On their way back after the meal, Huang Zhetian and the others had to take the subway. Taking a taxi around the city or beyond it was hardly practical; the subway was the better option.
Suzuhara complained indignantly, "Boss, what was that girl so full of herself for? She really pissed me off!"
Kensuke didn't mind. Instead, he told the others admiringly, "Still, she has the skills to back it up. She's the same age as me, and she's already a captain. That's incredible! I heard she skipped grades and graduated from college ages ago!"
Huang Zhetian sipped his orange juice leisurely and nodded. "That's true. You're right about that. She wouldn't have been so confident back there if she didn't have the ability."
After thinking it over, Shinji Ikari asked Huang Zhetian, "You know her, so why aren't you in the same position as Shikinami?"
Huang Zhetian didn't deny it and explained, "I might not hold the rank of captain like Asuka, but I've built up my experience through extensive training and actual combat. I don't have a military rank yet, but I'll naturally get one once everything's done. Different countries do things differently, right?"
While they were chatting happily, a roguishly handsome older man approached them for directions. "Excuse me, is this the way to the transit hub for the Underground City?"
Shinji Ikari stopped to answer him. "Yes. You can transfer after another four stops."
Huang Zhetian didn't need to turn around to know that the man asking for directions was Ryoji Kaji.
Looking around at the place he'd left two years ago, Kaji remarked wistfully, "I've only been away for two years, but I feel like Urashima Taro.
"Oh, right, thanks. You've been a big help! Also, isn't Katsuragi with you?"
Hearing that the man knew