Chapter 206: Apocalypse: Saving the Cold Beauty Doctor 24

After the wooden house, another couple sat by the broken wall, leaning on each other; they looked like weary travelers, finally reaching the base as survivors.

They ate the boxed meals the base provided in exchange, though their clothes were tattered and they bore various injuries, they remained content, enjoying this long-lost peace and warmth.

Yu Rongzhou looked at their embracing figures, blinked, then lowered his gaze to the hand he held with Jin Chen.

Jin Chen put his arm around Yu Rongzhou's shoulder, his tone gentle.

"No matter what the base's ruler thinks, at least these people deserve to live."

He tied the colored string from his palm onto Yu Rongzhou's wrist; the wrist was pale, its knuckles elegantly prominent, like jade grain.

"That day I happened to pass by, gave them a few loaves of bread, and that little girl just gave it to me."

"She said in her hometown, a five‑color string brings safety; now I pass her blessing to you, hoping our Zhouzhou can be peaceful and happy."

Yu Rongzhou raised his eyes, watching Jin Chen earnestly lower his head to tie the string for him; his inner feeling rippled like water, gentle waves spreading.

{Detected Villain Blackening Value -5, total 40! }

He seemed to have understood why Jin Chen brought him here today.

I don't belong to this society, can't form normal connections, my life is split from that of ordinary people, and I've never contacted others, so destroying Long Jiang Base wouldn't feel anything else.

But Jin Chen wants me to understand that at least the other people living in the base are innocent; they shouldn't suffer another apocalypse after the end of the world.

My grudge against Jiang Luo shouldn't make these other people die with me.

Yu Rongzhou shook his wrist; the five‑color string shone more brightly in the sunlight, a rare splash of color in the grim apocalypse.

He vaguely recalled the days when 01 had just rescued him, skimming through many books; one article mentioned items such as necklaces, bracelets, and collars.

Essentially it is a restraint, a shackle of possession; after thousands of years of change, it has taken many forms, often inlaid with jewels and crystals.

Yu Rongzhou, after all these years, hates being bound most of all, but this person is Jin Chen; this hand‑string, whatever its meaning, has become from this moment a link of their feelings.

Pulling him from the fractured void back into this world.

Actually, Jin Chen got something wrong.

Yu Rongzhou leaned into his embrace, holding tight, his eyes flashing with astonishing dependence and obstinacy.

I actually still don't care about these people, but I suddenly realized he has done all this so I can fit in and understand ordinary emotions.

Or if this world still existed, living like an ordinary couple with Jin Chen would also be wonderful.

Giving up destroying the base, the reason from start to finish is simply because of him.

"Jin Chen."

"Mm, I'm here."

Jin Chen gently pinched his nape, "What's wrong, Zhouzhou?"

"I know what you want to say; I won't damage the base's water supply, I'll only deal with Jiang Luo."

Yu Rongzhou leaned on his shoulder, voice soft but firm; if this is what he wants, I will do it.

"Good, the grudge certainly needs to be repaid; I'll always be with you."

Jin Chen loosened slightly, cupping his cheek with his palm, leaning in.

Their noses touched, breaths mingling, until their lips met.

Jin Chen's hand wrapped around his waist, pulling him into his embrace, breaths entwining.

Yu Rongzhou felt an unprecedented tingling, yet couldn't stop trembling; his body seemed not under his own control, only under Jin Chen's.

This was a new experience for him; he felt the heat on his lips burning brighter, endless.

The kiss was lingering, passionate and fervent.

When the lips parted, Yu Rongzhou's lips were wet and shiny, a light flickered in his eyes as he looked at Jin Chen, his heart racing.

{Detected Villain Heartthrob Value +10, total 90! }

Yu Rongzhou unconsciously licked his lips, a faint smile surfaced; the sweetness and warmth in his heart spread, covering the hidden gloom.

This world is dull and gray; only Jin Chen brings me endless color, this exception surging forth hot and fierce.

Now, all I still long for is to feel the flutter of being with Jin Chen, to sense that hidden inner world; there he can become nothingness, can sink into death.

"Let's go rest; there's still work this afternoon."

Jin Chen flicked his finger lightly across Yu Rongzhou's nose, "We should also pay respects at the Five Organs Temple."

"Mm." Yu Rongzhou rubbed against his palm, coquettishly replying.

Noon.

The news that Xu An was devoured by zombies spread without hindrance; Jiang Luo also did not stop its dissemination.

He intended for everyone to know that mishandling affairs could have led to a major mistake, also serving as a warning to other researchers at the base.

Zhao Rui shared this gossip at the table with the other team members, describing it vividly.

Yu Rongzhou lowered his eyes, took a bite of meat, hiding the chill in his gaze.

Killed by the very method he once used, Xu An should be satisfied, right?

{Detected Villain Blackening Value -10, total 30! }

Jin Chen gave him another chopstick of meat, urging, "You've been busy with experiments lately; you should replenish your strength."

Xu Yue also said what he had learned.

"I heard today that Jiang Junshen has been staying in the affiliated research institute, hardly coming out; other teams wanting to take on the bounty missions can't, and there's talk that Jiang Junshen might have health problems."

Thinking again of the Super S Number, Jin Chen kept chewing, after drinking a sip of water he continued to advise.

"In short, be careful these days; no matter what Jiang Luo plans, stay alert."

"Don't worry, Jin Team; since we came to this rundown base, we've been worrying every day to get by," Zhao Huan said.

——

In the afternoon, Yu Rongzhou returned to the lab.

Jin Chen was then invited by Jiang Luo's people to a certain place.

Captain Jin, long time no see.

Jiang Junshen sat on the left side of the main seat in the basement, politely greeting him.

Yo, your partner is dead, yet you're smiling so happily.

Jin Chen feigned surprise, scanning Jiang Junshen up and down, "You're pretty ruthless."

Such things happen all the time in the apocalypse; there's nothing we can do.

Jiang Junshen took a few seconds to realize he was talking about Xu An, then gave a casual reply and moved on.

A waste who even has to steal potions, not worthy of being called my boyfriend.

If it weren't for Xu An's confident claim that he would develop a potion to deal with the zombie virus, I wouldn't have even glanced at him.

His eyes showed too much contempt; Jin Chen noticed, raised his brows slightly, it seems there really isn't much feeling.