Chapter 41: The Last Chance

Now the boss says she’s leaving.

Zhang Quan’s mind waged war with itself. One voice whispered, “Being the leader is pretty sweet!” Lu Hao and the others praised him, obeyed his every word, and no one dared defy his will. Whenever they ran out of food, he would take them into the Fuzhu Forest, hunt a beast or two, and bring it back. If fortune favored them with a lone Howling Boar, they'd enjoy a rare feast.

What could be wrong with this life?

But another voice retorted, “What’s so good about it?” How can you be sure this peaceful life will last? Think of that devilish dungeon that nearly cost you your life! Do you really believe there’s only one E-grade dungeon near this villa, and that your days will always be this carefree?

“Quan, is that the fruit the woman gave you?” Hao Guangming eyed Zhang Quan’s palm with greed.

That woman was so formidable—anything she found surely wasn’t ordinary. Zhang Quan had three fruits; couldn’t he spare one… no, even half? Whenever they caught Howling Boar, Zhang Quan always shared a bit with him.

Zhang Quan glanced at Hao Guangming coolly. “The fruit was given to me by the boss. Even if I don’t eat it myself, I won’t share it with you.”

Back in the dungeon, the boss wanted to venture into that terrifying forest. Zhang Quan had gritted his teeth and followed; only Lu Hao was willing to go with him. He’d learned his lesson: people like Hao Guangming couldn’t be relied on when it mattered most. Why waste resources cultivating them? And then there was Song Xiaoqing… Zhang Quan’s gaze grew dark. He’d been naïve.

He’d mistaken a schemer for a goddess. These days, Song Xiaoqing believed her act was flawless, but those fleeting glances she shot toward the villa—did she think he was blind? Inside the dungeon, she was even more blatant, almost ready to throw herself at Tang Yan.

Zhang Quan knew his strength couldn’t compare to Tang Yan’s, nor could he match Tang Yan’s rugged good looks. Who knew what the boss had given Tang Yan, but in just three days, Tang Yan’s power had soared! Three days ago, Tang Yan could only fight him to a draw; now, Tang Yan could nearly overpower him.

Of course, that assumed he didn’t try to escape. If he wanted to run, Tang Yan couldn’t stop him.

Zhang Quan understood himself: he wasn’t handsome, nor was he especially likable. He’d never expected Song Xiaoqing to fancy him, but since the dungeon world descended, he’d treated her with utmost generosity, giving her the best of everything.

Even the precious Howling Boar meat—he’d defied everyone’s objections to ensure she got the first bite.

People have feelings; he didn’t blame Song Xiaoqing for her fickleness, but her greed was shameless!

Just then, Song Xiaoqing looked at him with gentle eyes. “Quan, I’ve packed everything. Grandma’s personal belongings too. Shall we move back to the villa now?” As for the fruit, surely Zhang Quan wouldn’t deny her share?

She knew Zhang Quan’s slavish devotion all too well. As long as she didn’t provoke his sickly grandmother, she believed Zhang Quan would give her anything without hesitation. Before the dungeon world appeared, she’d sneered at the cheap gifts he brought; after its arrival, things changed.

Zhang Quan had decent luck, often procuring valuable things. That’s why, despite liking Tang Yan, she still spent time appeasing Zhang Quan. Otherwise, why would she waste precious hours on such an ugly, stupid man?

“Who said I’m taking you back to the villa?” Zhang Quan smiled nastily. “The boss only let me bring two people. I’m taking Grandma and Lu Hao.”

Song Xiaoqing’s face changed instantly. “Zhang Quan, what do you mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean.” Zhang Quan toyed with the smooth, round Wenjing Fruit in his palm. “Don’t take everyone for fools. I might not be clever, but I’m done being your backup. I was stupid before the dungeon world came; let’s not mention those days anymore.

“But from now on, if you want to stick with me, keep your scheming to yourself, or don’t blame me for cutting you off.”

Song Xiaoqing was speechless, unable to utter a word.

In her memory, Zhang Quan’s attitude toward others didn’t matter; he was always her loyal lapdog. A bit of kindness from her could brighten his whole day. Since the dungeon world appeared, things had changed little—he still gave her everything, even rare Howling Boar meat that Lu Hao rarely tasted. The choicest parts of wild game, roasted to perfection, were always hers.

When did Zhang Quan’s attitude shift? Everything was fine last night. Ah, today in Fuzhu Forest, she’d let her guard down and openly showed her interest in Tang Yan, her eyes drifting toward him again and again. But who could blame her? Tang Yan was tall and strong, his wheat-toned face mature and striking.

Compared to Zhang Quan’s rat-like features and shifty eyes, he hardly looked trustworthy.

Most crucially, he was rough and careless during intimate moments, often hurting her. If not for the circumstances, she’d never have settled for Zhang Quan. Thinking of this, Song Xiaoqing’s eyes welled with tears.

But she forced them back. “You’re mistaken, Zhang Quan.”

Tang Yan wasn’t hers yet; she couldn’t lose Zhang Quan’s protection now! Song Xiaoqing gritted her teeth. “How about this—what you mentioned two days ago, that position, I…”

She bit her lip, hesitant to make such a sacrifice—was Zhang Quan worth it?

But Zhang Quan waved her off. “Another time. Tonight I have to stay at the villa. The boss is living there, so I need to keep up appearances.” His meaning was clear: there would be no fooling around where the boss stayed. She was overthinking it.

Song Xiaoqing’s face turned pale, then green, glaring at Zhang Quan’s retreating back.

Zhang Quan! I’ll remember today’s humiliation—someday I’ll repay it double!

But Zhang Quan was already beside Lu Hao. “Mouse, pack up. Come stay at the villa with me. Also, help me figure out what information is most vital for surviving in the dungeon world, so I’ll know what to ask the boss tonight.”

The boss was leaving tomorrow. Tonight was his last chance.

On any other day, he might have been tempted by Song Xiaoqing’s offer; now, though… Zhang Quan was lustful, but he knew priorities.

“Alright.”

Lu Hao turned to instruct his wife and child, packed a few toiletries, and followed Zhang Quan. After two failed tests in Fuzhu Forest, he realized Zhang Quan wasn’t as dumb as he’d thought.

Some things were better left undone.

Besides, Yu Yan—and even Tang Yan, who was close to her—were hard to approach. For now, only Zhang Quan could help him achieve his goals. He would have to pay more attention to Zhang Quan in the days ahead.

As they walked, Zhang Quan slipped a date-like fruit into his hand.

Lu Hao stole a glance—it was one of the three fruits Yu Yan had given Zhang Quan. His heart leapt with joy. He never expected Zhang Quan, who wouldn’t even share with Song Xiaoqing, would give him one!