Chapter 218: 218, Women's friend Yan Liuyuan

Under Yan Liuyuan's guidance, Li Qingzheng drove the truck toward the settlement, his mind tinged with doubt—how had this group of refugees from afar so quickly established themselves in the town, and even purchased the brick-and-stone houses closest to the barrier gate?

They had bought two in one go!

Yet recalling Wang Fugui's earlier bribe—his first move was 100 vials of antibiotics and several watches, items still unsold in his satchel—he mused that ordinary people could not afford such generosity.

Now, as Li Qingzheng pondered, he and Ren Xiaosu were friends, and the outpost had found legitimate work. Should he return the bribes he had taken?

But the thought of parting with such a sum left him reluctant...

On the road, a woman spotted Yan Liuyuan through the window and cheerfully called out, "Liuyuan, the man beside you is your brother, isn't he? You've waited days at the town's crossroads for nothing—it's good you're back. Here, three eggs for you to cook with your brother tonight."

Yan Liuyuan smiled, accepting the eggs, then handed one back, leaving two: "Yes, this is my brother. The driver isn't—he doesn't eat eggs."

Li Qingzheng: "???"

What do you mean, treating me like I'm not human? Why can't I eat eggs!?

Ren Xiaosu chuckled, "You've got quite the reputation in this town."

Indeed, during their time at Settlement 113, Yan Liuyuan had been especially beloved by women. Now, with his face cleansed and his looks and wit sharpened, becoming their confidant was only natural.

Yan Liuyuan said, "Lately, I've gathered much from townspeople. Since Wang Fugui arrived, he's helped many with small favors to secure his footing, making us popular. Of course, there are white-eyed wolves too."

These "small favors" involved repairing furniture, delivering sweets, and slightly higher prices at collection points. Wang Fugui's measure was precise—never bestowing great kindness.

In his view, grand favors not only failed to win allies but often offended. Besides, such gestures were futile; in crisis, few could repay them, and most would betray.

Now, Wang Fugui sought only ease in town affairs, not expecting anyone to rescue him in dire straits. Relying on others was less reliable than relying on Ren Xiaosu... no, relying on others was less reliable than relying on Ren Xiaosu.

When Ren Xiaosu heard Yan Liuyuan mention gathering news, he asked curiously, "What news?"

The outskirts of the settlement were dotted with military camps, with various units rotating in and out.

Yan Liuyuan said, "Word is that Li's forces suffered defeat in their purge of experimental subjects at Barrier 109. The first regiment has retreated, losing nearly half their men."

"How did you learn this?" Ren Xiaosu frowned.

"The soldiers are stationed near the town, seeking companionship. The single women are eager to find wealthy soldiers as patrons," Yan Liuyuan explained. "Sometimes they discuss such matters. They claimed the initial assault went smoothly, but when the subjects dragged them into alley combat, they collapsed. The forward base was also overrun. Now, they plan to deploy heavier firepower, even if it means razing the barrier to eliminate the subjects."

This aligned with Ren Xiaosu's suspicions. Earlier, he had noted the attacking forces lacked heavy weaponry, as if preserving the barrier's structures to avoid reconstruction costs.

Yet these subjects—engaging them in close-quarters combat was suicide. Their speed and strength surpassed ordinary humans manifold; unless faced with supernatural warriors, automatic rifles were nearly useless.

Thus, the human regiments suffered heavy losses.

Now, with Li's resolve, Ren Xiaosu guessed the subjects would face a reckoning. As a human, he hoped Li would purge this malignancy.

Even the worst of men retained a sliver of humanity, but these subjects had none.

"There's more," Yan Liuyuan added. "The Huoyan Company seems to have left people here. Though their whereabouts are unknown, the town often sees their flyers—same as those we saw in Barrier 109."

The Huoyan Company? Ren Xiaosu furrowed his brow, but with Li Qingzheng present, he dared not speak freely.

He had witnessed their nature; if they learned of nearby supernaturals, they would spare no effort in capturing them.

He was not afraid—after their last encounter, the company seemed feeble—but if Jiang Wu were exposed, it would be perilous.

"Here we are," Yan Liuyuan chirped, pointing at two brick-and-stone courtyards.

After Li Qingzheng parked, Yan Liuyuan leapt out, shouting, "Sister Xiaoyu, Teacher Jiang, look who's returned!"

Before Ren Xiaosu could dismount, the courtyard erupted with people—Xiaoyu, Jiang Wu, female students—all gathered.

This sight left Li Qingzheng stunned; he thought Ren Xiaosu too fortunate, a paragon of manhood!

Ren Xiaosu smiled at Wang Fugui, "The truck's rear holds prey we brought from the mountains. Calculate the price for Li, and some are free—New Year gifts from the hills."

Wang Fugui and the others paused, marveling at Ren Xiaosu's generosity—traveling so far as a sentry, yet returning with meat.

"Perfect timing," Wang Fugui laughed. "With the troops nearby, meat will fetch a good price."

As he approached the transport truck, his gaze widened: "So much?"

Ren Xiaosu handed him a list: "These are our needs—salt, spices, clothes!"

"Understood. Leave this to me; go rest," Wang Fugui said. "Why trouble yourself?"

Li Qingzheng observed this exchange, having once believed Wang Fugui the group's backbone. Now, it seemed all listened to Ren Xiaosu.

How young was this youth? Why did even a shrewd merchant like Wang Fugui defer to him?