Chapter 91 I don't recognize you

This is the outer city, a place that used to be famous for selling stone. The roadside is full of empty warehouses piled high with stone. There used to be hardly anyone there, and there are hardly any zombies now.

Groups of two or three superhumans ran across the wasteland, searching for their target, but seeing no one around, they quickly left.

Two heads popped out from the corner of the warehouse.

Zhou Mengmeng sighed knowingly, "Brother, I had no idea you had this ability. Who exactly are you to be wanted by the police?"

What a terrible crime that must have been committed!

Bai Chenzhu covered his forehead, his face pale and covered in cold sweat. "I want to know too."

But it felt like a stone was pressing on his head. Every time he tried to recall something, all he got was heavy pain and a blank.

He thought he was just a newcomer, but he didn't expect to have an arrest warrant. Bai Chenzhu's mood was really not good.

He leaned against the wall, exchanged a glance with Zhou Mengmeng, and asked, "What should we do?"

They had originally planned to detour through Shicheng to see if there were any convoys heading to Kangcheng there, hoping to hitch a ride. But now it seemed he was one of those people on the list. Bai Chenzhu thought for a moment, "They're not after you, so why don't you go into the city yourself? There must be some way to get to Kangcheng from there."

Zhou Mengmeng was somewhat tempted, but after thinking about it seriously, she shook her head. "Compared to the city lord, I still trust Brother Bai more and want to follow Brother Bai more."

“Okay.” Bai Chenzhu smiled and said firmly, “Then I will definitely take you to Kangcheng.”

"What are you going to Kangcheng for? You're all coming with me to see the city lord!" A loud shout came from the sky. Bai Chenzhu's expression changed slightly, and he pushed Zhou Mengmeng aside.

Ma Dayong, who jumped down from the roof, missed his target and stood in the open space between the two men, wielding his wooden stick with great force.

"What have we ever done to you?!" Zhou Mengmeng angrily got up from the ground, patting the dust off her bag and clothes.

"Of course... no." Ma Dayong was a nimble fat man. He charged straight at Bai Chenzhu. Bai Chenzhu ducked to avoid the five claws coming at him, raised his hand and grabbed a stone slab to smash at Ma Dayong. Unexpectedly, Ma Dayong's hand passed through the stone slab and grabbed his shoulder directly.

Bai Chenzhu grabbed his wrist with her other hand and struggled against the pulling force.

With a kick, Bai Chenzhu struck Ma Dayong from mid-air, forcing Ma Dayong to raise his hand to block. Bai Chenzhu seized the opportunity to escape, but his clothes were torn on his shoulder, leaving five bloody claw marks.

After a few exchanges, Ma Dayong grabbed Zhou Mengmeng's ankle and slammed her to the ground with a thud. He then raised a foot and stepped on her back.

Zhou Mengmeng gritted her teeth and didn't utter a single cry of pain.

"Let her go! I'll go with you!" Bai Chenzhu said quickly, seeing that things were not going well.

Ma Dayong wiped his nose, snorted coldly, and increased the pressure on his feet.

“The city lord should be alive. If you kill her, then you can only hand over my corpse!” Bai Chenzhu’s mind raced.

Ma Dayong froze, then moved his foot away and roughly pulled Zhou Mengmeng up. "It's you again, little girl. We're really bound by fate. You said he was arrested, why did you get involved?"

Zhou Mengmeng mimicked his words, "Then why are you getting involved when you said he's wanted by the police!"

Ma Dayong was stunned. He patted her face with the back of his hand. "Are you really unaware or just pretending? This guy is worth three months' worth of supplies."

Bai Chenzhu took two steps closer, looking at Ma Dayong with apprehension. Perhaps knowing they couldn't escape, Ma Dayong's attitude unexpectedly softened, except for his grip on Zhou Mengmeng's hand, which was as tight as an iron clamp.

"Is the city lord of Shicheng going to arrest me? Why? What did I do wrong?" Bai Chenzhu asked.

Ma Dayong snorted, "It's Commander Jiang, the top figure. Who knows how you offended him? Anyway, whoever finds you and hands you over to the city lord will get the supplies. It's that simple."

Who is this Jiang? Bai Chenzhu became more and more confused as she listened.

Ma Dayong lost his patience and grabbed Zhou Mengmeng, "Come on! Everyone, come with me!"

"Don't worry, he can't escape," Bai Chenzhu said softly. "This... human trafficker? My eyes are a little sore, could you take a look?"

As Ma Dayong turned around, he was caught off guard and fell into a still abyss. The abyss was dark and cold. In an instant, the black water coiled around him like a snake, wrapping him up tightly and freezing him under a thick layer of ice.

I can't move, I can't move at all.

Ma Dayong could only watch helplessly as Zhou Mengmeng swept his leg and knocked him down. Bai Chenzhu knelt on one knee, grabbed the back of his head, and slammed it against the ground twice with such force that Ma Dayong's head was buzzing.

Bai Chenzhu then found a burlap sack and put it over Ma Dayong's forehead. Soon, Ma Dayong fell into a cold, dark sleep.

After disposing of the body, Bai Chenzhu calmly said, "It seems we can't go to Shicheng."

They had hoped to find a team to travel to Kangcheng with, reducing the risk of encountering zombies and other alien races, but now, "I'll be captured. So..."

“So, we can go into the wilderness.” Zhou Mengmeng clasped her hands together and nodded. “The wilderness is great; zombies won’t be as cunning. Brother Bai is also very capable…”

Bai Chenzhu covered her mouth.

Zhou Mengmeng's eyes darted around, and she made a gesture as if she were zipping up a zipper before Bai Chenzhu let her go.

Over the course of their time together, Bai Chenzhu not only learned that Zhou Mengmeng had special abilities, but Zhou Mengmeng also discovered that Bai Chenzhu could quickly identify the zombies around him, and—attract zombies.

This is the secret to how they've managed to get through all this time unscathed.

Anyone who hears the name of someone who can precisely avoid and lure zombies knows what that means.

Zhou Mengmeng whispered, "If they want to arrest Brother Bai because of this, it wouldn't be surprising at all."

Bai Chenzhu's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. He glanced at her, and Zhou Mengmeng looked away without saying anything more.

——

They left Shicheng, and Bai Chenzhu tried his best to lead Zhou Mengmeng away from all dangerous places to Kangcheng.

After traveling and stopping frequently, the two spent countless days and nights before finally arriving in Kangcheng.

This is the largest base they have seen so far.

As expected of the current main city of the alliance, Kangcheng has drawn a clear boundary line. Within the line, everything is in good order, with patrols, guards, markets where transactions are taking place, and people in charge of the city's infrastructure.

At first glance, it looks like we've traveled back to before the apocalypse.

Bai Chenzhu changed into a completely different style of hoodie, the hood covering his forehead. He stood in front of the bulletin board with a lollipop in his mouth and his hands in his pockets, looking at his little painting with great confusion.

The sign above prominently displayed four characters: "Citywide Search." Below were his name, key characteristics, and the date he disappeared at the Great Waterfall in Beiming City...

Judging from the brushstrokes, it appears to be hand-drawn.

But who has the time to hand-draw so many pictures just to catch him?

Bai Chenzhu's gaze swept over the small painting and landed on the notice in the corner. He bent down to look at it. The notice in the corner read: Dawn Research Institute is researching a zombie virus vaccine. Professor Zhou Xuan is hiring experimental personnel with high salaries...

Bai Chenzhu turned his head and found Zhou Mengmeng staring at something with a frown. He patted her shoulder and said, "Snap out of it. What are you looking at?"

Zhou Mengmeng, who was concentrating intently, was startled by him. She said, "Brother Bai, it seems like someone is following us."

Zhou Mengmeng was always perceptive. Bai Chenzhu followed her gaze but couldn't see anything in the crowd. He said, "Never mind that for now, look here."

He pointed out the notice to Zhou Mengmeng.

"It's my dad!" Zhou Mengmeng, who only reached his shoulder, couldn't contain her excitement beneath her calm tone and jumped up slightly.

"I'll take you there." Bai Chenzhu patted Zhou Mengmeng's head.

Zhou Mengmeng was brought into the Dawn Research Institute under the pretext of applying for a research position. Before going in, she excitedly stood on tiptoe and waved to Bai Chenzhu, revealing a rare smile.

Bai Chenzhu waved to her, and Zhou Mengmeng's figure gradually disappeared at the door.

Bai Chenzhu stood at a distance under the tree, watching with an unfathomable look in his eyes. He leaned against the tree with his arms crossed, unable to think of what he should do next after sending Zhou Mengmeng back to her family.

With no relatives or friends around, it seems like nothing I do really matters.

The candy in his mouth melted, leaving only a paper stick. His tongue pressed against the sweet, sticky inside of his mouth, and Bai Chenzhu's pupils constricted. A scene flashed before his eyes: he smiled and said something, then handed the lollipop to the man smoking opposite him.

I can't remember exactly what was said, and the scene was quite ordinary. But Bai Chenzhu guessed that he was probably trying to get men to quit smoking, and suggested that they use lollipops as a substitute for now.

Because he himself used to live like that, his current aversion to tobacco and alcohol is nothing more than remorse for his past indulgence.

Strange, why would he suddenly think of this? Bai Chenzhu leaned against a tree with one hand, covering his forehead.

But it's not unusual; lately, many strange images have been flashing through his mind.

He turned around and staggered a couple of steps, absentmindedly bumping into someone's shoulder.

"Sorry," Bai Chenzhu said, turning to walk around.

An arm was placed across his waist, and Bai Chenzhu almost bumped into it. He came to his senses, quickly took two steps back, and looked warily at the person who had suddenly appeared and blocked his way.

As the autumn winds of October began to blow, the man before me was dressed in a summer vest and shirt, paired with black sweatpants. The contrast was stark, and the combination was an eyesore.

"What kind of look is that?" The tall man in front of me was dressed like a street thug, but he had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, deep-set features, and his eyes, when narrowed, carried a subtle sense of oppression, like a wolf that could pounce at any moment.

But his words were flippant, sounding expectant yet tinged with a hint of mockery, which softened the ruthlessness.

"We...know each other?" Bai Chenzhu's heart skipped a beat.

He seemed to sense his own spiritual power emanating from the man, but he was certain he had never seen this person before.

Because of this familiar spiritual energy, Bai Chenzhu did not flee immediately.

"We don't know each other?" The man asked instead of answering, as if he had heard something terrible. His smile faded, and his joy and excitement disappeared. He stood up straight and looked at Bai Chenzhu, sizing him up and down.

Only then did they realize something was wrong.

"You don't recognize me?" The man's gaze was fixed on Bai Chenzhu, the complex emotions in his eyes making Bai Chenzhu feel breathless. Bai Chenzhu looked away and turned to leave.

A hand grabbed his wrist and hastily pushed him against the tree.

This was the first time in Bai Chenzhu's life that someone had pinned him against a tree, followed by a questioning voice in his ear.

"Bai Chenzhu! Do you know how long I've been looking for you!"

Looking for me? Bai Chenzhu snapped out of her daze and raised her arm to block his chest. "Who are you? Did you issue the wanted poster?"

Jiang Ye was stunned, then incredulous, "What wanted poster! That's a missing person notice!"

Bai Chenzhu tilted his head, unsure of what he had heard.

But something even more terrifying happened: the person in front of him grabbed his chin and kissed him directly. Bai Chenzhu turned his face away, and the hot kiss landed on his cheek, wet and sticky.

Before he could get angry, Jiang Ye, who had been dodged, was breathing heavily and asked incredulously, "You really don't recognize me?"

They were so close they could hear each other's breath. Bai Chenzhu paused, then bent down and slipped under his arm, as slippery as a fish.

Bai Chenzhu raised his sleeve and wiped his cheek. Jiang Ye took a step forward, and he took a step back, coldly saying, "Talking is one thing, but what's wrong with you kissing everyone you meet?"

"I'm your boyfriend, why can't I kiss you?" Jiang Ye's words were still filled with lingering excitement.

The unfamiliar vocabulary made him almost unable to recognize Chinese. Bai Chenzhu momentarily froze, "Wh-what?"

"You, my boyfriend." Jiang Ye pointed at him from afar, then pointed at himself, feeling that even if Bai Chenzhu had amnesia, this was the first thing that needed to be addressed.

He has to defend his position!

Suddenly, a strange man appeared and said he had been looking for him and was his boyfriend. Bai Chenzhu frowned, hesitating to speak.

As Jiang Ye looked at him expectantly, Bai Chenzhu said tactfully, "You... are not my type."

Jiang Ye:?

Jiang Ye is about to explode.

How could someone in this world so precisely know how to trigger his temper, making him explode at the slightest provocation, yet preventing him from easily losing his temper with them? Jiang Ye took a deep breath, seizing the opportunity to probe, "So, what's your ideal type?"

Bai Chenzhu thought about it seriously, "Xiaoyi is gentle, fair-skinned and beautiful..."

"Aren't you talking about yourself?"

Bai Chenzhu was taken aback.

"You look like this already, why would you want to find someone even fairer and prettier than you?" Jiang Ye found it unbelievable.

Bai Chenzhu was somewhat displeased. He didn't think he was associated with those words. "Do you have a problem with my appearance, sir?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Bai Chenzhu came to his senses. Why was he discussing his ideal type with someone here? Bai Chenzhu turned and left.

Jiang Ye stepped to the side and turned to block his way.

Just as he was getting impatient, Jiang Ye calmed down and quickly came to his senses.

He cleared his throat, extended his hand, and said seriously, "A-Zhu, since you say you don't remember, then listen carefully, let's get to know each other again."

"My surname is Jiang, Jiang as in river, and Ye as in wild ambition."

Bai Chenzhu actually stopped and looked him over with his hands in his pockets.

"I'm your boyfriend, not a bad person. You can come with me without worry. If you need proof..."

Bai Chenzhu watched him with great interest, waiting for Jiang Ye to produce some kind of token of love as proof.

Jiang Ye thought for a long time but couldn't recall what tokens they had exchanged. So he asked frankly, "Do you need me to tell you about the mark on your body?"

What mark? Bai Chenzhu looked at him with a puzzled expression, as if trying to see what he could say.

Jiang Ye said, "For example, you have a mole on your left lower back... mmm!"

Bai Chenzhu rushed over and covered his mouth.

Jiang Ye took the opportunity to reach out and hug him.

Damn it! Bai Chenzhu clearly saw a smile in the man's eyes, the kind of smile that comes from seeing a fish that was about to escape come to him.