CH 27

Chapter 27

After all, if these people move into the villa next to them, the creature that killed one of them before might come looking for the next target in this vicinity.

Qin Jiulin: “If it’s really that difficult to deal with, maybe they just ran away instead of staying in this villa area. Perhaps they don’t know if they have the ability to handle it, so they move temporarily to observe. As for why they chose our neighbor, they probably see us as cannon fodder.”

Liu Zhongyuan blinked, “You’re right. They probably think that even if that thing comes after them, it will go for the easy targets first. With fewer people in our villa, we’d be the primary targets.”

Qin Jiulin smirked, “However, the one eventually chosen as the target… might be them.”

Since they weren’t here for them, there was no need to keep watching from the balcony. Both went downstairs. Qi Yu was busy in the kitchen on the first floor.

Since he regained mobility, Liu Zhongyuan delegated cooking tasks to him. With someone to command, they wouldn’t waste the opportunity. Qin Jiulin had no objections. Cooking meat dishes was simple; as long as they tasted good, it was fine. He wasn’t that picky. But now… it seemed they were running out of seasoning.

Indeed, Qi Yu, busy in the kitchen, said, “Qin ge, Liu ge, we’re running low on seasoning, and many things are running out.”

Qin Jiulin, who had been living here for a while, had prepared daily necessities, including kitchen seasonings. However, after so long, they were running out.

Liu Zhongyuan, “There seem to be few people living in this villa area. And seeing them carrying so much, they must have already searched. If we need these supplies, we’ll have to go to the city center.”

Qin Jiulin, “Tonight.”

Liu Zhongyuan, “Sure, and let’s bring back some prey.”

As for whether it was dangerous for Qi Yu to stay alone in the villa, that didn’t concern them much. They saved him before, but if they had to personally protect him, neither of them had the time!

Moreover, as long as the neighbors don’t cause trouble, there won’t be a problem. Besides, they are going out at night and will be back before dawn the next day. If trouble arises from just sleeping at night, then Qi Yu…

Liu Zhongyuan, “Tonight?”

Qin Jiulin nodded, “Tonight it is, go to the city and check for supplies, see how the situation is in the city. Don’t know when the military will arrive; it’s been almost half a month.”

At this point, Qin Jiulin approached Liu Zhongyuan, staring directly into his eyes, “Do you have a way to contact the military?”

Liu Zhongyuan replied, “Yes.”

Qin Jiulin didn’t need a denial; there wasn’t much to hide anyway.

Qin Jiulin asked, “Do you know the current situation of the military?”

Liu Zhongyuan shook his head, “I don’t know, but I can guess a bit.”

Qin Jiulin pondered, “Could it be that they are still seizing power at this time?”

Liu Zhongyuan tilted his head, confirming Qin Jiulin’s guess without uttering a word. Impressive, seizing power at a time like this?

“Forget it, the military has nothing to do with us. This time, we’re going out to search for supplies. Hopefully, we won’t encounter anything too troublesome.”

Liu Zhongyuan advised, “Avoid going near the city center. We can explore supermarkets or similar places on the outskirts; there should be plenty.”

Qin Jiulin agreed, “I know. Let’s prepare some containers for carrying things.”

Liu Zhongyuan suggested, “If we find a supermarket, we can just grab things there, right?”

Qin Jiulin thought about it, “That works…”

Before he could finish, a knocking sound interrupted. Qin Jiulin had removed the doorbell earlier, and it was now non-functional.

Liu Zhongyuan jokingly said, “Is someone here to visit us?”

Qin Jiulin decided, “I’ll go out this time.”

Liu Zhongyuan agreed, “Sure, I’ll stay inside. Should we inform Qi Yu, though he’s with us… Should we tell them about this?”

Qin Jiulin responded, “They’ll find out sooner or later. Why should we take the initiative to tell them?”

Qin Jiulin opened the door and approached the courtyard, facing the people outside—a familiar face, Zhou Yiyi, and three others.

Zhou Yiyi greeted him, “Long time no see, Qin Dashao. How have you been lately?”

Qin Jiulin corrected her, “There’s no need for titles like Dashao now. Just call me by name. What brings you here?”

Zhou Yiyi blinked, smiling, “We’re just here to get acquainted. Some unpleasant things happened in the villa we used to live in, so we moved. It’s quite a coincidence, isn’t it? We’re neighbors with Qin Da… Qin Ge!”

“Oh, by the way, this is Lin Yuzé, and this is Wang Boming. Both are beastmen, quite powerful. Let me introduce you. In the future, living next door, we can take care of each other.”

Qin Jiulin was surprised, “Two beastmen came specifically to meet me? Do I have such an influence?”

Zhou Yiyi maintained her smile but didn’t respond.

Lin Yuzé explained, “Just expressing our sincerity. You’ve been reluctant to join us before, which is understandable. Many people are wary.”

“The reason we moved here is simple. The villa had some trouble before, and living here allows us to look out for each other. Of course, this visit is also to inform you that there’s trouble in this villa area. You and your friends should be cautious.”

Qin Jiulin, despite having suspicions, appreciated the warning, “Thank you for the reminder. Please guide us in the future.”

Lin Yuzé and the others left quickly, appearing as if they genuinely came to convey a warning. Qin Jiulin watched them disappear, then turned back into the villa.

Liu Zhongyuan approached, asking, “What did they say?”

Qin Jiulin replied, “How come? Can’t you hear?”

Liu Zhongyuan chuckled, “Just a little. Something about trouble and being cautious, right?”

Qin Jiulin confirmed, “Isn’t it clear enough?”

Liu Zhongyuan laughed, “Seems a bit fake.”

Qin Jiulin smirked, “Indeed, quite fake. Living next door might be troublesome. Let’s hope they won’t cause problems by coming over too often.”

Liu Zhongyuan said, “Probably not. After all, they must think we’d be the first to be attacked, so they’ll reduce contact with us to avoid drawing attention.”

Qin Jiulin snorted, “Hmph…”

From morning till night, no one disturbed them in the neighboring villa.

Looking at the pitch-black sky outside with no stars or moon, Qin Jiulin said to Qi Yu, “You stay in the villa alone. Zhongyuan and I are going out for a while. Rest well, understood?”

Qi Yu thought they were going out to hunt at night, as they did before. He nodded, “I understand. Be safe and come back early.”

Qi Yu had seen Qin Jiulin and Liu Zhongyuan transform into beasts several times, but witnessing Liu Zhongyuan turn into a giant snake left him in awe. He never expected them to be so powerful.

He wondered if anything could go wrong with the two of them together outside. Did he really need to worry? Qi Yu felt it was better to be cautious when the two guardian beasts were away at night.

Qi Yu hesitated and asked, “Qin Ge, can I sleep in the basement? Of course, I’ll make a new bed and won’t disturb your sleeping area.”

Qin Jiulin squinted at him and said after a while, “Sure, it’s not a big deal.”

Liu Zhongyuan chuckled, “Oh? I’ve never slept in the basement…”

Qin Jiulin interrupted, “Want to sleep there?”

Liu Zhongyuan asked, “Can I?”

Qin Jiulin replied, “Sure, you can have the basement. I’ll sleep upstairs.”

Liu Zhongyuan blinked, “Huh? Why? Can’t we sleep together? It’s safer that way.”

While Liu Zhongyuan’s suggestion might have been casual banter, Qin Jiulin seriously considered if it would be safer. Uncertain, he asked, “Do you really want to sleep with me?”

The basement used to be his sleeping space before complete transformation. He hadn’t moved because Liu Zhongyuan joined later. He never expected Liu Zhongyuan to want to sleep with him.

Qin Jiulin thought for a moment and replied, “You’re right, but I disagree.”

Liu Zhongyuan, seemingly unsurprised, asked, “Why? What’s wrong with sleeping together?”

Qi Yu, standing in the corner, felt like a shining third wheel, not intending to join their conversation.