Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies
Chapter 788: Zhu Yunque's Discomfort

Chapter 788: Zhu Yunque's Discomfort

Zhang Yi said to Zhou Ke'er, "This is Zhu Yunque, assigned by headquarters to accompany me on this mission. Please make her feel welcome!"

A peculiar glint flashed in Zhou Ke'er's eyes.

"Another mission? Where to? Is it far?"

Zhang Yi removed his heavy coat as he replied, "Classified. This is a confidential operation—I can't bring too many people along."

Zhou Ke'er politely greeted Zhu Yunque.

"Would you like something to drink? Coffee or tea?"

Zhu Yunque bit her lip. "Just plain water, thank you."

As Zhou Ke'er went to fetch the water, she continued chatting with Zhang Yi.

"Do you need help preparing anything? If it's a long journey, you should take me along. Having a doctor around is always useful."

Zhang Yi sprawled on the sofa, deep in thought.

"No rush. I still have other matters to handle first."

While they were talking, Yang Siya and Zhou Haimei emerged upon hearing the commotion.

Zhu Yunque gasped in recognition. "Aren't you Yang Siya and Zhou Haimei?"

The two had been A-list celebrities before the apocalypse, so of course she knew them.

After learning Zhu Yunque's identity, they exchanged polite greetings with her.

An odd feeling began stirring within Zhu Yunque regarding Zhang Yi.

Through subtle probing, she discovered both Yang Siya and Zhou Ke'er were closely associated with him.

This displeased her.

In her world, capable men always had women flocking around them—but Zhang Yi was already marked as her prey in her mind. How dare he play the field?

Her mood soured again almost instantly.

One by one, the other household members were summoned to greet the guest.

Zhu Yunque's composure began cracking.

Besides Zhou Ke'er's trio, there were several other stunning young women in this household.

Yang Xinxin's beauty rivaled Zhou Ke'er and Yang Siya's, with the added advantage of being only eighteen—youthful and vivacious.

Lu Keran and Liang Yue were equally striking, but what stood out was their distinctive aura—not the superficial charm of trophies, but the poise of independent women.

This veritable garden of beauties made Zhu Yunque increasingly agitated.

"Ahem, Mr. Zhang, when are we departing?"

She hesitated before adding, "Perhaps it's not my place to say, but since this is a confidential mission, it might be best not to bring... irrelevant personnel."

Zhang Yi studied Zhu Yunque intently.

After several seconds of silence, he finally told Yang Siya, "Prepare a room for Miss Zhu to rest."

Zhu Yunque immediately understood—Zhang Yi wanted to speak privately with his inner circle without outsiders present.

With aristocratic grace, she rose and followed Yang Siya out.

Yang Siya returned shortly, smiling. "She seems quite pleased with her accommodations."

Settling beside Zhang Yi, she asked, "Who is she really? Some elite superhuman from an investigation team?"

Initially, everyone in the shelter had regarded Zhu Yunque with wary respect, assuming only an extraordinarily capable operative would be assigned by Zhu Zheng to accompany Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi replied indifferently, "Just a privileged connection. She's Zhu Zheng's niece. Probably tagging along to pad her resume for future promotions."

Yang Xinxin eyed Zhang Yi with playful scrutiny, tilting her head. "But why do I sense something... peculiar about her attitude toward you?"

Zhang Yi scoffed, crossing his arms. "Typical highborn behavior—used to looking down on people."

Yang Xinxin exchanged meaningful glances with Zhou Ke'er and the others before smiling cryptically. "Big brother, you don't understand women. I think... she might have designs on you."

Zhang Yi blinked, then pointed at himself incredulously. "Designs? On me?"

Zhou Ke'er nodded in agreement.

"I sensed it too. She seemed... unsettled around us."

"Her eyes betrayed jealousy."

Zhang Yi couldn't help laughing.

"Well, what can I say? My charm's just too potent. Love at first sight, huh?"

He said it jokingly—Zhu Yunque had started picking at him from their very first meeting, hardly a positive impression.

"Perhaps Commander Zhu wants to secure you through marriage?"

Yang Xinxin pierced straight to the heart of the matter.

"Brother, you're currently the most sought-after asset in Blizzard City."

"Every faction is currying favor with you. The Deng Family provided technical support and specialized training for your friends."

"It's hardly surprising Zhu Zheng would use marital ties to bind you."

Hearing this, Zhang Yi realized the situation's implications—though he remained unfazed.

"That old Zhu must be going senile."

Zhang Yi had zero interest in arrogant noble ladies—though taming one did hold some appeal.

Unfortunately, Zhu Yunque's personality utterly failed to tempt him.

He was a refined egoist, not some lust-driven fool.

Romance could spice up life, but shouldn't dominate it.

Even Zhou Ke'er only became part of his circle because of her medical expertise.

"Don't mind her. Once the mission's over, our paths won't cross again."

He understood Zhu Zheng's intentions, but the commander couldn't force him to marry Zhu Yunque.

Ultimately, the decision rested with Zhang Yi.

Zhou Ke'er grasped his hand worriedly.

"But you'll be traveling together for this mission, won't you? As the saying goes, familiarity breeds affection. Who's to say you won't... cross lines?"

Zhang Yi chuckled, patting her hand reassuringly.

"Don't worry—no matter how delicious, I won't touch poisoned food."

A no-strings-attached woman would be one thing, but Zhu Yunque came with Zhu Zheng's political baggage. Getting entangled meant endless trouble—and Zhang Yi wasn't that stupid.

Old You asked concernedly, "Zhang Yi, is this mission high-risk?"

Since Zhang Yi hadn't disclosed specifics, everyone understood he wouldn't bring many companions.

Zhang Yi smiled. "Hard to say. Probably not extremely dangerous, but in these times, who knows?"

"Still, no need to worry about me. I can handle myself."

He'd already considered—even if their ship sank at sea, his abilities guaranteed survival.

"Just hold down the fort here as usual."

Author's Note