Chapter 153: Letting Go—Rejoicing in Gains, Not Resenting Losses

Bian Changxi gave a silent thumbs-up in her heart. A delicate little white flower is a delicate little white flower—just a few words and her vulnerability is on full display. Helplessness washes over her like a tide, a sorrowful young girl standing there, glancing timidly over, making it impossible for anyone to ignore her.

Seeing that Gu Xu was about to reach out and shake hands with her, Bian Changxi raised an eyebrow and, without thinking, grabbed his hand back. She said coldly, “Don’t waste your gratitude here. Words like that, which take a side, aren’t for you to say. If people get the wrong idea, that’s not good.”

Bian Wei stared at her in disbelief. Bian Changxi continued, “What, didn’t I make myself clear last time? I gave you five truckloads of supplies. From now on, there’s no more connection between me and the Bian family. Don’t go around using family ties or talk of raising me as a way to trick people. Every time I see it, I’ll call it out.”

“Changxi!” Bian Kuang called out, disapproving. Just mentioning those five truckloads of supplies made his heart race—they’d caused so much trouble. Thieves came every night, he had to deal with jealous, petty people, and the authorities kept hinting that it’s better for everyone to prosper together, urging him to be charitable and selfless.

There were constant arguments at home because of this. One moment, they’d say his father was blind to let such a cash cow go; the next, they’d call Bian Changxi heartless for not giving back to the family after making it big.

No matter whose side he took, it was wrong. Every argument ended with everyone’s anger directed at him. Over time, he grew increasingly agitated.

Bian Wei’s eyes filled with tears. “How can you say that? There are no lasting grudges between family. If your second uncle knew about this from the afterlife, he’d be heartbroken.”

Bian Changxi’s face darkened, her gaze fixed on Bian Kuang. “If my dad knew I was just like someone else—unable to cut ties, getting played by you all—he’d be the one worrying day and night.”

Bian Kuang’s face went pale, then he spoke, exhausted, “I wasn’t played. It was all voluntary. Changxi, can’t you be less harsh? Your second uncle was always gentle and valued family. I’m sure he’d want us to stick together through disaster.”

Bian Changxi’s eyes widened, her tone rising, “So you mean I’m ungrateful and aggressive?” She sneered, “I’ve been even harsher before—why didn’t you bring up my dad then?”

“Well, the situation is different now…”

“Oh? What’s different? Is it that I’m capable now? That you need my help? Or that your parents finally realized they actually cared for me like a daughter?”

Not long ago, the Bian family had a string of thefts. Bian Guangyuan was pushed by a thief, injured his kidney, and the hospital said it needed to be removed. Even the family’s wood-type ability users were helpless. So a whole group came begging Bian Changxi—sweet-talking her, then cursing her, trying every tactic. But she refused to see them. In the end, Bian Guangyuan lost his left kidney. From then on, her relationship with Bian Kuang grew even colder.

But should she have saved that malicious uncle just to please Bian Kuang?

She was both disdainful and unwilling. Even if it was an easy task, even if it could win Bian Kuang back, she wouldn’t do it. If someone she once depended on now required her to swallow her pride and compromise just to maintain a relationship, she’d rather not have it at all!

“You—”

Bian Changxi didn’t give an inch. Even the milk cat in her arms bared its teeth in support.

Bian Kuang stared at her for a while, then fell silent, deflated.

Bian Wei said softly, “Sister Changxi, have you ever thought about how hard this is for my big brother? He’s done everything he can for you. You wouldn’t save my dad, but he still defended you. But have you considered—he’s your big brother, but also his father’s son. No matter how dissatisfied you are, can’t you set aside your grievances for his sake, just this once?”

Bian Changxi nearly staggered.

Gu Xu quietly steadied her and said calmly, “If Bian Kuang had pleaded with you privately that day, I believe Changxi would have been more willing to help.”

In other words, when you all ganged up on her, playing good cop and bad cop, leaving her no way out—that was completely inappropriate. Even if you want someone to consider your feelings, you have to cooperate with them too.

He turned to the people from the Qiao Base, who had been silent until now. “And you are?”

The Qiao Base people were momentarily stunned, then responded, “Captain Gu, Miss Bian, right? I’m Qiao Bin. These are all core members of our Qiao Base. We’re here to ask for a favor.”

As he spoke, he felt awkward. He’d just witnessed a family drama up close, and now was probably the worst time to ask for help. He must be leaving a bad impression. And from the looks of it, this Miss Bian, who’s occasionally mentioned back at their base, didn’t seem like a particularly warm or easygoing person.

Still, he pressed on, “I know this is a presumptuous request, but we’re desperate. Miss Bian, many of our brothers can’t hold on any longer. Could you please help us? The Qiao family and I, Qiao Bin, would be eternally grateful.”

To be honest, at that moment, Gu Xu didn’t want Bian Changxi to exert herself at all—nor was she obligated to. He was about to refuse, but caught the wary, scrutinizing looks from the others. His expression cooled. “There could be danger here at any moment. Changxi needs to conserve her powers. I’m afraid—”

Bian Changxi tugged his hand and said to Qiao Bin, “Take me to see them. I can’t promise I’ll be able to help, though.”

The Qiao Base was quite powerful, with many elite members. In the future, they’d be coming to Su City Base for exchanges and trade—there would be plenty of interactions. Agreeing now would earn a big favor; refusing might create enmity, which would be unwise.

Gu Xu already had enough enemies.

Qiao Bin was overjoyed. “We’re already extremely grateful that you’re willing to try, Miss Bian.”

Gu Xu, however, frowned and said quietly, “Don’t feel pressured. It’s fine either way.”

Bian Changxi felt a warm glow inside. Her relationship with Gu Xu was a bit like superior and subordinate, but even more like friends. He never forced her to do things she disliked, always explained things clearly, and sought her opinion when it concerned her.

She didn’t know if he was like this with others, but she really liked and appreciated this consideration.

Compared to that, what was there to be upset about with the Bian family’s endless drama?

In this world, there were people who respected her, valued her, and treated her well. That was enough.

As for Bian Kuang, maybe he was just a twist of fate or a regret in this life, but there was no need to dwell on it. What she wanted wasn’t to struggle alongside him for survival like in her previous life, but for him to live well. If he thought staying with the Bian family and serving them was best, why should she force him otherwise?

You have to lose something to gain something. Since she’d gained this, she wouldn’t complain about what fate had taken away. Who gets everything they want in life?

Still, Gu Xu, you’re great and all, but saying things like that right in front of others—aren’t you afraid of making enemies?

“How much I can do, you should know by now, boss. I can’t handle anything too serious, but I can take care of some injuries,” she told Qiao Bin. “Let’s go.”

She didn’t spare Bian Kuang or Bian Wei another glance.

The Qiao Base had a pile of wounded—some completely unconscious, which was actually better. The ones who were in agony but couldn’t pass out were truly suffering.

Bian Changxi took a look. Most injuries were physical; those hurt by abilities were trickier. Anyone scratched or bitten by zombies had already been quarantined by Colonel Lin’s people—no one would tolerate them staying at the scene. Occasionally, the sound of zombie howls and gunshots could be heard, each one heart-wrenching and tragic.

The atmosphere was as heavy as a mountain.

The Qiao Base people looked at Bian Changxi with some hostility. After all, she was from Su City Base. If Su City Base hadn’t been so cunning and greedy, their brothers wouldn’t have died. That was the only thought in their minds.

Someone even sneered, “I hear Su City Base has a super-powerful captain and a miracle-working young lady. Your names are famous at our base—what an honor.”

Miracle-working?

Bian Changxi was a bit embarrassed. That must be the work of some unreliable rumor-monger—made her sound like a quack doctor.

She glanced at the speaker—shoulder joint torn, bone exposed, his whole arm limp, but his mouth was still tough.

She raised an eyebrow and moved on to the next patient.

But just because she didn’t mind the comment didn’t mean others didn’t.

Gu Xu’s expression turned stern as he followed behind her, the pressure of a peak third-tier powerhouse radiating from him. Everyone was forced to sit quietly, their movements sluggish, their breathing rapid. Anyone who wanted to speak up quickly shut their mouths.

Qiao Bin started sweating. This was a true expert—much stronger than their own third-tier Qiao Wei. Even the Qiao Base’s top fighter had never given him this kind of pressure.

He thought bitterly, Su City Base really is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers—no wonder they’re so tough. He didn’t dare look down on Bian Changxi anymore, and sincerely led the way, explaining injuries and facilitating communication.

Bian Changxi’s abilities amazed them. Severed hands were reattached, broken legs mended, deep wounds healed rapidly under her touch, unstoppable bleeding ceased instantly, even ruptured organs calmed and stopped spasming under her gentle green light.

Their attitude toward Bian Changxi shifted from rejection to awe.

Gu Xu’s lips curled in a faint smile.

Just then, the group discussing attack plans finished and came out—Colonel Lin, Qiao Wei, and the others. Before they could speak, a sudden chorus of barking erupted. From the direction of the Hongri Wholesale Market, a pack of black dogs, seemingly armored in steel, charged out and surrounded the group, barking furiously in one direction.

A massive dog, as tall as a horse, strode forward, its movements scraping like metal on metal. Its body was covered in steel spikes, even its head was geometric, with ears like two sharp horns gleaming coldly.

It stepped forward, crimson eyes fixed on Bian Changxi.

Bian Changxi shrugged helplessly. The debt collector had finally caught up."