Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Death of Qian Ying

In the cramped little room, Qin Yu and her companions savored delicacies rarely found in the apocalypse, while, at that very moment, the news that “Feng Mei’er is dead” had already spread throughout the entire base.

In the dead of night, Tian Jian sat facing several others and spoke, "You’ve all heard about Feng Mei’er’s death. What do you make of it?"

Zhang Yang looked at Tian Jian. "I think it’s true. Just consider it: when has Feng Mei’er ever not clung to Qian Ying? Yet, for the past few days, we’ve seen no sign of her, and Qian Ying’s behavior has been odd, hasn’t it?"

"I agree, it might very well be true. Qian Ying’s recent attitude is a major red flag," Tian Jian replied gravely.

"So, what do we do now? Should we…" Zhang Yang made a gesture across his throat.

Fan Fan caught the motion, a dark glint flashing in his eyes. "No need to rush. Instead, let’s pay our dear Captain Qian a visit tomorrow."

"Agreed," Tian Jian said, and the others nodded in assent.

"By the way, have you absorbed the third-tier crystal cores Shi gave us?" Tian Jian asked.

It turned out that Shi had included, in the package he gave them today, third-tier crystal cores matching each of their abilities. Their powers had been stuck at the lower third tier for ages, so perhaps, with these cores, they might finally break through to the intermediate level. These items were valuable, but the urgent need now was to strengthen themselves. After all, once they had power, what wouldn’t be within their grasp?

"Not yet. I plan to absorb mine tonight," Zhang Yang replied.

"Me too," Tian Jian added.

"In that case, here’s the plan: Tian Jian, Zhang Yang, you two go first. Mu Lun and I will keep watch," Fan Fan said.

"Alright, once we’re done, we’ll watch over you as well," Zhang Yang responded.

Tian Jian nodded at Fan Fan, who, seeing their agreement, left the room with Mu Lun. The two remaining quickly took out their crystal cores and began the absorption process.

Night remained as tranquil as ever, yet the surging tides beneath this calm would change many destinies forever.

Qin Yu lay alone on her bed, listening to the laughter and chatter of the others outside her door. She stared blankly at the ceiling as waves of longing welled up in her heart.

She had always known that her heart harbored someone—her Brother Li. Yet, even now, she had no news of him. Sometimes she doubted whether he had met with misfortune, but another voice insisted he was alive and well, waiting for her to find him.

Qin Yu sighed softly. In her memory, Brother Li’s image had faded until only his name remained. Yet, for reasons she couldn’t explain, she ached to find him. It was as if she herself was a drifting boat, and he was the distant shore she yearned for. Only by reaching that shore could she truly become herself.

More and more, Qin Yu felt that something was odd about her in this life—she couldn’t help but think of Brother Li, constantly wishing to find him and spend a lifetime together.

Lost in these thoughts, she gradually closed her eyes and drifted into sleep.

At first light, she opened her eyes, a touch of confusion in her gaze as she looked around. Slowly, her expression cleared.

She rubbed her head, thinking to herself, "Honestly, I dreamed of Brother Li again…"

After getting herself ready, she opened the door to find the others sprawled across the living room in disarray. A faint smile played on her lips as she conjured a ball of water in her palm, guiding it to burst right above the room.

Cool water roused everyone from their dreams. Wang Bing was the first to react, wiping the droplets from his face. "Boss Qin! You’re up early, hah!"

Qin Yu surveyed the still-dazed group. "Oh? Early, you say? I was going to take you all to watch a good show, but in your current state, I suppose I’ll have to go alone. Well, do you still think it’s early?"

With a smile on her face but another water ball at the ready, her meaning was clear. The group snapped to attention, quickly gathering themselves. After a hasty breakfast, they prepared to follow Qin Yu to see what excitement awaited.

Meanwhile, Qin Yu slipped away to call Xia Cheng and Zhao Meng. Seeing Zhao Meng’s bashful expression, Qin Yu’s grin deepened. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Xia Cheng before closing the door behind her.

Zhao Meng glared angrily at Xia Cheng, who simply pulled her into his arms, whispering softly.

By the time Qin Yu and her party reached Qian Ying’s quarters, they found the place swarming with people. Yet, as soon as the crowd saw who had arrived, they instinctively made way. Qin Yu and her group strode in without the slightest hesitation.

Inside, Qin Yu found Tian Jian and the others sitting on the sofa, their faces dark. Before she could speak, Tian Jian said, "Captain Qin, you’re here. Go check Qian Ying’s bedroom."

Though perplexed, Qin Yu’s smile didn’t falter. She nodded, leaving Wang Bing and the others in the hall as she entered the bedroom alone.

Upon entering, she saw Qian Ying slumped over the desk, body bent forward, face turned to the window, one hand resting on his leg, the other tucked beneath his head. There was nothing overtly strange about the posture, yet Qin Yu felt a vague sense of unease.

She gripped her dagger, muscles tensed, and approached Qian Ying cautiously.

Standing beside him, she spoke, "Captain Qian?"

There was no response. Qin Yu, recalling Tian Jian’s behavior, grew grim and turned Qian Ying over.

His eyes were wide open, a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. Qin Yu checked his body but found no obvious wounds.

Frowning, she stared at Qian Ying, now lifeless, lost in thought.

After a long while, she circled the bedroom, finding nothing else unusual, then finally stepped out into the hall.

Meeting the questioning gaze of Xia Cheng and the others, Qin Yu said nothing. She walked over to Tian Jian and asked in a low voice, "When did you find him?"

"Early this morning," Tian Jian replied, head lowered. "We came to discuss some internal team issues."

Qin Yu looked at him, then sat across from him. "Did you touch him?"

Tian Jian shook his head. "No." Then he produced a slip of paper and handed it to her. "But we found this next to him. Take a look."

Qin Yu accepted the note. Her eyes widened in surprise at the bold words scrawled upon it: "Traitor to the Organization—Die!"