Chapter 52: Do You Feel There’s Something Off About Major General Shi?
Su Tao led them towards the canteen, but her eyes never left Shi Zijin.
Although it was likely just her overthinking, there was indeed a tiny bit of something different about him.
As soon as they stepped through the main entrance and reached the central park, the group saw the sparkling blue fountain pool, and Cen Tianjiao immediately shouted:
“What’s this? What’s this? Such a big pool!”
Even the usually withdrawn Zhou Hai and Zhou Yang widened their eyes slightly, noticing the significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of Taoyang.
Shi Zijin also paused in surprise, “Is it a fountain or a swimming pool?”
Su Tao replied, “Both. When you’re free tomorrow, you can come for a swim. The water is changed every three days, so it’s very clean—no need to worry.”
After speaking, she glanced again at Shi Zijin, noticing he was standing in the shadow of the apartment building. That strange feeling surfaced once more.
She rubbed her eyes and looked again. It still felt unfamiliar, as if he had become a different person, so ethereal, so…
She couldn’t put it into words.
At that moment, Cen Tianjiao leaned over the pool, scooped up some water, and splashed his face. The coolness spread instantly through his body, making him feel so refreshed that he almost wanted to strip down and dive right in.
“Boss Su, if I didn’t know I was wide awake, I’d think I was dreaming. With my old mother living here to enjoy her old age, I’d really be fulfilling my duty as a son.”
Su Tao thought to herself, “Then hurry up and bring your mother here to fulfill your filial duty. Boss Su is a bit short on cash lately.”
The rent for a two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment could directly bring in 80,000 federal credits. With this money, she could consider expanding a few more such apartments.
She also wanted to save up some money to repair and modify her old jeep, buy a handy weapon, and prepare for leaving Taoyang to complete the hidden mission at the abandoned garage in Panliu Mountain.
Zhuang Wan greeted them, “Let’s go to the cafeteria. I’ve prepared lunch for you.”
Cen Tianjiao and Dang Xingyan headed straight for the cafeteria entrance.
Su Tao held Zhuang Wan back, quietly asking her, “Do you think there’s something off about Major Shi?”
Zhuang Wan was full of confusion. After thinking for a while, she said, “He doesn’t look well? Maybe he’s tired from the journey? Why do you ask?”
Su Tao then pulled Guanzi Ning, who hadn’t spoken, “What about you? Do you think Major Shi seems off?”
Guan Zining only said, “You’re overthinking it.”
Alright then.
Su Tao looked ahead at Shi Zijin, who had stepped out of the shadows into the sunlight. The unfamiliarity disappeared, replaced by the familiar impression of him: a straight back and the righteous aura of a soldier.
Su Tao started to wonder if she was being neurotic, “Maybe it’s just too hot today, and I’m not feeling well.”
Zhuang Wan nodded, “This scorching summer did come a bit early. The highest temperature reached 28 degrees Celsius. I heard some small shelters outside are facing a water shortage. There have even been a few water riots with casualties. Should we start storing some water?”
Su Tao truly wasn’t aware of the severe water shortage outside. She shook her head and said, “No need to stockpile water. No matter where there’s a water cut, Taoyang won’t run out.”
The system’s water and electricity were unlimited, as long as she stayed alive and paid the utility bills on time every month.
Zhuang Wan felt an unparalleled sense of security hearing this, once again grateful for sticking close to Su Tao and shamelessly moving in back then.
The men in the cafeteria devoured the food and drinks, leaving behind a pile of packaging.
Even the two introverted kids, Zhou Hai and Zhou Yang, ate with their heads down, like refugees.
Only Shi Zijin maintained some composure, eating small bites gracefully, not a drop of oil out of place.
Watching this scene nearly drove Su Tao to a mental breakdown.
Though he still had the familiar young master’s vibe, it felt like another person’s melancholy had been forced into him, creating a deep contradiction in his whole demeanor.
Help! Am I losing my mind?
Su Tao ordered a chocolate-flavored ice cream, taking a big bite to calm herself.
Just as she was about to take a second bite, she turned and saw Cen Tianjiao, Dang Xingyan, and the two Zhous staring at her with unblinking eyes.
Cen Tianjiao swallowed his saliva, “What are you eating?”
Su Tao quickly made way for these starved souls, gesturing invitingly, “200 federal credits per cup. Pick whatever you like.”
They all rushed forward.
Zhuang Wan, standing by, looked on with teary eyes, saying with a red nose, “Every time my Huzi comes back from a mission, he eats like this, as if he hasn’t eaten for days. If it weren’t for the durable military uniform, he’d look like a beggar. Boss, are you really going with them?”
Ever since learning that Su Tao would join the Pioneer Army on their mission, Zhuang Wan’s heart had been on edge.
The more she relied on Su Tao, the more afraid she was.
Su Tao said, “I have to go. If this mission succeeds, it’ll bring great benefits to Taoyang. Don’t worry so much. Just take good care of Taoyang and wait for my return.”
Su Tao was 100% confident that nothing would happen to her. If she encountered an uncontrollable danger, she would immediately use the system’s teleportation function to return to Taoyang.
This function was like a cheat code for escape—very useful.
Zhuang Wan still felt uneasy, “I don’t think Major Shi will allow you to go.”
Su Tao glanced at Shi Zijin, who was stirring his ice cream. The contradictory feeling persisted.
She scratched her head, “I’ll find time to talk to him. Anyway, I have to go.”
Zhuang Wan didn’t know what she intended to do, but she couldn’t help but get closer, holding Su Tao’s hand, as if touching her gave a sense of security.
Su Tao felt helpless, thinking that Zhuang Wan, despite being in her thirties, was still like a little girl.
Shi Zijin, who was putting an ice cream spoon in his mouth, saw the two holding hands, and his eyebrow twitched slightly.
After the meal, the men went back to their rooms for a refreshing shower. By the time they came out, it was already past 3 p.m.
Shi Zijin had changed into casual clothes—short sleeves, cargo pants, and Martin boots. Standing in the sunlight, he became the iron-boned yet tender-hearted Major Shi again.
Su Tao, feeling tired, asked him, “When will you be back after reporting in? I want to talk to you.”
As she spoke, she scrutinized him from head to toe.
Shi Zijin didn’t evade, standing there openly for her to look at.
“If all goes well, I’ll be back after dinner. Go on, I’m fine.”
With that, he put on his military cap, waved goodbye, and got into the military pickup.
Guan Zining also jumped into the vehicle, telling Su Tao, “I’ll come back with them later. Don’t even think about leaving Taoyang without me, got it?”
Su Tao replied, “Got it. Go on, go on.”
The vehicle drove off into the distance.
“Boss, Su seems to be looking at you strangely. What’s going on?”
In the car, Cen Tianjiao couldn’t hold back his question.
Shi Zijin thought for a moment, “Maybe the side effects of my ability made her notice something.”
Cen Tianjiao exchanged a shocked glance with Dang Xingyan.
Dang Xingyan asked, “Did she awaken a mental-type ability? Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so perceptive. If you hadn’t said anything, none of us would have noticed.”
Shi Zijin shook his head, “I used the ‘Eye of Insight’ on her. She hasn’t awakened any ability yet. It might just be a kind of sensory talent. I’m not sure.”
