Chapter 174 Qiao Yue's Solution

The next morning, Qin Zhuo decided to take the initiative to contact Zhao Yu.

Qin Zhuo first arrived at Zhao Yu's residence and watched him walk out the door.

Immediately afterwards, he followed Zhao Yu discreetly, maintaining a perfect distance that would prevent Zhao Yu from easily noticing his presence while still keeping track of Zhao Yu's movements.

At the same time, a low female voice came from the corner behind Qin Zhuo.

"Little Yuzu, didn't Qin Zhuo tell you not to come? Why did you sneak over here again?"

Qiao Yue crossed her arms and looked helplessly at You Xiang, who was crouching down and peeking out from behind the wall.

Yu Xiang turned around, blinked her clear, big eyes, pursed her lips, and whispered her explanation.

"I have nothing to do. The base has been very peaceful lately. Apart from the Zhao Yu matter that I need to keep an eye on, there's nothing else for me to do. I just wanted to see if I could be of any help."

After saying that, she turned back to look at the street, but suddenly froze.

"Huh? Where did they go? They were just a moment ago! How did they all disappear?"

"Thump—"

A gentle tap landed on the top of her head.

Yu Xiang instinctively covered her head and turned around, only to see Qiao Yue standing to the side, pursing her lips and smirking. Qin Zhuo, however, had already appeared behind her, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Didn't I tell you to stay at your place? Why did you still come along?" he asked in a low voice.

Yuka lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, and muttered softly, "I just wanted to help."

Qin Zhuo looked at her like this, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

He reached out and ruffled her hair, his tone softening, "I knew you wouldn't stay put."

Seeing that he wasn't angry, Yuka immediately looked up, her eyes sparkling, and took the opportunity to hug his arm: "How did you find out about me?"

Qin Chao pointed around.

Several passing humans and zombies couldn't help but cast their gazes at Yuzuru.

“Look at them,” he said with amusement, “who in the base doesn’t know you now? It’s impossible for them not to notice you.”

Qiao Yue chimed in with a laugh, "Little Youzi, if you want to sneak out again next time, remember to wear a hat or something. Your face is too conspicuous."

Yuxiang touched her face, a little proud but also a little helpless, and sighed, "Oh well, I'm just too famous!"

Qin Zhuo was amused by her and gently pinched her cheek: "So narcissistic."

Yu Xiang chuckled twice and affectionately rubbed against his arm.

Qiao Yue interrupted their interaction at the right moment, lowering her voice to remind them.

"Alright, let's get down to business. Where's Zhao Yu? Don't lose him."

Yu Xiang then snapped out of her daze and hurriedly looked ahead, "Oh right, where's Zhao Yu?"

“He’s not missing,” Qin Zhuo gestured for them to look at a small noodle shop on the street corner with its door half open. “He went in to eat. I was originally planning to wait for him to come out before trying to contact him again.”

Yuka tilted her head and asked softly, "So how do you plan to strike up a conversation with him?"

Qin Zhuo frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then shook his head helplessly and said, "I haven't thought of a solution yet. If I take the initiative to approach him, it will easily arouse his suspicion. It would be better to find a way to make him come to me on his own initiative."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xiang's face scrunched up. "This is indeed a difficult situation."

Just then, Qiao Yue, who had been silent all along, suddenly lit up and shouted excitedly, "I have a way!"

Yu Xiang's eyes widened instantly, looking at Qiao Yue expectantly, and she said eagerly, "Yueyue, tell me your idea!"

Qiao Yue smiled mysteriously, then waved, signaling Qin Zhuo and Youxiang to come closer.

Qin Zhuo and Youxiang moved a little closer together, their bodies leaning slightly forward.

Qiao Yue lowered her voice and told them her solution.

"We can put on a play, and then Little Yuzu, you..."

After listening, Qin Zhuo frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, and asked, "Is this method really feasible? It doesn't seem to work."

Yuka clenched her little fists, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It will definitely work! I think it's very useful."

Acting is his favorite thing; he seems to find it a lot of fun!

Seeing Youxiang's excited expression, Qin Zhuo's doubts deepened. He frowned and asked again, "Will this really work? Don't let it backfire."

Qiao Yue patted Qin Zhuo on the shoulder and said confidently, "Just give it a try, there's no big loss."

Her eyes held the same excitement as Yuzuru's.

She was looking forward to a good show to watch.

Qin Zhuo hesitated, "Where is there no loss? I'll be the one who loses face. After this charade, I'll be the subject of terrible rumors within the base."

"So what if Xiaoyouzi calls you a gigolo and a freeloader? It's nothing. Besides, you're living off Xiaoyouzi now."

Qiao Yue's tone was relaxed and casual, as if it were just a trivial matter.

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhuo was speechless, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him.

From this perspective, he really does seem like a gigolo, relying on Yuka.

Upon seeing this, Youxiang immediately stepped forward. She held Qin Zhuo's hand tightly, looked at Qiao Yue, and her eyes were full of protection for Qin Zhuo.

"Yueyue, you can't say that about Zhuozhuo. Zhuozhuo used to find crystal cores to support me. Back then, I was clueless and had no survival skills, so I relied entirely on him to take care of me. Now that I'm capable, I'm willing to support him. Besides, he's not doing nothing. He's been quietly helping me manage the base and has done a lot of things."

Qin Zhuo felt a warmth in his heart when he saw Youxiang's protectiveness towards him.

So what if people call me a gigolo?

As long as I can be with Xiaoyouzi, be happy together, and support each other, that's enough.

Why should he care about other people's opinions? He only needs to care about Xiaoyouzi.

Seeing this, Qiao Yue realized that what she had said was inappropriate. She smiled a little embarrassedly and apologized to Qin Zhuo.

"Qin Zhuo, I'm sorry, I misspoke just now, please don't take it to heart."

Qin Zhuo wasn't angry at Qiao Yue's words. He shook his head and accepted her apology.

"It's okay, I'm not angry."

In the end, Yuka and the others couldn't come up with any other solutions.

Youxiang glanced at Qin Zhuo, took his hand, and shook it gently. "Zhuozhuo, let's try Yueyue's method. Maybe it will really work. If anyone says anything bad about you, I'll personally beat them up and kick them out of the base."

As she spoke, she released Qin Zhuo and swung her fist, which was as big as a sandbag.

Seeing Youxiang's appearance, Qin Zhuo's hesitation gradually dissipated. He smiled helplessly and finally agreed to proceed with the plan.

"Okay, let's give it a try."

His voice carried a hint of doting affection.