MTLNOVEL Chapter 159: Chapter159
Although Zhu Xiao's emotions were tumultuous, he didn't show much on his face, remaining quietly in place to see what they would do with him.
Xu Nuo had been observing him the whole time, not missing the shock that flickered in Zhu Xiao's eyes when he spoke.
The man who had just come forward to volunteer, Xia Ji, had done him a great favor. Xia Ji was one of the highest in ability in the team, aside from Xu Nuo and Park Su, but had been stuck at the peak of the second tier after breaking through the middle stage.
Normally, being at the peak of the second tier would have satisfied him, but seeing Shi Lei and Lü Xia surpass him and also stop at the peak second tier made him anxious to push forward.
He had noticed that those who were close to the two captains seemed to progress faster, though he didn't know why, he felt it was somehow connected to them.
This was why he seized the opportunity to recommend himself, hoping to show loyalty and perhaps break through to the third tier before returning. Unfortunately, his initial attempt was rebuffed, leaving him somewhat disappointed.
However, despite his own failure, he knew Xu Nuo was keen on having the village chief they captured join them. So, he deliberately said those words to give a nudge, hoping that if his words could provoke the chief into following Xu Nuo, it might earn him some favor.
But his words didn't seem to affect the man much; he remained expressionless, showing no reaction, which made Xia Ji sigh. Truly, a man who doesn't know how fortunate he is, he thought, not realizing how many here would love to have such an opportunity but couldn't.
Xia Ji didn't know that Xu Nuo had observed all his little maneuvers. Xu Nuo had an impression of Xia Ji since he was one of the highest in ability among this group.
However, he had chosen Shi Lei over Xia Ji because Xia Ji seemed to have many thoughts, and although recommended by Lü Xia, his true nature was unclear, unlike Shi Lei, whose intentions were straightforward.
Moreover, Xia Ji's situation was different from the others; he lived in the same apartment but had no family to look after, and he never explained why he chose to stay there, leading Xu Nuo to suspect he had his own story, thus not considering him further.
Today's actions by Xia Ji, however, gave Xu Nuo a new idea. Being a speed ability user, he could indeed be useful. If that was the case, Xu Nuo would consider integrating Xia Ji into his team, but he'd first need to set up some trials for him.
For now, though, the most pressing matter was dealing with Zhu Xiao. If Zhu Xiao wanted to keep up his act of silence, Xu Nuo would let him.
He ordered Zhu Xiao to be tied to the back of the vehicle and, without further ado, instructed the convoy to move out, not believing Zhu Xiao could keep quiet for long.
Indeed, as soon as the vehicle started moving, Zhu Xiao panicked. He thought they would at least negotiate with his village or propose some terms to him.
But these people didn't bother to explain anything; they just drove off?
To leave Pingcheng, one had to pass through several villages, and although not all were under his control, many had cooperative relationships with him. The leaders of these villages had seen him; if they saw him captured, wouldn't he lose all face? How could he continue business with them?
More importantly, he feared that once he left this place, he might never return. He didn't want to leave under such unclear circumstances; this place was his greatest achievement.
So, he broke his silence, shouting, "Where are you taking me? Let me down! Release me!"
But his cries were ignored as they continued driving. Realizing shouting was futile, Zhu Xiao became more frantic but had no other choice but to keep yelling, "Alright, I know it's my fault, I was wrong. What are your conditions? Don't just leave like this, okay?"
At the very least, allow me to bid them farewell; otherwise, if they suddenly find me gone, they will surely be thrown into disarray.
The esper guarding him couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing this. "Wouldn't it be better if they were thrown into disarray? They were just planning to attack us. If we don't teach them a lesson, won't they think we're easy targets?"
Hearing such words from the esper, he felt a chill in his heart, wondering if his efforts were truly to be wasted.
In truth, it wasn't much of a loss; after all, this was merely the power he had established over the past half-year. Without this power, he could still rely on his abilities to create a smaller faction, trusting that with experience, it wouldn't be too challenging.
However, if Old Chen were to discover his disappearance, would he not be frantic with worry, possibly even falling ill from the stress, given his advanced age and fragile health?
Moreover, he could sense that Old Chen had always regarded him as a son, a feeling he had come to recognize through their long association, and thus, he had always been good to Old Chen.
As for the others, he could be at ease; without him, they would either be absorbed by the surrounding village factions or find their own way to survive within the base.
The only one he truly worried about was Old Chen, yet now, no matter how he called out, these people only laughed, paying him no heed.
Had he known it would come to this, he should have expressed his thoughts when facing Xu Nuo earlier, rather than now facing the envious glares of his team members, which made him exceedingly restless.
After the car drove for another five or six minutes, Zhu Xiao could no longer restrain himself and spoke to the young esper guarding him, "Go tell your captain that I'm willing to talk about joining you."
The esper grimaced; truthfully, he had no desire to report such matters, seeing no benefit in it for them.
After all, who wouldn't want to be in the captain's good graces? If the captain hadn't deemed them unworthy, they would have already made their move. This man still playing hard to get in front of Xu Nuo was simply absurd. Although he grumbled inwardly, everyone had witnessed Xu Nuo's interest in this man during their earlier interactions.
Thus, he left him to stew for a while, though they couldn't fathom why Xu Nuo insisted on recruiting someone like him. Since Xu Nuo was the captain and had made this decision, there must be a reason behind it.
Now that the man had made such an offer, he had no choice but to report it. Xu Nuo showed no surprise upon receiving the report.
With a smile, he raised an eyebrow at Park Su beside him, saying, "How about that? I told you he would come around. Regarding what you said about Old Chen, rest assured, by keeping Zhu Xiao close, we effectively keep Old Chen close as well.
As for Old Chen's personal arrangements, I've already planned them out. Since S Base specifically invited them to research those projects in our past life, it indicates they have many such devices there. Why not send him there personally this time, to continue his research? With those resources at his back, perhaps he might actually produce something remarkable."
Moreover, with Zhu Xiao by our side, it's inevitable that Old Chen will lean towards us, and whatever they research, we will share in the benefits.
And who knows, one day, S Base might even be ours. However, he kept this thought to himself, not voicing the last sentence to Park Su, sparing him unnecessary worry.
Although Park Su believed Xu Nuo had a better eye for people than himself and could see how well Old Chen treated Zhu Xiao, almost like a son, he was skeptical when Xu Nuo claimed Zhu Xiao genuinely cared for Old Chen. It seemed more like Zhu Xiao was using Old Chen.
Even though Zhu Xiao now expressed willingness to join them and talk, Park Su doubted it was out of concern for Old Chen and thought it was more likely about his village.
Upon hearing Park Su's doubts, Xu Nuo merely chuckled and proposed a bet, "Since you doubt Zhu Xiao's genuine care for Old Chen, let's make this a wager. If the true reason Zhu Xiao doesn't want to leave is because he's concerned for Old Chen, then you must agree to accept me after this discussion. And I mean accept in every sense of the word; a husband wants his meal."
"However, if it's really about his unwillingness to relinquish power that he proposes terms, I'll agree to any condition you put forward, including letting you have the upper hand."
Park Su was genuinely taken aback by the stakes of this bet; he hadn't expected Xu Nuo to gamble so much, but the offer was too tempting to resist!
After all, overpowering Xu Nuo by strength seemed impossible in this lifetime, but if he won this bet, wouldn't he get a chance to have Xu Nuo as his meal?
Looking at Xu Nuo's handsome face with those fox-like eyes that slanted with a playful smirk, Park Su swallowed hard and, with little dignity, agreed to the wager, just for that one-in-a-million chance.
When they met Zhu Xiao, Xu Nuo didn't directly address the issue but instead laughed coldly with disdain, "Can't bear to leave that village you established?
However, if you join us, you must understand that you can't take that village with you. To sustain it, you'd need to find another esper to manage it. But with their blind worship of you, I doubt they'll easily follow anyone else. And if they do, it won't be your village anymore.
Or perhaps you want Old Chen to take over? He seems to care for you the most. After all, Old Chen has been your greatest ally in developing those potions. You must have always had such intentions of using him!"
While Zhu Xiao was only mildly irritated by the first half of Xu Nuo's words, he grew visibly agitated when accused of merely using Old Chen.
His momentary fear of Xu Nuo vanished completely, and he retorted loudly, "Don't belittle me like that. I can let go of the village; if I'm going with you, what use is it to me? What I truly care about has always been Old Chen!"