Cave Refuge

Because of this, Jason Jefferson's ship was stocked with so many supplies.

But during mealtime, only the Jefferson and Thompson families gathered together to dine. Apart from the chef and two servers, everyone else retreated into the cabins, leaving the spacious deck to the two families.

Although Jason internally looked down on Zachary, he did not target him during the meal like the villains in those wish-fulfillment novels. Instead, he was quite affable and engaged Zachary in idle chatter.

If this had been before the natural disaster, Jason's behavior would have been described as "downward compatibility," meaning a person of higher status takes extra care to accommodate someone of lower status during a conversation to demonstrate an approachable character.

Zachary also disliked this behavior, but after all, it was Old Jefferson who had invited Mr. Thompson over for the meal, and Zachary was merely brought along as an additional guest. Because he wanted to save face for his father, Zachary endured it despite some inner displeasure.

Perceiving Zachary's perfunctory attitude, Jason found what he thought was a topic of interest for Zachary, "Zachary, my young friend, you still haven't told me what kind of girl you like. I might be blunt, but I only mean well.

Now is a good time to find a partner during this disaster, as you could possibly find a girl of a much higher caliber than in times of peace, since many are looking for a family that can provide them with security and shelter in these chaotic times."

Whenever someone tells you they are frank and straightforward, even if their words aren't pleasant, they are supposedly being honest, there's a good chance they look down on you, unless they adopt the same manner with their leaders or elders. Otherwise, if such rhetoric is exclusive to you, it implies that you're not important enough to warrant maintaining a respectful relationship.

Zachary was not at all interested in Jason's friendly advice, simply responding with composure, "I'm sorry, Brother Jefferson, but I already have a girlfriend, so no need to trouble yourself on my behalf."

Hearing Zachary's response, Jason was momentarily taken aback and then looked towards Old Jefferson. Truth be told, he didn't know much or care about Zachary, his knowledge of him coming from what his own father had mentioned.

Had his own father not mentioned that Zachary was single, he would not have brought up the subject. It seemed all the more surprising that Zachary claimed to have a partner, since every time he returned to see his parents, he came alone.

Jason watched his father and Mr. Thompson cheerfully toasting and enjoying themselves, paying no mind to what was going on between the younger men. Though he did not wish to continue, they had already broached the subject, so he forced himself to ask further, "Why didn't your sister-in-law come with you? Is she busy with something else?"

Jason intended to inquire whether her absence was due to some accident, and if she required any help. But as soon as he began speaking the word for "accident," he felt it wasn't appropriate, so he quickly altered his choice of words.

"She was supposed to come back with me, but some last-minute issues on her end caused a delay," said Zachary. "She was meant to arrive the day after tomorrow, but given the current situation, I expect she'll be occupied for a while and won't have time to come here anytime soon."

Seeing Zachary's dismissive demeanor, Jason realized that Zachary probably did not want to delve into the matter, so he casually shifted the topic, and they continued to chat with ease.

Just as the dinner table atmosphere was buzzing with lively conversation, a dull thud echoed from the edge of the deck. Jason's Companion Spiritual Treasure had been struck by a powerful impact, and he momentarily felt as though he shared in the trauma.

Then an ear-piercing alarm rang out on deck, and the guards from the Guard Squad, who had withdrawn into the cabins, immediately came out brandishing weapons. Perhaps already informed about the source of the problem, they rushed towards the side of the deck upon emerging from the cabins.

"Dad, although I'm not sure what's happening over there, it's best if you take our family and Uncle Thompson's three inside the cabin for now. After I handle this, I'll call you out," Jason said.

Upon hearing this, Old Jefferson did not hesitate and promptly herded everyone into the cabin.

"Dad, go with Uncle Jefferson into the cabin, I'll stay and help," said Zachary, advising his father. Then turning to Jason, he added, "Brother Jefferson, I'm not weak. I can be of help. Don't worry, I won't cause trouble; I'll follow orders."

It was not a moment for hesitation, so when Jason heard Zachary's offer to stay, he agreed with a nod and then ran towards the direction of the impact.

After watching his parents follow Old Jefferson to the cabin entrance, Zachary casually strolled in the direction of the noise.

The instant the collision was heard, Zachary had employed his Divine Sense to investigate. To his shock, the source of the noise turned out to be a coffin.

And as Zachary expanded his Divine Sense further, he was startled to discover that more and more coffins were surfacing from underwater.