He rushed forward, brandishing his knife against the wolf pack, slashing wildly. If he had his curved blade and the knife techniques taught by Master Fan, his damage would have been far greater. He might've even had a chance to escape alive.

Unfortunately, he was low on health. The last remaining wolf, with its dying breath, managed to scratch his chest, depleting his last sliver of health. He vanished on the spot.

After respawning, although Zhou You felt physically rejuvenated, he didn't want to move. His body was charged, but mentally he was exhausted from the combat. He logged out without checking his score. Removing his headset, his gaze met Shao Qi's intense eyes, still filled with a killer intent. Clearly, Shao Qi hadn't completely transitioned out of the gaming mindset.

"Are you okay?"

"Are you okay?" They asked in unison, then reached out to grip each other's hand reassuringly.

Shao Qi pulled Zhou You into an embrace, hugging him tightly, "This, this is what truly feels like coming back to life."

Chapter 160: Fireworks

The two rolled onto the bed, exhausted from the intense combat. Shao Qi, supporting his back, handed Zhou You his clothes, remarking, "Why does it feel more tiring than actual battle?"

Zhou You, wrapped in a blanket with eyes closed, replied, "I suspect it's an aftereffect of the holographic game. No wonder they only allow three hours a day. We barely withstand it; those with lesser stamina might end up paralyzed after a three-hour session."

Zhou You wasn't wrong. Currently, the holographic game is available to all, but most ordinary players can't survive three hours in-game unless they stay indoors. Hence, the game has many non-NPC player professions who don't venture out to battle mutants but instead provide services for points.

Continuous three-hour combat sessions, like the one Zhou You and Shao Qi had, are rare. Even though the game mainly demands mental exertion, overuse can physically exhaust players.

"The three-hour limit wasn't arbitrary; they must've done tests."

Shao Qi nodded, asking, "Did you check our scores? Who won?"

"I didn't get a chance to see. We'll know the results tomorrow. I believe our team isn't worse than yours."

"We'll see. Let's make a bet on it. If you don't decide the stakes, I will," Shao Qi teased, nudging Zhou You.

Zhou You, eyes barely open, lazily asked, "What do you want if you win?"

Staring intently at Zhou You, Shao Qi earnestly replied, "To get married."

"What?" Zhou You jolted upright, looking at him in shock, "Isn't that too soon?"

"Fast? I don't think so. Love is like a tornado, swift in its arrival. What can I possibly do but to whisk you away to my home? I fear you'd slip away from me otherwise," Shao Qi said with a pitiable look. Zhou You gave him a playful kick. "Cut the act! We both know each other too well."

Zhou You pondered for a moment. "Getting married" held an unusual allure – just thinking about it brought warmth. It signifies having a family, a lifelong partner, no longer being alone.

Surprisingly, Zhou You felt pretty good about it. Still, they hadn't been together that long. Spending more time together was essential. Being friends and being partners are two different things, just like cohabiting versus not.

"Do your family know? Will they approve?" It's been a decade since the apocalypse. Marriage laws no longer discriminate based on gender or age. Even ten-year-olds could get married. It sounds absurd, but that's the reality.

The marriage laws were, however, stringent about protecting individual assets and rights. Prenuptial financial declarations were mandatory. Should there be a divorce, pre-marriage assets are untouchable. Any assets acquired after marriage would be split evenly.

Nowadays, everyone has just one bank account, tied to their ID, transparent in all dealings. Shifting assets covertly was near impossible, making court battles over divorces rare.

"I make my own life choices. But if you agree, I'll immediately inform my family. When we head to Dawn City later, I'll introduce you," said Shao Qi, feeling hopeful. He drew close and whispered, "Does that mean you've agreed?"

Zhou You snorted, "That's what you get if you win. If you lose, I won't make such demands."

"Haha, what do you want then?"

Zhou You genuinely wasn't sure. "We'll decide when the time comes. I won't make it difficult for you."

Unbeknownst to them, Lychee Mansion was hosting numerous visitors. With the main hosts absent, the remaining staff felt little obligation to entertain. Vehicle after vehicle made U-turns at the entrance.

Zhang Ding Shan was among them. He came bearing gifts, thinking he was somewhat acquainted with Zhou You. Though not friends, he felt he wouldn't be turned away. To his surprise, he couldn't even get past the gate.

Song Jin An was anxious during the journey, contemplating staying in the car upon arrival, believing they wouldn't bother to meet someone of his insignificance.

"Captain, they're rather arrogant. We weren't even allowed a word before being sent away," Song Jin An remarked tentatively.

Zhang Ding Shan rolled his eyes, "Why do you think you're so special? Didn't you see even members from Qian Ji Hall were turned away? The master's not home. Who do we think we are?"

"How can you belittle yourself? Our Gale Exploration Team is well-regarded in Yang City. We may not be on par with Qian Ji Hall, but..."