Great! I'm surrounded by villains!
Chapter 64: Yearning for Life

Chapter 64: Chapter 64: Yearning for Life

Half an hour later, Tang Qianqian informed the security department about the discoveries of the three of them, which were suspected to be related to the Night Disaster; any further information still required more investigation.

The meeting continued until the afternoon, and the whole afternoon passed by calmly.

Before the sky darkened, a member of the security department pushed the door open and announced the company’s latest orders to the three of them. First, he swept his authoritative gaze over the trio, his imperious attitude consistent throughout, "Due to the ongoing meeting and today’s attack incident, you must stay inside the company for the next few days and are not permitted to leave."

This was why Duan Mingyuan disliked working in the company.

After Bai Kou’s arrival, the notices allowing them to return or stay changed several times, forcing one to wonder whether these Extraterrestrials were suffering from schizophrenia.

Considering that many members of the security department were hired locally, he felt that this schizophrenia might also have a highly contagious nature.

Duan Mingyuan said, "The contract with Director Fu Ling did not mention that we need to stay in the company at night."

"When the contract was made, no accidental attacks had occurred."

The attitude of the security personnel was uncompromising.

"Accident? It was precisely because your company was aware of Wangxu’s plan of attack beforehand that we were hired."

Duan Mingyuan had noticed the unfriendly tone of the security personnel from the moment he walked in the door.

Most likely, they had been harshly reprimanded during the meeting. It was understandable; since the cause of the Flying Vehicle’s crash remained unknown, all responsibility was being placed on the Night Disaster, whom they had never even met once. Since the crash until now, they had not been able to investigate a single piece of useful information, even though the company had already received intelligence before.

Duan Mingyuan could only say these people deserved the reprimanding; their work accomplishments could be described as nil.

He was familiar with the company’s procedures; after public criticism, overtime and the rush to meet performance targets would follow.

After being scolded, the security personnel took out their frustrations on these outsiders, hoping to drag the three of them into staying at the company and suffering with them.

But how could Duan Mingyuan comply with their wishes?

They were external staff, not part of the same department as the security personnel; why should they take orders from a peer?

He said, "Our work tasks are different; we only need to be responsible for Mr. Bai Kou’s safety. It is your responsibility to maintain the operation of the entire company. If you want to modify the contract contents, Director Fu Ling must personally come and discuss it with us."

"You—"

The attempt to vent frustration failed, and with Duan Mingyuan’s response, the security personnel felt even more aggrieved; the thought of being scolded while these three externally hired staff were enjoying massage chairs and pastries in the rest room was infuriating.

The meeting’s outcome was a unanimous decision to work overtime. Until the new energy meeting was over, no one could even think about going home.

They wanted to make these three external staff work overtime too, so any dirty or hard work that came up could be dumped on them.

But the security personnel never expected these country bumpkins to completely disregard his authority!

Such bumpkins, shouldn’t they all look up to them?

"If there is any doubt, I can call Director Fu Ling right now."

"Hmph, I have already passed on the regulations, so take care of yourselves."

After a cold snort, the security personnel left quickly.

Having sent off the trouble-seeking security personnel, Duan Mingyuan looked back at Jiuyue, who seemed to have something to say but halted, and said, "The plan to treat you to a steam pot chicken meal remains unchanged."

He was a man of his word, so since he had promised Jiuyue and Tang Qianqian, he would surely do it.

"Yay!"

Jiuyue’s brows lifted in joy.

This was the first time Mr. Mingyuan had truly offered to take her out for a meal, and it was also very likely their "last supper" before the onset of battle.

"It’s getting late, let’s get ready to leave."

To no surprise, the news about the flying vehicle crash dominated the headlines in Yunlong City that day. As the first group to leave the corporate building, as soon as Duan Mingyuan and his two companions stepped out, they were immediately blocked by throngs of reporters bombarding them with questions. The reporters jostled each other in their eagerness to inquire whether Mr. Bai Kou had survived, what stance Universe Company was taking on the incident, and whether it would escalate into a diplomatic issue.

Duan Mingyuan adopted an unchanging strategy in response to the numerous questions. No matter what the reporters asked, they all stuck to the same story and brushed off the inquiries with "no comment."

The restaurant, named "Yun Xiang Ge," was two blocks away from the Universe Company building. Its signature dish, steamed pot chicken, was second to none in Yunlong City, and after learning about Jiuyue’s preference, Duan Mingyuan made a mental note of it.

When they entered, the first floor of the restaurant was packed with patrons and filled with laughter, a stark contrast to the cool tones of the corporate building. Mingyuan recalled his high school days when he imagined his future life—an evening spent unwinding in a homey eatery full of life after a busy day of work, enjoying the leisure of post-work hours with close friends.

Regrettably, he later realized that while homely eateries were common, the everyday toil of overwork meant that such a relaxed life was an impossible dream for most.

Duan Mingyuan chose a spot at the back and took his seat. Upon settling down, Jiuyue and Tang Qianqian started to chat and laugh as they browsed the menu.

The waning sunlight cast its glow on the table, and suddenly, he was struck by a feeling that his childhood dreams were gradually coming true.

He glanced at Jiuyue, recalling the first time they had met.

Perhaps he had been too harsh in his evaluation of the industry.

If the issues of high risks and poor pay could be resolved, this was exactly the life he had envisioned back then.

Unfortunately, back in his high school years, he had no ability to address the structural problems in the industry.

"Steamed pot chicken, braised chicken, stir-fried chicken with eggs, chicken tenders on toothpicks—Jiuyue, you really do like chicken, just like Li Hua likes fish... It’s too bad she can’t transform into a human like you; otherwise, I could bring her out more often," said Tang Qianqian, unable to hide her regret.

Although Li Hua was capable of illusions, her size was overlarge compared to other cats. When children in the neighborhood pointed at Li Hua and cried out about a tiger, Qianqian knew she needed to limit taking Li Hua outside in the future.

Thankfully, monsters were much smarter than ordinary cats. Not only could Li Hua take care of herself, but she also helped look after the stray cats Qianqian brought home from the neighborhood.

"Senior, then I want this one!"

Tang Qianqian flipped to another page of the menu, "Silver fish with scrambled eggs."

"Don’t forget my favorite scallion-braised tendons," added an unexpected man who had walked up to them, causing Jiuyue and Tang Qianqian to exchange perplexed looks. Before she could ask, the man made himself comfortable next to Tang Qianqian, looking apologetic, "Sorry, I’m late."

"You..."

"People from the company followed me here."

The man lowered his voice, whispering, "I’m a friend of Mr. Da Jiang."