu Xiaoxue was quite a formidable presence in the safe zone, and few dared to mess with her.

After subduing a group of troublemakers, Wei Zheng saw a mutated snow leopard almost as tall as his chest racing towards him and stopping in front of him.

Yu Qing jumped off Yu Xiaoxue’s back: “Song Xinqi said you could take me to find some food?”

Due to the rumors and the impending scarcity of supplies, many people in the safe zone had lost their sanity, and Wei Zheng had been running around dealing with the chaos. The expressions on people’s faces were mostly grim.

Yu Qing, however, seemed like he came from another world, exuding a kind of calm purity, unaffected by the oppressive atmosphere of the apocalypse.

Wei Zheng’s impression of him was stuck between “the young man Peng Shu liked” and “the leader’s person.” His feelings were somewhat complicated.

Although he didn’t understand him well, just looking at him, he felt that he was special. There had to be a reason why so many people paid attention to him.

“The leader did give such an order.” He handed his position over to another person and said to Yu Qing, “Please follow me.”

Yu Qing followed him to the second floor of a high-rise building. Before the apocalypse, this had been an office building; now it served as the center of the safe zone.

“This is the food storage room. You can take whatever you need.”

After introducing the place, he closed the door and left.

This was where all the supplies were stored, guarded by two level three ability users outside. Song Xinqi really dared to let him in just like that.

He didn’t look around too much. He grabbed some food to fill his stomach and took two energy crystals for Yu Xiaoxue before leaving.

The safe zone was getting more chaotic by the day, with strange noises frequently heard from outside. But none of this concerned Yu Qing, who was just a useless flower vase waiting for his protector to return.

Lying in bed, he heard the shouts from outside and drowsily opened the door: “Who’s there?”

It was the administrator of their C-zone, a level three fire ability user. He had been quite friendly before, but today seemed different.

The administrator looked down his nose at Yu Qing, his attitude drastically different from before. He haughtily said, “The supplies in C-zone are running low. We need to collect everyone’s supplies to maintain the stability of the safe zone.”

“But we don’t have any supplies,” Yu Qing said.

He hadn’t done any tasks. Everything he had was given to him by others, and he used up everything he was given without stockpiling.

The administrator clearly didn’t believe him: “That’s impossible. Song Xinqi wouldn’t have left you here without giving you anything.”

Yu Qing: “He did, but I’ve used it all up.”

The administrator seemed ready to force his way in, but Yu Qing blocked the door, and Yu Xiaoxue immediately jumped off the bed, eyeing him menacingly.

“Yu Qing, get it straight. Song Xinqi is dead. No one is protecting you now. You’re just a useless leech. Why should you hog so many resources?” the administrator said angrily. “The safe zone doesn’t need freeloaders. If you can’t hand over supplies, get out of C-zone.”

Yu Xiaoxue jumped in front of him, growling. The administrator threw a ball of fire, which she dodged. The fire landed on the lawn, charring a patch of grass.

Yu Qing stared at the blackened ground, making a mental note to hold the administrator accountable later.

“What are you doing!” A shout came from the distance. Both Yu Qing and the administrator turned to see Peng Shu vault over a two-meter-high iron fence into the yard, surrounded by crackling electricity, and glaring at the administrator.

After spending time with other ability users, they could generally gauge each other’s level by the intensity of their abilities.

The electric light around him suggested he was now a level three electric ability user.

Against just a mutated snow leopard, the administrator might still stand a chance, but adding a level three ability user into the mix changed things. He gritted his teeth: “What business is it of yours, Peng Shu?”

Peng Shu positioned himself protectively in front of Yu Qing: “He’s my friend. You have no right to harm him.”

Yu Xiaoxue crouched to the administrator’s left, ready to pounce, baring her sharp teeth.

These people just didn’t get it. This was the apocalypse. People looked out for themselves. Why did some fools insist on standing up for others?

He glared venomously at Yu Qing before storming off.

Once he left, Peng Shu turned around, concerned: “Are you alright?”

Yu Qing shook his head and asked: “Why are you here?”

“The safe zone is too chaotic now. I was worried about you, so I came to check on you. It’s a good thing I arrived in time,” he mustered his courage to say, “With Song Xinqi dead, what are you planning to do? How about coming to live with me? I’m a level three ability user now; I’ll do my best to protect you.”

“No need. Those are just rumors. Song Xinqi will be back soon. I just need to wait here for him,” Yu Qing waved his hand.

Song Xinqi seemed to dislike Peng Shu. If he came back and found them together, he’d definitely be furious. It would be terrible if it also caused trouble for him.

Peng Shu disagreed: “But what if someone else tries to cause trouble?”

“It’s fine. I’ll just hide at home. Besides, I have abilities. If I can’t fight, I can at least play hide and seek,” Yu Qing reassured him, “Don’t worry.”

“How do you know?” Peng Shu’s eyes were complicated. He didn’t understand where his confidence came from. Was it Song Xinqi? When would he be able to take Song Xinqi’s place in his heart?
Even though Peng Shu was a friend, Yu Qing definitely couldn’t tell him the truth. Feeling a bit apologetic, he said, “I can’t tell you the exact reason, but he’s really okay.”

Peng Shu felt a bit down but quickly regained his composure: “Alright, I understand. But if you ever need anything, you can come to me. I’ll definitely help you.”

Yu Qing thought he was a really great friend: “Thank you, I will.”

When Song Xinqi hurried back to the safe zone, it was in chaos. Different factions were fighting and scrambling for supplies. Seeing him walk through the gate, everyone froze.

A huge question mark hovered over their heads, wasn’t he supposed to be dead?

Feeling his cold gaze, they felt a chill run down their spines. Everyone knew his temper well, and they could imagine the worst possible consequences.

However, he just gave them a cold glance and walked briskly in another direction.

When Yu Qing told him about the stolen food, he had kept the communication link open to prevent the little weakling from having nowhere to turn if something unexpected happened.

But Yu Qing hadn’t called him during the journey, so he thought nothing serious had happened. However, upon returning and seeing the state of the safe zone, it clearly wasn’t a trivial matter.

On his way to find Yu Qing, he kept reflecting, had he been too harsh, causing Yu Qing to be too scared to call him?

Yu Qing was sound asleep on the big bed when he suddenly heard commotion in the yard. Yu Xiaoxue immediately ran outside.

He thought the chaos in the safe zone had finally reached him, but it was an expressionless Song Xinqi walking over.

Since he didn’t go out, he was still wearing his long-worn pajamas, with buttons missing, revealing a large expanse of delicate, white collarbone.

Woken up, he sat up with drooping shoulders, rubbing his messy hair: “You’re finally back.”

Song Xinqi, who had rushed over thinking he was in trouble asked, “…What are you doing?”

Confused, Yu Qing said, “Taking a nap?”

Song Xinqi fell silent. The outside world was in chaos, yet Yhe was still napping peacefully. For a moment, he didn’t know whether to scold Yu Qing for being too carefree or feel relieved that he had protected himself well.

Still groggy from being woken up, Yu Qing leaned against the bedhead after sitting for a while.

Since Song Xinqi had the leisure to check on him, he figured things were probably under control, so he asked, “Is everything settled?”

Song Xinqi thought about how he had rushed back and pursed his lips, turning to leave.

Yu Qing, seeing him leave without a word: “?”

After Song Xinqi’s return, he conducted a thorough purge of the safe zone, rooting out the instigators of the rumors and chaos.

It was said to be a premeditated disturbance, a complex matter that Yu Qing didn’t want to listen to in detail. He knew Song Xinqi would handle it.

With fewer people in the safe zone, everyone had a deeper understanding of Song Xinqi’s ruthless methods.

Uncle Wang, as usual, brought lunch to Yu Qing. Following the boss’s instructions, he earnestly advised: “Yu Qing, it’s almost been two months. You haven’t done any tasks yet. Your ability isn’t much use for the safe zone’s operations. To survive here, you’ll need to go outside, fight zombies, dig up crystals, and gather supplies. Are you up for it?”

Seeing him deep in thought, he continued: “But the boss seems to care about you. If you really don’t want to go, you could try asking him. Maybe he’ll let you stay.”

“No need, I’ll take on tasks,” Yu Qing smiled at him, feeling his concern, his dimples showing. “Song Xinqi probably doesn’t want me freeloading either. Don’t worry, I won’t put you all in a difficult position.”

Uncle Wang hesitated, seeing Yu Qing’s determined eyes, and sighed before leaving.

Back at the cafeteria, Song Xinqi asked: “What did he say?”

Uncle Wang: “He said he’ll start doing tasks soon.”

Song Xinqi frowned: “Didn’t you tell him I could keep supporting him reluctantly?”

“I did, but he refused.” Seeing his suddenly darkened expression, Uncle Wang suggested, “If you’re really worried, you could tell him you care and want him to stay in the safe zone.”

“Who cares about him?” Song Xinqi snapped, looking up sharply. “He can do whatever he wants. If he dies out there, it has nothing to do with me.”

Watching Song Xinqi’s departing figure, Uncle Wang’s eyes were filled with nostalgia. He shook his head with a smile: “Ah, the youth.”

He used to be stubborn like that, too, too shy to express his feelings. It took a great loss for him to realize that no one would wait forever, and only by speaking out could others know your heart.

Prompted by Uncle Wang’s reminder, Yu Qing realized he indeed needed to step up.

Now that Yu Xiaoxue had recovered, he had some leverage. To avoid going hungry on his first day, he planned to start doing tasks early to get familiar with the regular life of the safe zone.

He woke up especially early today, only to find that there was no such thing as too early when it came to snatching tasks. At dawn, the task board was already crowded.

Due to previous chaos over task grabbing, the task board had been revised several times, each time getting longer until now it almost covered an entire wall, yet it was still hard to get a task.

Seeing the entire safe zone gathered here, he was dumbfounded.

He looked down at his small frame, wondering if he could even make it out if he went in. Suddenly, he was filled with anxiety about his future. Should he go beg Song Xinqi after all?

Just then, someone surrounded by electric light squeezed out of the crowd, holding a wooden plaque and panting.

Yu Qing blinked and walked towards the person.

“Peng Shu, did you get a task?”

Hearing the voice, Peng Shu looked up and saw Yu Qing walking over, holding a large cat-like snow leopard, bathed in the morning light and almost glowing.

He was momentarily dazed: “Yu Qing? Why are you here so early?”

“I’ll be starting tasks soon too, so I came early to get familiar. But this is terrifying.” He looked at Peng Shu’s task plaque with interest, “You got one so quickly. That’s amazing.”

Peng Shu, embarrassed, rubbed his nose and showed him the plaque: “It’s a crystal nucleus collection task. One nucleus can be exchanged for one point.”

Yu Qing: “Eh? I thought you were in the lifestyle category. Isn’t the crystal nucleus task a combat category task?”

“I switched to combat. Fighting zombies is better for enhancing abilities, and combat tasks often reward with nuclei, which are high-risk but high-reward.” He explained.

Yu Qing nodded and suddenly asked: “Can I go outside with you?”

Peng Shu: “You can, but this task is mine. If you come with me, the points for the nuclei will still go to me. Wouldn’t that be working for nothing?”

“It’s fine.” He didn’t mind, “I just want to see what it’s like outside first. I owe you for the trouble I caused you, so I can make up for it now. Don’t underestimate me. My abilities might be average, but Yu Xiaoxue is great at finding nuclei! With her, we’ll definitely get twice the result with half the effort.”

Peng Shu was delighted by his offer to join him: “Alright, I’ll protect you.”

So, Yu Qing, holding the mini version of Yu Xiaoxue, followed Peng Shu to the gate to register their task.

The guard said nothing about two people doing one task, as it sometimes happened when tasks were too difficult.

Just then, Wei Zheng, patrolling nearby, saw Yu Qing get into Peng Shu’s car and the two of them drive out into the wild.

At this moment, he was torn between covering for his brother and supporting his superior. He remembered advising him when he found out Peng Shu liked Song Xinqi’s person.
Back then, Peng Shu didn’t say anything, but now it seems he’s still the same.

After all, he was a trusted aide of Song Xinqi. Song Xinqi chose him as his deputy because of his capability and loyalty. After a brief moment of hesitation, he went to report to him: “Boss, I just saw Yu Qing going out on a mission while I was patrolling.”

Choosing not to expose his friend was his final act of mercy.

“A mission?” Song Xinqi curled his lips, but there wasn’t a hint of a smile in his eyes. “How dare that little weakling go out and look for trouble on his own?”

Wei Zheng sensed the intensifying aura around him.

“I understand. You may go now.”

After Wei Zheng left, Song Xinqi’s face darkened. Yu Qing actually dared to leave the safe zone. Does he have any idea what kind of danger he’s in if something goes wrong?

He paced up and down the corridor, activating the location sensor to find that he had indeed left the safe zone and was moving farther away.

Hmph, it’s good for that little weakling to see the dangers outside. That way, he’ll come begging to stay in the safe zone.

Thinking this, he turned and walked outside with a dark expression.

Yu Qing hadn’t been outside in a long time. Except for the initial stretch of the road, the weeds grew taller and taller, eventually covering the car roof, leaving no visibility.

He petted Yu Xiaoxue’s fluffy and soft fur, saying, “I can’t see anything.”

“That’s how it is. The wild is very dangerous; sometimes, you can’t react in time and get attacked by zombies coming out of nowhere.”

Suddenly, Yu Xiaoxue stood up from his lap, scratching at the window with its paws. Yu Qing immediately understood, “Peng Shu, Yu Xiaoxue says there’s a crystal nucleus over there.”

Peng Shu turned the car in response, curiously glancing at the snow leopard licking her paws in the front.

The snow leopard let out a growl, and the weeds in front gradually lessened, the view slowly clearing. Before long, they indeed saw a zombie.

Song Xinqi, driving his car, grew increasingly frustrated as he sensed Yu Qing’s position getting closer. When he judged the distance to be right, he ordered the person in the back, “Go invisible.”

The invisibility ability user, dragged here as labor, dared not protest and obediently cloaked both himself and the car. He wondered, given the boss’s intense mood, if they were going to assassinate an enemy.

“Yu Xiaoxue, go!” Yu Qing commanded heroically, pointing forward. Yu Xiaoxue, like a giant beast in a land of little people, stomped on a zombie, killing it instantly.

Yu Qing stayed at the back, not giving the zombies a chance to jump up and bite him.

Peng Shu had ample experience fighting zombies, and within a few dozen minutes, they cleared a small area of zombies.

Yu Xiaoxue acted as a crystal nucleus radar, finding the nuclei along the way. Peng Shu initially wanted to handle it, but Yu Qing, wielding a large knife, swiftly chopped open a zombie’s head, retrieving a crystal nucleus. Only then did he look up, his pretty face stained with blood, and ask, “What did you say?”

He swallowed his words, “Nothing, you continue.”

Song Xinqi parked his car about thirty meters away, his hands on the steering wheel, staring darkly ahead.

The invisibility ability user in the back peeked at his face through the rearview mirror, wondering if the boss was here to assassinate those two people.

Fine, that shorter, pretty youth was now isolated. If the boss wanted to act, now would be a good time. Indeed, the boss was staring at the youth.

When would he make a move?

The ability user waited patiently, but many of the moments he thought were good opportunities, the boss didn’t act.

He glanced at Song Xinqi, who hadn’t moved from his spot, his eyes fixed on the pretty youth.

The boss’s patience was remarkable.

As the two regrouped, Song Xinqi’s face darkened, his gaze shifting to the taller one with a hint of killing intent.

The ability user got excited. The boss seemed to have changed targets, but that was fine. He must have thought of a hundred ways to kill this guy.

The two got into their car and drove in another direction, with Song Xinqi keeping a steady distance.

The ability user didn’t dare speak but kept replaying the scene in his mind.

If it were him, he would’ve acted when the two were separated, but the boss was impressively patient.

Although he didn’t understand, he trusted he had his reasons.

Observing Peng Shu frequently looking in the rearview mirror, Yu Qing asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I feel a murderous aura behind us.”

“I feel like someone’s watching us too.” Yu Qing looked back but saw nothing.

The invisibility ability user assured, “Boss, rest easy. My ability hides both sight and sound. They won’t notice us.”

Song Xinqi remained silent, staring at the car ahead. Suddenly, a zombie’s hideous face appeared against the glass. The ability user was startled, but before he could scream, the zombie’s head exploded, blood splattering the window, and then it fell.

The ability user quickly turned the bloody mess invisible. He glanced at the silent boss and wondered, since the boss had such a powerful ability, why go through the trouble of assassination?

But he chose to trust him.

He noticed the his deep-seated hatred for the taller guy but didn’t understand why he kept staring at the pretty youth whenever they were together.

Maybe the youth was just too good-looking? The ability user thought.

Indeed, he was exceptionally attractive, and he enjoyed looking at him too, so he stared at him along with the boss.

But soon, Song Xinqi turned around, his voice cold, “Look again, and I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

The ability user dared not look again.

Later on, he still didn’t see Song Xinqi act.

When the car ahead turned back, he had a thought. Their behavior seemed less like assassination and more like bodyguard duty.

But why would he be a bodyguard?

He dismissed the idea and trusted the boss had his reasons until the two safely returned to the safe zone.

They followed them to the registration area to collect their points and say goodbye.

When the invisibility ability user’s power wore off, his expression turned blank.

He looked at Song Xinqi, whose dangerous aura had subsided, and Song Xinqi coldly told him, “Go over there and collect your points.”

Then, as if remembering something, his gaze turned fierce, “Don’t you dare mention today’s events to anyone.”
——————–
https://ko-fi.com/quarinnah