Capítulo 16: The City Begins to Collapse
"Out so late?" The security guard seemed agitated, his tone harsh.
Zhou Bai paused, then said, "No, I was just out for a walk. By the way, you mentioned a woman in a red dress last time. I'm curious, can you tell me more about her?"
The guard mechanically tilted his head, his expression twisted and unnatural compared to a few days ago. "Don't mention that woman! It's all her fault!"
Despite the guard's odd behavior, Zhou Bai pressed on. "What happened with that woman?"
"I don't want to take the pills! It's all because of that woman! The company makes me take pills every day! I'm not sick, why should I take pills? And that old woman with the red face argued with her, and the company gave her a bottle of pills too. It's ridiculous!"
Zhou Bai caught the key points in his words. "The old woman with the red face? Do you mean an elderly woman with a red birthmark on her face?"
"Yes," the guard replied, his voice low and strained, as if suppressing something. Zhou Bai noticed a cold glint at the corner of his mouth and took a step back.
"Thank you. I'll be heading back now."
The guard bared his teeth. "Sure, remember to lock your door tightly."
Zhou Bai didn't linger, quickly returning home. The black dog's body from earlier had disappeared. Eyes hidden in the darkness watched his every move. Only when he closed the door did he feel somewhat safe, pulling all the curtains shut before collapsing onto the sofa.
The security guard had mutated too! The outside was filled with danger. Zhou Bai had little time left and needed to reach the safe zone quickly. He took a deep breath, calming himself before reviewing the information he had gathered.
According to the guard, his mother had been contaminated for at least a week. Zhou Bai recalled the video of the incident with the woman in the red dress. His mother was involved that day, likely getting contaminated then. This meant his mother's contamination was unrelated to Aunt Wang, reducing her perceived danger.
He needed to find Aunt Wang quickly. Her apartment was just across the hall. Zhou Bai could knock on her door and find her easily. However, he hesitated, pacing in his apartment. He had shut Aunt Wang out the night before, likely straining their relationship. Gaining her trust and convincing her to take him to the safe zone wouldn't be easy.
Zhou Bai decided to bring a gift, hoping to improve her mood. He searched his home for something suitable but found nothing. Finally, he opened the fridge and saw the plate of braised pork. Remembering Aunt Wang's comment the night before, he took it out, heated it in the microwave, and the kitchen filled with its aroma.
His mother's cooking was still excellent. Zhou Bai carried the plate of braised pork and opened his door. The feeling of being watched returned. He quickly knocked on Aunt Wang's door. She opened it, her expression unfriendly.
"What do you want?" she asked.
Oddly, the feeling of being watched vanished when Aunt Wang appeared.
Zhou Bai forced a smile. "My mother made braised pork. I thought you might like some."
Aunt Wang glanced at the plate and took it. Zhou Bai's system voice chimed in his mind.
[Key character's favorability +20.]
[Congratulations, host. You've gained a physical enhancement opportunity.]
[Your arm strength has been increased by 200%.]
Zhou Bai felt his arms warm up, delighted by the change. He had confirmed Aunt Wang was the key character. The braised pork was the right choice. Just as he was about to ask about the safe zone, the door slammed shut.
Zhou Bai stood there, stunned. Hadn't he just increased her favorability? Why did she shut the door?
The feeling of being watched returned. Zhou Bai raised his hand to knock again, but the door opened.
Aunt Wang looked at him. "One turn each, we're even."
Zhou Bai realized she was getting back at him for shutting her out the night before. He forced a laugh. "Aunt Wang, you're so humorous."
"Come in," she said.
Zhou Bai followed her inside. She set the plate on the table and started eating. "What do you want?"
Zhou Bai chose his words carefully. "This city feels strange. I'm worried about danger. Do you know any safe places we could go?"
Aunt Wang ate more braised pork, finishing most of the plate quickly. "You asked the right person. I work at the slaughterhouse. We're relocating all employees to City B tonight."
She looked up at Zhou Bai, her greasy lips curling into a chilling smile. "If you have the guts, I can take you with me."
The viewers in Great Xia shivered.
—"Something's wrong! Aunt Wang is suspicious!"
—"Why is she so creepy?"
—"If it's a safe zone, why do you need guts to go there?"
—"Could the slaughterhouse be dangerous too?"
—"This is terrifying. Can Zhou Bai clear the game?"
Aunt Wang watched Zhou Bai, clearly interested in his answer. Zhou Bai didn't hesitate. "Thank you, Aunt Wang. When do we leave?"
Aunt Wang laughed heartily, pleased with his response. "Tonight at 11, at the community gate. Be on time!"
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder