Chapter 12

Nanting Jin hadn't worn a jacket. Qianhuan smelled the scent of stream water and morning mist clinging to him, along with the familiar warmth of his body. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if nothing had changed. Qianhuan tightened his arms around Nanting Jin's waist, pressing his cheek against his chest. After a long pause, he finally sensed Nanting Jin's emotions stabilizing. The man began stroking Qianhuan's hair—gentle fingers tracing from his forehead to his ears. Qianhuan reacted sluggishly, only realizing too late that Nanting Jin hadn't rejected him. Instead, he truly held him. Just days ago, Nanting Jin had threatened to kill him. Qianhuan nearly believed he'd regained his memories when he lifted his head to meet Nanting Jin's gaze. The latter's expression remained indifferent, his dark eyes lowered in quiet scrutiny, as if this embrace held no emotion. Qianhuan's heart sank. He still doesn't remember anything.

Attempting to extricate himself, Qianhuan pushed against Nanting Jin's chest but found himself immobilized. After a second push, the man finally let go. Qianhuan stepped back onto the grass, where the carnivorous flower approached, its leaves bristling with caution. "Didn't you… want to kill me?" he murmured, cradling the plant. Nanting Jin（silent） for a beat before answering evasively, "What happened?" His arrival had already revealed Qianhuan's unstable state, likely connected to the carnivorous flower. Nanting Jin studied the creature, unaffected by its hostile glare. This terrifying mutant plant, feared by countless warriors and zombies, now nestled harmlessly in Qianhuan's arms. Even the surrounding vegetation showed no signs of subjugation. The initial assessment—that Qiangxiang might be affiliated with Sky Base—seemed flawed. He might be an untrained special individual or a master of disguise.

Qiangxiang hesitated: "It's… my friend Xiaozi and the others. They were… attacked by other humans…" His voice wavered between grief and anger. Nanting Jin guessed part of the truth. "Who?"

"I don't know," Qiangxiang whispered, bowing his head. The carnivorous flower tilted its leaves toward a direction, and Nanting Jin followed its gaze. As a（Advanced mutant plant）, it could sense origins but not specific bases. However, once it encountered those enemies again… Its jagged teeth grind menacingly, vowing revenge for its "little mushroom" friend.

In the shadows, Chili the pepper turned its head, recognizing the direction as part of Sky Base's subsidiary. It angrily tugged at grass, thinking of how those humans—or perhaps zombies—could coexist peacefully with plants. Envious, it wondered if anyone would mourn its death. Soft Vine sensed its mood and peeked out, only to be pulled into a hug by Chili, its thoughts wandering to Qiangxiang's sorrow.

Qiangxiang resolved, "I will find them." He glanced at Nanting Jin. "You can't stop me." Though human and technically his enemy, Nanting Jin's memory loss complicated things. If only I could recruit him… But the game's factions were simpler. Qiangxiang didn't understand complex alliances, only clear rules.

Nanting Jin finally spoke: "I won't interfere unless someone pays a bounty." Black Ridge Base was unique—recruiting powerful mutants to handle bounties and disputes for profit. Qiangxiang frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Never mind," Nanting Jin said, withholding details. The "bounty" detail was secondary. As leader, he acted on whims. He could demand the carnivorous flower alive yet did nothing.

At dawn, Qiangxiang accused, "Humans are all villains…" a phrase he'd learned from a torn children's book. Nanting Jin's lips twitched with a ghost of his former warmth. Qiangxiang's frown softened as he shared bread and jerky. Nearby plants crept closer, drawn by the scent. Most remained hidden, intimidated by Nanting Jin's presence.

After feeding everyone, Qiangxiang asked the carnivorous flower about Xiao Kui, Xiao Juan, and Luo Bo. It shook its head, then nodded vaguely, drawing a carrot shape in the air. Another location marked on Qiangxiang's map.

A nearby zombie attracted the carnivorous flower effortlessly. Qiangxiang watched in awe as it decapitated the creature. The mission update flashed:

Main Mission Kill 30 zombies (0/30)

Reward Prestige +500

Side Missions Bond with 3 Senior Mutants (0/3) & 6 Junior Mutants (0/6) at 40%/50% loyalty.

Total Faction Points 500 (equivalent to ¥10,000)

Noticing Chili's low loyalty (20%), Qiangxiang bought its guide: Green Pepper – a brave, emotional mutant who craved freedom. He decided to let Chili sleep in tomorrow, hoping to boost their bond.

That night, Chili slipped away quietly. Qiangxiang woke to a loyalty warning and spotted its retreating figure. "Little Pepper?" he called. Chili paused, then fled.

Later, Nanting Jin found Qiangxiang awake, staring at the stars. "Don't want him to go," Nanting Jin said calmly. "Capture him."

"impossible!" Qiangxiang kicked him, then climbed into his arms, burying his face in his neck. "Do you… like me?" Nanting Jin's question hung in the air.

Qiangxiang nodded. "You're handsome and kind…"

"Kind?" Nanting Jin laughed bitterly. "Do you really know me?"