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墨書 Inktalez
Everyone has their own reverse scale, and it often has little to do with themselves but is closely tied to those they care about, such as family and loved ones.
No matter how much doubt there was about Qin Yaojie’s intentions in entering the game, even though their breakup had become a fact, Xu Nuan still would not allow anyone to speak ill of Qin Yaojie in her presence. He had always been her idol before he became her boyfriend.
Zhao Xi noticed this, so he only mentioned Qin Yaojie’s past. Zhang Xiao understood this as well, focusing only on the good things Qin Yaojie had done. Gu Ze was also well aware of Xu Nuan’s temperament and never brought up the person he wanted to beat up.
These three were all smart people; despite having their own ways of living, they were all recognized by Xu Nuan.
Unfortunately, after spending four months with Xu Nuan, Deng Yinyin still hadn’t realized this while everyone else did.
Because she hadn’t taken it to heart, she naturally wouldn’t notice, and now she had to bear the consequences of her careless words.
A cold light flickered in Xu Nuan’s light-colored eyes, and her straight posture created an imposing aura that made Deng Yinyin feel a bit fearful.
“If you still don’t know what shouldn’t be said, I don’t mind teaching you another lesson.”
Once upon a time, in the snowy ground, Xu Nuan and Deng Yinyin had faced off like this. Back then, Deng Yinyin was still unaware of her own limitations and looked down on Xu Nuan. Xu Nuan also didn’t think much of Deng Yinyin.
But times had changed; the two were now recognized companions. With Captain Xu Hang present, the situation couldn’t escalate into a fight, but that didn’t stop Xu Nuan from giving Deng Yinyin a warning.
“Three strikes and you’re out. This is the second time I’ve heard his name and these slanderous words from your mouth. Out of respect for the captain, I won’t pursue this further. But if there’s a next time, I won’t let it slide.”
Xu Nuan’s words were firm and resonant; her voice wasn’t loud but carried anger and authority.
Deng Yinyin instinctively shrank back, looking pitifully at Xu Hang for protection. She knew Xu Nuan would follow through on her threats; with her low combat ability, she was just asking for a beating.
But when she looked up, she saw Xu Hang’s angry gaze. His stern expression was already intimidating enough; now he squinted his eyes and furrowed his brows, making his face look even more serious and frightening.
“Deng Yinyin, apologize.”
Xu Hang spoke in an undeniable tone. “I’ve told you many times; you cannot vent your anger on others. Each matter should be treated separately.”
Deng Yinyin had always feared her future brother-in-law but had grown accustomed to his indulgence. Now that she was being asked to bow her head and admit her mistake, how could she possibly swallow that pride?
Pouting, Deng Yinyin mumbled, "No way! I have freedom of speech, and it doesn't bother anyone. Hmph, you all are just biased. I'm going to find something to eat, so I won't bother with you."
With determination, Deng Yinyin ran off to the shallow waters, pretending to examine a large rock and peering underneath it.
Xu Hang sighed helplessly and turned to the expressionless Xu Nuan across from him.
"I apologize on her behalf. She's been spoiled and tends to speak without thinking. I hope you don't mind."
Xu Nuan shook her head. "I understand the principle that concern can lead to chaos, but I still hope there won't be a next time. You should understand this feeling as well."
When it comes to those they care about, they can tease and scold them as they please, but they cannot tolerate any harsh words from others. This possessiveness and protective instinct is only natural.
Xu Hang paused for a moment before nodding. "I understand. I'll remind her. However, regardless of others, when it comes to Zhang Xiao, it's better for you to stay alert. People who are fickle often have their own agendas, whether good or bad, and they shouldn't be involved in our team."
Xu Nuan nodded and took the lead in walking forward.
"I already know that without you reminding me. I can guarantee that I won't be the one falling for any tricks in the end."
Xu Hang sighed again, feeling that managing a team was much more challenging than managing a department, especially with such distinct personalities and unpredictable thoughts among the team members.
Xu Nuan and Xu Hang quickly caught up with Deng Yinyin, planning to look for some crabs together. Before they could greet her, they heard Deng Yinyin's scream.
"Ah! There's a centipede!"
Xu Nuan instinctively covered her ears and exchanged glances with Xu Hang. Perhaps they needed to remind Deng Yinyin that with her loud voice, she shouldn't scream so casually; it could be quite damaging.
"If there's a centipede, just step on it. No need to shout."
Xu Hang clearly understood Xu Nuan's gaze and spoke with a hint of resentment; it seemed he had often been disturbed by such sounds in the past.
"How can I step on such a big one?!"
Deng Yinyin continued to scream from several meters away, jumping down from the boulder and running toward them, panic evident in her every movement.
As the centipede crawled out from the other side of the boulder, Xu Hang and Xu Nuan turned and ran as well. They had never seen a centipede this large in their lives.
It was nearly a meter long, with a body as wide as two adult palms. The main body had a faint blue hue, clearly indicating its venomous nature.
"Looks like they really are pumped full of hormones!"
Deng Yinyin shouted as she ran, which was nothing short of double torment for Xu Nuan and Xu Hang.
The centipede had many legs and could run fast, quickly closing the distance on the three of them. However, its only drawback was its size; with no protection on its main body, it was vulnerable. In its frantic pursuit, it had to endure Deng Yinyin's high-pitched screams.
Xu Nuan snapped back to reality and swiftly drew a short knife, expertly pinning the centipede in place.
Deng Yinyin stiffly turned her head to look at the writhing centipede, unable to escape the knife. She reaffirmed that her combat skills were no match for Xu Nuan's. A wise person knows when to be cautious; she decided to be more careful with her words in the future.
Unbeknownst to Xu Nuan, her decisive action had silenced Deng Yinyin more effectively than any words could have. Slightly surprised by her own accuracy, she moved to another spot to search for food.
With teamwork and strength, the three of them quickly identified the centipede's weak points and found plenty of crabs beneath the boulders and pebbles.
However, there was a slight issue with these crabs.
Deng Yinyin disdainfully picked up one crab and pouted, "This is way too small! It's about the size of my fingernail; not even enough to get stuck in my teeth."
"If we catch a few more, it’ll be enough," Xu Hang replied calmly, leaving Deng Yinyin speechless.
"Maybe we can make soup?" Xu Nuan pondered aloud, troubled by the small size of the crabs.
"They'll be plenty when we get back; there are lots of coconuts," Xu Hang suddenly changed the subject.
Xu Nuan pressed her lips together, wondering if this meant her suggestion had been rejected.
However, Xu Hang was right; Gu Ze and Zhang Xiao had indeed brought back a lot of coconuts—sweet, delicious, and refreshing.
"But for Tang Jing Shu, it seems like this doesn't help much, does it?"
As the others looked contentedly at the pile of coconuts on the ground, Xie Huai timidly raised his doubt.
The expressions of the group shifted in an instant, changing rapidly.
Zhang Xiao couldn't help but chuckle softly, though no one could discern the emotions hidden in his narrow eyes.
"Actually, there are large Coconut Crabs living in the coconut grove of this jungle. However, they only come out at night to search for coconuts to eat. Why don't we wait until evening to look for these Coconut Crabs?"
"Coconut Crab? I think I've heard of that," Deng Yinyin scratched her head. "How big is one? Is it enough to eat?"
Zhang Xiao glanced at the crab she was holding and cleared his throat lightly.
"As far as I know, they can be as big as a palm, and the larger ones might be three times that size."
"Wow!" Deng Yinyin exclaimed. "That means one could feed several people? That would be amazing."
Deng Yinyin completely forgot that their initial purpose for finding food was for Tang Jing Shu; they still had a bunch of compressed biscuits in their backpacks.
In the end, the crabs they brought back were turned into soup according to Xu Nuan's suggestion and fed to Tang Jing Shu.
After a brief rest, everyone continued following Zhang Xiao in search of the Special Tree. Along the way, Tang Jing Shu occasionally regained consciousness and kept apologizing to everyone, but at other times she seemed dazed, mumbling to either Deng Yinyin or Xu Nuan.
Meanwhile, Xu Nuan sensed that something might have happened between Gu Ze and Zhang Xiao. Whenever their gazes met, one would immediately smile more gently than the other, a warmth blooming like flowers; yet Xu Nuan felt a chill creeping down her back.
Driven by curiosity, Xu Nuan decided to team up with Gu Ze that evening to look for Coconut Crabs—perhaps she could uncover something. As for why she didn't ask Zhang Xiao, Xu Nuan chose not to dwell on it.
As dusk fell over the jungle, Xu Nuan and her seven companions discovered the Special Tree. The two who had been most critical of Zhang Xiao, Deng Yinyin and Xie Huai, now wore smiles for him. Zhang Xiao shrugged it off, the curve of his thin lips unchanged, merely reminding everyone to remember to carry the Antidote, for this jungle was rife with poisons.
Watching the supplies in their backpacks dwindle at a rapid pace, Xu Nuan began to doubt whether the medicines they had brought would last until they reached the Supply Station, especially given how much Tang Jingshu consumed each day.
However, finding the Special Tree meant that Zhang Xiao was familiar with the area; they should reach the Supply Station soon enough, right? With this thought in mind, Xu Nuan checked their remaining supplies and decided she would ask Zhang Xiao about it later, while also inquiring about Qin Yaojie.
Zhang Xiao indeed knew this area well and helped everyone choose a suitable Campsite between the Special Tree and the coconut grove. As it was during the day, Xie Huai took charge of looking after Tang Jingshu while the others went to search for Coconut Crabs.
Xu Hang insisted that Deng Yinyin team up with him to prevent her from causing any trouble. Reluctantly, Deng Yinyin followed Xu Hang but tried to pull Xu Nuan along to avoid having her paired with Gu Ze.
However, Deng Yinyin was too slow, and Xu Nuan had already moved obediently to Gu Ze's side, making her choice clear through her actions while casting a meaningful glance at Xu Hang. Seemingly serious yet rich in inner strength, Xu Hang immediately understood Xu Nuan's intention and smirked at Zhang Xiao.
"Could you join our group? I have many questions I'd like to ask you."
"How could I refuse?" Zhang Xiao began to feign modesty, causing Deng Yinyin's lips to twitch in irritation.
After parting ways with Xu Hang and the others at a fork in the path, Gu Ze turned thoughtfully towards Xu Nuan and asked,
"What do you want to know?"
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