Chapter 194

Chapter 194

"Why?"

Jiang Nian was astonished. Leaving the Southern City Base at this time wasn’t wise—no base was safer for a lone girl to survive in than here.

Ah, he had just lost a potential farm manager on the spot, even though he had already prepared a "lucrative offer."

Jiang Wenwen glanced around and replied,

"I’m going to the S Base to find my father."

Jiang Nian’s expression changed instantly. "..."

Shit! Did they just save an enemy?

His face gave him away, so Jiang Wenwen quickly waved her hands to explain,

"Don’t misunderstand. I’m going to settle the score. The drugs that blocked my superpowers were personally developed by him—they exhaust mental energy through pain to block superpowers, and the first batch of drugs are especially toxic."

Because she knew what her father and his mad scientists at the S Base were planning, and because she wanted to get justice for what was done to her, she had to go—to stop those maniacs from harming more people.

Besides, although Xia Weiwei got what she deserved, her father would undoubtedly pin the blame on Jiang Nian and his crew.

If she could disrupt her father’s plans and expose their actions, it would save her rescuers some headaches.

After awakening his superpower, her father had deluded himself, peddling his theory about forcing human evolution in desperate times, plunging into utter madness.

"..."

Jiang Nian composed himself and remained silent for a long moment before asking,

"How do you plan to take revenge? He’s still your father... I mean, can you really go through with it? Plus, his superpower is quite unique, and he has many supporters."

They were buddies, after all, and he was genuinely concerned.

Jiang Wenwen snorted without hesitation,

"No father should treat his child like that. If he does, he doesn’t deserve the title. Family ties are just emotional blackmail in fancy wrapping—as long as I have no morals, he can’t blackmail me..."

Jiang Nian sighed in relief,

"Couldn't agree more. Well put."

Jiang Wenwen continued,

"As for his superpower, I’m not afraid. With his self-destructive streak, he’ll bring about his own downfall without me lifting a pinky. I’m just going to expose what he really is before he harms more people."

"Good. I support you."

Jiang Nian nodded,

"Since you’ve made up your mind, good luck on your trip. The forecast says a heat wave is coming soon, so hurry."

Professor Xia represented a faction—you can't take him down alone. You'll need backup and a better plan.

"Thanks..."

Jiang Wenwen paused, then she added with slight embarrassment:

"Actually, I wanted to borrow some supplies from you... or go to your store and buy on credit. You can keep track of the credits first... After I finish my business at the S base and come back, I’ll repay you with zombie crystal cores, or work for you to pay off the debt."

If she weren’t going to the S base, her plan was to work for Jiang Nian, stick with him and ride his coattails. Unfortunately, best-laid plans go awry.

If things went smoothly, she would return here because she was a creature of habit, and the South City base was very stable.

"Hmm?"

Jiang Nian noticed her embarrassment and asked with a smile, "Still running low?"

"Not too much, just wanted to prepare more so I wouldn’t be scraping by. But I don’t have any points left now, and there’s nothing I can trade."

Jiang Wenwen gave an awkward chuckle. She wanted to enter the S base before the extreme heat, capitalizing on everyone being distracted by the harsh weather to make preparations. So, she couldn’t scrape together enough credits here.

"Oh..."

Jiang Nian understood and asked, "Just short on food? What about weapons, medicine, maps, or anything else?"

Jiang Wenwen shook her head, "No shortage of weapons or medicine, just food," she added hastily. "A few packs of compressed biscuits and bread would be enough. I have a rough map with general directions, but detailed ones aren’t available. Still, my sense of direction is good—I’ll follow the general route and ask around as I go..."

One pack of compressed biscuits could last two or even three days and didn’t spoil easily, which was why they cost an arm and a leg now.

She really had no choice but to ask Jiang Nian.

"Alright, wait a moment."

After getting a clear picture, Jiang Nian headed back to his vehicle. Jiang Wenwen tactfully kept her distance.

"..."

After digging around in his ride for a while and making sure the coast was clear, Jiang Nian emerged hauling two hefty bags.

"Here."

Compressed biscuits, instant noodles, bread, a pack of salt, a pack of sugar, some snacks, and a national map.

The map had the locations of North City and the S base circled—it was their squad’s usual planning map. There were new ones in the ring space, but to keep a low profile, he left them.

"This..."

Jiang Wenwen was floored, "Whoa, this is overkill, man... and the map, this..."

All of it was goods way out of her price range right now.

Jiang Nian pressed the supplies into her grip, "Take it. It’s just tabbed—just remember to pay me back. Forget the credits; other things work too. I like gold," he said casually.

These things were small change to him. Even if it was money down the drain, it didn’t matter.

But if Jiang Wenwen really could go and take care of that miserable old coot Professor Xia, this IOU would pay dividends.

Early intervention can prevent many people from being harmed by those mad scientists.

Later, we can have Brother Jing contact Liang Yunhao and ask him to track Jiang Wenwen's movements in the Northern City and S Base, so we can figure out fast if she's friend or foe.

If she's an enemy helping the bad guys, we’ll find a way to eliminate her. If we can’t, we’ll at least warn others to stay vigilant.

If she’s an ally, we’ll lend a hand. With Liang Yunhao’s influence and connections, plus Jiang Wenwen’s help, we’re confident we can fix S Base's problems.

Moreover, Department Head Wang has also promised to compile and report the evidence collected from the twisted doctor at the church. Even if Professor Xia denies everything, it can still serve as supporting evidence.

Unless Liang Yunhao also sides with Professor Xia—then there’s nothing left to say. We’ll just have to ask Brother Jing to take down his own teammate first!

"..."

Jiang Nian processed all this lightning-fast and found it feasible.

Jiang Wenwen had no idea what he was thinking and hesitantly asked:

"If Cheng Jing finds out about all these things, will he blame you?"

"Don’t worry, he won’t. My Brother Jing is awesome."

Jiang Nian replied with a smile, then patted the back of her hand:

"Stash them."

"..."

Jiang Wenwen held back for a long time but still shed tears.

Jiang Nian hated seeing girls cry—it was pitiful. As she opened the car door, he kindly reminded her:

"You should probably put the stuff in the trunk, less likely to be seen."

Jiang Wenwen wiped her tears and whispered:

"I know, but there’s something in my trunk. I’ll move the food in after I handle it outside the base."

"..."

Suddenly struck by an idea, Jiang Nian stepped closer and asked:

"What is it?"

Jiang Wenwen glanced around and spat through clenched teeth, in a voice only they could hear:

"Su Jing. I’m taking her out of the base and using my goddamn superpower to bleed her dry! Once I’ve had my revenge, you’ll all be rid of her for good."

She had used Su Jing’s credits to prepare the car and supplies, of course, after cleaning that bitch out of all her supplies—otherwise, she could never have afforded it.

Truth be told, in these chaotic times, many formalities were cut through. As long as you had resources, you could quickly score whatever you needed. Everyone was just trying to survive, and if you were smart, you wouldn’t draw attention.

Su Jing was their common enemy, so Jiang Nian probably wouldn’t rat her out.

"Got it."

Jiang Nian nodded. No wonder she could afford a car and gather supplies so quickly for the trip. Nice work!

If you're skilled enough, a water-based superpower can flush someone's insides out—or drain them completely dry. Fucking terrifying.

He had just thought Jiang Wenwen forgot and was considering whether to remind her, but now he felt relieved. When it came to keeping score, he shouldn't have doubted someone like her.

Back then, Su Jing claimed many people were looking for Jiang Wenwen, but it was all lies—just deliberate interference to confuse them. What goes around comes around.

After packing everything and checking the car, Jiang Wenwen washed her face with water to calm down before saying goodbye properly to Jiang Nian:

"Alright, Jiang Nian, goodbye. If I get the chance once I’m at S Base, I’ll contact you."

With that, she pulled open the car door and got in.

"Okay, have a safe trip. My number won’t change. Who knows—I might even call you first."

Jiang Nian waved at her until she started the engine, closed the window, honked twice, and drove off.

The dust kicked up pretty bad, so Jiang Nian quickly returned to his own car, turned on the AC, and messaged Brother Jing to explain the situation.