Ambush (1)

Suddenly, the thought that there existed an enigmatic fate between them and Deng Ruiqiu seemed all the more plausible in Xue Lan’s mind.

Even though… he actually wasn’t very keen on playing against Deng Ruiqiu’s team.

But Qi Siyu didn’t feel the same way —

“Reset has said it already, they’re only a defeated opponent. We can win once more. What’s to fear?!”

“Deng Ruiqiu may be impulsive, but he isn’t witless…” Meng Weiran felt something was wrong. He muttered, “Plus, the managers of the Thunder Team and LGW are here…”

“Then now’s our chance to show our skills!” Qi Siyu was fervent. “We’re all so hardworking. Isn’t it so that we can join one of these two strongest teams in the end?!”

Meng Weiran could not refute Qi Siyu’s words, but whether it was because Duan Wenzheng had just refused Deng Ruiqiu’s team or not, now that they had to play against them again, he felt something was a little off.

Sitting quietly at one side, however, Xue Lan had not uttered a single word.

Sensing his concerns, Duan Wenzheng seized the chance while his teammates were preparing to slide past his seat and approached him.

“Nervous?”

Xue Lan shook his head, but said in a soft voice, “I’m wondering what’ll happen to Deng Ruiqiu if he loses again.”

Duan Wenzheng was taken aback by his words. He repeatedly looked up and down at the child.

“Why do I feel that… I’ve led the child astray?”

Xue Lan looked into his smiling eyes. He studied his look and raised his brow. “Who are you calling a child?”

Duan Wenzheng didn’t reply right away. Instead, he changed the topic. “If we win this game…”

Xue Lan perked his ears, wondering if Duan Wenzheng wanted a thank-you gift again. But then he heard, “Do you have anything that you want?”

Xue Lan stared at Duan Wenzheng in utter disbelief. That look seemed to say, How did this person suddenly change personality?

“No?” Duan Wenzheng laughed under his scrutiny. “Didn’t I win some prize money before? It has just been reimbursed. If you don’t have anything in particular that you want… I’ll choose a suitable dress for you to wear next time you come to my house…”

Even if Xue Lan was ignorant, he could guess what Duan Wenzheng was about to say. He immediately covered Duan Wenzheng’s mouth.

But under his fingers was still Duan Wenzheng’s pair of tilted smiling eyes.

Xue Lan took his hand back.

“Let’s start once you’re ready.”

Upon hearing Wen Yan’s voice, the several players organizing their keys and skills instantly adopted a serious demeanor. Xue Lan also returned his focus, quietly preparing for the game.

After that game last time, Deng Ruiqiu’s teammates were on bad terms. Even Xue Lan felt the teammates’ relationship was in crisis mode.

But the good thing was, despite the subtle signs of unease on their faces, their gameplay this time was more cautious, opting for safer tactics instead of the previously drastic ones.

The randomly selected map for this round was an aerial supply station.

Aerial Supply Station was similar to the Cargo Ship at Sea terrain. Taking place underground, it had the same two stories, but it was much different from the other 55 maps, in the way that the time required for allies’ support was relatively short. So at the start of the game, Duan Wenzheng went to clear the zombies. Xue Lan and the others then proceeded along the chute in the center of the station.

But this time, the situation was rather strange.

It wasn’t a big map, but Xue Lan and the others had not seen any of their opponents after circling around the center for a while. He warned through the group mic, “Reset, be careful over there. We haven’t seen the other team yet.”

“Mm.” Duan Wenzheng casually said, “It’s safe here at the moment.”

“Where are the supports? The map isn’t that big.” Qi Siyu followed the rest as they went one round, not seeing a single shadow. He was feeling doubtful in his heart. “Should we leave someone to defend the base?”

“There’s no need for that.” Xue Lan shook his head. “Even if they raid the base, this map is so small it won’t be too late if we rush over.”

Qi Siyu pondered about it for a while. But with such a small map, where could the other five go?

“Could it be…”

Su Yiyu paused. He nervously asked in a mutter, “They also went to clear the monsters?”

“Clear the monsters?” Qi Siyu furrowed his brow. His thoughts were completely different from Su Yiyu. “No gunshots were heard on the deck. If they went to clear the monsters, it can only be done solo underground. Since we’re in a competition, once we catch them one by one while they’re all over the place clearing monsters…”

“But even if they were all dispersed, if they drag it until later, we won’t be their match,” Meng Weiran reminded.

“Why not?”

“Exist…” Meng Weiran paused. As if considering Xue Lan’s experience, he indirectly said, “The gun and skills levels aren’t enough. In a solo match, the points earned are multiplied by one’s level. So if an account is somewhat lacking, the influence in the later game would be very big.”

Everyone fell silent at his words. Su Yiyu kept glancing toward the containers behind them not far away. He hesitantly opened his mouth. “T-There seems to be a person i-in front…”

“Where?” Qi Siyu asked, alert.

Su Yiyiu seemed to hesitate. “Radiation area.”

Everyone immediately looked over. Zombies swayed at the radiation area not far away, but there seemed to be a figure flashing past in the corner.

“Look out!”

A layer of shield immediately materialized above everyone as Qi Siyu shouted the warning. Everyone fled behind the shelter. His eyes fixed on that corner with the swaying figure.

“Seems like it’s only one person. He’s already run away,” Meng Weiran muttered.

“He seems to be clearing the monsters by himself.” Su Yiyu paused. “Using a dagger.”

“It looks like a dead end there.” Qi Siyu looked in the direction where the person had just disappeared. “Let’s check.”