Chapter 143 From Love-Struck to Career-Driven

Chapter 143: From Lovestruck Fool to Career Maniac

Hua Diao and Xie Tingsheng cheerfully set out their picnic. She first spread a mat, then began unloading supplies, arranging vegetables on the left and meat on the right, quickly forming two small mounds.

The moment Guan Tiantian arrived, her eyes lit up. She showered Hua Diao with praise, "Oh, Sis-in-law, you're so beautiful and kind-hearted, so generous and resourceful with your stockpiling!" Her sweet words made Hua Diao grin from ear to ear.

"Oh, I'm not that amazing," Hua Diao demurred, though her gaze drifted to Qi Cancan, who was trailing behind Guan Tiantian. Her smile subtly faded.

While she knew she was indeed kind, generous, and beautiful, that didn't mean she could be so magnanimous as to ignore a romantic rival lingering nearby.

Xie Tingsheng, standing beside her, followed her gaze. His handsome brow furrowed, and his deep eyes darkened with irritation.

*What does this woman want now?*

*Ugh, women. Always a hassle unless they're busy with something else.*

Sensing the shift in atmosphere, Guan Tiantian immediately clammed up, playing the innocent bystander.

*Who am I? Where am I? I know nothing. Qi Cancan just followed me like a shadow; it has nothing to do with me!*

Qi Cancan, feeling the immense pressure of being scrutinized by the two most influential figures in her career path, also felt overwhelmed. The man was handsome, yes, but his gaze was so cold and imposing. *What if he just cuts me down right now?*

*Damn it, how could my counterpart in this world fall for such a dangerous man? Chu Chengling doesn't even compare!*

*Should I say this world's me has better taste than I do?*

But for the sake of her career, Qi Cancan had to endure.

She steeled herself and executed a perfect 90-degree bow, her voice filled with apology. "Captain, Captain's Wife, I sincerely apologize! Before, I was deluded, a toad trying to eat swan meat. I even provoked the Captain's Wife. I was wrong, I am guilty, and I genuinely apologize to both of you here. I promise I will never covet the Captain again! From now on, I will devote myself entirely to my career, serving our team with all my heart until my last breath. If I ever break this vow, you can punish me however you see fit—send me to a mountain of knives, a pot of boiling oil, or strike me down with lightning! I, Qi Cancan, will accept it without a word..."

She rattled on, a torrent of loyalty and career dedication, growing more fluent and excited with each word, as if ready to roll up her sleeves and charge into battle immediately.

Hua Diao, who had braced herself for another confrontation with a love rival: *...Well, no need for such a drastic oath!*

But seriously, what had happened in the past few hours?

Why had this person changed so drastically?

From a lovestruck fool to a career maniac—she certainly seemed much more appealing now than in her previous lovesick state.

Guan Tiantian's jaw dropped. *That was so well said! It makes me want to roll up my sleeves and get to work too!*

Xie Tingsheng, however, felt a sense of satisfaction, attributing this transformation entirely to his wife's influence. If his wife hadn't straightened her out, how could this person's brain have rewired itself and become so sensible?

Pleased with such a proactive employee, Xie Tingsheng's stern expression softened after Hua Diao indicated she forgave the previous provocation. As a leader, he then offered Qi Cancan some encouraging words.

Qi Cancan immediately breathed a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across her face. *Excellent! My first step was correct. Only by clearing the boss's reservations about me will my future career path be unobstructed.*

Thinking this, she eagerly volunteered to help, joining Guan Tiantian in sorting vegetables.

Guan Tiantian, of course, had no objections and happily brought Qi Cancan along to work.

Meanwhile, Hua Diao produced five live pigs and ten sheep. The Peanut Squad then split into two teams: one continued guarding the road against the monster tide, while the other enthusiastically began preparing the feast.

Those with water spells gathered to fill large barrels for washing vegetables and meat.

Fire mages, skilled in controlling flames, were assigned to the grilling, as their expertise ensured perfect cooking.

The others handled the washing, butchering, and seasoning, skinning the ten sheep and rubbing them with spices.

The usually desolate highway interchange was now bustling with activity, filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of roasting meat.

Fortunately, the remote location meant no one else was around, or they'd surely be driven wild with hunger!

In stark contrast to this lively and harmonious scene, the Qingcheng Special Operations Bureau was steeped in solemnity, the atmosphere heavy.

Inside the conference room,

an elderly man with graying hair sat at the head of the table. His wrinkled, aged face was stern and imposing. Frowning, his weary eyes ringed with dark circles, he asked, "What's the current situation? Has the monster tide outside the western city been intercepted?"

A subordinate standing nearby promptly reported, "Director, Captain Zhao Xu of the third squad led reinforcements half an hour ago. They've stabilized the monster tide, pushing the front line back from the city gates to 300 meters outside. The situation is currently under control."

"Good, that's a relief."

Director Zhang let out a sigh, though his tightly furrowed brows indicated his mood remained extremely grave.

In recent days, temperatures had begun to drop, the venomous mosquitoes had vanished without a trace, and even the monster tides had become regular and predictable. Everything seemed to be moving in a stable, positive direction. Just as they thought they could relax, reality delivered another crushing blow.

Since this morning, the monster tides had become much more frequent and unpredictable. Previously appearing every hour, they now emerged 20 to 30 minutes earlier, their timing once again erratic. Both their numbers and strength had increased.

Chaos erupted in the streets and outside residential areas. Many who had ventured out were caught off guard by the sudden monster attacks, ultimately perishing in the tide.

The exact death toll was still being tallied, but the widespread wreckage and bloodstains proved that today's casualties were undoubtedly significant.

Director Zhang, stationed at the Special Operations Bureau, issued a flurry of commands. His team acted as a rapid response unit, rushing to support and rescue across the city, working tirelessly to barely stabilize the situation.

However, while the situation within the city was urgent, the conditions outside were even more perilous and could not be underestimated.

According to incoming reports, monster tides were surging relentlessly from all four directions around Qingcheng, increasing in both frequency and numbers. Even Level 41 legendary monsters had appeared. Had two of the four city gates not been outsourced for defense, the Special Operations Bureau alone might not have been able to hold the line today, or at least would have suffered devastating losses in the attempt.