Chapter 88: Soft Whispers of Intrigue

Soft. So incredibly soft.

Glancing at the girl clinging to him, Yenir, without betraying any emotion, reached around her waist. No matter how careful he was, with their bodies nearly pressed together, he couldn’t help but notice the silky, jade-like feel of her skin.

A faint fragrance drifted into his nostrils, while her long hair falling over his chest sent a ticklish shiver across his skin.

Under the ambiguous, envious gaze of the reception manager, Yenir promptly handed over the girl’s ID card and booked a single room.

Although he hoped to use her as a cover, the cost of the room had to be borne by her.

Long after the apocalypse, peace had reigned and many industries recovered. Yet in the Inner City’s upscale hotels inside the Safe Zone, every inch was priceless – a single night costing an ordinary person half a year’s earnings.

“Hold me…”

Her eyes looked dreamy and unfocused.

The girl raised her head, and her delicate lips brushed against Yenir’s ear as she exhaled softly.

Her legs grew weak; the alcohol had left her feeling dizzy and disoriented.

Unlike Yenir’s awakened constitution, the girl—clearly boosted by the Spiritual Energy Fruit—had clearly lost control after a night of heavy drinking.

Effortlessly, he scooped her up, and before he realized it, his fingertips slipped under the hem of her hot pants, encountering a smooth, elastic warmth.

And her bottom was rather perky…

He muttered a few curses under his breath; despite the enticing scene, his mind remained focused.

In fact, he kept a vigilant eye on every sound outside.

It was unclear whether the group that had been tailing him vanished before he stepped into the tavern or only retreated after seeing him emerge unruffled with a woman.

Either way, after constant alertness, Yenir finally let out a slight sigh of relief.

The hotel’s security was top-notch, and he’d noticed the girl’s bodyguard trailing behind. Unsure of their true intent, his only option was to pretend not to notice and buy himself some “buffer” time.

Ding

The elevator doors slid open.

Weary from a long day, Yenir went straight upstairs to check into his room. After hanging a thin thread on the door, a flash of exhaustion crossed his eyes. A day filled with battle, afternoon missions, a successful swindle for weapons, and a near-crisis had stretched his mind like a taut string—only now did it finally relax.

Casually tossing the girl onto the bed, he planned to freshen up first.

She had served her purpose as a tool; he intended to slip away at first light tomorrow.

Splashing

Warm water cascaded as mist rose, and Yenir’s mind quickly replayed the events following his rebirth.

Everything had proceeded smoothly—he was on track to reach Stage Three. The only hiccup was the Stage Three stalker who had been following him.

Someone harboring a murderous intent—without having struck—had appeared in Zhenjiang.

Yenir quickly began piecing things together in his mind.

If the stalker was connected to the blackout incident, it meant they hadn’t originally wanted to kill him; they simply didn’t want him involved in the test. Now, his murderous intent was on display—perhaps they’d realized how fast he was growing stronger. But he had just been reborn; no one should know about his innate talent!

Could it be that his talent had been secretly evaluated? Maybe someone didn’t want him to evolve so rapidly. In his previous life, being overlooked in the Capital wasn’t unusual—it might have all been part of their scheme.

What a far-fetched conspiracy theory…

Yenir furrowed his brow, finding the notion utterly baffling.

Besides, if a faction truly recognized his potential and sought to hinder him, they’d have no reason not to kill him—the opportunity to strike would be abundant.

With such scant evidence, Yenir even wondered if he was overreacting or misjudging the situation entirely.

If it were the latter…

Perhaps he had miscalculated the timing of his pursuer—maybe they had encountered him only in Zhenjiang.

Assuming the Farming Teams shared intelligence, even if Lin Lan wasn’t in Zhenjiang, they could have ordered another team to act. Perhaps his profile was already circulating among them—especially given Lin Lan’s deep-seated hatred toward him.

A glint flashed in his eyes as he deduced that the second scenario was more plausible considering all the clues.

It made sense that the Farming Team had set their sights on him, and their reluctance to expose themselves was entirely reasonable.

If that were the case, he wouldn’t worry about being targeted inside the Safe Zone.

But once he stepped outside…

Considering the high-level dungeon he planned to enter, Yenir was certain…

that he needed to secure some disguise gear immediately! Tomorrow, after slipping out of the city, he had to lose his tail—maybe even…

A light laugh escaped him as a spark of murderous intent flashed in his eyes. He feared an ambush during his cooldown—a stealth kill! But by switching positions, he might just be able to turn the tables. After all, a Stage Three Farming Team could still offer him a surprise.

On impulse, disregarding the urgency of acquiring Spiritual Energy Fruits and amplification bonuses, Yenir ordered Li Dafu to purchase high-level concealed gear!

……

Ugh~..

Just as he stepped out of the shower, Yenir heard a series of low moans and heavy breaths.

On the bed lay the young lady, who had managed to remove her short-sleeved top on her own, writhing beneath the blankets. Overcome by the heat, in her dazed state, she instinctively tried to pull off her tight denim shorts—but simply couldn’t manage it.

A faint blue light pulsed over her body, flowing like water in a continuous stream. It resembled a system tool designed to purge negative effects.

Walking to the window, Yenir lit a cigarette and leaned against the wall, lost in thought.

He had to admit, those fair, graceful legs moving before his eyes were hard to ignore.

Compared to the tanned, hardworking women around, the girl’s porcelain skin was as pristine as jade—so delicate it almost seemed to glisten with moisture.

Over drinks at the bar, Yenir had learned the girl’s name.

Yan Yuqing.

It was a beautiful and very rare name.

So rare that Yenir instantly deduced who the young lady’s father must be.

Yan Liejun—the commander of Safe Zone 317 and president of the Xinyao Merchant Guild, a Stage Three mid-awakened powerhouse. In short, powerful, wealthy, and formidable. The shop that once sold materials was one of the Starbright Merchant Guild’s acquisition points scattered throughout the North China Battle Zone.

And Yan Yuqing, as Yan Liejun’s youngest daughter, had two older brothers.

Furthermore, Yenir was no stranger to her father. In his past life, while mingling among refugees in a merchant convoy, he’d seen him. He recalled joining a guard unit for a meager meal, tasked with clearing zombies. He didn’t remember ever seeing the girl during that escape—she likely perished during the initial mutant assault.

“Strictly speaking, her father is still my boss…”

With a light laugh, Yenir found the world thoroughly fascinating.

It was common for the offspring of powerful figures who lacked the talent for awakening to be left alone and pampered. But encountering a Stage Three descendant like Yan Yuqing at a bar was a rare stroke of fate. It seemed she had quarreled with her family and snuck out for some fun.

Stubbing out his cigarette, Yenir felt a stir in his heart as he watched the dazed girl struggle with her shorts.

He slowly approached the bed and sat down, casually tousling her hair.

What should he do?

Should he sacrifice himself for humanity?

Her father was so wealthy; surely she had a hefty stash of Credit Points as well…

Just as Yenir hesitated, a slender little hand reached out and grabbed him.