Volume One, Chapter 8: At Present, None of the Three Intend To Act
As Wen Tingting finished nearly every drop of the soup, Xiao Fanchen finally took the box and casually tossed it toward Tang Wanyu. There was only a small mouthful of broth left at the bottom. Tang Wanyu found it difficult to bring herself to eat it—not because she was repulsed by Xiao Fanchen’s leftovers, but because of the resentment she felt knowing it was the dregs left behind by that bitch, Wen Tingting.
Looking up, Wen Tingting’s eyes flashed with a hint of triumph, as if to say, "See? Your little tricks are useless."
Seeing Tang Wanyu unmoved, Xiao Fanchen said coldly, "If you don’t want to eat it, go to the balcony and throw it away."
"Ah! Yes, Master."
Not daring to disobey, Tang Wanyu took the box and walked toward the balcony. Behind her, Wen Tingting’s syrupy voice drifted over: "Master, let me massage you some more."
Tang Wanyu’s heart skipped a beat, but once on the balcony, staring at the box in her hands, her stomach let out a desperate growl. It felt as though that last mouthful of broth represented the final shred of her dignity and self-respect. Yet... she was so hungry. Her stomach churned with knife-like pain, and her throat felt scorched by fire; every swallow of saliva felt like swallowing blades.
Standing on the balcony, Tang Wanyu struggled internally for a long time. Finally, she tilted her head back and downed the remaining broth in one gulp. Then, as if a floodgate had burst, she began licking the container, desperate to savor every last drop.
After tossing the box out the window, Tang Wanyu composed herself and turned back, only to freeze in place. She saw two figures. Wen Tingting’s eyes were hazy, her teeth biting her lip, her small hands clutching the bedding on the floor. Seeing Tang Wanyu, she didn't forget to cast a provocative glance her way. Xiao Fanchen did not look up, but the faint, enigmatic smile remained on his lips.
*Thump.*
Tang Wanyu collapsed to her knees, her heart turning to ash. She understood—everything was over. She had lost her final bargaining chip, and time waited for no one. She had to make a choice now. There was still a chance, or else... she would be reduced to eating only what Wen Tingting left behind.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Tang Wanyu gently slid off her white top.
"Master..." Tang Wanyu’s voice was choked with tears.
Perhaps deep down, she was still unwilling. Xiao Fanchen’s gaze fell upon her, and a smile curled his lips again. "Have you decided? Are you... sure?"
Xiao Fanchen intentionally dragged out his words, clearly dismantling the last of her defenses. Tang Wanyu’s body trembled, her eyes misting over, but she gave a submissive nod. Hunger, thirst, and fear were torturing every nerve in her body. She knew she had no other choice.
"Master, I am willing," Tang Wanyu finally said, her voice firm.
"Oh?" Xiao Fanchen wore a meaningful smile. He was still savoring the softness and warmth of the other girl. "One must eat a meal one bite at a time. The same goes for beauties. Let’s save it for tonight. Even if we were to do it together, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. No need to be so impatient."
As he spoke, he tossed her a bottle of mineral water, then gave a forceful pat, pressing forward with vigor. Tang Wanyu picked up the water like a gift from the heavens and nodded gratefully. Meanwhile, Xiao Fanchen glanced at the wall of the neighboring room. He wondered how long the "legal loli" next door could hold out. He was truly looking forward to it.
*Ding! System notification: Beauty "Wen Tingting" successfully added to the gallery.*
*Unlocked: "Wen Tingting" Black Silk Bunny Girl Suit.*
*Equipping this suit will grant the host +10 Agility.*
*Unlocked Agility-type ability: Etherealization.*
*Supplies unlocked: Ham and egg sandwich, savory chicken leg.*
As the system’s voice echoed in his mind, a warm current surged through his body. It felt as though a strange energy was flowing through him. Xiao Fanchen felt an intense wave of comfort wash over him, as if every muscle in his body had awakened.
"An ability—it’s unlocked!" A flash of ecstasy crossed Xiao Fanchen’s eyes. He immediately opened the system panel.
Host: Xiao Fanchen
Age: 20
Beauty Gallery: Wen Tingting (Skin not equipped)
Unlocked Supplies: Haidilao self-heating hot pot, .44 Magnum magazine, mineral water, ham and egg sandwich, savory chicken leg.
Ability: Etherealization (Brave-tier)
Etherealization: Continuously consumes stamina to enter an ethereal state; immune to physical collisions, movement speed increased by 30%.
*Immune to physical collisions?* Xiao Fanchen was stunned. He suddenly recalled a doomsday camp he had visited in his past life. The leader there possessed an ability related to physical immunity—the power to ignore blades, spears, and conventional physical bullets. It had left a deep impression on him.
If Etherealization was truly like that, it was definitely no less powerful than that leader’s ability, and it even came with a massive speed boost.
*Practice makes perfect.*
Thinking this, Xiao Fanchen quickly picked up a high-heeled shoe. Activating Etherealization, he tapped it lightly against his palm.
*Bang.*
A crisp sound echoed as the heel struck the table, but Xiao Fanchen’s hand appeared briefly translucent, as if it were a 3D projection that didn't truly exist. Although this ability lacked direct lethality, the fact that it could ignore physical damage proved its immense utility. Especially in the early stages, when abnormal mutants were rare and most humans had yet to awaken any abilities, Xiao Fanchen could arguably be considered truly invincible.
"This is amazing!" he thought. "And this is only a Brave-tier ability! If it were Epic... or even Legendary, Artifact, or Zenith!"
Xiao Fanchen’s heart pounded like a drum. He was certain that the abilities from those skins would be even stronger. Mastering multiple terrifying abilities would make him unstoppable. By then, he wouldn't just wipe out the Li family; he could establish himself as a king in this apocalypse!
Meanwhile, Wen Tingting and Tang Wanyu stared with wide eyes, unable to believe what they were seeing. Watching the heel pass directly through Xiao Fanchen’s palm sent waves of shock through their minds. They realized that the laws of physics no longer applied. Xiao Fanchen’s power shattered their entire understanding of reality.
"Well done." Xiao Fanchen walked over to Wen Tingting and crouched down, reaching out to stroke her hair. The gesture, like a master petting a dog, made Wen Tingting’s cheeks flush deep red. A sense of intense shame washed over her, yet she obediently tilted her head up. She was still so hungry and thirsty. After a few sips of warm broth, it was as if Pandora’s box had been opened; every cell in her body was screaming for food and water.
"Master, could you give me a little more to eat? I’m so hungry," Wen Tingting pleaded, looking at Xiao Fanchen. Her cheeks were still flushed from their recent intimacy, and her large, watery eyes were hazy with desire.
"Alright. As long as you’re obedient, I’ll feed you."
As he spoke, a bottle of mineral water and a fragrant, juicy chicken leg appeared in his hand. Both Wen Tingting and Tang Wanyu’s eyes widened. Where on earth did that chicken leg come from?