John

Biodata

Background

John and the other members of Lou Yu’s squad were originally soldiers and had extensive experience surviving in the wilderness before settling at Yong’an Base. They left Central Base amid political scheming, but continued to face threats after relocating. At Yong’an, they operated as mercenaries, while Lou Yu also worked for base commander Lou Quan in exchange for shelter 6 56.

By the time Lou Yu awakened after the Snow Bird rescue, the squad had been at Yong’an Base for half a year and ranked among its leading mercenary teams through completing high-risk missions. The teammates lived together, and John supplemented his mercenary work by teaching at a martial arts school alongside Huo Lan 7 11 56.

Appearance

• Refined, scholarly appearance: His usual appearance contrasts with his reputation for ruthless, decisive action when angered 7.

Personality

John is fiercely protective of Lou Yu and places the captain’s safety ahead of outsiders’ demands. He worries that Lou Yu’s strengthened ability will attract Central Base’s attention, questions whether research experiments could harm him, and tries to delay Lou Quan’s summons until Lou Yu has recovered. When people later attempt to approach the squad to gain access to Lou Yu, John and his teammates decline invitations and keep outsiders at a distance 8 9 62.

His intimidating public image is backed by violence: after someone publicly provoked the squad, John beat the man so severely that half his body was left paralyzed and he nearly died. Among his companions, however, John jokes freely and becomes openly excited about gossip concerning Lou Yu’s love life 7 23 129.

He can also temper his frustration with consideration. Although Xiao Cong’s misbehavior drives him to threaten a spanking, John later avoids burdening the boy’s worried father with an account of the damage. He neither falsely praises the child nor reports every incident 56 57.

Abilities & Skills

Leadership and Judgment

As vice-captain, John takes command when Lou Yu is incapacitated 4.

• Orders Huo Lan to monitor Snow Bird and forbids attacking first unless absolutely necessary 4.
• Correctly judges that Snow Bird’s treatment of Lou Yu suggests he does not intend to harm them 4.
• Recognizes that the mutated wolves were deliberately drawn south into the patrol’s path 6.
• Acknowledges the limits of the squad’s leverage over Lou Quan, reminding Liu Qi’an that they owe the commander a favor 6.

Combat and Wilderness Survival

John relies on conventional combat skills rather than supernatural abilities 69.

• Has a military background and extensive wilderness survival experience 56.
• Teaches at a martial arts school with Huo Lan 56.
• Can use weapons and coordinate with teammates to support Lou Yu in the wilderness 69.
• Undertakes retrieval missions, including collecting a particular mutated plant for the research institute 11.

Driving

• Drives the armored vehicle carrying the unconscious Lou Yu from Snow Bird’s territory to Yong’an Base, maintaining speed while coordinating Huo Lan’s observations 3 4.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Rescuing Lou Yu

• John, Liu Qi’an, and Huo Lan recover the unconscious Lou Yu from Snow Bird’s nest. John drives their escape vehicle and initially fears that Snow Bird is pursuing them for taking someone from his territory 3.
• Rather than provoke the bird, John orders restraint. Snow Bird escorts the vehicle to the safe zone without attacking, confirming John’s judgment 4.
• When Lou Yu awakens and accidentally blasts through a hospital door, John blocks medical staff from entering and claims the squad will handle the damage. He then gives Lou Yu an orderly account of the rescue 7.
• He subsequently helps investigate reports of Snow Bird’s rampage, reporting fewer monsters and scattered remains in the area 11.

Keeping the Captain’s Secrets

• John notices that the squad’s windproof lighter has disappeared after Lou Yu gives Snow Bird supplies. He agrees to keep the gifts secret because Lou Yu has helped them so much 45 49.
• He objects when Lou Yu plans a solitary wilderness visit, offering the squad’s weapons and teamwork as protection. Since the attempt on Lou Yu’s life, the teammates have insisted that at least one of them accompany him on missions 69.
• When Lou Yu smiles while remembering Tao Qiu, John mistakenly thinks the expression is directed at him. He hurriedly declares that he is straight; Lou Yu assures him that he is not his type 77.

Looking After Xiao Cong

• John accepts paid childcare work for a martial arts colleague whose wife has been hospitalized. Xiao Cong initially seems well behaved, then wreaks havoc in the squad’s home 55 56.
• Lou Yu discovers that the boy wants to be sent back to his parents. John contacts his colleague and lets Xiao Cong speak with his father 56 57.
• After the child leaves, John declares that the payment cannot compensate for the mental distress and recommends refusing similar jobs 57.

Discovering Lou Yu’s Family

• While staying overnight with the injured Lou Yu, John learns that someone would be heartbroken over the captain’s wounds. He immediately calls Liu Qi’an to spread the news that Lou Yu has a partner, prompting the squad’s unsuccessful search for this supposed “wife” 129.
• John and Huo Lan later encounter Lou Yu furnishing a new home. That evening, Lou Yu reveals that Tao Qiu is Snow Bird, his partner, and the father of their three children. John finally understands Snow Bird’s special affection for their captain 175.
• The teammates watch videos of Tao Qiu and the children and help prepare the family’s home 176.
• After helping harvest Tao Qiu’s wheat, John notices that he is far less tired than expected. The group connects their restored energy to Tao Qiu’s fruit and vegetables 185.
• He joins the squad’s celebration when Tao Qiu and the children decide to settle permanently at Yong’an Base 186.

Relationships

• Lou Yu — Captain and longtime companion. John acts as his deputy, protects his privacy, and stays with him during hospitalization. Lou Yu regards the teammates who have shared life-and-death experiences with him as family 4 7 129 175.
• Huo Lan — Teammate and fellow martial arts instructor. They coordinate during Lou Yu’s rescue and undertake research-institute retrieval work together 4 11 56.
• Liu Qi’an — Teammate and frequent target of teasing. John mocks his appeal to hungry monsters and later criticizes his habit of taking back moves in five-in-a-row, which drives Eldest Cub away from the game 23 207.
• Chen Lin — Teammate who helps investigate the attack on Lou Yu and joins discussions about the captain’s unexplained interest in Snow Bird 6 49.
• Tao Qiu / Snow Bird — Initially a feared wilderness power; later revealed as Lou Yu’s partner. John helps preserve the secrecy surrounding Lou Yu’s gifts before learning Tao Qiu’s identity 3 49 175.
• Xiao Cong — Son of John’s martial arts colleague. John temporarily looks after him during his mother’s hospitalization and arranges a reassuring call with his father 56 57.