Volume One, Chapter 24: Miss, Be My Girlfriend

What surprised Zhang Wei was that after returning to Zhang Tao’s home, only the four men flew away in the helicopter—Lin Qianying stayed behind.

“Why didn’t you leave with them?” Zhang Wei asked, watching Lin Qianying jump off the helicopter and then come back.

A smile as warm as spring sunlight blossomed on Lin Qianying’s face. She stepped lightly toward Zhang Wei and gently tapped the sturdy armor on his foot, her voice tinged with playful teasing, “Of course, it’s because of you.”

She paused, as if worried Zhang Wei might misunderstand, then hurriedly added, “But don’t get the wrong idea. It’s because your strength is impressive. I stayed to win you over.”

Hearing this, Zhang Wei felt an even greater appreciation for Lin Qianying. Her sincerity and lack of pretense made him comfortable.

“You’re so capable, and since we don’t have enough authority to order you around, I’ll stay and subtly influence you,” Lin Qianying said generously, though her mind was sharp and thoughtful.

After spending a night with Zhang Wei, she had already realized he was the kind of person who only acts when there’s a benefit—he wouldn’t do anything without a good reason.

Lin Qianying didn’t dislike Zhang Wei for this pragmatic approach, but deep inside, she felt compelled to try to correct his mindset.

She wanted Zhang Wei to understand that sometimes, in this world, proactively helping others and lending a hand could bring indescribable joy and fulfillment.

Of course, it would be even better if Zhang Wei joined the military camp and followed unified orders.

“Alright, as long as you’re happy,” Zhang Wei shrugged.

He didn’t believe Lin Qianying could change him; his way of handling things had been shaped by ten years in his past life.

Who didn’t have youthful zeal once? It was just that the harshness of the apocalypse had worn away his edges.

“As long as you let me stay, that’s enough,” Lin Qianying’s smile grew wider upon hearing Zhang Wei’s reply.

“Um, can I say something?” After watching the lively scene for a while, Zhang Tao finally found a chance to interrupt, though he still had to ask if Zhang Wei would allow it.

“What is it?” Zhang Wei responded coldly, his tone frosty when facing Zhang Tao.

Zhang Tao didn’t seem bothered by the cold reception and asked eagerly, “Big brother, did you get a new weapon?”

Zhang Wei nodded briefly, “Yes.”

Hearing this, Zhang Tao stammered on, “Wh-what about your previous weapon?” His eyes betrayed a hint of longing.

“Do you want it?” Zhang Wei countered.

Zhang Tao immediately nodded, “Yes.”

That was obvious—how else did the two of them meet if not because of that battle scythe?

“I can give it to you, but you have to help me put on a show today.”

The electric battle scythe was useless to Zhang Wei now; he had planned to hand it over to Zhang Tao all along.

Since Zhang Tao asked for it himself, Zhang Wei naturally wouldn’t refuse, and it would also motivate Zhang Tao to play his part in the act.

“Alright, big brother, just tell me what to do,” Zhang Tao pounded his chest eagerly, itching to start the performance with Zhang Wei.

Zhang Wei had a plan in mind. After considering the details briefly, he calmly shared it.

Not only was Zhang Tao listening intently, but Lin Qianying also paid close attention.

When Zhang Wei finished, before Zhang Tao could speak, Lin Qianying raised her hand.

“I’m coming too.”

Both Zhang Wei and Zhang Tao looked down at her.

“Why are you coming?” Zhang Wei was reluctant to have Lin Qianying involved.

She was a young woman brimming with a sense of justice, and Zhang Wei was about to deceive someone—he feared she might cause trouble.

“You think Han Xiao must be a manipulative woman, right? How about I help you annoy her?” Lin Qianying proposed.

When it came to quickly bonding with Zhang Wei, the fastest way was to become one of his friends.

From Zhang Wei’s earlier words, Lin Qianying knew Han Xiao was certainly no good.

Besides, Zhang Wei’s plan was only a test; if Han Xiao genuinely cared deeply for Zhang Wei, she wouldn’t fall for it and wouldn’t get hurt.

But if Han Xiao was truly a conniving woman, then she deserved to get hurt. No matter how strong Lin Qianying’s sense of justice was, she wouldn’t stand up for such a person.

“How will you annoy her?” Zhang Wei asked instinctively.

“Am I more beautiful than her?” Lin Qianying deliberately flicked her shoulder-length hair.

“You are,” Zhang Wei replied decisively.

There was no doubt about it—without any bias, even Zhang Wei would admit Lin Qianying was more attractive than Han Xiao.

“Then that’s settled. If she really is as you say, I’ll just say I’m your girlfriend. How’s that?”

Lin Qianying’s playful spirit was fully unleashed—she’d long wanted to join in on such theatrics. After all, even a soldier sister was still human, just a young woman barely in her twenties.

“Do as you like,” Zhang Wei neither agreed nor refused.

But why did his heart suddenly feel warm?

This time, Lin Qianying was a bit anxious: “It’s settled then. When do we leave?”

“If you ask me, it should be now,” Zhang Tao suggested.

With both supporting actors so eager, Zhang Wei—playing the lead—didn’t waste any time.

Half an hour later.

Zhang Wei was the first to enter the residential complex where Han Xu lived.

The neighborhood was visibly more dilapidated; it was clear that a battle had taken place here last night.

Zhang Wei ignored the eyes secretly watching him and sprinted straight toward Han Xu’s home.

The house was still the same; the cracks remained. The tremors from Zhang Wei’s running made Han Xu and Han Xiao peek out cautiously from their hiding spot to observe.

When Han Xiao saw it was Zhang Wei, tears uncontrollably welled up in her eyes—no one knew how terrified she had been last night.

“Zhang Wei, I’m here,” Han Xiao called out, having long forgotten Zhang Wei’s callousness from the previous day, waving fervently.

Zhang Wei sneered inwardly and then quickly approached her.

“Zhang Wei, what’s wrong with you? Are you hurt?” Han Xiao looked at him with genuine concern because Zhang Wei had deliberately dirtied his external armor to look as if he had just been through a fierce battle.

Zhang Wei said nothing; he just shook his head slowly.

At that moment, the supporting actor made his entrance.

“Hahaha, Zhang Wei, where do you think you’re running?” A more violent tremor shook the ground, accompanied by an exaggerated laugh.

Zhang Wei’s heart twitched—it was such a fake performance, like a brainless villain’s dramatic entrance in a low-budget drama.

But Han Xiao and Han Xu didn’t see it that way because Zhang Tao’s mech was massive.

Zhang Wei’s twelve-meter mech was already huge to them, but the newcomer’s seventeen-meter tall mech dwarfed it.

“Hmph!” Zhang Wei snorted coldly and then turned to pounce at Zhang Tao.

Soon, the two were locked in combat. From the first contact, the smaller Zhang Wei was evidently at a disadvantage.

Han Xiao and Han Xu watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what was happening.

When Zhang Wei was completely pinned beneath Zhang Tao, Zhang Tao spoke again: “Hand over your weapon, and I’ll spare your life.”

“Do you mean that?” Zhang Wei hissed through clenched teeth.

Zhang Tao raised his proud head. “Of course. I’m Zhang Tao, the primary heir of Chuan City Mining. Would I lie to you?”

“Fine,” Zhang Wei growled fiercely and then pulled the electric battle scythe out of the cargo bay.

“Haha, good. By the way, that beautiful lady—is she your girlfriend?” Zhang Tao’s gaze landed on Han Xiao.

Before Zhang Wei could answer, Zhang Tao, now holding the battle scythe, stood up and strode over to Han Xiao.

“Miss, will you be my girlfriend? How about it?”

“I…” Han Xiao was momentarily speechless, unable to believe that happiness could arrive so suddenly.