Chapter 73: Chaos Unleashed

Soon, he saw a figure rushing quickly toward the edge of the scenic area—it was Charlie, though his hand still didn’t seem entirely healed. Not far behind him followed another man, deliberately keeping his distance.

Marcus's condition appeared much improved, but he was cautiously maintaining space between himself and Charlie. Xiao Zhang hadn’t expected that, after being beaten who-knew-where, Marcus would act as if nothing had happened.

The two spotted Xiao Zhang from a distance and stopped, momentarily stunned. Charlie grinned broadly and called out, “I knew it was you! I just knew you wouldn’t die so easily! You must have cleared the instance, didn’t you?”

Xiao Zhang only smiled faintly, watching them without replying.

There was a wary look in Marcus’s eyes. He instinctively stepped back a few paces, his tone cold. “Xiao Zhang? Where is Qi Guan?”

Xiao Zhang smiled, “He’s already been taken away by his people.”

Marcus’s expression finally relaxed. “Thank you for saving me in the instance.”

“You’re welcome.”

Suddenly, Charlie spoke with unusual seriousness. “Thank you for saving me!”

“You’re welcome.” Xiao Zhang gave a soft laugh and stepped aside to clear the path. “By the way, do you know someone called the Grudge Ghost? Is that Mutian Yihuai your leader?”

Charlie shook his head. “No, he’s just the captain of my temporary team.”

Marcus exhaled, staring at Xiao Zhang intently. “Thank you. You’re a good man, but in this game, good men don’t live long.”

With that, he sped past Xiao Zhang, putting some distance between them before turning back. “But I hope you live a little longer. If I ever leave my organization, would you take me in?”

“Of course, you’re always welcome.” Xiao Zhang smiled, watching Marcus walk away.

Charlie glanced at Xiao Zhang and said, “Goodbye. If there’s a chance, maybe we’ll work together in the future.”

“Goodbye.” In truth, Xiao Zhang was waiting here to see if Leah would also leave this way.

Just then, Mo Xiaoxiao poked her head out of the car window. “Xiao Zhang, Zhao Bai has already picked up his brother and returned to the hotel.”

Xiao Zhang breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. “Well, what are we waiting for? Get in, let’s go!”

Having a wealthy teammate like Mo Xiaoxiao really proved its worth at moments like this. They returned to the city, and Mo Xiaoxiao had already booked a comfortable suite at a luxury hotel, complete with plenty of medical supplies, food, clothes, and more.

Xiao Zhang was the first to arrive back at the hotel. Once inside, everyone began to enjoy the food. That night, Xiao Zhang stood on the rooftop, gazing out at the city beneath the night sky. He sat on the edge, his legs dangling over the side, the high night wind tossing his hair wildly. He finished off a can of beer, crushed it in his hand, and tossed it carelessly behind him.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Xiao Zhang gave a wry smile. “You’re here?”

“Yes,” came Mo Xiaoxiao’s gentle voice from behind. “I heard everything you said to Zhao Bai. I guessed you probably couldn’t sleep.”

“How did you know I was on the rooftop?”

“Zhao Bai told me!” Mo Xiaoxiao smiled, lips pursed.

“I’m just up here drinking beer.” Xiao Zhang grinned.

Mo Xiaoxiao walked over and sat beside him on the edge. Her long legs dangled over the building, and she glanced down. “It’s high.”

“Are you scared?”

Mo Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes, saying nothing.

“I almost forgot, you’re not exactly a delicate damsel.” Xiao Zhang chuckled. Mo Xiaoxiao picked up a can of beer from the ground, opened it, and downed half in one gulp.

“What are your plans next?” Mo Xiaoxiao turned her head to look at Xiao Zhang, her voice low. “Do you really intend to start your own organization?”

Xiao Zhang gazed at her for a long moment, then nodded. “Yes.”

“Have you thought about what comes after?” she asked softly. “Now we’re already a group, and you’re the leader. We survived this instance, but from now on… all these things will be your responsibility as the head.”

“Oh, thinking about the future just gives me a headache,” Xiao Zhang replied with a bitter smile. “You know, I’ve always been a mess inside—so many problems, so many dilemmas. But I don’t dare think about them, because the deeper I go, the more I feel I’ll go mad, or lose myself completely.”

“For example?”

“For example…” Xiao Zhang fiddled with his can of beer, his laugh lost and uncertain. “For example, sometimes I can’t even tell what’s real and what’s fake anymore.”

“Even the system told me the reason it chose me was because I’m a flaw in the program myself.”

The next morning, in the hotel restaurant, Zhao Bai and Li Shiwan sat with Tushan Bai, drinking yogurt. When Xiao Zhang and Mo Xiaoxiao walked in side by side, Zhao Bai immediately gave a mischievous grin, while Li Shiwan didn’t react at all.

Xiao Zhang blushed, but Mo Xiaoxiao calmly sat at the table, glancing coldly at Zhao Bai. “Feeling bold today?”

“No, no…” Zhao Bai quickly wiped the grin off his face.

Xiao Zhang felt a bit embarrassed and frowned. “Have you stared enough?”

Zhao Bai chuckled. “Someone didn’t come back to his room last night! As your brother, I was worried about you, so I brought a bottle of wine to your door—but you weren’t even there.”

Xiao Zhang replied seriously, “Last night, Mo Xiaoxiao and I were on the rooftop, watching the view, drinking and talking. We got tired and fell asleep right there. Don’t misunderstand.”

Zhao Bai laughed, “Drinking on the rooftop with a beautiful woman under the night sky—how enviable. You’re just rubbing it in for us single folks.”

Mo Xiaoxiao suddenly picked up a knife and fork and casually gestured with them. “What’s the matter, Zhao Bai? Dissatisfied with Wanwan, or what?”

Glancing at the knife in her hand, Zhao Bai gulped. “Wanwan and I are great together!”

Mo Xiaoxiao stood, grabbed a few sandwiches, and left. “I’m going back to my room.”

After she’d gone, Zhao Bai let out a breath and patted Xiao Zhang’s shoulder. “Brother, looks like you’ve made it. Congratulations on escaping the single life.”

Xiao Zhang ignored him and patted Tushan Bai’s head. “Did you sleep well last night?”

“Of course! I slept with Sister Wanwan.” Tushan Bai’s face was all smiles. “Brother, there are so many fun things in your world!”

Li Shiwan seemed completely used to this, as if it was all perfectly ordinary.