Chapter 109: Awakening [Fifth Update]

Liu Yunduo was suddenly at a loss for words, unsure of what to say. The two evaluators standing nearby also wore expressions of surprise, momentarily questioning whether the person before them was truly the one Duan Lenghan had described.

Hidden in the corner, Duan Rui’s emotions were incredibly complex. He realized he simply couldn’t understand Fang Nian; the way Fang Nian acted seemed utterly without method.

Moreover, the appearance of Xia Moyan stirred even greater turmoil within Duan Rui’s heart—Xia Moyan was truly stunning, the first woman who made him feel outmatched.

Duan Rui considered himself indifferent toward someone like Fang Nian, yet deep down, he found himself irresistibly curious about everything concerning him.

Jin Jinhui was also stunned by Fang Nian’s generosity and patted Duan Rui’s shoulder.

“Ah... I feel like this guy has already reached the pinnacle of life—with a breathtakingly beautiful wife by his side and a dazzling aura all around him. Compared to him, we seem so ordinary.”

At this moment, Duan Rui’s mind was in utter chaos. He no longer wished to dwell on these matters, so he ignored Jin Jinhui and turned, disappearing down the corridor’s end.

Jin Jinhui smiled faintly as she watched Duan Rui’s retreating figure, but Xiao Xueluan approached and asked,

“Jinhui, what’s so funny?”

Jin Jinhui rolled her eyes at Xiao Xueluan.

“None of your business. I’m leaving—I'm tired.”

With that, Jin Jinhui left, leaving behind a bewildered Xiao Xueluan.

Meanwhile, Xia Moyan still wore a smile as she stood beside Fang Nian, but her hand had pinched the flesh on the inside of his arm until it was reddened. Donating twenty million on a whim was truly infuriating. She had already resolved that once they left this place, Fang Nian would have to pay dearly.

At this moment, Xu Fan was leading the Xu family members to exit, and Xiao Xuefeng, unable to stay any longer, was preparing to leave as well. They had suffered a crushing defeat today, losing both their people and resources—a complete disaster, leaving them no face to remain.

At this time, Liu Yunduo had also prepared the donation and auction documents and came to Fang Nian for his signature. Fang Nian quickly signed both the donation contract and the auction agreement.

But then, Fang Nian noticed there was a third contract.

“What is this?”

Hearing this, Liu Yunduo explained to Fang Nian,

“Mr. Fang, this is the auction document for the relic you purchased for one million. In addition to your previous donation, you must pay an extra one million to purchase this relic.”

Hearing this, Fang Nian suddenly felt a pang in his head—he had completely forgotten about this matter. If only he had kept the one million reserved.

But now, he truly had no money and could only look toward Xia Moyan.

Seeing Fang Nian’s expression, Xia Moyan wanted to scold him for not earning a cent of the twenty million and yet needing to spend another one million. But she had no choice—since she was tied to Fang Nian, she once again took out one million to buy the relic.

Once everything calmed down, Fang Nian and his wife intended to leave, but Duan Lenghan stopped them.

“Do you both have time? Let’s have a chat in the back.”

With Duan Lenghan’s invitation, how could they refuse? They followed him to a tea room on the second floor, decorated with a damp, antique style.

The three exchanged light conversation for a while before Duan Lenghan produced a USB-like device and handed it to Xia Moyan.

Xia Moyan was momentarily stunned, looking at Duan Lenghan in confusion. He then explained,

“This is the themed hunting ground that Fang Nian sold to me just now. I’m simply returning it to its rightful owner.”

Xia Moyan was surprised but quickly understood. Having been in business for so many years, she knew well there was no such thing as a free lunch. She tactfully declined,

“Grandpa Duan, this gift is too precious. We cannot accept it.”

Duan Lenghan waved his hand, signaling Xia Moyan to listen.

“This hunting ground is actually useless in my hands. Apart from being stored in the specimen room, it has no value. You know, the Duan family has no shortage of money. It would be a shame for such a fine thing to lie unused, wouldn’t it? Besides, I am not giving this to you without reason. It is a reward for Fang Nian passing the ‘Apocalypse Train’ challenge.”

Fang Nian was slightly taken aback by the praise. It felt a bit excessive, and he had a bad feeling that the old man might have ulterior motives.

“Grandpa Duan, isn’t this reward a bit too generous?”

Duan Lenghan waved his hand again.

“Don’t be so formal. I’m the district chief of District 16, and you are residents here. It’s no trouble to give you something. If I say take it, then just take it.”

Xia Moyan and Fang Nian exchanged a glance. Since Duan Lenghan had said so, they dared not object and accepted the item. Xia Moyan was certainly happy—now possessing a D-level hunting ground, the Xia family could rise powerfully once again.

But Fang Nian couldn’t feel joy. He always sensed that Duan Lenghan had other intentions and knew he would have to face them sooner or later.

...

When Fang Nian and Xia Moyan returned home, it was already 4 a.m., the latter half of the night. The sky was breaking dawn, though the light was still dim and dreary, offering little spirit.

Fang Nian was utterly exhausted, his body shut down after being overtaxed in the hunting ground. He didn’t even bother removing his shoes and collapsed onto the bed, falling asleep immediately.

Xia Moyan, though also weary from travel, was far less drained than Fang Nian. Now that she had obtained the D-level hunting ground, she was ecstatic and wide awake, no longer feeling sleepy. She decided to return to the research institute.

But just as she stepped out the door, Xia Moyan turned back and sighed helplessly at Fang Nian’s sprawled figure. She took off his jacket, removed his shoes and socks, and covered him with a blanket.

Seeing the bruises she had left on the inside of his arm, now purple, she couldn’t help but smile. It was the first time she truly felt a sense of warmth and home.

When Fang Nian awoke, it was already the morning of the third day. It had to be said, the toll on his energy had been immense, and his recovery took considerable time.

Upon waking, Fang Nian sat silently, unable to explain what he was doing—he just sat there. Soon, he gathered his thoughts, stretched, and noticing Xia Moyan was nowhere in sight, muttered to himself,

“This haul is quite substantial. My body seems to have changed again. It’s time to see what’s new.”