Chapter 145 Marinated in the Smell of Barbecue

Chapter 145: Marinated in Barbecue Flavor

Xiao Wang’s expression grew even more complex. "Yes, they did encounter a crisis. According to reports from East City, it seems they were the first to experience a miscalculation in the monster wave timing—it arrived over twenty minutes early and was extremely frequent. What’s more, during the second wave, they faced a massive and unexpected crisis."

"What kind of crisis?" The people in the meeting room shifted restlessly, eager to know.

"Three Level 41 Minotaurs merged into a Level 61 Rare-tier Minotaur Boss."

A collective gasp filled the room, followed by anxious questions. "Level 61?! How did they handle it? What were the casualties in the Peanut Squad? Do they need reinforcements?"

Someone more composed pointed out the obvious. "Casualties couldn't have been too severe, otherwise, they wouldn't be sitting together having a barbecue right now."

"Exactly! If they'd suffered heavy losses, they wouldn't be in the mood for a barbecue. They'd be mourning like the Roaring Tiger Team."

Director Zhang shot Xiao Wang a look, urging him with his eyes to stop building suspense and get straight to the point.

Xiao Wang chuckled. "The Peanut Squad has a top-tier ace, which is why casualties were minimal. Captain Xie, of course, goes without saying—not only does he possess powerful firearms, but his personal combat skills are also exceptionally strong, especially in close quarters. This time, he didn't hesitate to charge to the front, climbing onto the Minotaur's head to draw aggro."

"But the one who played an even bigger role and contributed the most was his wife. Captain Xie actually brought his 'hidden gem' of a wife along today. Unexpectedly, she's exactly the type of person our bureau has been looking for—someone with incredibly high luck attributes. She activated a Rare-tier item called 'Imprisoning Circle,' which became the key to victory. And she also used numerous highly destructive scrolls, some of which were even Rare-tier—and not just one!"

The breathing in the meeting room grew heavier with envy. Rare-tier items were already as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns, yet she had more than one? It was impossible not to feel envious and covetous!

One by one, they stared expectantly at Xiao Wang, urging him to continue.

Xiao Wang did not disappoint, swiftly relaying all the information his colleague had sent.

For instance, how Hua Diao, dressed like a red envelope, single-handedly absorbed all the Minotaur's aggro; how she later opened a treasure chest and obtained an Epic-tier item; and how, when she decided to have a barbecue, she produced a live, kicking sheep, and then countless vegetables and meats, providing barbecue ingredients for the entire Peanut Squad of over a thousand people...

The meeting room fell into stunned silence, then their eyes began to gleam with excitement.

An Epic-tier item!!!

That was an Epic-tier item!!!

At a time when Rare-tier items were still incredibly scarce, Epic-tier items were even rarer. They hadn't even heard of such a tier existing; this might very well be the world's first Epic-tier item!

This was absolutely incredible!

After the initial excitement, a wave of regret washed over them. Why wasn't such a talent part of their Special Operations Bureau?!

Director Zhang, however, seized on the crucial detail. His wise, weathered eyes flickered. "The message said she's just the Captain's wife? She hasn't joined the Peanut Squad, right?"

Xiao Wang nodded.

Having followed Director Zhang for so long, he naturally knew that Director Zhang's desire to recruit talent had resurfaced, and he was once again thinking of poaching. Unfortunately, this was one person Director Zhang couldn't poach.

He reminded him, "Director Zhang, Captain Xie's wife is named Hua Diao. She previously sold two supermarkets to us. At that time, you tried to invite her to join our bureau, but she didn't agree."

Now? She would definitely be even less likely to agree.

She lacked nothing; she had a capable husband who led a squad, and the Peanut Squad's benefits were better than their bureau's. What could they offer to poach her? They couldn't expect her to work for love alone!

Besides, although their Special Operations Bureau was an official department, its credibility had weakened after the apocalypse. It wasn't as appealing as it once was. Only a fool would abandon the freedom of a squad to join them.

Xiao Wang's expression made his thoughts very clear. Director Zhang knew exactly what he was thinking. Although he didn't want to admit it, Xiao Wang's thoughts were indeed correct. If only he had tried harder to persuade her to join the bureau back then, now, it was too late.

Ultimately, he could only reluctantly abandon the idea of poaching and return to the main topic.

"Since the Peanut Squad is handling East City with ease, if other areas face crises tonight, we can request their assistance."

This proposal received unanimous approval from everyone in the meeting room.

To the capable go the burdens—it would lighten their load, and the Peanut Squad could earn some extra income. A win-win, wasn't it?

---

At the East City highway checkpoint, Hua Diao was completely unaware that her name had already reached the Special Operations Bureau's meeting room. At this moment, she was sitting by the bonfire, eating and drinking with a beaming smile.

Qi Cancan, who was determined to rely on herself, was also diligently grilling skewers nearby, eager to please. She knew that to get promoted and become a small leader, one needed not only personal strength and ability but also to curry favor with superiors. And since her immediate superior clearly valued his wife above all else, she had no choice but to take the "wife route" and strive to please the Captain's wife.

"Ma'am, would you like lamb skewers or pork skewers? They'll be ready soon. Do you prefer them spicy or not spicy?" Qi Cancan busied herself expertly by the grill, a flattering smile on her face as she asked Hua Diao, who was sitting not far away.

Hua Diao was currently being fed by Xie Tingsheng. She took a big bite of a large shrimp Xie Tingsheng handed her, her cheeks puffed out as she chewed, and managed to reply, "Lamb skewers, please. Not too spicy, just a little bit."

"Got it!"

Qi Cancan cheerfully responded, then wiped sweat from her arm, her lips curving into a bright smile as she continued to flip the skewers and sprinkle seasonings.

She looked exactly like a seasoned barbecue pro!

"Ugh, what's wrong with Qi Cancan? Wasn't she so arrogant before? What is she doing now, willingly dealing with smoke and oil just to please Hua Diao? She must be thoroughly marinated in barbecue smell by now!"

Sitting by the neighboring bonfire, Quan Yumeng glared, pouting, her face full of indignation at Qi Cancan's fawning behavior.

Even Song Yan's expression turned sour.

They had all previously been united in their admiration for the captain, loosely forming a common front of "wall-digging" companions. But now that Qi Cancan had lowered herself to curry favor with Hua Diao, wasn't she dragging down even her "companions" with her?

Especially after tonight's barbecue, Hua Diao's popularity and prestige within the squad had reached their peak, completely overturning her previous image as a thoughtless, spoiled rich girl. This made Song Yan, who had always harbored a sense of superiority, feel very uncomfortable.

Even if she had already begun to waver and consider giving up on Xie Tingsheng, due to the subtle complexities of a woman's heart, she still held a grudge against Hua Diao.