"This all started with the volcanic eruption in Japan..." Zhou Lin felt like he was being forced into a corner. His mom had put him on the spot, and if he couldn't explain things well, he'd be in trouble later.
If Zhou Lin meeting Wu Xue was fate, then Ai Bing and Tang Yili were definitely a case of bad karma! The reason Ai Bing could get Tang Yili to come to Jiazhou like a loyal dog was because Tang Yili had a like-minded friend, Sun Chenghao, in Jiazhou.
Sun Chenghao picked up Tang Yili from the train station, and the two went to find Ai Bing. They drove around Jiazhou, with Sun Chenghao trying to show off his local knowledge. However, many shops were closed due to the harsh conditions, and they almost couldn't find a place to eat hotpot.
As the sky grew darker and Zhou Lin remained silent, Ai Bing, after a couple of drinks, decided to teach Zhou Lin a lesson—she wouldn't go back unless he contacted her first!
Previously, she had no support, but now with Tang Yili and the unexpected addition of Sun Chenghao, she felt more confident.
Ai Bing's manipulative nature quickly discerned that Sun Chenghao had feelings for her but was holding back due to his friendship with Tang Yili.
Another pathetic man!
Most of the time, Ai Bing's behavior was a facade. She looked down on both Zhou Lin and Tang Yili. Despite Sun Chenghao driving a car worth over 300,000 yuan, he rented his place, making him another loser in Ai Bing's eyes.
"Bing Bing, don't go to your relative's place tonight. We haven't seen each other in a while; we should catch up," Tang Yili's alcohol-flushed eyes were filled with desire.
"Alright, if they don't call, I won't go back. There's nowhere to go anyway."
Hearing Ai Bing complain, Sun Chenghao suggested buying some food and continuing to drink at his place. Ai Bing glanced at Sun Chenghao, guessing his intentions.
But trying to get Ai Bing drunk was a futile effort for both Tang Yili and Sun Chenghao. Unless they resorted to underhanded tactics, Ai Bing, a seasoned player, wouldn't fall for their tricks. In the end, both men were passed out, shirtless and hugging each other. Ai Bing took some amusing photos and then rummaged through Sun Chenghao's place.
"Just a poor loser, nothing of value!"
Ai Bing wasn't looking to steal anything. She was assessing Sun Chenghao's worth. Not every wealthy person flaunts their money.
Confirming Sun Chenghao was a genuine loser, Ai Bing lost interest. Tang Yili, though not wealthy, was at least pleasing to look at, with a good physique and strength that met Ai Bing's needs.
With time on her hands, Ai Bing thought of Zhou Lin. His value seemed higher than Tang Yili and Sun Chenghao combined. She started to regret her actions, fearing Zhou Lin might misunderstand. But then she reassured herself that even if Zhou Lin got upset, she could handle it.
Jiazhou wasn't large. Ai Bing was only a street away from Lanshan. If she chose the right direction, she could see Zhou Lin's house!
In the living room, Wu Xue listened to Zhou Lin's "explanation" without panic. Zhou Lin repeatedly emphasized it was his personal opinion, and Wu Xue's calm demeanor helped. After all, reaching a PhD level in clinical medicine at Sichuan University was no small feat.
"My dad is a great doctor, and my mom is an expert in mechanical dynamics. This trip to Europe was for my mom to attend an international conference," Wu Xue explained, half to Zhou Lin and half to herself.
Zhou Lin understood. She was highlighting her parents' elite status. Any country recognizing their skills would value them highly, increasing their survival chances in a disaster.
Moreover, people like Wu Xue's parents would handle crises better than ordinary people.
"So the biggest problem now seems to be me," Wu Xue laughed self-deprecatingly. "I didn't realize things would get this bad, so I'm not well-prepared. If... I might starve at home."
Zhou Li, reading on the sofa, suddenly looked up. "Don't worry, Sister Xue. If I have food, you'll have something to drink!"
"Thank you, Li. But I can't just take without giving. Besides, things might not be as bad as your brother says."
Not that bad? Zhou Lin smiled. Before he could respond, Cheng Yali, having just cleaned up the table, walked over. "Xue, don't be a stranger. You're welcome to eat and drink here anytime. You can even stay with us. You're a top student, and if you tutor Li, we'd be grateful."
"Li is very smart."
Wu Xue neither agreed nor refused Cheng Yali's invitation.
"It's getting late. I should head home." Wu Xue stood up, but Zhou Li pulled her into her room for nearly two hours. When they emerged, both were smiling.
After Zhou Li saw Wu Xue off, Zhou Lin couldn't help but ask, "You've only known her a few days, and you took her to your room? Aren't you afraid of revealing too much?"
"Do you think I'm as dumb as you?" Zhou Li replied seriously. "We're kindred spirits. Do you know her IQ? Just a bit lower than mine. We have real common ground!"
"And you think that's the only reason? With your intelligence, reaching this point is impressive. The gap between people can be as vast as between humans and monkeys..."
"Who said that?" Zhou Lin felt it sounded familiar.
"Doesn't matter." Zhou Li waved dismissively. "I ask you, are we really prepared for the apocalypse?"
Zhou Lin thought for a moment. "Seems like it. What's missing?"
"Of course, there is!" Zhou Li pointed at Zhou Caijun smoking and Cheng Yali eating seeds. "Look at them, old and frail. If they or we get sick, do you know how to use the medicine?"
"So you value Wu Xue's profession and skills?" Zhou Lin asked.
"You're teachable. I'm pleased."
"Dad, Mom, send her away. I can't take it anymore!"