Chapter 88 Are You Free Tonight? Let’s Add Each Other as Friends

Chapter 88: Free Tonight? Let’s Connect

The field officer, who had long heard of the God of Misfortune’s Beloved, fixed an unfriendly gaze on Yu Xing.

Yu Xing, holding a nutrient pack, calmly met his scrutiny.

After a moment, the field officer looked away. "Four days ago, did you see anyone unusual?" he asked Yu Xing.

Yu Xing immediately began to recall everything: from boarding the train to disembarking, then entering the bamboo forest to rescue the passengers.

No unusual people. She shook her head honestly. "No, I didn’t see anyone strange."

The field officer’s brows knitted tightly. *She didn’t see anything either?*

Faced with Yu Xing’s sincere, wide-eyed expression, an inexplicable irritation flared in the field officer’s chest. He waved dismissively. "Go."

Yu Xing found him baffling—moody, almost like he was having a midlife crisis.

Hugging the box of nutrient packs, she turned to leave, but the field officer called after her, "Tell your... tell that Rain God’s Chosen to come here."

Returning to her companions, Yu Xing bent down to distribute the nutrient packs. She asked, "Does the Federation’s medical technology treat menopause now?"

The question was bizarre, but the three were used to Yu Xing’s odd thoughts. Zhao Lan replied, "They do, but it’s tricky."

Yu Xing decided the officer really ought to get treatment.

Da Ya eagerly grabbed a nutrient pack, and Yu Xing told her, "That menopau—that officer wants you to go over."

"Huh?" Da Ya pointed at herself, utterly confused. "Why me?"

Yu Xing shrugged.

So Da Ya went over, puzzled. Her clothes, after climbing through windows, rolling on the ground, trekking through forests, and soaking in swamps, no longer resembled their original shape.

Standing before the field officer, Da Ya nervously tugged at her ragged hem. "Sir, did you need something?"

The field officer had already lost hope. His gaze lingered on Da Ya, but his thoughts were distant. He asked flatly, "Four days ago, did you see anyone unusual?"

Four days ago? Unusual people?

Da Ya thought there had been plenty of strange people back then—after all, the train had been crowded—so she wasn’t sure what he meant.

"Unusual people... there were quite a few," Da Ya said. "What counts as unusual?"

The field officer’s breath hitched. His disappointment deepened—it seemed none of them had seen anything.

He was about to dismiss her when he added, "For example, someone flying in the sky."

"Bull Warrior?" Da Ya blurted out instinctively.

Behind his mask, the field officer’s eyes widened slightly. He’d been posted outside the walls for years, rarely went online or followed gossip. Even if Bull Warrior was famous in the Federation, he wouldn’t know. But he had seen photos and recognized the mask, so Da Ya’s words confirmed it was the same person.

"You know her?" The field officer’s first thought was that they were acquainted, given how familiarly Da Ya referred to her.

Da Ya was equally puzzled. "You don’t know Bull Warrior?"

The field officer clenched his hands together, fingers interlaced, his tone laced with impatience. "Should I?"

"Yeah," Da Ya said. "Bull Warrior’s really famous."

"..."

Da Ya left just as confused as she had arrived. By the time she returned, only half the nutrient packs were left.

To ensure the train’s safety, it never stopped mid-route unless absolutely necessary. So the field officer arranged vehicles to take everyone to the next station, where they could board again.

The passengers, shaken by their brush with death, had become on edge. Almost all chose to return home immediately—business or missions be damned, everything else forgotten. They just wanted to go back to their families, to where they felt safe.

Yu Xing boarded the vehicle, feeling troubled. Stations were all inside cities, and once in the city, getting to Tomorrow Village would be difficult. The main issue was the crowds—flying off on her broomstick would draw too much attention.

In the lead vehicle, the field officer was also troubled. According to Da Ya, Bull Warrior was a celebrity, but he rarely went online and hadn’t known.

Many areas outside the city had no signal. He had special comms equipment but no internet access. So he decided to enter the city with them—the brass might know more.

"Help me..."

"Help me..."

Yu Xing woke again to the sound of a pleading voice. Outside, the sunlight streamed in. She sat up straight; her companions were still asleep beside her.

Rubbing her temples, she sighed. Ever since leaving the city, she’d had the same dream every time she slept—a child’s voice crying for help, though she could never see anything clearly.

Looking ahead, a towering shadow loomed—Eighth City had arrived.

The convoy stopped at the city’s entrance. Someone got out and began knocking on each vehicle’s window.

"Out!"

"Everyone out!"

All entering the city had to disembark and undergo inspection by the Moon God’s Chosen before proceeding.

Groggy, the group lined up.

"Whoosh—!"

A train roared past, the wind whipping their hair against their faces. Yu Xing brushed the strands away. Miao Yuanjin slung an arm over her shoulder, yawning. "God, I’m exhausted..."

"We’ll sleep once we’re in," Zhao Lan said, leaning against Yu Xing.

"I have a feeling," Miao Yuanjin said between yawns, "we won’t get to sleep even after entering."

Her hunch was spot-on. Once inside, their terminals regained signal, and Miao Yuanjin’s began buzzing nonstop.

"Dad!" Miao Yuanjin burst into tears the moment the call connected. "Waaah, it was horrible..."

She barely hung up before another call came in.

"Mom, waaah... I thought I’d never see you again!"

"Uncle, you have no idea..."

Watching Miao Yuanjin field over a dozen calls in a row, Yu Xing asked Zhao Lan and Da Ya curiously, "How come no one’s called you guys?"

Da Ya countered, "Same goes for you, no?"

"That’s different," Yu Xing said. "My only kin’s hospitalized."

"My family has no clue anything went wrong," Zhao Lan said, running a hand through her greasy hair. "Originally, the trip to the 24th City wasn’t supposed to require leaving the train for days."

Da Ya let out a long yawn, "Me neither. I don’t plan on letting my parents know about this. If they found out, they’d strongly oppose me joining the military or the Divine Chosen Squad, and I’d be stuck farming for the rest of my life."

"Actually, farming isn’t so bad," Zhao Lan said. "City Eleven is a farming city. My mom’s been there and said the environment is really nice."

"We’ll take the train again tomorrow, and it’ll pass through City Eleven. You'll get a good look then," Da Ya said, yawning again before slumping against Zhao Lan. "I'm done for—I’m so tired."

"If you’re tired, just sleep," Yu Xing said, turning to look out the window at the crowded streets of City Eight.

The overall architectural style of City Eight was a bit different from City Seven, but the structure was largely the same, rigidly divided into ABCD sectors. The military vehicles took them to a hotel in Zone B.

Now that they'd reached the city, there was no way around it—Yu Xing had to return to Tomorrow Village tonight.

The train would depart early tomorrow, taking them further away. She wouldn’t get another chance to visit Tomorrow Village. So even if leaving the city tonight might be a hassle, she had to do it.

"Let’s sleep early tonight," Yu Xing said, patting Da Ya’s back. At the very least, she had to wait for her friends to fall asleep before she could act.

The convoy finally arrived at the hotel in Zone B. Just as the four of them got out, thinking they could finally crash in bed, the window of one of the vehicles rolled down. The field officer stuck his head out and knocked on the window—*thud, thud, thud*.

"You four!" he snapped. "Who said you could get off?"

The four turned in confusion, only to hear him say, "You’re not allowed to leave. You’re coming with me to the military base."

Yu Xing: "..."

*Will I really make it to Tomorrow Village tonight?*

"He’s so annoying!" Da Ya grumbled as they got back into the car, her face scrunched up. "Why do we have to go with him to the military base? Who gave him the right?"

"Di Shensi," Miao Yuanjin said, licking her dry lips. "Formerly of the 25th Army, a Beloved of the God of Thunder and Lightning, third rank. Pretty famous in the military. When the train accident happened, he was exploring nearby unmapped areas, so they sent him for the rescue. My cousin told me—originally, the local garrison was supposed to handle it, but they didn’t have any strong Divine Chosen. They had to call in favors to get Di Shensi."

"At first, Di Shensi refused. But somehow, they convinced him to come."

"Oh~" Da Ya nodded in realization. "No wonder he's so grumpy."

"Hmph!" Miao Yuanjin snorted. "Like we needed his help? We wound up saving ourselves! He didn’t even manage to rescue anyone, and he still acts like that. I’m calling my uncle right now—let’s see how smug he is after getting demoted to a regular soldier!"

They were taken to the largest military base in City Eight, near the exit of Zone D.

The moment they stepped out of the car, Yu Xing’s heart sank. The security here was tight—if she dared to take off, she'd be exposed immediately.

Soldiers with live weapons were everywhere. Within five minutes of arriving, three patrols had passed by them.

While the other passengers had been dropped off at the hotel, only they four and four soldiers, including Shen Tanrong, followed Di Shensi into the military base.

Soon after they got out, several officers in uniform appeared. Di Shensi spoke with them at the front, occasionally glancing back at Yu Xing and her friends.

After about ten minutes, the officers and Di Shensi walked over together.

The leading officer smiled at the four of them. "So, you’re the ones who rescued all those passengers?"

The four remained silent. The officer praised, "Such brave young people. The Federation’s future rests on youths like you."

Di Shensi had removed his protective suit after entering the city and was now in standard-issue uniform.

Yu Xing noticed he wasn’t as old as she’d thought—his cheeks were lean, his skin pale, and freckles dusted his sharp nose. His bright red hair made him stand out. The top two buttons of his light-green uniform were undone, revealing a white undershirt.

Hearing the officer’s words, Di Shensi turned his head away, that trademark sneer playing on his lips.

After making small talk, the officer had a soldier escort the four to rest.

Yu Xing knew she couldn’t hesitate any longer—if she did, she’d never leave the military base tonight. Setting her jaw, she turned and called out loudly, "Shen Tanrong!"

Her voice carried, and instantly, all eyes were on her.

Shen Tanrong hadn’t expected her to call him like this, in front of so many people. His face went blank.

"Come here!" Yu Xing beckoned.

Shen Tanrong’s neck prickled—he could feel countless eyes boring into him.

But he was a soldier. He couldn’t act recklessly, especially since, even as a squad leader, he was insignificant compared to those present.

As he hesitated, the officer in front of him said, "She’s calling you, isn’t she? Hurry up."

"Yes, sir!" With the order, Shen Tanrong double-timed it over to Yu Xing.

Zhao Lan and the others looked puzzled. *Why is Yu Xing calling him? Did she forget to say something?*

With all eyes on him, Shen Tanrong snapped to attention before Yu Xing, his cheeks faintly red.

*Not that—he’s just nervous. Why would the Bull Warrior call him over like this? Is it something important? Can it even be discussed here?*

Just as his breathing grew shallow with tension, Yu Xing pulled out her terminal. "Let’s add each other as friends."

Shen Tanrong: "..."

Everyone else: "..."

For a moment, dead silence fell. Then, reactions varied.

The officers traded looks. Di Shensi raised an eyebrow. The three soldiers who’d come with Shen Tanrong smirked. Zhao Lan and Da Ya looked shocked, while Miao Yuanjin glared at Yu Xing.

As for Shen Tanrong—his neck turned red. This time, it wasn’t from nerves.

Blushing furiously, he forced composure as he took out his terminal and added Yu Xing.

Once they’d exchanged contacts, Yu Xing tucked away her terminal. Just as Shen Tanrong thought it was over, she asked, "Are you free tonight?"

Shen Tanrong held his breath.

Zhao Lan’s eyes widened slightly, her look saying, *After all this exhaustion, you still have energy for more?*

"I..." Shen Tanrong had never felt so exposed—not even when trapped in Sunset Town’s illusion.

The officers shifted awkwardly but said nothing. They knew Yu Xing—a Beloved of the God of Misfortune. No one could predict how high she’d rise, so they cut her some slack.

Di Shensi rolled his eyes and announced loudly, "He’s free tonight. No curfew."

Shen Tanrong wasn’t even stationed in City Eight. Having just been rescued, he was technically here for recuperation. Di Shensi wasn’t lying.

"Good," Yu Xing said, then turned and threw an arm around Miao Yuanjin’s neck. "Let’s go. I’m exhausted."

As Yu Xing walked away, disappearing into the crowd, one officer chuckled and shook his head. "Ah, to be young."

Another sighed. "I was like that too, when I was young."

Shen Tanrong returned to Di Shensi’s side, his face burning up.

"But..." An officer who'd stayed quiet hesitated. "This Yu Xing... isn't she already seeing someone?"

His colleagues were astonished. "You're that interested in her?"

"Not really," the officer said hesitantly. "It's mainly because... the guy who might be her boyfriend is quite famous."

"Who is it?"

"The Cardinal of Seven Cities, Bishop of Reims."

"..."

The soldiers led them to the barracks. Each room had two beds, so the four women got two rooms between them. The soldier showed them to their rooms, informed them to call for assistance if needed, and then left.

As soon as the soldier was gone, Yu Xing was ambushed by the other three and pinned onto the bed.

"Hehehe~" Da Ya grinned mischievously. "Adding him as a friend, huh? And asking if he’s free tonight?"

Zhao Lan, on the other hand, spoke seriously. "Didn’t you say you wouldn’t betray your boyfriend and wouldn’t give other men a chance?"

"How could you do this?" Miao Yuanjin was furious. "How is he even comparable to Bishop of Reims? He’s not a Divine Chosen, he's average-looking—he's not fit to lick Bishop of Reims' boots! Have some standards!"

Of course, everyone misunderstood...

Yu Xing sighed in frustration, unable to explain.

Shen Tanrong was from the military and, aside from her three companions, the only one she could trust. She wanted his help to sneak out of the barracks that night. But she couldn’t tell her friends, so she could only sigh and offer no defense.

They took her silence as confirmation.

Zhao Lan reminded her, "Federal marriage law states that a woman can only have one husband."

"So what? Big deal." Da Ya released Yu Xing and waved dismissively. "Just don’t get married, then."

Miao Yuanjin pounded the bed. "How could you do this to us Moon God Chosen?"

Yu Xing ran a hand through her hair in irritation. "How about we just go to sleep?"

"No!" Miao Yuanjin shouted. "I can’t sleep!"

"Neither can we," Da Ya said excitedly. "Come on, tell us—when did you start liking Shen Tanrong?"

Yu Xing didn’t want to talk. She wanted to take a shower.

Zhao Lan said, "I don’t know when Yu Xing started liking Shen Tanrong, but I know when he started liking her."

"Oh?" Da Ya grabbed her hand. "Tell us, tell us!"

"He's liked her for ages," Zhao Lan mused, stroking her chin. "From the moment we escaped the vehicle and had to split up to avoid the tumbleweed. When we regrouped later, I noticed the way Shen Tanrong looked at Yu Xing was... different."

"Different how?" Da Ya played the eager audience.

"It was like..." Zhao Lan narrowed her eyes, searching for words. "Like she was the most special person in the world. He didn't look at anyone else that way."

Yu Xing: "..."

Yu Xing was at a loss for words. She admitted Shen Tanrong liked her. But wasn’t that normal? Was it really worth discussing?

"Tch!" Yu Xing refused to engage further. "I’m done talking to you all. I’m going to shower."

Miao Yuanjin also said, "I don’t want to talk about this either. I’m claiming this room—you two get out!"

Zhao Lan and Da Ya were shooed out by Miao Yuanjin, who then sat sulking alone in the room until Yu Xing finished showering. Yu Xing dried her hair with a towel and asked, "Aren’t you going to shower?"

Miao Yuanjin ignored her, turning her back.

Yu Xing said, "You reek. Take a shower."

Miao Yuanjin: "..."

Miao Yuanjin obediently went to shower, planning to reason with Yu Xing afterward—a Moon God Chosen would never share her partner.

But by the time she finished, Yu Xing was spread-eagled on the bed, snoring.

"..."

A feeling of helplessness washed over her, like a groom who couldn't perform on his wedding night. Miao Yuanjin clenched her fists and punched at the air.

That night, many would lie awake—but Yu Xing wasn’t one of them.

Ever since Yu Xing added him as a friend and asked about his evening plans, Shen Tanrong had been on edge, checking his device every few minutes. This continued late into the night.

Finally, late that night, he received a message from Yu Xing.

"Are you asleep?"

"No."

Shen Tanrong replied instantly.

"Still awake."

Yu Xing let out a breath.

"Let’s meet."

Shen Tanrong’s breath caught. His fingers shook as he replied.

"Okay."

Yu Xing had set an alarm. When she woke, the room was silent—Miao Yuanjin was already asleep.

She climbed out of bed quietly and tiptoed out of the room. Little did she know, the moment the door closed behind her, Miao Yuanjin’s eyes flew open in the darkness.

How could she? Bishop of Reims was such an outstanding Moon God Chosen—how could Yu Xing be so fickle?

"Ah-choo!" Yu Xing met Shen Tanrong in an out-of-the-way spot.

The moment they met, she sneezed. Covering her nose, she asked, "What’s that smell on you? It’s so strong it’s making my eyes water."

Shen Tanrong had changed into a clean uniform. His expression stiffened. "Is it really that bad?"

"Of course." But Yu Xing brushed it off. She grabbed his arm. "I need your help."

Shen Tanrong’s forearm tensed. "With what?"

"I need to leave the barracks for a while, but I’ll be back before dawn." Yu Xing said gravely. "Can you sneak me out?"

Shen Tanrong studied her. "You added me as a friend just for this?"

"Yes," Yu Xing pressed. "Will you help me?"

"...Fine." Shen Tanrong nodded.

Having served in the military for years, Shen Tanrong had his ways. Yu Xing wasn't a high-security detainee in the military zone, so getting her out temporarily wouldn't raise major alarms.

Meanwhile, Di Shensi was in a meeting with high-ranking officials from the Eighth City Military District, discussing only one topic.

"Who exactly is the Bull Warrior?"

"The Bull Warrior's first appearance wasn't during the amusement park contamination incident in the Seventh City." Di Shensi examined the data displayed by the Eighth City garrison commander on the holographic projection. "She was first spotted in District D of the Seventh City, witnessed by all members of the Second Team of the Seventh City's Divine Chosen Team. She remains completely mysterious—a Thunder God's Chosen of at least Level 4, yet not any known individual known to us..."

Just as he was speaking, someone suddenly knocked on the door.

A soldier entered the conference room and burst in to report, "The Bull Warrior has appeared again!"