Shen Yuqing said, “If you use this ointment, how long will it take to heal?”
Shen Yuqing wanted to apply the thousand-yuan ointment to Song Wangzhuo, but he stubbornly refused. Song Wangzhuo lowered his head and spread the ointment evenly over his wound. “It’s fine if it takes a bit longer.”
The ointment absorbed quickly, and within moments, the white cream turned transparent. Song Wangzhuo pulled his clothes back down, only to hear Shen Yuqing sigh softly. “Your abs are really well-defined.”
A faint blush crept up Song Wangzhuo’s ears. “Shen Yuqing!”
Shen Yuqing responded, “What?”
Song Wangzhuo glared at him, and Shen Yuqing tilted his head. “What, can’t I even compliment you?”
Song Wangzhuo said sternly, “No.”
Their secondary genders were different! Compliments like that sounded more like teasing.
Seeing Song Wangzhuo on the verge of anger, Shen Yuqing shook his head helplessly. “Fine, I won’t compliment you anymore, okay?”
Song Wangzhuo didn’t reply, just lowered his head and tugged at his clothes again.
Shen Yuqing put the ointment back in his bag. Right now, they were resting in an open area.
Earlier, they had fought fiercely at the checkpoint, but once the time came, they didn’t hesitate to move on.
After walking for a long time, they finally stopped to catch their breath.
Shen Yuqing counted their remaining bullets they actually had more now than before entering the second round, thanks to Song Wangzhuo’s precise shooting earlier.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gotten so many.
The third checkpoint wouldn’t open for another three days, so they’d have to wait it out here.
Looking back, although the first round had the most eliminations, it was also the easiest just be faster than the others.
The second round required real skill, especially since there were only a hundred spots available.
And this time, they couldn’t just play it safe like before they had to eliminate at least one person to advance.
As Shen Yuqing was counting, Lin Sui walked over and asked, “What’s your plan for later? Should we go secure the checkpoint first?”
Taking control of key positions early would save a lot of trouble.
Shen Yuqing had the same thought, but since they’d done this in the first round, others might have caught on and would also try to occupy the checkpoint.
They might end up as sitting ducks, but there weren’t many better options.
If they didn’t go, they’d be eliminated. If they did go, they might still be eliminated.
Shen Yuqing glanced at Song Wangzhuo, who said, “You decide.”
Lin Sui also looked at him, then turned back to Shen Yuqing. “Come with me. Let’s talk properly.”
Shen Yuqing was about to say they could just speak openly, but after meeting Lin Sui’s gaze, he realized the other had something private to discuss.
He nodded and followed Lin Sui aside.
Once they were out of earshot, Lin Sui lowered his voice. “Are you planning to stick with Song Wangzhuo all the way?”
Shen Yuqing asked, “Haven’t we always been together?”
Lin Sui sighed. “I mean, are you two teaming up until the final round?”
Shen Yuqing nodded. “Is there a problem?”
Lin Sui said, “Song Wangzhuo is a tough opponent. If we want to make it into the top ten, he’s a huge threat. How about we take him out before we advance?”
Shen Yuqing understood what he meant. “And who’s going to do it?”
Lin Sui replied, “Let Le Jin handle it. He looks so weak, he probably won’t be able to complete the mission anyway.”
Shen Yuqing didn’t speak, just looked at him.
Lin Sui felt somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze and was about to speak when Shen Yuqing said, “Before Song Lejin makes a move, I’ll take care of him first.”
“Don’t be angry. I’m just discussing this with you,” Lin Sui patted his back. “At worst, after we get out, I’ll give him another sum of money.”
Shen Yuqing brushed his hand away. “No need. Later, I’ll leave alone with Song Wangzhuo. If he has the ability, let him come. If not, he shouldn’t have asked you to be his mediator.”
Lin Sui grew anxious. “Why are you running off like this? Fine, I won’t mention it anymore. Isn’t it better if we stick together? Our chances would be higher, right?”
Shen Yuqing replied, “Song Wangzhuo is your teammate now too. If you let Song Lejin eliminate him today, will I be next?”
“That’s not what I meant,” Lin Sui sighed, his thoughts tangled. “Just pretend I never said anything, okay? Let’s go to the next checkpoint together, and then we’ll each rely on our own skills?”
Shen Yuqing didn’t agree immediately, pausing before answering, “I’ll ask Song Wangzhuo first if he’s willing to go with you. If he refuses, there’s nothing I can do.”
Lin Sui pouted.
Shen Yuqing turned to leave but stopped at the last moment, patting Lin Sui’s shoulder. “One more thing, Song Lejin isn’t some delicate little flower. You’d better watch yourself around him.”
Naturally, Lin Sui couldn’t stand anyone speaking ill of Song Lejin, but before he could retort, Shen Yuqing had already walked away.
He had no choice but to head back as well, but after a few steps, he realized where was Song Lejin?
Song Lejin had wandered into a secluded area, with someone following at a distance behind him. Once he found a suitable spot to talk; somewhere without cameras, he stopped.
The person trailing him quickly caught up. It was the alpha who had claimed to have allergies.
The alpha stepped in front of him and swiftly removed his mask he had been wearing it for days and was nearly suffocating.
Song Lejin looked at him. This “allergic” alpha was none other than his driver, Zhao Bai.
Zhao Bai moved closer, reaching out to embrace him, but Song Lejin shot him a warning glance to stay put.
Reluctantly, Zhao Bai remained where he was, a hint of complaint in his voice. “You’ve been getting close to another alpha these past few days. It’s driving me crazy. And now you won’t even let me hold you?”
Song Lejin said coldly, “Zhao Bai, know your place.”
Zhao Bai took another step forward, grinning. “I know. I’m just a dog at your beck and call.”
He raised his hand, tracing a finger along Song Lejin’s face. “Didn’t you tell me to keep my distance these past two days? Why summon me today? Aren’t you afraid someone will notice?”
Song Lejin replied, “I need you to act tonight.”
Zhao Bai’s finger stilled. He looked at Song Lejin. “Tonight?”
Song Lejin nodded. “Tonight.”
Their original plan was to strike during the chaos when Song Wangzhuo was about to be eliminated.
Zhao Bai frowned. “I don’t recommend tonight. It’s too rushed.”
Song Lejin grew impatient. “I don’t care. Finish it quickly. Once it’s done, I’m going home!”
He couldn’t stand this environment anymore. The bugs were relentless, biting him nonstop.
Zhao Bai sighed. He knew Song Lejin was spoiled, but acting tonight would be too difficult.
He was about to offer some advice when Song Lejin had already started surveying their surroundings: “Tonight I’ll find an excuse to lure him here. You figure out the rest.”
This spot was a hillside, with no live cameras around. If they pushed him down, no one would find him. Even if they did, it would just look like an accidental fall.
Zhao Bai gave a quiet “Mm” in response. Watching Song Lejin walk away, he couldn’t help but ask, “Why are you so determined to kill him?”
Without turning back, Song Lejin replied, “None of your business. Just do what you’re supposed to do.”
Zhao Bai watched his retreating figure until it disappeared, then turned his attention to studying the area.
Though he didn’t know the reason, if Song Lejin wanted this man dead, then he must never leave these woods alive.
