Conditions (Happy New Year's Eve!)

On the train back to the base city.

The members of the Rose Squad chatted and laughed together.

They were leaving the Wilderness Zone and going home.

Every one of them had completely relaxed.

Even Zhang Yi, who never let go of his gun, had unusually neglected to wipe down his beloved sniper rifle. He lounged against his seat with his legs crossed.

Captain Shen Hong summarized, "This trip to the Wilderness Zone lasted nearly a month, and our gains were considerable. Everyone performed very well, especially Zhou Ying'er."

When Shen Hong mentioned her, Zhou Ying'er immediately perked up and listened attentively.

"As a newcomer, you adapted in just one month and even performed beyond your usual level. Everyone has seen your progress. I'm very glad I decided to invite you to join the squad!" Shen Hong took the lead in applauding.

Clap clap.

Zhang Yi, Zheng Ru, Li Min, and Cao Yingchun smiled and applauded in turn.

Zhou Ying'er had indeed improved quickly.

At first, she could barely handle some Mid-level Beast Soldiers. But later, after constantly fighting Beast Soldiers and accumulating experience, she could already easily kill High-level Beast Soldiers. Occasionally, she could even assist Zheng Ru and Li Min in killing Low-level Generals.

Most newcomers needed three or four months of training in the Wilderness Zone before they could gradually adapt.

"Thank you, Captain. Thank you, everyone!" Zhou Ying'er said gratefully. She knew that without everyone's help, she could not have adapted to the killing in the Wilderness Zone so quickly.

Shen Hong smiled, but her expression suddenly turned serious. "In another two or three months, it will be the outbreak period for the Rat Tide. Every year at this time, base cities face attacks from large numbers of monsters. So after we return to the base city to rest and recover, we won't have much time. At most, one month. You'd all better prepare yourselves mentally!"

At those words.

The smiles vanished from Zhang Yi and the others' faces.

The Rat Tide was terrifying. Even War God-level powerhouses could perish when surrounded by it.

And Rat Tides occurred in the Wilderness Zone almost every year.

During a Rat Tide, monsters were often easily agitated, triggering even more terrifying beast tides.

Although beast tide attacks on base cities had gradually decreased since humanity developed High-frequency Laser Cannons in 2021, by the year 2041, major base cities around the world still maintained the practice of clearing out the wilderness areas in the counties surrounding their cities.

The purpose was to prevent monsters from triggering beast tides.

"All right, there's no need to worry. Beast tide attacks still happen fairly often only along the military district front lines. Other base cities rarely see beast tides form anymore. This time, we're merely carrying out a routine cleanup. Just maintain your usual hunting efficiency when the time comes," Shen Hong said lightly, clapping her hands.

Zhang Yi nodded and changed the subject. "How about we all get together for drinks tonight? We've been in the Wilderness Zone for a month. My mouth's gone bland as hell."

"I'm in."

"Seconded."

Zheng Ru, Li Min, and Cao Yingchun all spoke up.

Zhou Ying'er also nodded with a smile.

They ate nothing but highly compressed food in the Wilderness Zone, and it practically had no taste.

Soon.

The train entered the base city and arrived at the station.

Large numbers of martial artists filed out, the Rose Squad among them.

"Ying'er!"

"Sis!"

Hearing the voices, Zhou Ying'er froze, then looked over and saw Wang Rong holding Zhou Hao's hand.

"Mom, little brother, why are you here?" She hurried over with a delighted expression.

Before Zhou Hao could speak, the light before him was blocked.

"Haha, Xiao Hao, long time no see! Sister Shen missed you so much." The tall, muscular Shen Hong scooped Zhou Hao up and hugged him, her hand habitually pinching his cheeks.

Zheng Ru and Li Min also stepped forward to pinch his cheeks.

Seeing that Zhou Ying'er was safe and sound, Wang Rong was overjoyed. "Captain Shen, thank you for taking care of Ying'er."

Shen Hong smiled. "You're too polite, Auntie."

Zhou Ying'er took Zhou Hao from her, wrinkling her delicate nose slightly. "You've gotten heavier, and you've grown quite a bit taller too. While I was away, did you pester Mom to cook delicious food for you every day?"

Zhou Hao rolled his eyes and couldn't be bothered to respond to Zhou Ying'er.

Just then.

Cheng Jin walked over with a smile. "Ying'er, long time no see."

Zhou Ying'er's expression changed sharply, and her voice turned cold. "Cheng Jin, what are you doing here?!"

The Rose Squad members immediately turned their gazes toward Cheng Jin.

"Sis, this guy wants to use Mom to get to you!" Zhou Hao's childish voice rang out.

Zhou Ying'er's face immediately darkened, and she flicked him on the forehead.

Wang Rong looked awkward as well. "Ying'er, don't listen to Xiao Hao's nonsense. He's your friend. He came to pick you up."

Zhou Ying'er set Zhou Hao down, said a few words to Shen Hong, then pulled Cheng Jin aside.

Meanwhile, Shen Hong quietly led Zhou Hao and Wang Rong toward the Alliance Mall Building.

"Cheng Jin, I already told you at Kyoto Training Camp that there's no possibility between us. I don't want the things you had the Sabertooth Tiger Squad deliver either. Give me an account number, and I'll transfer the money to you!" Zhou Ying'er said coldly.

Cheng Jin wore a smile and did not get angry in the slightest. "Ying'er, I know you misunderstand me, but I'm sincere about you. All right, I won't disturb you and your family."

With that, he turned and left without any hesitation.

Zhou Ying'er bit her lip. She really wanted to rush over and beat Cheng Jin up, but she still restrained the impulse. From beginning to end, Cheng Jin had never done anything to hurt her. He had only pursued her, stubbornly and shamelessly.

She had rejected him many times, but he continued anyway.

There was simply nothing she could do about him.

Because of Cheng Jin's appearance, Zhou Ying'er lost the mood to have dinner with Sister Shen and the others, so they agreed to gather another day instead.

After returning to Villa 117 in Mingyue Residential Area.

Wang Rong followed Zhou Ying'er into her room.

Sitting on the sofa, Zhou Hao soon heard his mother and sister talking.

"Mom, don't have anything to do with that Cheng Jin anymore!"

"My daughter, Cheng Jin seems like quite a good young man, and his family background seems good too. You're not young anymore. It's time you started considering family matters."

"Mom, I've only just joined the Rose Squad. It's too early for that. We can talk about it later. Anyway, just don't pay any more attention to Cheng Jin."

"Mom is only doing this for your own good..."

Zhou Hao bit into an apple and shook his little head. Normally, his mother respected his sister's opinions, but this time she refused to back down.

Seeing signs that the two were about to start arguing.

He quickly strode over and knocked on the door. "Mom, I'm hungry!"

"In any case, think about it carefully!" With that, Wang Rong came out and rubbed Zhou Hao's head. "Wait a moment. Mom will make something for you right away."

After Wang Rong entered the kitchen.

Zhou Ying'er immediately called out, "Xiao Hao, come in."

Zhou Hao quickly slipped into Zhou Ying'er's room.

"Xiao Hao, tell me honestly. What did that Cheng guy say to Mom this morning?" Zhou Ying'er asked.

Zhou Hao's eyes rolled. "What could a little kid like me possibly know?"

Smack.

A fair hand landed on Zhou Hao's backside.

"You little brat, asking for a beating?" Zhou Ying'er said with a stern face, pretending to be fierce.

"Mom, Sis hit—"

Zhou Hao immediately started shouting. Zhou Ying'er reacted quickly, hurriedly covering his mouth. Her fierceness turned into a smile. "My good little brother, dear little brother, just tell me. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the Training Hall!"

"Not sincere enough." Zhou Hao pouted, looking disdainful.

"Then we'll go shopping and eat delicious food..." Zhou Ying'er promised him a whole list of things.

Zhou Hao snorted and rolled his eyes. "Are you trying to fool a three-year-old?"

Zhou Ying'er was left speechless. Looking at her adorably baby-faced little brother, she thought, Aren't you a three-year-old?

"Name your conditions!"

"Simple. I want to go to the Limitless Gym headquarters!" Zhou Hao said.

The moment Zhou Ying'er heard that, she agreed without thinking. "Sure, no problem... Wait, the Limitless Gym headquarters you mean is?"

"The Limitless Gym headquarters in Hongning Base City!"

PS: Thanks to Hunyuan Ferryman for the 500-coin tip. Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!