Chapter 37: Prioritizing Romance Over Friendship

Returning to the villa, the group took turns showering. The coal-black bird urgently fluttered onto Xiao Yang's shoulder, demanding crystals. After tossing it two, Xiao Yang produced hotpot ingredients, instructing Lu You to prepare a feast to ward off the chill. Within an hour, Mu Wanqing and Lin Shishi had prepped the spread.

Steam rose from the bubbling broth in the cozy dining room, spicy aromas whetting appetites. The three women paused, their thoughts drifting to the two gatekeepers shivering in their guardhouse. While those women faced hunger and cold, they enjoyed endless provisions and warmth—all because Xiao Yang had accepted them as family. Gratitude mingled with guilt in their hearts.

"Why the silence? Eat!" Xiao Yang barked, snapping them from reverie.

Misreading their pensive looks, he suddenly slapped his forehead. "Wouldn't be right without beer!" A crate of "Brave the World" lager materialized. Popping bottles open, he raised his drink: "To braving the apocalypse! Bottoms up!"

He downed his beer in one swirling gulp. Inspired, the women followed suit. Lu You finished first, proudly showing her empty bottle. Mu Wanqing and Lin Shishi struggled—foam spilled down their necks, dampening collars.

"Could've taken smaller sips," Xiao Yang teased, handing tissues as the younger women blushed. "Dig in before the lamb overcooks! Hmm? Who added kidneys to the pot?"

Post-feast, Lu You led cleanup while Xiao Yang sprawled lazily on the sofa, absorbing seventy-odd crystals. The alcohol flowed freely—he'd drained an entire crate himself, the women sharing another. Enhanced metabolism from time energy meant his tolerance soared. At this rate, his alcohol reserves wouldn't last.

Gathering the trio afterward, Xiao Yang adopted a serious tone: "The villa's secured, but complacency kills. Starting tomorrow, we clear more zombies for crystals and supplies." He omitted his vast hidden stockpile—some secrets stayed guarded.

The women nodded obedience. Xiao Yang was their compass in this shattered world.

"Remember," he warned, gaze sharpening, "the strong prey on the weak. Hesitation gets you killed. When threatened, strike first—no regrets."

"Understood!" they chorused, spines straight.

Retiring upstairs, Lin Shishi tugged Mu Wanqing's sleeve. "Sleep with me tonight?"

Xiao Yang scowled. "Keep stealing my girlfriend, and I'll join your sleepover."

Blushing furiously, Lin Shishi huffed, "Prioritizing romance over friendship! Go get cozy already!" She slammed her door as Xiao Yang whisked Mu Wanqing away.

"Missed you all night," he murmured.

"How much?"

"Enough to…"

Lin Shishi's door flew open. "Must you flirt outside my room?!"

Laughing, Xiao Yang called back, "Coming, dear? Let's continue privately!"

Thirty minutes later, Lin Shishi tossed in bed, ears burning as muffled noises seeped through the wall. An hour and a half of relentless activity later, she groaned into her pillow. Is he even human?!

Resolving to reclaim her friend tomorrow, a horrifying thought struck—what if Xiao Yang actually crashed their sleepover? The image made her burrow deeper under covers, torn between outrage and reluctant amusement at life's new normal.