After nearly a five-minute delay, it was ultimately Ren Zhong who explained the situation clearly.
During this time, Wen Lei interrupted in various ways, boasting about Ren Zhong's astonishing talent, while Zheng Tian listened with eyes sparkling.
"Really, Wen Lei, you should've kept an eye on Brother Ren. This is his first time training, how could it escalate ? He could've died. If I'd known, I wouldn't have let you train with him."
Yet, despite her delight, after listening, Zheng Tian still grumbled in complaint.
"I tried to persuade him! He wouldn't listen! How is this my fault?"
Wen Lei continued to defend himself with grievances.
"It's your fault, it's your fault, it's your fault!"
While Zheng Tian said this, she also gently twisted Wen Lei's shoulder.
"Both of you say less. Wen Lei, put me down. I feel like I can walk now. I'll head to the bathroom myself."
Ren Zhong interrupted their quarrel.
Wen Lei seemed to enjoy this kind of relaxed interaction with the captain.
But Ren Zhong sensed an indescribable chill from this seemingly harmonious atmosphere.
Wen Lei cautiously placed Ren Zhong on the ground.
As he touched the ground, Ren Zhong's legs went weak, almost causing him to fall to the floor.
Zheng Tian quickly intervened from the side, wrapping her arm around Ren Zhong's to support him.
Then she said, "Alright, Wen Lei, go have a snack, I'll take Brother Ren to the bathroom. He can hardly stand; we don't want him falling again."
Ren Zhong politely said, "Thank you."
"It's no trouble, no trouble at all. It's only right. Brother Ren, you're the brain of our small team now, our treasure. I'd be heartbroken if you got hurt."
Zheng Tian tightly held onto Ren Zhong's arm, chest pressed close.
Although she was petite and not exactly curvy, Ren Zhong could clearly feel the contours on his arm.
Right now, he really didn't have the strength to stand steadily, let alone break free, so he let it go.
He thought, perhaps in this precarious world, the distinctions between men and women aren't emphasized as much, and pointing it out might make one seem out of place.
Once in the bathroom, Zheng Tian used one hand to support him and the other to turn on the shower, saying, "The conditions are limited, there's no bathtub. Brother Ren, make do with this."
Ren Zhong leaned against the wall and waved his hand, "No problem. I'm not fond of using the bathtub anyway; it wastes water and takes time."
Zheng Tian responded vaguely, raising her head slowly, looking at Ren Zhong with a seemingly bland expression that actually held a hint of expectancy.
"Brother Ren, the floor can get slippery when wet, and you're not in a good state right now. How about I help you wash?"
Ren Zhong's heart jolted, and he frowned secretly.
He looked directly into Zheng Tian's doll-like face from up close.
Her expression was casual, as if discussing an everyday matter, but there was something hidden deep in her eyes.
She was good at hiding it, but the capillaries on her face slightly betrayed her gradually accelerating heartbeat.
Her face was flushed.
Ren Zhong: "No need, lest your clothes get wet."
Zheng Tian: "It's okay, I can just take them off."
Although Ren Zhong had never been in a relationship, he wasn't dumb.
He sensed something was off.
"Thank you for your kindness, Zheng Tian, but really, there's no need. I can manage on my own."
Zheng Tian didn't insist, just nodded cutely, "Alright then, I'll be outside. Call me if you need anything, Brother Ren."
Outside the bathroom door, a shadow briefly passed over Zheng Tian's face.
She gently clenched her fists.
Although Brother Ren was amiable, when crucial moments arrived, he still maintained a distance.
He is not only a Pu Cha officer but also ambitious, disciplined, and very selective.
In her current identity as an outcast, he wouldn't look at her.
I have to work harder.
I must climb! Upwards!
After his shower, Ren Zhong also went to the courtyard to rest.
Zheng Tian offered the beach recliner to him, allowing him to lie back comfortably.
Next to the beach chair on the small table was a steaming cup of plain tea.
This was a question from Zheng Tian while Ren Zhong was showering.
Next to the plain tea was a stack of little desserts.
On the whitewashed wall on one side of the courtyard, a projector was playing images.
This projector was also one of Wen Lei's "creations," salvaged from the junkyard, and though its effect was far inferior to Sun Miao's high-end gear, it was barely watchable, with a kind of hazy beauty.
At that moment, a well-produced movie was being projected.
It told the story of a humble outcast wandering the wild, saved by a passing girl in his dying moments. Later, this outcast youth continually strived to challenge beyond his level, slaying numerous Ruined Beasts, ultimately becoming a noble Citizen, successfully settling in a bustling city, and marrying the girl who once saved him, who was the daughter of a corporate president. A beautiful tale of career and love double success.