Chapter 65

Nan Yuan waited for a while, confirming that Tao Shushu had left, and his expression turned stern once more.
Worried about Nan Yuan, Tao Shushu woke up once in the middle of the night. Groggily, she checked her phone and saw that things were relatively calm on Nan Yuan’s side. Only then did she feel at ease and went back to sleep.
By morning, she woke up before her alarm even went off.
She opened the game and greeted Nan Yuan, "Nan Yuan."
Nan Yuan had changed into a sporty hoodie. With his good looks, bright-colored clothes made him appear even more spirited.
He was so handsome that Tao Shushu almost stared in a daze.
She cleared her throat lightly, "Did anything happen last night?"
Nan Yuan shook his head, "Dr. Xie said that the AI has other plans and won’t blow up the Trash Planet for now. We’ve arranged for people to monitor the port at all times, so the AI can’t get in."
"Oh, I see." Only then did Tao Shushu feel relieved. "Dr. Xie is so mysterious, Nan Yuan, you need to be careful."
"Mm." Nan Yuan nodded. "He can contact other planets, and the AI is wary of a united human counterattack, so they won’t target him for now."
Dr. Xie and Nan Yuan’s mother, Man Qian, shared the same philosophy, neither fully trusted artificial intelligence. Dr. Xie even had some backup plans in place.
For the time being, the AI had given up its attack on the Trash Planet, but no one knew when the next assault would come.
Dr. Xie proposed assembling a batch of weapons first.
Nan Yuan led a team to help Dr. Xie collect recyclable mechanical components.
Nan Yuan smiled, "It’s a shame we can’t take the truck you fixed for me."
Tao Shushu also thought of the truck that rewarded five gold coins for every hundred kilometers driven. She chuckled, "I’ll buy you a better car in the future."
With his enhanced vision, Nan Yuan quickly gathered a large number of mechanical parts and returned to the port base.
As soon as Tao Shushu looked, she noticed that the number of idle people at the port had suddenly increased.
Bodyguard Bob was standing at the port, his tone unfriendly, "Nan Yuan, I want a match with you."
Tao Shushu let out an "oh-ho." Dr. Xie had already returned, and she had no idea why Bob had stayed behind alone at the port.
Nan Yuan glanced around and saw that every exit was guarded by people who looked similar to Bob, as if he wouldn’t be allowed to leave the port unless he agreed.
Nan Yuan sneered, "Dr. Xie assigned you to defend the port. I doubt he authorized you to attack humans, especially fellow humans who helped eliminate the mechanical arms."
"Cut the nonsense. You were just lucky to have an ability that counters the AI. If it were a different type of AI, I doubt you could handle it." Bob picked up his weapon. "If you want to unite the survivors on the Trash Planet, you’ll have to ask for my permission first."
Bob was tall and muscular from head to toe, one of the most capable fighters under Dr. Xie’s command, which was why he had been assigned to guard the port.
Tao Shushu knew that Nan Yuan's arrival on the Trash Planet had disrupted the existing power dynamics, and it was inevitable that someone would stir up trouble.
However, Nan Yuan had taken down the mechanical arm that no one else could handle just yesterday, and now Bob was still finding excuses.
Tao Shushu felt indignant on Nan Yuan's behalf.
She poked Nan Yuan and said, "Nan Yuan, Bob is so annoying."
Nan Yuan comforted her in a low voice, "Alright then, where does Shushu want me to hit him? I'll do it."
Engaging Bob in a fight was both a retaliation and a way to establish authority.
Even though Tao Shushu was worried about Nan Yuan, there was no avoiding it. Still, she had great faith in his abilities. "Do whatever you think is best. I'll just watch from the side."
"Mm."
Zhou Yan also drove over from the west with several carts full of supplies, clapping his hands and whistling. "I bet Nan Yuan will win in ten rounds, one can of food. Anyone want to raise the stakes?"
Nan Yuan paused slightly.
Over at Zhou Yan's side, most people placed their bets on Nan Yuan winning quickly.
Only a few hesitated and ultimately didn't place any bets.
Tao Shushu noticed that those few stood closer together, keeping some distance from the people who had come out of the Second Legion.
These individuals might not fully trust Nan Yuan and didn't agree with Zhou Yan's decision to put him in charge.
Tao Shushu quietly noted this piece of information.
Bob glared at Nan Yuan. "Kid, fair competition, don't think about having others back you up."
He had insulted them repeatedly, and the ability users from the barren planet weren't without tempers. "With reflexes like yours, our boss Nan Yuan will definitely defeat you within ten moves. Is it because you performed too poorly last night that Dr. Xie didn't let you take charge of the protection detail?"
An embarrassed expression flashed across Bob's face. He snorted, "I don't like wasting words. If we're betting, let's make it bigger. If you lose, you have to submit to the management of the east side. We on the east side won't entrust our lives to you."
Nan Yuan smiled faintly.
Zhou Yan immediately burst out laughing. "Bob, you don't even have the final say on the east side, you're ranked, what, third? Fourth? Or fifth?" Zhou Yan counted on his fingers. "Nan Yuan, don't fall for his tricks."
The ability users present were amused by Zhou Yan's antics and burst into laughter.
Tao Shushu felt much more favorably disposed toward Zhou Yan for defusing the situation. "Nan Yuan, this Zhou Yan seems like a pretty good guy."
Nan Yuan's eyes darkened slightly. Taking advantage of the laughter and commotion, he pretended to be wronged. "But he underestimated me."
"Huh?" Tao Shushu was puzzled. When did that happen?
On the other side, Bob's face flushed red with anger, but he couldn't refute the taunts. He said stiffly, "Hmph, three cans of food, I bet this kid will lose."
"You should just promise that if you lose, you'll obediently listen to Nan Yuan," Zhou Yan retorted, rolling his eyes.
Bob gritted his teeth and vowed, "If he's strong enough, of course I'll listen to him."
"Five rounds," Nan Yuan released his weapon. "I only need five rounds. After that, I will ban gambling."
Meeting Nan Yuan's gaze, Bob, who had been about to shout more insults, shuddered. He had once been a somewhat renowned mercenary, but Nan Yuan's aura was even more imposing than his former mercenary leader's.
Bob straightened up slightly. "Fine, I hope you can give me a good fight."
Bob began warming up, stretching his arms and legs.
"Then I'm afraid I can't grant your wish," Nan Yuan stepped forward steadily. The wind lifted the hem of his trench coat and blew back his slightly long bangs, revealing the young man's resolute eyes.
Compared to the muscular giant Bob, Nan Yuan even seemed somewhat "delicate."
The survivors from the wasteland planet were all a bit worried. Cheng Feimao and the others gritted their teeth.
They all knew Nan Yuan was very strong, but they weren’t sure exactly what level Bob was at.
Only Zhou Yan remained cheerful as he acted as the referee. "Begin!"
Nan Yuan struck first. His moves were extremely simple, and he didn’t use any special abilities, just punches and kicks.
Bob immediately raised his hands to block.
But before he could even touch Nan Yuan, Nan Yuan countered with a backhand punch.
Nan Yuan took two steps to Bob’s side, swept low, chopped down, and locked his throat in a takedown.
Exactly five moves.
His speed was incredibly fast. Those standing farther away could only see afterimages. In a few crisp, clean moves, the burly Bob was suddenly on his knees, struggling in vain to break free.
The entire area fell silent for a few seconds.
Then came a thunderous roar of applause.
Tao Shushu stared at the screen and suddenly fell into thought. She felt that Nan Yuan’s moves were very familiar, she had learned them herself in her previous life during the apocalypse.
Could it be that military combat techniques were generally similar?
Before Tao Shushu could figure it out, Bob’s face flushed red all the way to his neck.
"Bob, do you need me to lend you a mask?" Zhou Yan jeered.
The people on the west side laughed good-naturedly.
Especially those from the Second Legion, they crowded in closer, cheering.
The moves Nan Yuan had used were the most basic combat techniques of the Second Legion.
Bob was still a decent person. Though humiliated, and not even understanding how he’d been taken down with a throat lock, he honored the bet. He said to Nan Yuan, "I lost. I’m sorry. I admit your close combat skills are excellent too."
Zhou Yan was thrilled. "Of course! Nan Yuan’s speed is several times faster than yours. Bob, you need to work on your reaction time. Want to make a bet, "
"No gambling," Nan Yuan said with a smile, accepting Bob’s apology. "You’re not bad either. If you can guard the port well, I think that would be even better."
"Alright," Zhou Yan shrugged. "You’re as serious as the Commander."
This time, Bob returned to the port control room sincerely, ready to monitor the skies at all times to prevent any AI intrusion.
"Nan Yuan, check your backpack," Tao Shushu whispered after the noisy crowd had dispersed.
Nan Yuan paused, then opened his backpack. Inside, a gas mask and a high-precision sonic observation scope had suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"I searched for a long time. This can be used to observe artificial intelligence. Machinery creates friction in the air, which alters sound waves. It’s a small tool," Tao Shushu explained the scope’s usage.
Nan Yuan stroked the mirror, "So, is this a reward from Shushu?"
"No. I just want to be good to you," Tao Shushu said softly. "I know Bob couldn’t harm you, but seeing others bully you makes me upset. I didn’t hit him, but I wanted you to know that I care about you."
Inside the backpack, there was also a new shirt.
While gathering supplies, Nan Yuan’s clothes had gotten torn a little. This was a necessary purchase and not an excuse to sneak in something for him.
Tao Shushu patted the stunned Nan Yuan, "You keep busy, I’m off to school."
Quickly logging out of the game, Tao Shushu touched her ears, they felt a little warm.
She rubbed her ears, not bothering to hide the smile on her face, and headed to her classroom.
Class One had been buzzing with a strong study atmosphere lately, with almost everyone arriving early to recite lessons. Today, having played games at the school gate for a while, Tao Shushu was a bit late.
As soon as Li Anyu spotted Tao Shushu, she waved frantically.
"What’s up?" Tao Shushu asked. When Li Anyu first started asking her for help with homework, she wasn’t quite used to it, but now she had grown accustomed to her friend’s newfound dedication to studying.
In the original book, those close to her, a cannon fodder character, didn’t end well. Seeing Li Anyu studying hard for her future was a significant improvement.
But today, Li Anyu wasn’t seeking explanations. "Luo Liming is dead."
"What?" Tao Shushu was shocked. Luo Liming was also one of Su Momo’s admirers in the original book.
Since Tao Shushu hadn’t been tempted, Luo Liming’s attempts to target her had failed.
How could such a prominent character from the original book suddenly die?
Tao Shushu couldn’t believe it. "Really, dead?"
Li Anyu nodded, lowering her voice, "My dad told me. The Luo family is trying to keep it under wraps, but I doubt they can for long. The Luo family is under investigation."
It all started with the incident involving Old Master Wang. After his downfall, past hidden affairs were dug up one after another, like pulling up radishes.
Among them, the loss of cultural relics, which had sparked public outrage, was investigated in detail. As the investigation progressed, it eventually led to Luo Liming.
Li Anyu grabbed Tao Shushu’s arm, "Shushu, Luo Liming tried to tempt you with an invitation to skip the competition, and you didn’t even tell me? That’s not very friendly of you."
"I didn’t agree, did I?" Tao Shushu said.
"But it’s still unfair. Luckily, that troublemaker..." Li Anyu didn’t finish her sentence. No matter what, the loss of a life felt heavy.
"They relied on their connections with the French royal family to repeatedly resell the princess’s invitations. When France found out, relations soured badly. The reputation and connections the Luo family had built over more than a decade collapsed overnight."
The Luo family’s reputation was instantly ruined, and their business suffered as a result.
"So, what happened to Luo Liming?" Tao Shushu asked with concern.
Li Anyu shuddered, "Shushu, I don’t know the specifics, but it’s pretty scary."
Not wanting to frighten Li Anyu further, Tao Shushu comforted her friend and sent a message to Gu Tongqiu to inquire.
She mulled over the situation.
Luo Liming and the Luo family’s misfortune was well-deserved, and she felt no sympathy for them.
But the sudden death of a major male character, contrary to the original plot, put Tao Shushu on high alert.
Her eyelids twitched.