The average human could only consume a tiny portion of the mutant beast's meat. Upon ingestion, some felt an overwhelming warmth, highlighting the stark difference between a regular person and a martial artist.

By nightfall, everyone returned to base. Though physically drained, their spirits were significantly uplifted.

Zhou You hadn't anticipated such a resolution to the situation. Actions spoke louder than words, and showing them the reality was far more effective than any eloquent speech.

Shao Qi managed to deal with the online controversy swiftly, halting the spreading rumors midway.

The Research Institute didn't just send robots this time; they also came for the bugs.

That night, Zhou You and Shao Qi boarded a plane back to Dawn City. The large transport's capabilities far exceeded those of regular helicopters. None of the mutated birds they encountered en route dared to approach.

Two and a half hours later, the plane landed. The institute’s team left with their glass containers. Zhou You wanted to share some advice but, in the end, held back.

Maybe his encounter with these bugs was meant to end here.

"Let's go home!" Shao Qi took Zhou You's hand, guiding him to the waiting car.

Upon entering, Zhou You grew anxious. Was he about to meet Shao Qi's family? He wasn't prepared.

"Maybe I should visit tomorrow. It's rude to show up empty-handed."

Holding Zhou You's hand tighter, Shao Qi said, "Who said you're empty-handed? Bringing me is the best gift."

"Stop it, I'm serious."

"So am I. Or, give that stone you found earlier to my grandfather. He'd love it."

Zhou You sighed, "I already gave that stone to Zhou Yichen, he's just a kid who liked it."

"Then just give a red envelope. They can buy whatever they want. Saves you the hassle."

"That's tacky."

Out of ideas, Shao Qi called his deputy to arrange an appropriate gift within half an hour, mentioning it was for the elder.

Curious after overhearing, Zhou You asked, "Who's your deputy?"

"I have several, but the one I just called is Xu Yan. She was recently stationed in the Southwest Military Region and has only been back for a short while."

"A woman?"

“Yes, and a stunningly beautiful one at that,” Shao Qi tilted his head to glance at him, teasingly inquiring, “Jealous?”

“No, I'm just excited at the prospect of meeting a beauty soon.”

“Ha, she'll probably be even more thrilled to meet you.”

“Why?”

“Because you're her idol,” Shao Qi wasn’t lying. His female deputy had heard countless tales of Zhou You from Miao Mie and the others, and since then, she had idolized him.

Shortly after their departure, another large aircraft landed. Leading the group was a spirited lady with a long rifle slung on her back, followed by over a dozen female soldiers in military attire.

The welcoming party approached briskly and said with respect, “Lady Han, our leader has been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

“No need, it’s late. I'll rest at the hotel tonight. We can meet tomorrow.” Han Xi gestured dismissively and left the airport with her crew, leaving the Gu family's representative baffled; this wasn’t what he’d anticipated.

Chapter 210: Sister-in-law?

The city of Shuguang was brightly lit at night, resembling a pre-apocalyptic metropolis. Unlike other bases, Shuguang was teeming with greenery, though every patch of green was fenced off with clear warnings against trespassing.

This was due to past incidents of mutated plants attacking humans.

Their vehicle moved unobstructed. Every checkpoint they passed waved them through without even a cursory question.

Zhou You recalled how, during their first visit to the Jiangnan base with Shao Qi, they had to pull some strings to avoid questioning. He also wondered about the white tiger cub that had grown; where it might be playing now.

It had accompanied them to the Northwest but didn’t return with them. He remembered it heading north; perhaps seeking its mother.

“We're here.” The car stopped, and Zhou You glanced at a nearby two-story building with its unique yard, an old colonial-style mansion seemingly from the past.

“This used to be a military compound. It hasn’t changed much over the years, and the buildings are rather old.”

As Zhou You alighted, he noticed two figures at the entrance: an elderly man and a vibrant young lady, presumably Shao Qi's grandfather and cousin.

The trunk held the gifts procured by Xu Yan, all of them luxurious. Yet, Zhou You felt they were inappropriate.

Before he could deliberate further, Shao Qi dragged him forward, proudly introducing, “Grandfather, here he is. Is he to your liking?”

Old Master Shao cleared his throat, placed his hands behind him, and managed a smile, “Of course! Young and promising, and more handsome than you. I knew your father, Zhou Huajin. I never imagined our families would unite like this.”

Zhou You, taken aback, politely greeted, “Good to see you, Grandfather Shao.”

“Just ‘Grandfather’ will do. Come inside, it's late. We can discuss matters tomorrow.”

The interior was cozy, with a warm pre-apocalypse decor making it feel familiar.

The dining table was set with steaming late-night snacks, clearly prepared for the two of them.

With a stern face, the old master said, “I wasn’t sure about your preferences, so I had a few dishes prepared. Let’s see if they suit your palate.”

Shao Qi whispered into Zhou You's ear, "My grandfather made this with his own hands."

Zhou You was taken aback, but upon entering the house, he realized that only the three generations of their family lived there. No servants were in sight, leaving him uncertain if there were none to begin with or if they just weren't there that night.