"As long as you can see clearly." Li Hongxi had self-awareness. Shao Qi was powerful, young, handsome, and wealthy. Such a man was beyond their reach. He never thought of using Li Yunxi to curry favor with anyone.

By the time Zhou You and Shao Qi returned, the convoy had already left. The campsite was only left with the remnants of the campfire and some residual warmth, indicating that they hadn't departed long ago.

Zhou You held the small white tiger in his arms and thought for a moment. He said to Shao Qi, "Mr. Shao, where are you heading next? How about we part ways here? I won't give you Little White. Originally, I planned to stay in Yangcheng for a while. It wouldn't be convenient to bring it along, but I've changed my mind. I'm heading north to find my relatives. I probably won't stay at the base for long."

"Finding relatives?" It was the first time Shao Qi had heard him mention his family. Unable to resist his curiosity, he asked, "Judging by your accent, you're probably from the northern regions. Which base is your family at?"

"I don't know, and I don't know if they're still alive. I've heard that the current civil registration system retains the previous ID numbers. Could that be used to track someone's whereabouts?"

"If they're still living in the base, finding them won't be difficult, unless they're like you—someone who has a clear record in the system. But whether you're alive or dead, and where you've been these years without records, that's another story. If you have their information, I can help you search."

Zhou You looked at him with delight. "Mr. Shao owes me a dagger, but forget about the dagger—"

"You've got your accounts meticulously tallied up. You're a little wealthy now, so you don't value the dagger I gave you anymore, huh?"

"No, no, no. It's not about that. I just don't want to trouble you with spending money and effort again."

Shao Qi reached out and pinched the small white tiger's ear, smiling as he said, "No need to feel embarrassed. Actually, I have a deal I'd like to make with you."

"A deal?"

"You see, I'm in quite a state now, and it's quite dangerous for a person to be out and about alone. I need a driver and a bodyguard. If you're willing to take on this job, the compensation can be negotiated."

"A driver and a bodyguard?" Zhou You rubbed his chin and pondered. This deal could work. Even if he entered the base, he would need a guide. Shao Qi seemed to know everything. He should learn more about this world by following him. "Alright, a driver, bodyguard, and chef, all-in-one service. The monthly salary is negotiable."

"Deal!" Shao Qi wore a victorious smile. There's no way he'd let Zhou You leave easily. He hadn't yet figured out the secrets he carried.

"So, where are we heading now?"

"Of course, to the Jiangnan Base. Don't you want to stay in a luxurious hotel and enjoy a lavish buffet?"

Of course, Zhou You had lived in the mountains for ten years and was yearning for city life. He immediately started the armored vehicle. "Let's go, let's go! I'm hungry. Let's head straight into the base for a meal."

When they reached the entrance of the Jiangnan Base, Zhou You stopped the car and was stunned by the imposing city walls before him. A vast expanse of plains was enclosed by towering steel walls. Within, skyscrapers stood tall, with the tallest building piercing the sky, its upper reaches flickering with blue light.

Shao Qi took the initiative to explain, "That's the ultrasonic signal tower. Besides communication, its main function is to repel airborne mutant beast invasions. Ultrasonic waves can drive them away."

"So, these city walls are really made of steel?"

"Only the outer layer is covered in iron plates. Jiangnan Base is a bit behind. In large bases like Yangcheng and Dawn City, the city walls are fortified like military strongholds. In case of a beast tide attack, they can be immediately used for defense."

Shao Qi instructed him to drive the car to the city gate and whispered, "Put Little White into your backpack. Let it stay in there for a while. We need inspections to enter the city. Since you already have an identity card, you must first get a replacement."

Zhou You followed his instructions, and the small white tiger also behaved, lying still in the backpack.

Roadblocks were set up at the city gate. Every person entering had to verify their identity and undergo a medical check to prevent anyone carrying infectious viruses from entering the human base.

The owner of this armored vehicle was Xiong Yi. The local authorities had registered its license plate. Upon entering, the vehicle underwent ultraviolet disinfection. A report then stated, "Vehicle number Jiang 0021 has completed disinfection registration. All passengers, please disembark for inspection. Thank you for your cooperation."

A municipal worker came to open the car door, wearing a welcoming expression, and said, "Mr. Xiong is back... Wait, who are you?"

The worker looked at Zhou You, momentarily taken aback. His first impression was: This young man looks really handsome. Then he said seriously, "Please step out of the vehicle for inspection."

Zhou You got out of the car and opened the door for Shao Qi in the back seat. Originally, he intended to help Shao Qi get out of the car, but the latter had been resting on the journey and was full of energy now—no assistance needed.

Seeing his slender build, the worker assumed he was an ordinary person and, observing his actions, thought Zhou You was Shao Qi's driver. Naturally, there was a hint of disdain in his demeanor.

Shao Qi placed his identity card in front of the machine with a gentle "beep" sound, and then arrogantly remarked, "I found this person out in the wilderness. He doesn't have an identity card. Take him to get one, and make sure to conduct a thorough full-body examination, with attention to detail."

When his ring glimmered, the other staff members stood up. This kind of advanced identity card required not only wealth but also a person of status to obtain. Although they hadn't seen this young man before, his extraordinary demeanor exceeded even that of their chief.

Chapter 043: Claiming the Found

Zhou You, much like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, exhibited curiosity about everything. The staff took him for a medical examination first, checking for the presence of viruses and assessing various bodily functions.

After drawing a vial of blood, a male doctor led him into a small room, saying, "Please remove your clothes and pants."

"All of them?"

"If you don't mind, remove everything. If you do mind, you can keep your underwear on." The male doctor pushed up his glasses, observing Zhou You's handsome features. Having wandered outside for these years, he must have endured his share of hardships. The doctor decided not to trouble him.

After a decade of seclusion and cultivation, Zhou You's skin was significantly fairer than most people's. Despite being slender, once his clothes were off, his muscles were evident. His physique displayed a harmonious balance, with well-defined six-pack abs and the line known as the "Apollo's belt."