Chapter 28: A Boomerang

Zhao Bohan wanted to say something, but in the end, he remained silent.

In truth, his doubts stemmed largely from the fact that Qi An was simply too incredible, constantly defying expectations. Given her current strength, the base’s long-range teams would normally fight tooth and nail to recruit her, yet she had “fallen” into their lap—a situation that brought with it a strange kind of anxiety, as if they were holding something far too precious.

Anxiety, unease, and the constant pressure of questioning whether he was worthy—this was the root of his hesitation. He did not voice it, and Qi An did not ask. The two walked in silence along the streets, where the sunshine was warm and gentle, though the pedestrians were few.

However, someone was waiting for them up ahead.

It was Yu Shuang. Seeing that the two looked as if they had finished their conversation, she hurried over in a few strides and threw her arm around Qi An’s shoulders. "He spoke ill of you; we can’t let him off easily! Tell me, shall we fleece him for another meal tomorrow?"

Qi An replied, "Sure. But I’d actually prefer it if both team leaders could spare some time to coach me on marksmanship—err, and any other skills that might be useful on the battlefield."

Yu Shuang paused, then let out a melodramatic sigh. "You’re making us look bad! How are we supposed to compete with that?" She patted her chest, adding, "But no problem, leave it to us. We’ll make sure to train you into a well-rounded warrior!"

Qi An couldn't help but smile. In truth, she preferred being with her team leaders; it felt like standing in bright, warm sunlight, where all her gloomy thoughts melted away in their presence.

As the three walked a few steps further, Qi An brought up the damaged spy drone. When they had returned to the base to hand in their equipment, Zhao Bohan had simply reported that the drone was damaged and lost.

"A thorough inspection of the drone to find evidence of tampering would require high-level technical skills. Do we have anyone we can trust?" Qi An asked.

"Xiao Zhou’s older sister, and a senior engineer from the base’s logistics department that Xiao Su found yesterday," Yu Shuang said. "We’re planning to ask one of them—or both together—to take it apart."

Qi An was surprised, recalling that she had run into Su Qingran yesterday. Was she rushing around for this matter?

Qi An added, "I also know an engineer named Xu in the Research Department. If needed, I can ask him for help."

Yu Shuang smiled. Everyone was looking out for the team!

Unfortunately, the deputy leader, as always, poured cold water on the mood: "Even if we find the problem, we’ll at most be able to catch one or two technicians in logistics. Tracing it any higher is basically impossible."

"Who doesn't know that?" Yu Shuang rolled her eyes, repeating what he had said before, then balled her fist. "Evidence must be collected, but we have to wait for the right moment to use it! There will definitely be a chance. We aren't going to be bullied forever, are we?"

Qi An nodded firmly.

Zhao Bohan looked at Yu Shuang and smiled slightly. This time, his smile was even more dazzling—a hundred flowers blooming, warmer and softer than the spring sun.

***

Ever since the deputy leader had flashed that world-shattering smile, Qi An had felt inexplicably like a third wheel, so she quickened her pace.

However, she stopped when she passed a shop selling fabric and clothing. She wanted to buy a new bedsheet; the weather was warming up, and she also wanted to buy a set of thinner long underwear. Two sets would be fine; she was getting her bonus soon anyway.

But just as she paused, a ragged-looking man stumbled into her!

To be precise, he fell toward her. Qi An dodged, avoiding the collision, but Yu Shuang swept in like a gust of wind and caught the man.

Catching him was also supporting him. The man, who looked like a drunkard, didn't hit the ground. When he looked up and saw Yu Shuang, he hurriedly thanked her, "Thank you! Thank you, comrade!"

The man appeared to be in his forties, his face weather-beaten and covered in stubble. There was a long scar on his left cheek, though it was unclear if it was from a claw or something else.

After thanking her, he apologized to Qi An, "I’m sorry, my leg is bad; I just tripped. I’m sorry." He muttered, but his eyes remained fixed on Qi An’s face.

Zhao Bohan stepped forward, pulling Qi An behind him, but the man still craned his neck to look at her, asking, "Are you a purifier?"

The question was abrupt, and all three of them were stunned. Zhao Bohan snapped back to reality, grabbed the sleeves of Qi An and Yu Shuang, and turned to leave.

In this apocalyptic world, there was almost no one who hadn't been exposed to some form of pollution, so everyone needed purification. Yet, purification resources were extremely limited. Those working for the government, the military, hospitals, or factories had medical insurance, but for everyone else, earning enough contribution points to go to a hospital for purification was very expensive, and the lines were incredibly long.

If Qi An admitted to being a purifier, half the people on the street would likely rush out, and the shameless ones would probably kneel and beg for purification on the spot.

Under the public eye, they were wearing military uniforms; it would be difficult to refuse or accept.

They walked away with long strides. The man did not follow, but he watched their retreating backs for a long time.

A young man in his twenties, who looked somewhat refined but was so thin his cheekbones were sunken, walked up to the scarred man with lingering fear. "Brother Xiang, what was that about? You didn't actually trip, did you?"

If it was a fake fall, was his brother trying to pull a scam? How could he dare to target people in military uniforms?!

The subservient look on Xiang Shiyang's face had vanished. His gaze shifted, filled with great confusion, yet also a hint of excitement.

"I recognize that person," he said.

"Huh? Who?" the young man asked, puzzled.

"That woman... the little girl from the laboratory back then. It must be her!" Xiang Shiyang’s tone was certain, and the scar on the side of his face twitched with his smile.

***

After that incident, the mood of the three was dampened.

"How did he guess you were a purifier?" Zhao Bohan asked, brow furrowed in confusion.

Qi An didn't answer. She was confused too, and she felt that the man looked somewhat familiar. A heavy, ominous feeling settled in her heart.

Yu Shuang said to Zhao Bohan, "Tomorrow, after we get our bonuses, let’s go check on Xiao Zhou and the others. If any of their families are in trouble, we’ll help them out."

Zhao Bohan didn't object. "Alright."

The group was heading toward the training ground with a somber mood when they reached a peak of frustration upon running into the 1st Team yet again.

"I’m seriously done! How are these things everywhere? Don't they have missions?" Yu Shuang was incredibly annoyed.

However, this time, Zhou Yang, Liu Wei, and the tall man with the pockmarked face looked very strange.

Zhou Yang still looked at Yu and Zhao with utter disgust, but his gaze toward Qi An was complex. Was it also disgust? Or was the disgust mixed with embarrassment and discomfort? Qi An didn't understand it at first glance, but by the second, she realized.

"Doctor Qi, could we have a few words with you alone?" Liu Wei spoke first, his smile very warm.

As soon as these words were out, Yu Shuang and Zhao Bohan realized what was happening, and their expressions soured even further!

They had found out about Qi An’s increased strength and were here to poach her!

Yu Shuang’s knuckles cracked with a loud pop. Zhou Yang’s body went tense. Qi An said calmly, "No, thank you."

As they drew closer, she asked, "Are you all here to apologize?"

Zhou Yang’s expression stiffened further. Liu Wei paused for a second and immediately said, "Yes! Our team member Xiao Qu has a loose tongue and caused some unpleasantness with Doctor Qi previously. We came specifically to apologize to Doctor Qi!"

The tall man, Xiao Qu, hunched his shoulders and lowered his head. At Liu Wei’s gesture, he bowed deeply to Qi An, his face flushed red as he apologized in a low voice.

Yu Shuang was stunned, as she had been waiting to see if Zhou Yang would also bow and apologize, but he simply stood there, unmoving.

Qi An was also surprised and asked directly, "So, are you here to invite me to join the 1st Team?"

She said this in a gentle tone. Zhou Yang’s eyes brightened slightly, and he nodded. "Yes."

"Oh, well, every pot has its lid. I’m in poor health, and I have an eye condition, so I’m afraid I wouldn't fit in with your team," Qi An replied, still very gently. "I refuse."