Chapter 361: Still Have a Trick Up Their Sleeve

"Wow, welcome, two beauties!"

"Welcome, welcome, welcome Yi Xiaoling, welcome Ju Wuying!"

Everyone held goodwill toward Zhang Su's approved members, but all felt the name Ju Wuying was strange—though clearly not the time to ask.

Upon arriving at Tianmayu, Ju Wuying and Yi Xiaoling reacted very differently: Yi Xiaoling, sensing many eyes on her, felt deeply embarrassed, while Ju Wuying paid no heed to stares, her gaze sweeping freely around the camp.

Walls, guard posts, tanks, and surveillance!

Anti-vehicle barriers, spike strips, landmines, and… a bizarre giant zombie?

Everything here felt fresh and alarming to her, yet as the crowd's warm welcomes washed over her, her vigilance slowly eased.

"Xiaoling is from Qingxian; this one comes from far away—from the island nation—so her name sounds a bit different from ours!"

Zhang Su knew what they were wondering and offered an explanation.

"Oh, I see."

"I knew it—I've never heard of the surname Ju..."

"Cool! How'd someone from the island nation end up here?"

The crowd understood at last, curious about Ju Wuying's background—Qincheng wasn't a cosmopolitan metropolis like Mudu; overseas people were extremely rare.

"Um, on our way back earlier..."

Zhang Su did not elaborate on Ju Wuying's past—there would be plenty of time to learn about each other later. He shifted topics to recount their encounter on the return journey, concluding: "I suspect the situation in the Shanhai District isn't what Liu Shijie's men claimed. If anyone comes from the north in the coming days, stay alert!"

"Got it, Brother Su! I'll set up a camera facing north these next two days—anyone who shows their face won't escape!"

Liu Tianji responded enthusiastically.

Yu Wen rubbed his chin, thoughtful: "The Shanhai District, as a tourist spot, has fluctuating population numbers, and with its uniquely favorable ancient environment, it could truly have formed a significant force."

Once a strategic stronghold in ancient times, Shanhai District's defensive structures may be old, but their walls still offer tremendous advantages today!

Zhang Su recalled his past visit to Shanhai District, remembering the ten-meter-high walls of the Heavenly First Pass, then glanced at Tianmayu's concrete fence—suddenly feeling it looked pitifully thin...

"Damn it, if they've got bronze walls and iron gates, fine—but don't you dare come out causing trouble! Come on, everyone, unload the gear first. Don't touch the Cruiser's trunk or the alcohol."

No longer dwelling on Shanhai District, Zhang Su ordered everyone to get to work. He forbade touching the trunk because it held the corpse of the venom zombie—a weapon best handled point-to-point, directly under Fu Wei's control, and he'd need to supervise it himself...

After giving instructions, Zhang Su walked over to Ju Wuying and Yi Xiaoling, pointing to the front courtyard of the guesthouse: "Come on, let's talk over there."

Both knew Zhang Su would seek them out and didn't refuse.

"Wow, so much alcohol—we're rich... Hey, Sister-in-law, why don't you go scold your husband already? Haha."

Zhao Dezhu opened the cargo compartment, spotted the alcohol, and was about to say something to Zhang Su—then turned to see him leading the two new women toward Xiaoxingyun. He turned back and teased Zheng Xinyu.

Zheng Xinyu rolled her eyes at Zhao Dezhu: "When Teacher Yu isn't around, you start yapping. I'll go report you—see how smug you are then!"

At the mention of Yu Qing, Zhao Dezhu shrank back, glancing at Yu Wen, who was helping Zhong Xiaoshanjian inventory supplies. Seeing his father-in-law fully absorbed in work, he sighed in relief and chuckled: "Heh, just kidding. Come on, let's move the cargo! Dad, I've got eight barrels of sorghum liquor—forty liters each!"

"Hey, I told you not to touch the alcohol—why are you carrying it off?!"

Zheng Xinyu called out to Zhao Dezhu.

"Oh, I forgot..."

Joy and sorrow shift in an instant: the happier you were carrying the alcohol, the sadder you are returning without it.

"Mr. Zhang!"

As Zhang Su led Ju Wuying and Yi Xiaoling to the courtyard of Xiaoxingyun guesthouse, Duan Wuhu wheeled Fu Weijun over rapidly, with Xie Yanshan beside him.

"Hello everyone, why so out of breath? What's the rush?"

Zhang Su greeted them with a smile.

"Ah, Brother Zhang, you wouldn't believe it—just now, when Weijun heard you were back, he dropped his experiment and rushed to find you. I couldn't push the wheelchair fast enough—he kept urging me!"

Duan Wuhu chuckled in complaint; nowadays, unless on a special mission, he mostly assisted in the lab, acting as aide to the two researchers.

"Oh? Haha, come on, let me introduce today's new recruits..."

Zhang Su then introduced both sides. Unlike previous recruits, Ju Wuying and Yi Xiaoling wouldn't be assigned to the satellite village—they needed to become familiar with camp members.

Fu Weijun and Xie Yanshan warmly shook hands with the two women, though Fu Weijun's greeting was clearly perfunctory.

In response to Fu Weijun's indifference, Ju Wuying remained equally cold—their personalities bore a certain resemblance.

After greetings, Fu Weijun immediately asked: "Mr. Zhang, we've made some progress studying the corpses brought back from the Qinglong Corps. Also... did you find that thing?"

Zhang Su's eyebrow twitched. He nodded: "You two go ahead with your work. I'll come find you shortly."

"Alright, alright!"

Fu Weijun nodded eagerly, didn't linger a moment—came in a rush, left in a flash.

"Big Brother Zhang, your researchers here are so dedicated."

Yi Xiaoling watched the three hurrying away and sighed.

"Everyone is deeply committed to their duties. Come on."

Zhang Su gestured for them to enter the courtyard, pointing upstairs: "I live in that room. We eat here—meal times are posted on the wall."

The three entered the dining hall; the warm air felt deeply comforting.

"Help yourself to drinks. Now, tell me—what exactly happened before?"

Zhang Su pointed to a cabinet in the corner, then sat heavily in his usual spot, lit a cigarette. Only back at camp could he truly relax.

Earlier, as he'd been about to suggest keeping the three from Shanhai District, Yi Xiaoling told him: Ju Wuying said those three carried murderous intent—don't let them live!

Zhang Su knew the three couldn't be spared, but he'd planned only to extract information first before eliminating them—no solid proof, just caution. "Murderous intent"? That sounded terrifying.

"Actually..." Yi Xiaoling hesitated, exchanged a glance with Ju Wuying, as if reaching silent agreement, then smiled faintly: "I wanted to tell you earlier—Little Ju can sense others' hostility, murderous intent, or other emotions!"

(End of Chapter)