Chapter 22 Part 1

Zhong Nian was sent back to his dormitory.

When he left Zhan Lu’s room, he saw the stars shining brightly in the night sky and the sea waves surging under the moonlight.

The cruise ship was moving.

Zhong Nian did not know if the cruise ship had been repaired or if it had never been broken in the first place, but that no longer mattered.

“Where are you taking it?” Zhong Nian asked Zhan Lu.

Zhan Lu only said, “To a place where no one will find us.”

“…”

Soon, Zhong Nian noticed something unusual about the cruise ship on the way.

He had only been locked up for a day, but after the fire, the outside world had turned upside down.

A considerable number of people in uniform uniforms held weapons as they patrolled or stood guard, strictly controlling every intersection and leaving no blind spots.

They were well-trained and well-equipped. Some faces Zhong Nian had seen before—some were guests, some were colleagues who had worked with him in the kitchen, and some were sailors… both men and women.

The atmosphere on the entire cruise ship had become tense and severe. Before, revelry and music had continued day and night, but now not a single playboy could be seen.

Zhan Lu knew what Zhong Nian wanted to ask and explained briefly, “Aside from our people, the rich guests are confined to the casino, and the crew members are in the buffet restaurant. Only crew members who voluntarily come out to work and join us can move around outside and stay in their original dormitories.”

Zhong Nian digested the information as Zhan Lu turned and asked, “Compared to being locked up like prisoners in those places, with one meal a day and sleeping on the floor, I think you would choose the latter as well.”

Zhong Nian furrowed his brows.

To be honest, he did not want to choose either.

The former meant suffering, while the latter meant turning traitor and aiding the wicked—not a good choice either.

Were these desperate criminals that easy to serve?

Zhan Lu seemed to see through his concerns. “Don’t worry. With me around, you won’t have it too hard.”

Zhong Nian pursed his lips. “I’m not trusting a con man with a criminal record who tied me up.”

Zhan Lu was helpless. “In that situation, I had no choice but to knock you out and lock you up. But I personally took care of your food and drink. If it were anyone else, they wouldn’t get such good treatment. You’re still not satisfied?”

“Should I thank you then?” Zhong Nian glared at him.

Zhan Lu stuffed a soft, squishy freshness bag into his hand. “Alright, don’t be mad. These are the doughnuts I made today. Eat them if you’re hungry in the middle of the night.”

Zhong Nian grumbled, “Who wants your stuff? This doesn’t mean I forgive you,” but he unhesitatingly took it and asked again, “What are you doing all this for?”

Zhan Lu shrugged. “Of course, for the rich guests’ money.”

At the dormitory door, Zhong Nian was a bit surprised to see Ke Zhengchu inside.

The other seemed to have known he was coming and stood waiting behind the door. His dark eyes under the long bangs brightened a little as he walked over and took Zhong Nian’s hand. “You’re back.”

Zhong Nian nodded.

“If you need to change dorms or change your mind and want to room with me, just tell me anytime.” Zhan Lu glanced at Ke Zhengchu again. “There are four people guarding each floor. If you need anything, just find one of them, and they can take you to me.”

Zhan Lu gave him a tube of ointment before leaving.

After the door closed, Zhong Nian grumbled inwardly. On the surface, it seemed like extra care, but the tone carried a warning.

On the way back, he had seen them—the four outside were burly and strong, each arm as thick as his waist. Who would dare rebel?

But relying on Zhan Lu’s name might bring some conveniences…

His hands were suddenly gripped by a cool touch, breaking Zhong Nian’s train of thought.

“I’ll help you apply the ointment.” Ke Zhengchu took the ointment from his hand and pulled him to the bedside.

Before, Zhong Nian had always applied it for Ke Zhengchu, so he naturally accepted being cared for in return.

“No rush. I’ll take a shower first.” He helplessly pushed away the youth who had leaned in close.

“Okay…”

When Zhong Nian went in and came out, Ke Zhengchu had maintained the same posture the whole time, holding the tube of ointment and waiting for him.

He watched eagerly, as if he could not wait.

Zhong Nian found it a bit amusing and extended his hand.

Ke Zhengchu held it, examined it carefully, frowned, and said softly, “It got wet.”

“It’s fine. It’s just a minor injury—a little scrape, a bit red, no bleeding.” Zhong Nian said indifferently.

Ke Zhengchu said sternly, “Be more careful next time.”

Zhong Nian was a bit surprised by the rare serious expression and chuckled with a nod.

Zhong Nian’s movements when applying ointment were already gentle enough, but Ke Zhengchu was excessively careful.

He dipped the cotton swab bit by bit, imitating Zhong Nian’s previous actions while blowing on it. Even with his back hunched and head lowered very low, Zhong Nian could imagine the tension on his face.

Although Zhong Nian feared pain too, it was not this exaggerated…

After Ke Zhengchu finished with his wrists, Zhong Nian took off his shoes and got on the bed. He extended his foot, and the other immediately caught it in his palm, placing it on his knee.

The red marks from the ropes were not just one circle. Because of the long time, the impressions lingered, like totems drawn with a paintbrush or ribbons wrapped around—picturesque and alluring, tempting one to touch.

Ke Zhengchu held Zhong Nian’s heel, his gaze sliding from the smooth instep to the rounded toes, then back to the ankle.