Chapter 13 :Testing

Su Xiaomu's unexpectedly "polite" behavior clearly baffled the men... Su Xiaomu's notorious reputation for arrogance and disregard for others' feelings was common knowledge. Had the apocalypse smoothed his rough edges? They shook their heads internally—old habits die hard.

Zhang Yi patted the spot beside him. "Sit," he said to Su Xiaomu.

Su Xiaomu felt suspicious internally but sat down confidently, showing no sign of awkwardness, as if this was his natural place.

"Heh heh..." A man sitting beside the one in the green military uniform chuckled. His refined face took on a somewhat charming look when he smiled, instantly dissipating the somewhat oppressive atmosphere in the room.

"Zhang Yi, your words still carry weight..." he remarked lightly, his tone ambiguous—perhaps mocking, perhaps teasing.

Zhang Yi's face remained expressionless. "We brought you here to ask your thoughts on the apocalypse..." His tone held no particular inflection, the question posed flatly.

Su Xiaomu pondered: Were these men the leaders of the G-Base? Then he mentally shook his head. If they were truly the G-Base authorities, they wouldn't be meeting in such a small room.

It wasn't that Su Xiaomu was thinking too far ahead, but human nature was like this. The harsher the environment, the more people craved displays of luxury.

"Zhang Yi, that's unfair of you," the refined-looking man replied, still smiling, though his voice dripped with contempt. "How could our Young Master Su possibly know?"

Su Xiaomu lowered his head, staring at the black-purple bloodstains on his trousers. "If you all think that already, why bother bringing me here?" He raised his eyes, fixing a sharp gaze on the man.

Su Xiaomu wasn't impulsive. Without backing or an organization, he shouldn't retaliate; silently enduring was best. But he had one flaw: if someone repeatedly insulted him, he would absolutely strike back. Like his retaliation against Zhao Sheng. He didn't know the full story, but the warning, "won't save you even if zombies are eating you," was only meant for someone truly incapable.

He was the Young Master of the Su family. Post-apocalypse, he held no power. From Zhao Sheng and the others' eyes, he knew his predecessor was deeply disliked, even hated by many. But... they had singled him out after he entered the G-Base. Zhang Yi had asked that peculiar question. All this pointed to one thing: he was useful. He held absolute value to them.

Su Xiaomu didn't yet know the full significance of his identity as the Su family heir, but that didn't stop him from a verbal counterattack. He believed these men wouldn't dare harm him over a few words.

Li Yansheng choked back his words, clearly not expecting Su Xiaomu to still be so audacious post-apocalypse. "Young Master Su, do you know the consequences of speaking like that?" he asked, looking at the youth with a knowing half-smile.

The apocalypse was ruled by strength. What was pursued before held no value now.

Su Xiaomu's eyes shone with an astonishing intensity, reflecting nothing, like black holes that could swallow a person whole without struggle. "Of course I know. I believe the esteemed gentleman could toss me out to the zombies right now!" He shrugged nonchalantly, as if the decision meant nothing to him.

Su Xiaomu had his space. Even if thrown out, he could hide within it, untouchable by zombies... He could emerge when he was stronger, eventually finding a safe haven. But that was a last resort; he wouldn't make that decision unless absolutely necessary.

"Clap... clap... clap..." The plain-faced man applauded, the last trace of disdain vanishing from his eyes. "Truly the Young Master Su, composed in the face of danger. Truly worthy of our emulation." Rumors were indeed unreliable. This poised youth before them, unfazed by the pressure they projected, was far from useless. And as for the Su family...

"Flattery undeserved," Su Xiaomu replied with a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I've merely come to see some things more clearly."

"In that case, we won't beat around the bush with Young Master Su," Lan Yun stated bluntly. "The Su family in B City has issued a bounty. Anyone who delivers you safely to B City will receive a B-City Base access permit and food supplies."

Hearing this, Su Xiaomu was puzzled. If the Su family truly valued him so much, why had his predecessor starved to death in that secret room? As the Su family heir, shouldn't he have had protection...?