185 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

Chapter 185: Entangled in the Chaos Shi Tou soon knocked on the door of room 301. When Yi Yi opened the door and saw him, she was taken aback for a moment but invited both Shi Tou and Ke Qing inside. She inquired, “Why are you here so late? Is there something going on?” "Yes," Shi Tou said, furrowing his brow, "I came to tell you that things in Zone 1 are unstable these days. Commander Cao might not make it through this time. Commander Yang will take over Zone 1 tomorrow and will likely purge any dissenters among the espers or regular people. You should stay out of it and just remain in your room." Yi Yi nodded and then asked, "This sounds like classified information. How do you know so much? Have you joined them?" Shi Tou nodded with a stern expression. "Major General Wang invited Ke Qing and me over. I'm now the leader of the Special Task Squad. Tomorrow, I'll be leading the suppression of rebellious espers and civilians. We used to be friends, so I don't want to involve you, which is why I came to inform you. It's best if you lay low these days." "We're not interested in military matters, and we won't get involved," Yi Yi assured him, looking at Shi Tou. "But you should think carefully. Commander Yang seems to be taking advantage of the situation and may not be trustworthy. You need to decide what's best for you." Shi Tou's brow furrowed deeper, and a vein throbbed on his forehead. "I came here with good intentions to warn you, and this is what you think of Commander Yang? He's from the military and was in charge of Busan's base. How could he not be a good person? I can't believe you think like this, Yi Yi. You're just envious that I've been appointed leader, right?" Yi Yi chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm not that childish, and I don't care about being a team leader. I mentioned this because we were friends. You need to think it over yourself." Frustrated by Yi Yi's indifferent attitude, Shi Tou stormed out of room 301 with Ke Qing in tow. Afraid that Shi Tou might reconsider and resign from his position as leader, Ke Qing quickly reassured him, "Don't listen to what Yi Yi says. Commander Yang is a legitimate leader within the military. Why would he deceive people like us? I think she's just jealous that Major General Wang chose you over her since you're both espers from Chen Wan's squad." "I understand, Ke Qing. Don't worry, I won't listen to her nonsense. Let's head back to Major General Wang's place. I don't feel safe leaving you alone. You should stay with me." Ke Qing nodded eagerly, reluctant to part with Shi Tou, fearing for his safety. Meanwhile, Yi Yi informed Chen Wan about the situation at the base. Chen Wan leaned back in the car and sighed, telling Jiang Yan Xin and the others, "Someone at the base can't sit still. Commander Yang, who was in charge of Busan's base, has heard of Cao Wei's potential danger and plans to take over Zone 1 tomorrow. Shi Tou has joined them as their Special Task Squad leader." "Did Shi Tou really do that?" Jin Can asked, unable to believe it. "Everyone has their path. We can't force anyone. I'll inform Commander Cao about this. That Yang is not a good person. If he takes over Zone 1, who knows how many people will suffer?" Chen Wan said thoughtfully. She and Jiang Yan Xin went to Commander Cao's armored vehicle. Without needing the permission of the surrounding soldiers, Commander Cao signaled for them to come in. Commander Cao smiled as he looked at the two of them. "I was just thinking of inviting you over. It seems you've heard the news." "Commander Cao, my friends at the base told me there might be unrest in Zone 1. It seems Commander Yang is trying to seize control amidst the chaos and plans to arrive tomorrow at noon." Commander Cao nodded with a smile, "Shang Nuan already informed me. To be honest, there's been a faction within the base that's been unstable. We have identified them as Major General Wang and Commander Yang's men. They stayed hidden until now, and it's time to reel in the bigger fish behind the scenes." "Since you're aware, I'm relieved. Zone 1 has been the safest base for us for months, but we had a bad encounter with that Commander Yang before. When the level-2 zombies first appeared, he fled Busan's base with his troops, leaving the lower-ranked soldiers and civilians to fight. The environment there was one of survival of the fittest, and many Omegas suffered at the hands of thugs." Chen Wan shook her head at the memory. "Don't worry. I've heard about Commander Yang myself. I won't let Zone 1 fall into his hands. He's a threat to other stable bases too. If the opportunity arises, I plan to detain him tomorrow." Commander Cao's gaze sharpened. "Alright, we'll head back now," Chen Wan said with a light smile. "Thank you for informing us," Cao Wei said, looking at Chen Wan and Jiang Yan Xin. "It's the least we could do, for the sake of everyone's safety." The fact that Cao Wei had accompanied them showed the military in a different light—not all commanders were untrustworthy; it depended on who led them. At the same time, Shang Nuan was busy reorganizing personnel within the base. She instructed some subordinates to feign rebellion and act panicked, while others pretended to defect to Major General Wang. The charade was all an act, as nearly five thousand soldiers in Zone 1 remained under Commander Cao's control, against the five hundred loyal to Major General Wang. She and Shang Nuan were playing a strategic game. The next morning, Chen Wan and her group resumed their standard routine, moving supplies. Spirits were high after Jiang Yan Xin's victory over the mutated lions the day before. In stark contrast, Zone 1 was on high alert. Pedestrians were cleared from the streets by patrol squads led by Shi Tou, who proudly strode through the base with over thirty subordinates. Any espers who had caught wind and tried to leave were stopped by the military. Shi Tou eyed the gathering espers at the gate and declared, "Due to special circumstances, no one should enter or exit Zone 1 today. If anyone causes trouble, we are authorized to arrest you." "Aren't you part of Wei Si Yu's squad, Shi Tou? Why are you taking orders from the military now? Besides, Commander Cao and the others aren't back yet. What's changed in the base?" an esper challenged him, sensing something was amiss. "Enough talk. Take him away," Shi Tou ordered, and the soldiers promptly detained the man, who lacked combat skills with his plant-based powers. Addressing the remaining crowd, Shi Tou demanded, "Does anyone else want to leave Zone 1?" Seeing the firm example made and still uncertain, the crowd reluctantly returned to their quarters. Shi Tou, after ensuring compliance through Zone 1, returned to report to Major General Wang. "Shi Tou, you did exceptionally well," Major General Wang praised. "Once Commander Yang arrives at noon, I'll recommend you as his adjutant. We're on the final step now. Let's visit Shang Nuan at Cao Wei's side. It's time to tie up loose ends for Commander Yang." His words were followed by Shi Tou and a small squad heading to Shang Nuan's office. Unlike usual, Wang You Long pushed the door open without knocking. He was surprised to see Shang Nuan calmly seated at her desk, and he chuckled, "As expected of the Commander's adjutant, you remain poised while the base has reached this point. Admirable." "What good would it do to not sit here? The base is in your hands anyway, isn't it?" Shang Nuan twirled a pen, her gaze fixed on Major General Wang. "True enough. So, how about it, Adjutant Shang? Join us under Commander Yang. What's so special about Cao Wei that makes you so loyal to her? You two are both alphas after all. Or do you plan to stick by her side for life?" Wang You Long taunted, looking at Shang Nuan. Seeing her silence, he assumed he touched a sore spot and continued, "Come on, Adjutant Shang, you've got the face of a flower. It's understandable why Cao Wei keeps you around. If you join us, I'll vouch for you with Commander Yang, keep you as my adjutant, and ensure you survive." Shang Nuan let out a cold laugh, her eyes flicking towards Wang You Long. "Let me remind you, I'm a fire-type esper. If you don't want us all to go down together in this room, I suggest you mind your language. I doubt your Commander Yang would be as arrogant as you." "How dare you speak to Major General Wang like that?" Shi Tou glared at Shang Nuan in anger. Yet, Wang You Long just waved his hand dismissively and chuckled, "An esper and a former adjutant to the commander, with looks to match—what to do? I seem to find you even more intriguing now. When Commander Yang comes to distribute honors, I'll make sure you're the first reward I claim. Let's see if you're still so haughty then." "Suit yourself," Shang Nuan remained seated, casually flipping through a book in her hands, treating Wang You Long and his men as if they were invisible. Grinding his teeth, Wang You Long instructed, "Alright, let's see how long you can keep that attitude. You ten, stay here. At noon, escort Adjutant Shang out. We're preparing to welcome the new leader of Zone 1. Understood?" "Yes, sir!" The soldiers' voices rang loud and clear, yet Shang Nuan remained unfazed, her face a picture of calm.