Chapter 66: We Are Friends [A Super-Sized Chapter of 5700 Words]

At this moment, Ren Zhong finally noticed that during the brief time he had spent trading stocks, she had hurriedly applied a touch of subtle makeup.

Her slender brows arched like crescent moons, a faint blush dusted her cheeks, and her lips were brushed with a luminous, translucent gloss. She had meticulously enhanced her appearance, elevating her already striking beauty to yet another level.

To say that at this moment she outshone all the women in Xinghuo Town would not be an exaggeration.

In truth, Ju Qingmeng had worn makeup that night as well, even more exquisitely than today. But Ren Zhong had been utterly indifferent then, his mind consumed with thoughts of death; he had even deliberately avoided looking at her because of her sheer nightgown.

This time, however, having just made a windfall and not yet confronted Lin Wang and his cronies, Ren Zhong felt relatively at ease. He saw her effort with greater clarity and realized the care she had taken.

He mused that before even revealing her own cards, she seemed prepared to wager herself on the table.

Fifteen minutes later.

"Um… Mr. Ren, you…" Ju Qingmeng stared blankly at the display, her cherry lips parted, her face awash with surprise and barely contained delight.

"What is it?"

She had forgotten about the 108 electrodes still attached to Ren Zhong; in her excitement, she grabbed him and pulled him in front of the display.

Ren Zhong glanced at the results.

Brain-machine synchronization rate: 19.99%.
Bioelectric carrying capacity: 7.92 kilowatts.
Brain response index: 53.17.
Overall physical index: 11.59.

All within expectations, not far from the readings from the exoskeleton armor's sensors. The improvement was slightly faster than anticipated. By tomorrow morning at the latest, all four parameters should reliably surpass the entry-level standards for a Grade One mech warrior.

Compared to last time, he had gained nearly a day's advantage. Still, this was hardly something to celebrate—it was all routine.

This was the power of "pay-to-win."

After all, aside from the cellular vitality enhancer, this time he had followed the advice in "Notes on Armor," secured considerable sponsorship from Brother Sun, and supplemented his nutrition and basic medicine.

He had also optimized his training regimen, combining live combat with four hours of high-intensity training in the beginner zone daily. Both hardware and software had been pushed to the limit in these circumstances, yet only a single day of progress was gained. Ren Zhong had reason to feel disappointed.

He sighed.

"What was that sigh for, Mr. Ren? Are you really still dissatisfied? Didn't you see your brain-machine synchronization is 19.99%? What more could you want?"

Ju Qingmeng, caught up in her excitement, reacted as if her tail had been stepped on, glaring at Ren Zhong with wide, almond-shaped eyes.

He was taken aback. He truly hadn't thought much of the 19.99%. Though he had never measured it before, he had a good idea what to expect. This test merely confirmed what he'd long suspected.

No matter the surprise, when you’re prepared for it, there’s little excitement left when the answer is revealed.

"Right now, your bioelectric carrying capacity is only 7.92 kilowatts—still short of the 10-kilowatt threshold. That's why your synchronization rate is capped below 20%. It will only increase further once your carrying capacity surpasses 10 kilowatts. But to already be at 19.99% means that, hypothetically, if you had never trained and were tested in peak condition, your initial synchronization rate would still be nearly at the maximum! I've been the mall manager here in Xinghuo Town for three years. Before you, I’ve never seen anyone with an initial rate above 16%, not in any pro team or even the recognized genius Ma Xiaoling!"

"And?" Ren Zhong prompted.

"And this means you have a real chance to break the barrier and become at least a Grade Five professional! At least Grade Five!"

Ju Qingmeng, shedding the usual reserve of a second-class citizen before a Wildman, gesticulated enthusiastically.

Ren Zhong nodded, a smile rising to his face. "That's pretty good, then."

He had read all about this in the professional training manuals—he knew the implications.

Ju Qingmeng stared hard at his profile. He was so calm, yet he acted pleased just to match her excitement.

You're not even trying to act! The numbers are off the charts for you, yet it seems I’m the only one celebrating. She felt inexplicably awkward.

Perhaps this was the difference between those who had worked at the Mongdu Group’s R&D headquarters and ordinary citizens like herself. The world he’d seen was beyond imagination. For someone so gifted, even if he fell from grace, his return was almost a given. He knew it, too.

So...

…

Inside the sealed testing room, Ren Zhong, shirtless and clad only in shorts, stood with arms outstretched.

Behind him, Ju Qingmeng peeled off the electrodes, saying, "Mr. Ren."

"Yes?"

His back itched suddenly, and he shivered reflexively.

"Are you hot?" she asked.

"No."

"Oh."

Her response was perfunctory, but her slender fingers traced the developing lines of muscle on his back, nails prying at the edges of the electrodes. With a snap, one came free.

The cabinet hummed; the wires attached to the electrodes retracted like tape measures, quickly snapping back.

Snap. Snap. Snap.

The sound persisted.

Each touch of her fingers sent tiny ripples, electric and sharp, across his skin. The atmosphere in the room thickened, a blush spreading like ink in water, diffusing in soft, pink clouds.

His back prickled unbearably. Ren Zhong's forehead was veined with strain as he fought the urge to speak.

Finally, Ju Qingmeng moved to his front, bending over to remove the electrodes from his legs—calves, thighs, waist. At some point, she had undone the top two buttons of her manager uniform, and as she bent, a hint of cleavage came into view.

Ren Zhong could not take it anymore. He sighed and stepped away.

"Manager Ju, something’s off with you."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Ju Qingmeng looked up but did not straighten, her posture accentuating her figure.

Ren Zhong turned away, moving aside and plucking the remaining electrodes off himself in just ten seconds.

"You didn’t remove the electrodes like this last time. You just pulled them off in handfuls. And you never wear makeup during work hours, but today you did. Manager Ju, you’re acting strangely. You have something on your mind. I think you want something from me. But you don’t need to go about it this way. You can just tell me directly."

"Strange? I… I’m strange?"

Ju Qingmeng was dumbstruck.

She stood there, her face burning with shame and nervous disappointment, her ears flushed red. She was no longer aloof, having learned to read people. She could tell Mr. Ren liked her.

In a way, they were mutually interested. She was aware of her own allure. She had rehearsed many possible scenarios in her mind, each one making her blush and ache with hidden sorrow.

But she had never expected that, though her face was flushed, it was for reasons entirely outside her predictions.

He was pretending not to know, calling her "strange."

Why did he insist on not following the script?

…

"I see now."

Much later, sitting across from Ju Qingmeng in the lounge, Ren Zhong wore an expression of sudden understanding.

Ju Qingmeng had buttoned her shirt again, but tear tracks marred her makeup, though they did nothing to diminish her beauty.

"Yes, I’ve thought and experienced much in these three years. I paid dearly for my naïveté. I realize my mistakes now. If anyone can help me return to Yixian County, to my parents, I’m willing to pay any price—even my body or my life."

"Mr. Ren, can you help me? I believe that with your talent, in a few years you’ll be above Grade Six and regain your citizenship. By then, this will be a mere trifle for you."

"I have no one else to turn to."

Once again, Ju Qingmeng spoke thus.

Ren Zhong did not answer immediately. Instead, he shook his head and asked, "Did you foresee my talent when you decided to help me the day before yesterday?"

"Huh?" She was confused and a little angry. He was not following the script again! After all her effort to craft the perfect plea, not only did he not answer, he changed the subject!

"Please recall your feelings at that moment, and answer me honestly."

Her mind went blank under his persistent questioning. "I…I…"

She stammered.

I've already put myself out there! Why do you keep making me play this game? Who knows what you want to hear!

She clenched her fists.

But he looked so serious that her anger had nowhere to go.

Ren Zhong pretended not to notice her twisted expressions.

"Since you can’t say it, I’ll say it for you. Listen: when you heard my story, you didn’t care that I was a Wildman. You decided to help me, not because you wanted something in return—you didn’t even know my initial synchronization rate, only my brain response index. The real reason you helped me was because you saw your own reflection in my plight."

"My reflection?"

"Yes! Think carefully about your feelings when I came to see you. Don’t speak—just close your eyes and recall it."

Ju Qingmeng’s lips trembled, but she obediently closed her eyes.

After a moment, she opened them and, still uncertain, rubbed her forehead. "Mr. Ren, you… you’re right. But I can’t quite describe how I felt at the time. It just seemed like it wasn’t a big deal, just a small favor. But I wouldn’t call myself noble—I don’t do this for anyone else in town. I’m not sure what I was thinking."

Ren Zhong’s lips curved into a smile. "It’s simple. In that moment, you thought of me as a friend."

"A friend?"

"Yes, a friend!" he declared with emphasis.

Her confusion cleared. "Is that what a friend is?"

"Of course! Because we are friends, you helped me without expecting anything in return. So now, as your friend, I should help you too. How could I accept your body as the price?"

"But are there really still friends in this world? I never thought about it before, so…"

"Trust me—there are," Ren Zhong said, lightly patting her shoulder. "And don’t despair. Didn’t you say true talent will never be buried? I’m returning those words to you. You don’t need to lower yourself or try to please someone you don’t like."

"But what else can I do? I may be a manager, but I’m little more than a senior clerk, and in a backwater like Xinghuo Town. Before meeting you, I’d already lost hope."

Ren Zhong grinned. "But now you have me, don’t you?"

"Well…" She scratched her head. "But to help me, you’ll have to deal with that Grade Four citizen. I only gave you a few small favors; it’s not enough to repay such a huge debt."

"Big or small, a favor is a favor. Besides, I need your help as well—though not in the way you think. I have my talents, and so do you."

"What talents?"

"I’ll explain later. Since helping you involves a complicated adversary, this is serious business. I want you to restate your request, formally. This will be our gentleman’s agreement as friends."

He gestured invitingly, smiling.

This was the ceremony he wanted.

After a long pause, Ju Qingmeng said softly, "Mr. Ren, as your friend, I ask for your help. And I am willing to help you. Except for that one thing, I’ll do anything for you!"

"Good! I want you to help me modify my equipment! From today on, we’re not only friends, but comrades-in-arms. We hit it off, and our interests are aligned. That’s a bond stronger than any physical connection."

Five minutes later, Ren Zhong left.

Since his carrying capacity hadn’t reached the target, he couldn’t yet unleash his gear’s full potential, so he wasn’t in a hurry to upgrade it.

…

After yesterday’s disastrous experience, Zheng Tian spent an extra half hour that morning poring over Xinghuo Town’s terrain map, racking her brains to design the perfect route.

Before setting out, the group cheered themselves on.

Zheng Tian: "Statistically, what happened yesterday is almost impossible to repeat."

Ou Youning: "That’s right! Here’s to a big haul today!"

Wen Lei: "Let’s go get rich!"

Bai Feng: "I’ve got a good feeling about this time."

Chen Hanyu: "After talking with Mr. Ren yesterday, I’ve got some new ideas too. I want to try disassembling more Ruins Beasts to test them."

"Let’s go!" Zheng Tian rallied.

"Yeah! Woohoo!" Ou Youning cheered.

…

The squad endured another dismal day, with average earnings of only 0.3 points per person.

With Bai Feng unexpectedly injured and medical costs deducted, they would have to rest the next day. Instead of making money, they lost some.

At 6:50 p.m., Zheng Tian drove with a grave expression, hurrying to reach town before seven.

The truck’s cab was tense and gloomy. Everyone was baffled.

They had finally met Mr. Ren, proof that luck was improving, and felt ready for takeoff. If they could save up for a better truck, they’d be able to lure Mr. Ren in with their strength.

Zheng Tian thought her plan was flawless, airtight.

But how could they have such terrible luck two days in a row?

What was going on? Where was the problem?

…

In the courtyard, Ren Zhong feigned shock. "How could this be? Your luck is just too awful!"

With a throbbing headache, Zheng Tian managed a pained smile. "Yeah, I have no idea, either."

Ou Youning: "Captain, you were right yesterday. We’re cursed! Definitely cursed!"

Zheng Tian shrugged. "Maybe. Tomorrow we’ll rest. Everyone take a breather while I study the routes again. I refuse to believe this!"

Ren Zhong’s eyes gleamed. "Which route did you take today?"

Zheng Tian pulled out her tablet and traced their path on the map.

Ren Zhong nodded silently.

Indeed, their path overlapped eighty percent with his own from last night, and ninety percent with the route he’d taken on his third day after being revived, before he’d bought the Thunderbolt car.

No wonder she was known as one of Xinghuo Town’s most professional semi-pro captains! Her route optimization was nearly perfect—she might as well have tied a string to follow him step by step.

Seeing Ren Zhong nodding as he looked over the route, Zheng Tian asked, "You think this route is good, right, Mr. Ren?"

"Of course—it’s the best of the best."

"Then why…?"

"Why indeed?"

The group fell silent, each pondering their fate.

After dinner, Ren Zhong’s conscience got the better of him, and he volunteered to take Bai Feng to the Miracle Hands clinic for treatment.

Zheng Tian accompanied them, using public funds to pay.

After a busy day, Sun Miao the doctor was just about to close up shop. He was bringing in the "20% off" sign when he saw the ever-present Ren Zhong appear at the corner, accompanied by a lanky, bandaged man and a baby-faced girl.

His heart sank. Not only did this guy keep coming back, now he was bringing friends to clean him out!

He hurried to slip inside, but it was too late.

"Brother Sun, wait! We’re paying this time!"

Sun Miao put down the sign and turned with a forced smile. "You should have said so earlier."

He scorned Ren Zhong’s overfamiliarity. Brother? We’ve only met a few times—since when are we that close? Still, he didn’t want to provoke Ren Zhong, so he put on a hospitable face.

He would accept the title of "Brother" for now.

Ren Zhong held up three fingers. "Give us a deal—thirty percent off, cost price."

"Dammit! You bastard!" Sun Miao cursed.

"Forty percent, final offer. You deserve to earn something for your skills."

"Thanks so much!"

The automatic medical arm began to redress Bai Feng’s wounds.

Zheng Tian sat in the corner, studying her tablet and working on the route.

Sun Miao hunched at his desk, entering the day’s material, medicine, and expenses into his old offline computer.

He hadn’t worked this hard at bookkeeping in a long time.

Ren Zhong sidled up to him, lowering his voice. "Brother Sun, can I ask you about someone?"

"What for?"

"Just curious, that’s all."

"Then you should ask the security squad or Mayor Ma. Why me? I’m not a know-it-all."

Ren Zhong chuckled. "I don’t know his name, just his general appearance. You’re the only doctor in town—anyone with an ailment has to see you, so you must know a lot of faces."

"Fair enough. Describe him."

"Tall, about 1.9 meters, burly, short hair, full beard. There’s a dark scar at the outer corner of his right eye, half as long as a finger and as wide as a fingernail. He has an old exoskeleton mechanical arm, painted dark gray."

Sun Miao narrowed his eyes. "You remember all that? Is there a grudge?"

"Not really. Just met him once and was curious."

"I do remember someone like that. I treated that scar—about two or three months ago. Got it fighting over a house in Alley Seventeen, South District. He won."

Ren Zhong grinned. "Do you know his name? Any medical records?"

"Scavengers like him could die any day. Why bother with a name or records? But I know how he got hurt."

Ren Zhong’s smile widened. "Excellent. Very good."

"Now you owe me another favor. Can you stop bothering me?"

"Aw, Brother Sun, don’t say that. We’re friends, aren’t we? And you made some money today!"

"True enough. Thanks for your business."

"Always a pleasure."

[PS: Since today is the last day of May and I have a word count target to meet by noon, I combined today’s two chapters into one. There won’t be any more updates today. The next update will be posted at midnight, June 1st, as the first VIP chapter after launch. I’ll add extra content for Children’s Day, depending on how much I can write. But don’t expect too much—quality comes first. I promise three things with this book: no filler, no missed updates, and guaranteed quality. That means my updates can’t be very fast. Thanks for understanding.]