NOVEL NEXT Chapter 281: 9.27
"98 points!?"
Fang Jing's expression changed dramatically. His eyes widened, filled with doubt and astonishment. He even forgot Jiang Qing's presence, her 75-point water ability was already considered excellent, nearly top-notch in the base. But compared to Jiang Jiamian's terrifying 98, it was instantly overshadowed.
His gaze fixed on Jiang Jiamian's handsome, almost radiant face. A young man like that, barely past adolescence, carrying such strength? Fang Jing could hardly believe it.
And yet the evidence was undeniable.
Jealousy twisted in his chest. Along with it came fear.
If he could not win this person over, Jiang Jiamian would one day become his greatest threat.
He had only two choices: support him wholeheartedly… or eliminate him.
This man was a far more dangerous opponent than Xiao Jinfeng or the Gale Squad ever were.
A fleeting glint of viciousness passed through Fang Jing's eyes. But it didn't escape Jiang Jiamian's sharp perception, nor Ling Zhuang's penetrating gaze.
Both men sneered inwardly, though their expressions remained politely neutral.
Seeing Fang Jing's strained smile, Jiang Jiamian tilted his head. Fang Jing asked again, voice almost trembling, as though seeking reassurance, "Ninety-eight… I'm not shocked, of course. And I don't doubt Mr. Jiang. But I fear that if there has been a mistake, I would be embarrassed before everyone. Could it be that the tester malfunctioned?"
Jiang Jiamian: "…"
You call this not doubting?
What nonsense. He was clearly terrified of lowering his stance to curry favor, only to discover later that it had been a mistake.
Jiang Jiamian's lips curled in mockery. "That guard at the door thought the same. He dragged out three more testers, plus the original one. Four in total. Every single one read ninety-eight. Any further questions?"
His unmistakably mocking tone made Fang Jing's ears burn. Under normal circumstances, with his status, Fang Jing would have turned his back and stormed out.
But the thought that this young man across from him was a level-98 ability user strong enough to crush him with a flick of the hand, made him force down his fury. He swallowed hard, forcing his lips into a smile.
"No, no! Not at all! It is an honor, not just for A City base, but for the countless survivors who rely on us for protection. A strong person like you adds another wall of defense. Truly, this is a blessing!"
Before Jiang Jiamian could respond, Jiang Qing, who followed closely behind him, rolled her eyes so hard she nearly strained them.
Even she could sense the hypocrisy dripping from this so-called leader.
She didn't understand why her brother, so strong and capable, had to come to A City base at all, forced to live under another's roof and endure their false smiles.
For ordinary people like her, the base represented survival. They had no choice but to bow their heads.
But her brother? He had enough power to live comfortably anywhere. Why lower himself here?
Jiang Qing clenched her fists, silently indignant.
Fang Jing, oblivious to her thoughts, straightened proudly and spread his hands in a magnanimous gesture. "Mr. Jiang, whichever team you wish to join, whatever position you desire, I can approve it. As for housing, naturally, you shall enjoy a high-end residence, the same as Professor Ling!"
He spoke with exaggerated generosity, as if bestowing a great gift. Deep down, he assumed that a young man like Jiang Jiamian wouldn't dare make truly outrageous demands. He should be grateful for such benevolence.
"He'll live with me."
Ling Zhuang's calm voice cut across the room like a blade.
"The laboratory is a strategic location." Ling Zhuang continued smoothly. "We urgently require someone to protect it. Jiang Jiamian is the perfect choice. For convenience of communication, and to reduce the unnecessary cost of housing, I suggest he live with me."
Jiang Jiamian: "…"
Hehe.
Fang Jing blinked, momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected the polite, mild Professor Ling to speak up so directly, and to demand someone so boldly.
"I don't think that's appropriate." Another voice interjected. Chen Ran, who had been silent, finally spoke up, his eyes firm. "The laboratory is deep inside the base. Zombies cannot possibly penetrate so far. Professor Ling doesn't leave often, so he's safe enough. Assigning someone like Jiang Jiamian to guard the lab would be an enormous waste of resources."
Fang Jing's eyes lit up. He turned toward Chen Ran with approval. "Good point. Very good point. Professor Ling, I cannot grant your request. However…" He softened his tone, adopting a benevolent smile. "Since you all know each other, we can place your residences nearby. Across the hall, perhaps. There's no need to squeeze into one room, the base can certainly afford two for people of your caliber."
Ling Zhuang adjusted his glasses, his expression unreadable. "From what I've seen, many residents here have not awakened powers. They must cram ten or more into a single small room. I haven't awakened either. To live alone feels rather embarrassing."
Jiang Jiamian rolled his eyes openly, not bothering to be polite. "That's your problem. Don't drag me into it. I want my own room. If you're embarrassed, you deal with it."
Ling Zhuang: "…"
Fine. Two rooms. He had ways of ensuring Jiang Jiamian ended up in his anyway.
"Mr. Jiang is refreshingly straightforward!" Fang Jing exclaimed, completely misinterpreting the dynamic. He quickly categorized Jiang Jiamian as a spirited but naive youth, blunt, unsophisticated, and therefore easy to manipulate if given sweet enough bait.
Feeling a surge of relief, Fang Jing decided to push the advantage. His gaze shifted toward Jiang Qing, and he smiled kindly. "Since you are brother and sister, it would be inconvenient to separate you. With a score of seventy-five, Miss Jiang should normally receive a lower-tier residence. But for your sake, I will make an exception. Each of you shall have a private apartment."
He leaned back smugly. He understood well: to win someone's loyalty, you must also favor their family.
Jiang Jiamian pressed a hand to his forehead, resisting the urge to laugh in Fang Jing's face.
Does this man really think he can win him over with a few houses and polite words? Do he look like some wide-eyed child who's never seen the world?
It was hilarious.
Fang Jing continued smoothly, "Mr. Jiang, have you decided which team to join? Why not the Gale Squad? You already know them, after all."
Even Chen Ran, standing quietly, saw through Fang Jing's intentions. He had originally planned to ask Jiang Jiamian to join once things had settled. But now his chest tightened with unease. If Fang Jing, or even Ling Zhuang, claimed him first, it would be too late.
He spoke quickly, "If you join us, we can provide the best support."
Xiao Jinfeng glanced sideways at Chen Ran, a sharp pang of alarm running through him. The faint sense of crisis he'd felt since Jiang Jiamian's arrival now roared to life.
He couldn't lie to himself anymore.
Chen Ran's eyes lingered on Jiang Jiamian with a light he had never seen before, a light that had never once been directed at him.
"There's no rush." Jiang Jiamian said smoothly, sidestepping the trap. His smile was calm. "I need to think it over."
After all, if he chose openly now, Ling Zhuang, Fang Jing, or the Gale Squad, the other two would instantly turn against him. That would be troublesome.
He already had an idea, of course.
To stand above them all.
His Majesty, the Zombie King, bows to no one!
How laughable, that they thought they could win him over with scraps.
But naturally, such thoughts couldn't be spoken aloud.
"Very well." Fang Jing forced a genial smile. He didn't want to pressure him too hard. Better to let the boy stew in gratitude and slowly bind himself with favors. "It's late. You've all worked hard on the road. I'll have someone escort you to your homes. They are ready to move into. As for further arrangements, we can discuss them in the coming days."
"Thank you, Chief Fang."
Jiang Jiamian stretched lazily, even yawning. He looked every bit the innocent, uncouth youth Fang Jing believed him to be. "I'm really a bit sleepy."
Watching this greasy old man play his little tricks truly was exhausting. No wonder he wanted to sleep.