Chapter 79: Lubricant

Bai Chen Zhu finished washing up and opened the door. The aroma of fried eggs wafted into his nose, momentarily leaving him dazed. He glanced sideways out the window, where a few staggering zombies shuffled crookedly in the distance, and his eyes darkened slightly.

Downstairs, the sharp-eared Tang Zhao looked up and waved at him. “Brother Bai, perfect timing! Bai Tao found some eggs!”

“You went out again?” Bai Chen Zhu straightened his clothes as he headed down.

Tang Zhao sighed. “We can’t just sit idly by and deplete our supplies. We also found a car.”

Before Bai Chen Zhu could feel happy, Zhou Zhuo Hua came out carrying a dish and finished his sentence for him. “Unfortunately, it’s all beat up. One collision from a zombie and it’d probably be done for.”

“No problem, we’ll look for another.” Bai Chen Zhu comforted the dejected Tang Zhao, who had his head down, by patting his shoulder. “The ancient city is huge. There’s rice and flour. We can hold out for a while no problem.”

Tang Zhao looked left and right, fretting. “Sometimes I feel like this house is a birdcage. Monsters everywhere outside, and only safe inside.”

“You’re overthinking it.” Bai Chen Zhu patted the back of his head. “Where’s Bai Tao?”

At the mention of Bai Tao, Tang Zhao’s expression grew complicated.

Zhou Zhuo Hua spoke up. “Liang Zhi stepped in and asked her to hold a send-off party for the ability users about to set off. In other words, he hopes she’ll sing a few more songs.”

“Of course, everyone attending the send-off is voluntary.”

Bai Chen Zhu raised an eyebrow, momentarily at a loss for words. “They’re really… full of surprises.”

He had seen firsthand how agonizing it was for those overwhelmed people back then. It was excusable in the emergency, but now they still wanted to take shortcuts to break through.

Zhou Zhuo Hua shrugged. “I can kind of understand them. The road home is long; they can only rely on themselves. Of course they’d seize the chance to get as strong as possible.”

“If it were you, Sister Zhuo Hua, would you choose the same?” Bai Chen Zhu pulled out a chair and sat down.

“If it were me,” Zhou Zhuo Hua touched her chin and nodded affirmatively, “I’d choose it—as long as it doesn’t kill me.”

“But it’s a real shame~ Why don’t I have superpowers?” Zhou Zhuo Hua chuckled. “Though from another angle, I haven’t mutated either. Who knows if that’s a good thing.”

“Time to eat! What are you all chatting about?” Jiang Ye came out carrying several steaming bowls of rice. “I saved some for Bai Tao. We’ll eat ours.”

Bai Chen Zhu was indeed hungry. He stared at the dishes on the table and suddenly noticed something off.

This technique… He looked up. “Yo, pie from the sky. Jiang Ye’s in the kitchen?”

Jiang Ye wasn’t pleased and smacked him on the back. “What kind of talk is that? Spit out all the roast chicken and sweet potatoes you ate from me before.”

Hm? Bai Chen Zhu belatedly remembered that the one who takes food is soft-spoken. He cupped his hands and begged for mercy. “I was wrong. Great Jiang Boss, be magnanimous and spare this little one this time.”

The action and words felt natural coming from Tang Zhao, but when Bai Chen Zhu mimicked it, there was a subtle contrast, adding a bit of… oddly lively charm?

Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow, mimicking his tone. “Jiang Boss?”

The implication couldn’t be clearer. Bai Chen Zhu paused, uncertain. “Boyfriend?”

“Tch.” Jiang Ye wasn’t satisfied and pulled out a chair to sit. “Can’t you say a few sweet nothings?”

Tang Zhao looked like he’d choked on sugar. He leaned in at the words, winking mischievously and grinning. “I got this! Brother Bai, you’re too subtle. Let me teach you—honey~ baby~ sweetheart. Shout a few times, and Jiang Boss might even give you his life.”

Tang Zhao and Bai Chen Zhu sat on either side of Jiang Ye. He turned, draped an arm over Tang Zhao’s shoulder, and patted it hard.

Just as Tang Zhao thought he’d said something wrong and stared wide-eyed in trepidation, Jiang Ye unexpectedly gave him a thumbs up. “Good job!”

The praised Tang Zhao laughed heartily and scratched the back of his head.

Bai Chen Zhu watched the two go back and forth, picked up a piece of greens, and remained unmoved. “That easy? You two can yell them at each other.”

The pair stared at each other, big eyes to small, then abruptly pulled back their hands and feet. Just imagining it gave them chills.

Tang Zhao shook his head frantically. “Brother Bai, you can’t say that!” He didn’t want to get assassinated tonight.

Zhou Zhuo Hua chuckled lightly, propping her arm on her chin and watching the two fool around leisurely. She poured oil on the fire. “You two are so good at it. Looks like plenty of experience~”

Tang Zhao waved his hands in front of his chest. “No no no…”

Bai Chen Zhu glanced lightly at Jiang Ye, who inexplicably broke into a cold sweat. He cried injustice. “Sister Zhuo Hua, you can’t slander me!”

Zhou Zhuo Hua’s gaze swept left and right before landing on Bai Chen Zhu. She raised a hand to her mouth in surprise. “Ah! I forgot I can’t say that.”

If you want to pin a crime, excuses are endless! Jiang Ye held his forehead and slumped over the table like an ostrich.

Bai Chen Zhu’s lip corner hooked up. Knowing full well Zhou Zhuo Hua was stirring trouble, he still joined in. He patted Jiang Ye’s shoulder and feigned anger. “Come clean. How many ‘babies’ do you have?”

Jiang Ye was speechless, then had a flash of inspiration. “Six!”

Just a casual remark, and it turned into a real answer. Bai Chen Zhu looked at him dubiously. “You actually have that many?”

Jiang Ye raised his five fingers, then pointed at Bai Chen Zhu. “Five plus one.”

Tang Zhao got it instantly. His eyes went straight as he quickly covered his ears. “I’m still young! Watch it, you guys!”

Zhou Zhuo Hua sided with him for once. “Tsk tsk tsk. It’s still light out.”

Jiang Ye looked innocent. “I didn’t say anything.”

Bai Chen Zhu put some food in his bowl. “Talk less, eat more.”

The banter brought a lively atmosphere as they ate and chatted idly.

—

With everyone present—except Bai Tao—the rice-munching Tang Zhao finally voiced the doubt he’d harbored for a long time. “Since we’re leaving sooner or later, where do we go next?”

Everyone at the table looked at Jiang Ye, including Bai Chen Zhu.

Jiang Ye said nothing, calmly picking up the greens Bai Chen Zhu had given him and eating them.

Bai Chen Zhu pondered. From Floating Cloud City and Luozhou City to Deer Cry Ancient City, Jiang Ye’s goals had been clear along the way. But now, it seemed he lacked full confidence in the final destination.

After finishing the greens, Jiang Ye drawled, “I don’t know.”

Tang Zhao was first baffled, then his voice rose sharply, nearly cracking. “You don’t know?!”

Jiang Ye smiled. “What’s so strange? I’m not omniscient.”

“You’re telling me you don’t know when we’re right at the end? It’s like a puzzle missing the last piece.” Tang Zhao’s expression was complicated as he griped. “Too frustrating!”

Jiang Ye put a piece of greens in Bai Chen Zhu’s bowl. Bai Chen Zhu paused, then put a piece of egg in his.

Zhou Zhuo Hua called out, “Eat up. Talk after. Don’t discuss serious stuff while eating; I can’t digest it.”

She elbowed Tang Zhao.

He looked at her aggrievedly, cradling his bowl.

After the meal, Jiang Ye took out the fragment… if the thing in front of them could still be called a fragment.

The four assembled pieces floated into the air, forming two interlocking rings of different sizes that slowly rotated, emitting a metallic blue glow.

The palm-sized four fragments had combined into something nearly basketball-sized.

Just like the first time, Tang Zhao exclaimed in awe and reached out to touch it curiously. It felt icy cold.

“It looks pretty complete.” Tang Zhao examined it from every angle and scratched his head. “Where’s the missing part?”

Bai Chen Zhu, who had figured it out, slowly set down his cup and pointed to the empty space in the middle. “There. They look like they’re revolving around something. The center should be missing a piece.”

Zhou Zhuo Hua gestured the size. “By the dimensions, the core should be solid. If I’m not wrong, that’s the most important part.”

“That’s right, the core.” Jiang Ye said. “I don’t know its exact location, but it’s probably near Beiming City. We can head there and gather more clues.”

Tang Zhao shouted, “Bro, you already said ‘Beiming City’! That’s plenty clear. We can just go straight there!”

“Hey!” Jiang Ye flicked his forehead twice. “Listen up. I said ‘probably.’ The area’s huge; all surrounding cities count as ‘nearby.'”

Tang Zhao smirked smugly, wagging a finger. “Simple then? Following our pattern, there’ll definitely be a ‘zombie king’ or something there, and the fragment’s most likely on it. As for where the ‘zombie kings’ are, just grab any survivor and ask.”

Bai Chen Zhu thought it over. It did make some sense.

But if that were the case, Jiang Ye from his previous life shouldn’t be clueless… He glanced sideways at Jiang Ye, only to see him clamping Tang Zhao’s head with his arm and messing up his hair into a bird’s nest.

“Did I say something unreasonable? Did I? I’ve figured out the ‘game guide’—kill monsters, level up, save the world. That’s the routine!” Tang Zhao yelled defiantly.

“You’re the most reasonable.” Jiang Ye said. “Even came up with a ‘guide’ for it.”

Bai Chen Zhu propped his chin, leisurely swirling his cup as he watched them.

Zhou Zhuo Hua sat beside him, lost in thought and ignoring the pair. She spoke up. “Little Bai, actually, there’s something else I need to check out.”

Bai Chen Zhu’s interest was piqued. “Hm? Tell me.”

Zhou Zhuo Hua’s expression grew serious. “You know how that alien race wasn’t around during the day, only showing up at dusk?”

At that, Bai Chen Zhu vaguely guessed what came next.

Sure enough, Zhou Zhuo Hua continued. “I’ve been thinking: they go somewhere so regularly every day. Do they have a nest nearby?”

“And among us, you’re the only one who can find it.”

It wasn’t without reason.

Bai Chen Zhu tapped his temple. “Unfortunately, I still need a few days.”

“Of course no rush. Healing comes first.” Seeing his gesture, Zhou Zhuo Hua understood.

She felt in her pocket and pulled out a tube of something, secretly slipping it into Bai Chen Zhu’s hand under the table. She hadn’t thought of it earlier, but the dog food during the meal reminded her, so she’d fetched it from her room after.

“I found this while gathering medical supplies these past few days and brought it back. Thought you might need it.”

Bai Chen Zhu’s heart skipped. He sneaked a peek under the table: a tube of cool lubricant sat in his hand like a hot potato.

He coughed softly, unsure how to handle the sudden kindness. “…Sister Zhuo Hua, that’s thoughtful of you.”

“Mm.” Zhou Zhuo Hua looked grave. “Little Bai, take good care of your body. Don’t let Jiang Ye run wild. Especially now conditions are worse; pay attention to hygiene.”

Bai Chen Zhu: …?

He felt Zhou Zhuo Hua had misunderstood something.

The sharp-eared Jiang Ye suddenly looked up, puzzled at the two. “Run wild? When did I ever? Who’s slandering me?”

Bai Chen Zhu expressionlessly pocketed the lubricant.

Zhou Zhuo Hua raised an eyebrow. “Not before doesn’t mean not later.”

“Sis, is that even human talk?” Jiang Ye released the yelping Tang Zhao and spread his hands toward them. “What is it? I heard the sound. Show it.”

Zhou Zhuo Hua awkwardly looked away and quickly dragged the roughed-up Tang Zhao out the door. “How’s Bai Tao not back? What if she’s hungry? Let’s go check.”

“Wait, whether she’s hungry or not is none of my business!” Tang Zhao struggled fiercely but was hauled out by Zhou Zhuo Hua.

Sneaky. Jiang Ye turned to the calm-faced Bai Chen Zhu and beckoned. “What good stuff? Let me see?”

Bai Chen Zhu wordlessly placed it in his hand.

Jiang Ye took a close look and nearly flung it away in fright.

He’d asked for it himself, yet now this reaction. Bai Chen Zhu laughed so hard he doubled over. “It’s not a bomb. That bad?”

No different from a bomb! Jiang Ye clutched the thing, unsure whether to toss or keep it, at a total loss. “Eight hundred years ago in the supermarket, I’d never glance at it.”

“Oh?” Bai Chen Zhu drew out the syllable, teasing at his fidgety state. “Such a big reaction. Doesn’t seem like it.”

Jiang Ye hesitated, his face unusually flushing.

—Flustered into it.

“Stop laughing.” Jiang Ye tossed the hot potato back. “Sister Zhuo Hua gave it to you. You keep it.”

Bai Chen Zhu didn’t pocket it right away and deliberately toyed with it between his fingers. “What’s the difference between for me or for you?”

Jiang Ye was speechless. He glared at Bai Chen Zhu.

Bai Chen Zhu’s eyes curved into happy crescents as he continued teasing him. “This flavorless one is quite a pity. Tell me, what flavor do you like? Mint? Cherry? Next time, bro will keep an eye out for you.”

Jiang Ye had never known Bai Chen Zhu to be so talkative. He had never seen him speak so much before. He would rather Bai Chen Zhu remain a reticent beauty.

Rather than like this now…

He got up directly, grabbed him by the waist, and lifted him onto the table. He trapped him between his hands in that tiny space, his tone thick with threat. “Then what about you? What flavor do you like?”

Bai Chen Zhu was slightly stunned.

Wait, he had the weight of a normal man!

And Jiang Ye had lifted him up just like that?

“Not speaking?” Jiang Ye kissed his chin. “Now you know to be afraid?”

Bai Chen Zhu, who was still digesting the fact of Jiang Ye’s strength, wore a complex expression. He patted Jiang Ye’s face with the cold tube, his tone light and helpless. “I say, can’t you say something before you make a move next time?”

Jiang Ye said, “Then does moving your mouth not require saying anything?”

“You…”

Jiang Ye directly bit his lower lip and licked it little by little.

It was sticky and gooey. Bai Chen Zhu thought of the big golden retriever he had seen at a friend’s house before—one that could pounce on its owner and rub and lick all over with a pair of innocent round eyes.

He had been glad back then that he didn’t own a dog.

Bai Chen Zhu braced one hand under the table and pressed the other against Jiang Ye’s forehead, pushing him away. He refused outright. “Enough. Not here—go back to the room.”

“Are you being shy?” Jiang Ye didn’t take it seriously. He smiled and chased after him for a kiss.

Before Bai Chen Zhu could speak, the round table beneath them creaked. It shook twice at a certain point and then collapsed with a boom.

Jiang Ye looked dumbfounded. But Bai Chen Zhu, who had fallen onto the wooden boards, wasn’t surprised at all. He looked at Jiang Ye sprawled on top of him, flicked his forehead, and sighed. “See? I knew it.”

It was just a temporary folding round table, after all!