Chapter Nineteen: The Refugee District

That night, Wood finally understood what Gu Feng meant about the increase in “that” ability—just how powerful it had become. He made the beautiful Qiao’er scream and moan through the night, their voices echoing into the darkness until dawn finally broke.

During that night, Kong Yangyun and Yang Xiu barely got any sleep. Those heart-stirring moans tormented them, making restful slumber impossible. Wood’s prowess left Kong Yangyun in awe; watching Xing Qiaosheng’s car, he could only wonder what expression the man wore.

Having cultivated true vital energy, Wood only needed a brief meditation to regain his strength. He gazed at Qiao’er, her brows slightly knit in pain and pleasure, still sleeping soundly. He couldn’t bear to wake her. He had been too wild that night, causing Qiao’er to faint several times, and he felt a pang of regret.

Yet, as he quietly rose to leave, his movement roused the sleeping woman. Without caring about her naked state, she grabbed Wood’s sleeve in panic and asked, “Where are you going?”

Wood smiled gently. “It’s already morning. We should head out.”

Qiao’er lowered her head. “I still don’t know your name.”

Wood softly cupped her face. “Chen Mu, but everyone calls me Wood. And you?”

Qiao’er replied in a whisper, “I’m Song Qiao’er, but everyone calls me Qiao’er.” She looked up at him and asked, “Can I stay with you from now on?”

Wood was taken aback. He wasn’t from this world and would eventually leave. Shaking his head, he answered, “No, I have things to do.”

Qiao’er grew desperate, hugging him tightly. “Do you think I’m not good enough? Last night… You were so intense. I wasn’t used to it, but in the future, I’ll cooperate even better.” Her face flushed, burying her head against his chest.

Wood felt reluctant, but steeled himself and gently pushed her away, striding out of the room, leaving Qiao’er pale and collapsed on the bed.

Outside, the campfire had already burned out, but Xing Qiaosheng and Kong Yangyun’s family still sat around it. Seeing Wood emerge, Kong Yangyun greeted him with a cheerful smile. “Sir, are you satisfied?”

The words stunned Wood. It sounded like something a brothel keeper would say. This man didn’t mind someone else enjoying his lover and even asked if he was content—like someone being slapped on the left cheek and not only praising the blow but offering the right cheek for another.

Seeing Wood remain silent, Xing Qiaosheng said, “Sir, if you give me twenty bottles of water and thirty cans, I’ll give her to you. What do you think?”

Wood glanced at him. “I have things to do. I can’t take her.”

Xing Qiaosheng grew anxious. “Ten bottles of water and twenty cans will do. There aren’t many girls as sweet and beautiful as her these days.”

Just then, Qiao’er, now dressed, walked out. Seeing everyone’s eyes on her, she realized they must have heard her cries last night. Her face turned scarlet with embarrassment. Xing Qiaosheng quickly called out, “Qiao’er, beg this gentleman to take you in. With a capable person, you won’t starve!” He turned to Wood. “Judging from last night, sir, you must have been pleased with Qiao’er, eh…”

Qiao’er looked nervously at Wood. Wood sighed. “What I have to do is dangerous. I might not be able to protect her.”

Yang Xiu interjected, “Sir, in times like these, no one knows how many days they have left. It’s either starving or turning into a zombie—even with you, there’s danger. But her chances of survival are better with you. You should take her in.”

She pulled Qiao’er over. “Go on, beg him.”

Qiao’er didn’t speak, only pleaded with her eyes. Wood finally relented. “Are you sure you want to follow me? No regrets? Understand that with me, you’ll lose your freedom. You’ll have to obey me.” He recalled the book “Harem,” thinking he could eventually add her to his harem when he left.

Qiao’er was overjoyed. “No regrets. From now on, you’re my master. I’ll do whatever you ask.” Though young, she knew some successful men liked special games. Hearing Wood’s words, she thought he liked master-slave scenarios and hurried to please him.

Wood didn’t bother to explain. He turned to Xing Qiaosheng. “I don’t have that much water. Ten bottles and half a bag of rice.”

Xing Qiaosheng nodded eagerly. Qiao’er grabbed Wood’s sleeve. “I’m not his property. He can’t sell me. I’m following you willingly. You don’t have to give him anything.”

Xing Qiaosheng’s face flushed with anger, but he dared not offend anyone. “Come on, little lady, considering how well I’ve treated you, at least give me something. Five bottles of water and a third of a bag of rice will do!”

Qiao’er scoffed, about to protest, but Wood interrupted, “Enough. Qiao’er, let it be. For letting us meet, these supplies are nothing.”

He entered the room, took water and rice from his storage bracelet, and handed them to Xing Qiaosheng. Seeing Qiao’er’s dissatisfied expression and fearing she’d complain further, Xing Qiaosheng hurriedly loaded the supplies into his car and sped off.

Wood took out more rice and water, and the three of them started a fire to prepare breakfast. They hadn’t eaten rice in ages, so this meal tasted exceptionally sweet. Because of Wood’s abilities, Kong Yangyun and his wife were respectful, never addressing him directly but always calling him Mr. Wood, which felt a little formal.

Wood didn’t mind. Qiao’er, however, kept calling him “master,” which grated on his nerves. He finally corrected her, telling her to call him Ah Mu or Young Master Mu. Qiao’er, not yet familiar with him, settled on calling him Brother Mu.

After breakfast, Wood suggested they go to the refugee camp. Kong Yangyun and his wife were overjoyed—having such a capable person with them meant food wouldn’t be an issue, and they needn’t fear revenge from Xu Laoda and his men. They eagerly led Wood to the refugee camp.

The camp was less than two li away. Last night’s darkness had hidden it, and it was tucked behind a hillside. The camp spanned about a square kilometer. Kong Yangyun and his wife led Wood and Qiao’er through the stench-filled camp, finally arriving at a spot that was relatively better—at least there were some tents.

Along the way, Wood noticed all sorts of things for sale in the camp—gold, jewelry, blankets, car tires, even computers. Anything you could imagine was laid out for trade. Even Kong Yangyun and his wife had items set out, mainly airplane parts, though who would buy them was unclear. Some stalls even sold underwear, advertised as belonging to flight attendants. Yang Xiu explained awkwardly, “There’s no choice. Anything that can be exchanged for food is sold—even people.”

Hearing Yang Xiu’s voice, a head poked out from a tent—a delicate girl at the stall selling underwear.

The girl, seeing Yang Xiu, asked weakly, “Sister Yang, how dare you come back? Isn’t Xu Laoda after you?”

Yang Xiu rushed over. “Mu Siqing, you haven’t eaten for two days, have you? You look so weak.”

Mu Qing sighed helplessly. “There’s nothing left to eat. The birds and beasts are contaminated—eat them and you turn into a zombie. Only spring water from the mountains is safe.”

Kong Yangyun asked, “Where’s your sister and brother-in-law?”

Mu Siqing answered feebly, “My sister hasn’t been able to trade for anything for two days. No one has anything. Even selling your body doesn’t get you food. My brother-in-law went to the city two days ago to search for supplies, but he hasn’t returned.”

As she spoke, a woman dragged herself over, exhausted. Mu Siqing brightened, “Sister, you’re back!”

The woman had shoulder-length flaxen curls, her face pale but undeniably beautiful—jade-white teeth, ruby lips, a delicate neck, narrow shoulders, and a graceful figure with a slender waist and shapely hips. She was taller than Yang Xiu and Qiao’er, probably about 1.78 meters. If she weren’t so pale and thin, she’d be a true beauty.

Seeing her sister’s exhaustion, Mu Siqing quickly went out to support her. Wood noticed Mu Siqing stood only slightly shorter, her curves graceful; unlike her sister’s allure, she possessed a pure beauty. The woman smiled faintly, lifting a bag. “I managed to get one and a half buns.”

Mu Siqing burst into tears. “Sister, you’ve suffered again!” She hugged her tightly, unable to contain her sobs. She knew every morsel of food was earned by her sister’s body. After being out all night, her sister had only returned with one and a half buns—it was hard to imagine how much she’d endured.

The woman said calmly, “Too bad there’s no water. We’ll have to swallow it slowly, but at least we have something to eat.”

Just then, half a bottle of mineral water appeared beside her—Yang Xiu had handed it over. She’d salvaged leftover water and food from Xu Laoda and his men’s camp, which made Wood’s heart ache.

The woman finally noticed Yang Xiu. “You’re still here? Did you escape Xu Laoda last night?” She glanced at the group. “Qiao’er, you’re here too. Where’s Boss Xing?”

Yang Xiu shook her head. “Eat something first.” She handed over the water, and Qiao’er offered her half-eaten can. “Take this. I ate half yesterday, but don’t mind.”

The woman smiled gently. “Thank you. How could I mind? Anyone who gives something for nothing these days is a blessing.” She was truly starving, so after thanking them, she took the food and shared it with her sister.

Though pale and drained, the woman ate with remarkable grace and elegance, revealing she’d once enjoyed a good education. Her sister ate while crying, saddened by her sister’s hardships.