Chapter Sixty-Two: Speculation

Recently, the atmosphere at S City Base had taken on a strange quality. The once-arrogant captain of the Falcon Squad had rarely appeared before the others. Even more unusual was the absence of that woman—usually so delicate and coquettish, always eager to make her presence known among the crowd. For several days now, she had not been seen at the base.

Rumors abounded as everyone speculated whether Feng Meier had gone off to curry favor with someone higher up. Only Qian Ying knew the truth: Feng Meier would never again appear in this world.

While many whispered about her whereabouts, the core members of the Falcon Squad knew Feng Meier wasn’t off seducing someone else. In the past, whenever that woman managed to ensnare another, she would boast about it to them, her haughty manner always grating on their nerves. Besides, Qian Ying’s recent behavior was odd as well. He wore a perpetual frown and never inquired about Feng Meier’s absence. Normally, for the sake of her unique abilities, he would have kept her bound to his side.

What had actually happened? The core members of the Falcon Squad, minus Qian Ying, gathered in a room to discuss the matter in whispers.

"Do you think Captain Qian might have done something to Feng Meier?" Zhang Yang asked with a lascivious undertone.

"Heh... Do you really think someone like Qian Ying would take interest in a woman so duplicitous?" Fan Fan shot Zhang Yang a contemptuous look.

"Well, why not? As disgusting as she is, you can’t deny she’s easy on the eyes. If it were me..." Zhang Yang retorted.

"Oh? And what would you do?" Fan Fan shrugged.

"Nothing, nothing! Just kidding!" Zhang Yang rubbed his nose, a little embarrassed.

"Enough joking! Let’s get serious," a stern voice cut through the emptiness of the room. Silence fell.

"I think something must have happened to Feng Meier. Either she’s gravely injured, or... dead," Tian Jian said solemnly, glancing around.

At this, cold sweat broke out among them. That woman... dead? That would be a cause for universal celebration! They had been under her control for far too long. But if someone had managed to kill her, what kind of formidable person could that be?

The group pondered in silence.

"Is it possible," Zhang Yang asked doubtfully, "that Qian Ying killed Feng Meier?"

"Impossible! If Feng Meier died, it would do him no good at all. He would never have killed her," Tian Jian countered immediately.

"I agree," Fan Fan added. "As far as we know, only Qian Ying has ever escaped her control. We don’t know how, but it’s clear he has secrets. For him, Feng Meier was the perfect tool to control us. Why would he get rid of her?" Fan Fan mused, stroking his chin.

"Then what do you think happened?" another voice piped up.

"Hmm... Let me try to sound out Qian Ying again. Don’t spread any of this for now. Once I’ve figured out what happened to Feng Meier, we’ll decide what to do next," Tian Jian instructed.

"Agreed. If Feng Meier really is dead... well, things could get interesting," Zhang Yang said with a mischievous grin.

"Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. Let’s go," Tian Jian concluded.

The others nodded in agreement and began to file out.

Left alone, Tian Jian watched their retreating backs. His head lowered, a rare, eerie smile crept across his usually stoic face.

Elsewhere, Qian Ying was staring at a slip of paper bearing the words: "Betrayers of the Organization Die!" He was racking his brain, trying to recall whether Feng Meier had ever mentioned anything about this so-called organization.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t remember even the faintest clue. He’d known Feng Meier for nearly five years, and she had always seemed obedient. Since the apocalypse, after awakening her unique ability, she’d had every reason to leave him, yet she hadn’t.

He’d always known she liked him, but for some reason, he felt her attraction wasn’t to his looks, physique, or status. It was as if there was something inside him that drew her, something intangible.

He’d often wondered why he could resist her influence, but never found the answer. Now, looking back, he wondered if it all had something to do with this mysterious organization.

Staring at the words on the paper, Qian Ying felt as if his head might explode. Never in all these years had he experienced such a sense of losing control. It was as if everything he knew was being upended, forcing him to question truths he had always taken for granted.

In the end, he tucked the paper inside his jacket and decided to seek out Qin Yu. Judging by Qin Yu’s attitude that day, it seemed she might be connected to Feng Meier’s death. He had to ask.

With this thought, Qian Ying hurried out the door, startling Tian Jian, who was just about to knock. Before Tian Jian could say a word, Qian Ying dismissed him with, "Whatever it is, wait until I get back!"

Tian Jian watched Qian Ying rush off and fell deep into thought.

Meanwhile, Qin Yu and her group were enjoying a rare period of leisure. For several days, they’d feasted on meals cooked by Zhao Meng, much to Qin Yu’s delight.

Of course, the group had still taken turns going out on minor missions. Even though they were only small assignments, their growing reputation ensured they remained in the spotlight.

Most importantly, their standing in the eyes of the base’s residents was steadily rising, laying a solid foundation for Qin Yu to one day establish her own power.

When Qian Ying arrived at their residence, Qin Yu had just gone out on a mission.

Seeing Zhao Meng, Qian Ying asked helplessly, "Is Qin Yu here?"

Zhao Meng instantly recognized him and, brandishing her cleaver, snapped, "What do you want? Xiao Yu isn’t here! Leave at once!"

Qian Ying ignored her hostility and pressed, "Where did Qin Yu go? I need to speak with her urgently!"

Zhao Meng shot him a glare. "Why should we report Xiao Yu’s whereabouts to you? Leave now, or don’t blame me for what happens next!"

Before Qian Ying could respond, Xia Cheng emerged from behind the door and patted Zhao Meng. "Meng, go back inside. I’ll handle this."

He then turned to Qian Ying. "So it’s Captain Qian. What brings you here?"

"I urgently need to see Qin Yu," Qian Ying replied, adding, "It’s about Feng Meier."

At those words, a glint flashed in Xia Cheng’s eyes. He addressed Qian Ying, "Boss Qin is out on a mission and should be back soon. Why don’t you come in and wait?"

Qian Ying nodded and followed Xia Cheng inside.