Chapter 32: Miser

Ye Fengwan drove back to her dorm. Before getting out of the car, she made a video call back home.

Ye Jianggui glanced at her through the screen and asked: “Did you just get back from work?”

Ye Fengwan blinked. “Nope. I went out and ate something delicious, so I’m back now.”

Ye Jianggui gave a soft “Oh.” “What delicious thing did you eat?”

“Bamboo rat meat, braised until soft and richly flavorful. Super delicious…” Ye Fengwan gave a vivid, enthusiastic description, but quickly stopped. “Forget it. Telling you won’t help you eat it; it’ll just make you crave it for nothing. In the next couple of days, I’ll have someone deliver water to you. From now on, just drink that.”

Ye Jianggui paused, slightly taken aback. “Water? Mm, okay.”

Some things required no lengthy explanation to be understood.

“Then you must thank her properly,” she instructed.

Ye Fengwan nodded. “Of course. By the way, I’ll send you a set of data tomorrow morning. Have someone mix ten pounds of the TC Enhancer according to that data and give it to Bai Xing.”

Ye Jianggui agreed.

Ye Fengwan abruptly said: “Sis, you’ll have good things to eat too.”

Ye Jianggui nodded. “Alright. But don’t push too hard if it’s not there. It’s not worth risking your safety for this.”

Ye Fengwan: “Understood.”

Only then did the two end the video call.

Once upstairs, Little Wu, unsurprisingly, was blocking the doorway again.

“Sister Wan, you’ve been running off every evening these past few days, coming back really late. Confess—what have you been up to?”

“Do I need to report to you where I go?” Ye Fengwan retorted bluntly.

Little Wu stared at her with wide eyes. “Of course you do! Institute Director Ye specifically asked me to keep an eye on you, remember?”

Ye Fengwan smirked and shot her a sidelong glance. “Since you’re supposed to be watching me, where did you run off to yesterday afternoon? Why didn’t I see you calling me to eat?”

And because of it, she had missed that person’s message.

Little Wu blinked, her face the picture of innocence. “Oh dear, Sister Wan, you already nagged me half the night about this yesterday. Now you’re bringing it up again? Is it really that big a deal?”

Ye Fengwan ignored her and pushed the door open to her room.

Little Wu followed right on her heels, her expression ingratiating. “Sister Wan, you must have been feasting again. I can smell the meat aroma still on you. Next time, take me along, please?”

Ye Fengwan didn’t even consider it and replied: “No way.”

Little Wu puffed up her cheeks, looking indignant.

“Hurry back to your room. If my mood’s good, maybe next time I can bring you a little something.”

Only then did Little Wu leave, unwilling and reluctant.

…

Two days later.

Around noon, a car pulled up to the entrance of Territory 32.

In the back seat, sitting by the right-hand window, was a refined and gentle man. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit and wore a pair of gold-rimmed spectacles.

The car was modified, equipped with advanced air purification equipment, so there was no need to wear a protective mask inside.

Sitting beside him was Territory Supervisor Zhang Ci. He was speaking to the driver in front: “This is Territory 32. Just drive straight in.”

The man beside him gently stopped Zhang Ci. “Call her first to let her know.”

Zhang Ci hastily agreed and dialed Ruan Ming’s phone number.

Ruan Ming was going about her daily business, as usual, tending to things inside and outside the house.

Her wristband vibrated. Seeing it was a call from Zhang Ci, she lifted her head to glance at the distant territory entrance and answered.

Zhang Ci’s voice came through from the other end: “Miss Ruan, a few days ago you saved Director Ye from the Research Institute. Dean Qu wants to come in person to express his gratitude.”

Ruan Ming replied: “There’s no need for thanks. It was just a small favor. Besides, Director Ye has already come personally to thank me.”

Zhang Ci said: “We’re already at the territory entrance now. In any case, let’s meet and talk first.”

Ruan Ming had no choice but to agree.

The driver stepped on the accelerator, and the car passed through the entrance into the territory.

It quickly came to a stop outside the small courtyard gate.

Ruan Ming had already removed her face mask and was standing at the door, waiting for them.

She was dressed casually, her long hair tied up behind her head. Due to wearing a mask year-round, her skin was especially fair. Her features were delicate and clear, with a hint of aloofness in her brows and eyes.

Seeing the man with gold-rimmed glasses get out of the car, she stepped forward and greeted him, “Dean Qu.”

Qu Ning smiled gently. “I’ve come unannounced. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

Ruan Ming shook her head. “Not at all. The air outside is poor. Please, come inside.”

At that very moment, in the lab hurriedly partitioned off within the Territory Management Center’s office area, Ye Fengwan was struggling with a piece of equipment, her patience wearing thin. Of the several people who had followed her here, not a single one had a clue. She’d been at it all morning, and the device still refused to work.

Given her usual temperament, she was currently on the brink of eruption.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

She stared at Little Wu, who was poking her head in, and said: “You’d better have something urgent, or I swear I will beat you up!”

Little Wu was so frightened she shrunk back, shrinking her head down. Hurriedly, she said: “Rong Xiaomi messaged me saying… saying Dean Qu is here. And he headed straight for Territory 32.”

Rong Xiaomi was that short-statured young man from the Patrol Team. Quite agreeable, Little Wu had added him as a friend right upon arriving.

Ye Fengwan, upon hearing this, shot up abruptly, knocking the parts on the table clattering to the floor along with her movement.

She grabbed her car keys from beside the door and strode out.

“Director, where are you going? I’ll come with you—” Little Wu ran to fetch her own mask.

But by the time she chased after Ye Fengwan downstairs, the car had already driven off.

Territory 32.

Qu Ning was chatting with Ruan Ming. First, he inquired in detail about the territory’s situation, and Ruan Ming answered everything.

Being responsible for the Research Institute’s overall operations—including human genetics, as well as the food project R&D management of Lab 2, and so on—he spoke with substance, even offering Ruan Ming some planting advice, which she acknowledged accordingly.

Only finally did he say: “I only later learned that on the night of May 19th, exactly twelve men in black were chasing Little Wan and eventually cornered her into your territory.”

“It’s lucky you saved her. Otherwise, the consequences would be unthinkable, and I wouldn’t be able to face her sister.”

Ruan Ming shook her head. “I didn’t contribute much strength. Later, it was Territory 33’s Lord who led people over. They were equipped with firearms, and only then was that group successfully subdued. The Patrol Team is clear on all of this.”

Upon hearing mention of Territory 33, Qu Ning’s gaze immediately deepened.

Zhang Ci, nearby, seeing this, spoke up and asked: “The Lord of Territory 33 arrived quite quickly. Although the two territories are adjacent, if coming on foot and not driving, it’d take at least ten minutes. And they were carrying firearms—it seems more like they were prepared well in advance.”

Hearing this, Ruan Ming immediately furrowed her brows. “Before the men in black closed in on the courtyard, I’d already heard the commotion and called the Patrol Team. Yet the Patrol took a full half-hour to arrive. In comparison, Territory 33’s rescue speed was indeed rather swift.”

At this, Qu Ning coughed lightly and said: “Such negligence by the Patrol Team must be properly rectified. Supervisor Zhang, upon returning, see to it that accountability is enforced immediately.”

Zhang Ci hastily acknowledged the order.

It was at this moment that Little Calico, who had originally been hiding upstairs, scampered down the stairs with a chorus of meows.

Completely ignoring the other people in the living room, she trotted directly to Ruan Ming’s side and climbed onto her knee.

Qu Ning looked at the little cat, momentarily stunned. “This is Little Calico from Lab 2. I remember Jianggui mentioning that her breed was excellent and she planned to breed her for reproduction. Didn’t expect she’d be sent here to you.”

Hearing this, Ruan Ming only pressed her lips together and didn’t answer.

Qu Ning smiled and quickly changed the subject. “I’ve heard this Lord of Territory 33 is the intimate female companion of the Second Young Master of the Meng Family from Central City’s Commander’s estate. Do you know much about her?”

Ruan Ming shook her head. “She just moved in. I haven’t exchanged more than a few words with her.”

Zhang Ci asked: “Didn’t she help you out that time with the rotary tiller?”

Ruan Ming answered yes. “Between women, even if they don’t know each other, when encountering an injustice, they’ll feel mutual sympathy. But my dealings with her really haven’t been very deep.”

“Do you know the people in her territory?”

Ruan Ming shook her head.

Qu Ning, seeing he couldn’t get anything more, had no choice but to steer the topic back to Ruan Ming herself.

“According to nearby Territory Lords, after the men in black entered your territory, you engaged them in a struggle first. About twenty minutes or so passed before Territory 33’s Lord arrived. During that time, if not for your protection, Little Wan likely would have met grave danger.”

Ruan Ming’s expression was calm as she said flatly: “Whether it was actually twenty minutes or not, I can’t remember precisely now. But the man leading them at the time was quite talkative. That bought us time to hold out until the rescue arrived.”

Qu Ning mused thoughtfully: “The Safe Zone’s Bridgehead Street Census records list Miss Ruan’s Esper Ability as C-Rank Strength. Yet you managed to hold off those people for so long. I imagine you must have your own exceptional talents.”

Ruan Ming’s brow furrowed slightly. “Dean Qu, if you have something to say, please just say it plainly.”

Qu Ning smiled slightly. “Has Miss Ruan ever considered that, perhaps, your Esper Ability rank might have increased?”

The idea was universally accepted: when Espers first awakened, their rank was almost always fixed and never changed.

When Qu Ning said this, everyone else was instantly astonished.

Ruan Ming’s heart, too, suddenly began to pound heavily.

However, before she could voice a reply, a female voice came from outside the door: “Since the onset of the Great Catastrophe, years of tracking and research have proven Esper ability ranks to be fixed and unchangeable. Dean, proposing such a novel hypothesis—it’s truly quite audacious.”

Qu Ning turned his head, smiling. “Little Wan has arrived.”

Ye Fengwan stepped into the living room and said to Qu Ning: “The Dean came, yet didn’t notify me beforehand. It made my arrival so tardy.”

Qu Ning laughed. “You bury yourself in experiments day and night. I wouldn’t dare disturb such a busy person as yourself.”

A smile also tugged at Ye Fengwan’s lips. “Experiments aren’t nearly as important as you are. Besides, my sister told me that Dean Qu made this trip specifically on my behalf. How could I just hole up in the lab and not come out?”

Qu Ning teased: “A few days apart, and you’ve become much smoother with your words than before.”

Ye Fengwan replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes: “Not at all. However, you just mentioned having Little Ruan go test her Esper Ability rank. I’d like to go along as well. Recently, I’ve felt like I’ve gotten a bit smarter myself. Maybe I’ve upgraded. If I could upgrade, even just one level, my sister would probably be overjoyed.”

Qu Ning merely smiled. He had no Esper Ability, and Ye Fengwan’s E-Rank Brain Domain Ability was no better than his own. His disdain for her words was, at its core, no different from his contempt for his own wishful thinking.

He changed tack: “I haven’t even said much to her, and you’re already rushing over here to shield her? Been here just a few days and already made a good friend?”

Ye Fengwan said solemnly: “I wouldn’t say we’re good friends. But after all, she is the one who saved my life. Still, can’t you see? I rushed over so quickly, actually, to see you.”

Qu Ning smiled. “Alright then. I won’t disturb your lifesaver any further. I told your sister I’d let you stay in New Land for two months, just for appearances. After two months, you head back to the Safe Zone. I’d hate for her to be on edge worrying about you out here every single day.”

At the right moment, Ye Fengwan squeezed out a happy expression. “I’m indebted to the Dean for pleading my case with the Base Chief during this time.”

“It’s no big matter.” Qu Ning said, glancing at Ruan Ming. “In two months, when you return to the Safe Zone, bring her back with you as well for testing. Consider it a routine physical checkup.”

Ye Fengwan nodded. “No problem. Goodbye, Dean.”

Qu Ning asked, puzzled: “You’re not coming with me? Why are you still staying here?”

Ye Fengwan smiled. “I thought you might be going to inspect other locations and didn’t wish to tag along and disturb you. I’ll just leave with you now.”

So saying, without even a glance at Ruan Ming, she followed directly behind Qu Ning out the door.

Once outside, Ye Fengwan got into Qu Ning’s car and sat beside him in the back seat. Zhang Ci took the front passenger seat.

The car drove off towards the Territory Management Center.

Ruan Ming stood at the doorway, expressionless, watching them leave in a hurry.

…

That night, Ruan Ming lay quietly on the recliner downstairs, her eyes glancing towards the front gate from time to time.

Sure enough, around eight o’clock, two distinct sets of footsteps sounded from outside the gate.

Very soon, there was a knock on the courtyard door.

Simultaneously, her wristband received a message: “It’s me. I came to pick up my car. I wanted to come in and say a couple of words.”

Ruan Ming didn’t make a sound, nor did she reply to the message.

The courtyard gate wasn’t locked.

Voices came from outside: “You wait in the car.”

Another voice grumbled discontentedly: “We’re already here. What harm is there in me going in for a moment?”

“Are you going or not?!”

“Fine, fine, I’m going. Honestly…” One set of footsteps trailed off into the distance.

At the same time, the door was pushed open.

Inside the living room, the lightbulb, powered by solar energy, cast a faint glow into the courtyard.

Ye Fengwan’s figure appeared in the doorway.

She had clearly also spotted Ruan Ming lying on the recliner at the living room entrance.

With light, quiet steps, she came over.

When she reached the recliner, she bent down and crouched, bracing her hands on its edge.

In the dim lamplight, Ruan Ming’s delicate profile was illuminated.

Her slender brows and eyes were gently closed, like two crescent moons of quiet serenity. Her eyelashes, thick and curling, cast faint shadows below her eyelids.

Her long, jet-black hair was casually scattered over the recliner, several unruly strands falling beside her fair cheeks.

Her tall, slender frame—even under the loose clothing—hinted at a graceful, alluring silhouette.

In this moment, Ye Fengwan felt her gaze could no longer shift even half an inch. A surge of indescribable tenderness and cherishment rose in her heart.

“Miser,” she said softly.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Ming opened her eyes and immediately turned around, presenting her back to Ye Fengwan.

Still, she spoke: “The car is outside. Just take it and go.”

Ye Fengwan chuckled lightly. “No rush. Mainly here to see you. Picking up the car is just on the side.”

She corrected the phrasing from her earlier message.

Ruan Ming’s originally rigid shoulders seemed to soften slightly.

“What did you have for dinner?” Ye Fengwan asked.

“Fairy peaches.”

“Why didn’t you cook?”

Ruan Ming replied flatly: “Not hungry. Just made do.”

Ye Fengwan asked softly: “Are you worrying about what happened today?”

Seeing Ruan Ming didn’t open her mouth, she continued: “The truck hijacking happened at a gas station earlier—one jointly operated by the Qu Family and Meng Xin. Huang Yu is connected to Meng Xin, and this time, she also saved me. Multiple coincidences like that are what aroused their suspicion.”

“I’m sorry. I’ve dragged you into this.”

Ruan Ming finally turned back and glared at her, her voice stiff as she said: “When did I ever blame you for dragging me into it?”

Ye Fengwan felt warmth spread in her heart. She smiled and said: “Qu Ning is far from simple. Barring any surprises, the newly arrived Territory Lord of Territory 31 is his spy. We need to be careful.”

Ruan Ming said irritably: “Then why did you even come in here?”

Ye Fengwan looked at her, her lips moving slightly.

In the end, she only uttered softly: “Arriving at your door, if I didn’t come in just to see you, I’d regret it once I was back.”

Her eyes lowered, gazing at that hand of Ruan Ming’s hanging down from the recliner. The fingers were long and slender, the tips rounded and full.

Finally unable to resist the longing in her heart, she slowly reached out and gently took hold of that hand.

Ruan Ming hadn’t yet recovered from the statement when she suddenly felt her fingers enveloped by that warm, soft palm. Her heart instantly fluttered.

Her neck stiff, she didn’t dare look into Ye Fengwan’s eyes, yet neither did she pull her hand away.

She simply allowed their body heat to spread, intermingling between them.

Ye Fengwan was satisfied with her compliance. Like this, palm pressed against the back of Ruan Ming’s hand, she held it for a while before saying softly: “Regarding the Esper Ability testing—someone in Base Three exhibited a rank upgrade. Qu Ning is extremely sensitive about this, hence his actions. Don’t worry. I have a way.”

Ruan Ming only felt that the hand covering hers was scorching hot. The skin where it gently pressed was slightly burning as well.

Afraid the woman before her might notice something unusual, she had to force herself to focus and voice her doubts.

“What way? Can you even fool the testing instruments?”

Ye Fengwan looked at her and nodded.

“Your Brain Domain isn’t E-Rank?” Ruan Ming finally pulled herself from her chaotic thoughts and asked, somewhat shocked.

This time, Ye Fengwan shook her head.

Ruan Ming stared at her: “What is it, then?”

Ye Fengwan suddenly leaned in close and whispered a single letter by her ear.

As the hot breath fanned against her face and the fragrance lingered at her nose, the somewhat dazed Ruan Ming, upon registering the answer, felt her pupils contract sharply.

“I’ve also told you my biggest secret,” Ye Fengwan said, looking at her with a calm expression.

Then, reluctantly, she let go of Ruan Ming’s hand. “I’ll head back now. If I stay too long, it’ll raise suspicion. As for the other matters, you don’t need to worry too much.”

Ruan Ming was still immersed in the massive shock she’d just received and nodded mechanically.

Ye Fengwan straightened up.

The warmth suddenly receded.

“Going now.”

“Mm.”

“I’ll message you once I’m back.”