Chapter 88: Xia Ru

“Dad, big brother, what do you think about this matter?”

Father Xia didn’t say anything, just watched as Xia Han fiddled with the bracelet, while Xia Han said hesitantly, “Why don’t I just accept it...”

He said it very quietly. Although this base was indeed good, the rules were a bit too impersonal.

The usually silent Xia Ru suddenly spoke up, his tone sharp: “No way!”

Xia Han was startled by his outburst.

Father Xia asked, “Ru, what’s wrong with you?”

“Dad, I can’t accept it. If I do, I’ll be risking my life!”

Xia Han was taken aback by his seriousness. “Brother, it’s not that serious. Brother Yi is a good guy, very loyal. He said he’d give me the bracelet, it’s not like he’d set me up!”

Xia Ru looked at him and said, “Han, what do you think about this base?” After asking, he turned to his father. “Dad, what do you think?”

Xia Han replied, “It’s great.”

Father Xia nodded in agreement. Xia Han continued, “So, why would they wait until I’ve seen how good the base is before giving me the bracelet?”

Everyone was at a loss for words. Xia Han thought for a moment and said, “Aren’t they worried I might leak information and attract other powerful people?”

Xia Han said timidly, “No, they probably have their reasons...”

“Their reason is that they don’t let anyone take the bracelet out. Han, I know you miss those friends of yours who don’t have a place to go, and you hope they can come here too. But in the apocalypse, all I can do is keep us safe.”

“Brother, you’re overthinking this.”

Xia Ru knew Xia Han couldn’t accept this all at once, so he said helplessly:

“When you go tomorrow, don’t show your feelings. If they want to give you the bracelet and Yi is there, you can accept it. If it’s just that man Lu Minli, then I want you to get rid of any thoughts of taking the bracelet out. Otherwise, you’ll be putting Dad’s and your brother’s lives at risk!”

Xia Ru’s voice was soft, but it sent a chill down Xia Han’s spine. “Brother, don’t say that!”

“Han, who do you think is really in charge of this base?”

Xia Ru didn’t answer directly, but asked quietly. Xia Han thought for a long time, then said uncertainly, “Yi? Brother Yi? He’s a level four fire ability user.”

It seemed natural that the strongest would be in charge.

Although he’d heard the base belonged to Sang Chu, she didn’t look like someone with much authority.

Xia Ru shook his head. “Sang Chu doesn’t say much, but I can tell she’s the brains behind the group. She’s not just a figurehead—the whole base is probably her handiwork. And that Lu Minli shouldn’t be underestimated either. He looks gentle and weak, but he’s a ruthless character. On the other hand, in this base, although Yi seems the most powerful, the ones I’d be most wary of are Sang Chu, Lu Minli, and that child.”

When he mentioned the child, Xia Han finally spoke up, “Ru, you’re overthinking it. That kid looks chubby and cute, like a little doll. Why worry about him?”

“It’s the apocalypse. How could a kid stay so fair and plump unless he has some ability? That’s what’s suspicious.”

Father Xia knew Xia Ru was always cautious, but he couldn’t find much fault with his analysis. “Han, just listen to your brother. Don’t think about those friends anymore.”

Xia Han hung his head, dejected. “Alright, I’ll listen tomorrow.”

……

After returning to her room, Rong Yaru also discussed the matter with her family. Rong Siyu immediately objected, “Sis, I can’t take the bracelet!”

He was the first to express his stance. Their father didn’t say anything, just looked at Rong Yaru.

“Mm, I agree we shouldn’t take it. But Sang Chu said she’d go back and discuss it, so I wanted to talk to you all first. Dad, no matter what, don’t take the bracelet. If anyone tries to persuade you, keep your distance, understand?”

Father Rong looked at her, puzzled. “Why? Didn’t they say it’s not mandatory?”

“Dad, trust me. This base is good, but that goodness is built on everyone not betraying the base. If you do anything against the base’s interests, the consequences will be severe. Just look at the rules—they were made by someone ruthless. The moment I stepped into this base, my fate was already decided. Taking the bracelet means death. Not taking it and behaving is the safest option.”

Although Rong Siyu was the youngest, he agreed with his sister. “I think Sis makes a lot of sense. Dad, what do you think?”

Father Rong could only rub his nose and grumble, “Since when did you start agreeing with your sister?”

Rong Siyu suddenly glared at his sister. “She’s the one who insisted on coming here!”

Rong Yaru lowered her head in embarrassment. Father Rong said, “Alright, since Yaru has said so, let’s listen to her. I think this base is pretty good—at least better than the last place. In the apocalypse, having a safe place to live is already a blessing.”

Rong Siyu nodded in agreement, and then, with a proud look, said, “Dad, you really don’t know how big this base is!”

The other three looked at him in confusion, since he was the only one who’d explored the whole base.

He straightened up and gestured, “Except for the breeding area, which is locked and guarded, I’ve been everywhere. The base is huge—beyond imagination. It’s built in a mountain valley. The breeding area is in the center, with three gates, each with a lock. When I walked around the corridors and looked at the other mountain walls, all I saw were rows and rows of houses. Can you imagine? All four sides of the mountains are covered with big houses. I think if I behave well, maybe one day everyone can have their own place!”

Rong Yaru was so shocked her eyes widened. “Every mountain is filled with houses?”

Rong Siyu nodded vigorously. “I’m not exaggerating. Between the mountains, besides the breeding area, there are also tunnels. Each mountain has tunnels, but they’re locked. Without a key, you can’t get in. So, all the mountains I can see are full of living quarters—they’re all part of the base!”

Father Rong said, “That’s really huge!”

Rong Siyu replied, “Exactly! Honestly, Sis, if I were Sister Sang, I’d make strict rules too. Water is free, food isn’t limited, but if there’s a traitor, I’d want to chop them to pieces!”

Father Rong nodded. “Looks like the leader of this base really put in the effort. Everyone should keep a clear head. Don’t get blinded by small gains—there aren’t many places as good as this left!”"