As soon as I was on the plane, I started contemplating how to arrange for the two extra people and the cat. Bringing them all back to my place was unrealistic; there were only two bedrooms, and Xiaoyudi was already sleeping in mine, forcing me to take the living room. Plus, I had to consider where Zhao Fen and Zhao Fang would stay if I found them.

I did have one place in mind: Fatty Zhu Da’s house. His parents had passed away early, leaving him a two-story villa in the Shaojiahezi villa district, not far from my own place. The environment there was excellent, surrounded by numerous colleges, including the prestigious Huaxia National Defense University, famous throughout Da Long Country, located right in that district.

After landing, I politely declined the enthusiastic invitations from Hua Yi and his companion, taking a taxi with the two companions and the cat straight to Zhu Da’s house.

“Commander Zhao, back so soon? I thought you were going to live like a wild man, remaining in the mountains for the rest of your life,” Fatty greeted me as he rushed out of the house.

I punched him lightly, “Commander Zhu, I have to come back. There’s still revolutionary work to be done in the capital. It’s a bit too early for someone my age to retire to the mountains. So, after thinking it over, I hurried back.”

Zhu Da’s jowls jiggled as he ran, “It’s good you’re back. Don’t leave again this time, or I’ll be bored to death stuck alone in the capital. Who are these two?”

“These three are good friends I made in the mountains: Brother Li Tieniu, Brother Zhang Ersha, and the cat, Taozi. They are all trusted people. They’ll be staying here temporarily.”

Zhu Da scooped up Taozi in one hand, “No problem, plenty of rooms. We just need to figure out the three daily meals together. My own supplies are running low too; that shabby bookstore hasn't been doing well lately. This cat is truly adorable, but why is she called Taozi? Not a hint of taste.”

Taozi messaged me: “I hate this fat pig; he’s squeezing me! It’s not my fault my name is Taozi; the boss has no taste.”

I snatched Taozi back from Zhu Da and told him, “Quick, take everyone inside and show them to rooms. I plan to resign from Huashi Chinese Medicine Factory and start my own business. Once I make money, none of us will have to worry about our livelihood.”

“Great idea,” Zhu Da said as he led the group through the courtyard gate. “I’ve been waiting for this day. I’ll close the bookstore soon and start a company with you.”

The villa faced south and backed north. The ground floor housed the garage and storage rooms. The area encircling the small building was supposed to be a circular flower bed, but now it was choked with dry, overgrown weeds taller than a person. Clearly, Zhu Da wasn't just a little lazy.

Seeing everyone staring at the waist-high weeds, Zhu Da actually blushed. “The bookstore keeps me too busy; I haven’t had time to clean up. I’ll just set a fire someday, and it’ll all be gone. Forget about that; let me show you upstairs to your rooms.”

The center of the first floor was the main hall, surrounded by eight small rooms—some used as bedrooms, some as studies, others as entertainment areas. However, except for the room Zhu Da slept in, the other seven had a layer of dust nearly half a finger thick, filled with a chaotic jumble of odds and ends. To the north of the hall was the kitchen, equally messy, with considerable dust on the stove, suggesting Zhu Da rarely cooked here.

Although Zhu Da’s bedroom wasn't excessively dusty, it was a disaster zone: piles of periodicals, many featuring covers with rather revealing ladies, and CDs strewn everywhere, most depicting naked women. Zhu Da blocked the others who wanted to look inside and quietly locked the door.

The layout of the second floor was roughly the same as the first. Climbing the circular staircase to the central hall, there were twelve small rooms surrounding it. Though dusty, they weren't cluttered with junk like the first floor; they were empty, as if no one had ever lived in them since construction.

Li Tieniu clicked his tongue in admiration, “This is truly luxurious. In my forty-plus years, this is the first time I’ve seen such a large house. Following Little Zhao has really opened my eyes this time.”

Zhu Da blushed slightly. If Li Tieniu hadn’t looked so earnest and simple, he might have taken the comment as sarcasm.

Zhang Ersha trailed behind everyone, maintaining the same expression regardless of what was said or done—a silly 'hehe' grin, occasionally muttering nonsensical phrases: ‘A host of beauties, the monk chased by ghosts, obediently suckling…’

After viewing the rooms, Zhu Da announced, “Commander Zhao, brothers, I’m treating everyone to lunch today. We’ll go out, grab a good meal, and then buy some bedding in the afternoon. After a quick clean-up, we can move in.”

At lunchtime, Zhu Da took us by taxi to Yiren Pavilion. “Commander Zhao, your brother still has a bit of money on him today. To properly welcome everyone, we’ll spend every last cent, and after eating, we’ll get a sauna and a massage.”

Yiren Pavilion was a relatively famous grand hotel in our area. Before I left for the small town, Zhu Da had hosted a farewell dinner for me here. The waitresses were indeed beautiful, though the expense wasn't low.

“Let’s pass on that, Commander Zhu. A simple meal will suffice. The revolutionary cause has just begun; we need to conserve funds.”

Zhu Da grabbed Taozi, hugging her tightly. “You can be simple, but Brother Tieniu and Brother Ersha are new to the capital, and so is Taozi. We must uphold our duty as hosts to so many revolutionary comrades. Even if we eat dust tomorrow, we must enjoy this meal today.”

I knew Zhu Da’s temperament best; he spent whatever money he had, never caring about the next day. So, I kept quiet and said nothing more.

Yiren Pavilion was a six-story hotel. The cheongsam-clad hostesses greeting guests at the entrance were naturally stunning, causing Fatty to gulp audibly. Li Tieniu looked utterly wide-eyed and somewhat lustful, while Zhang Ersha just grinned sillier, and Taozi wore a look of profound annoyance.

No one dared to enter a luxurious private room, so we settled at a dining table in the main hall.

“Zhao Qian! Weren't you transferred to the small town to procure medicinal herbs? Who gave you the authority to return to the capital privately? Are you tired of your job? I was considering promoting you to head of the Twelfth Production Team, but it seems like rotten wood that cannot be carved. I will have no choice but to dismiss you from Huashi Chinese Medicine Factory according to regulations.”

Just hearing the voice, I knew it was my nemesis, Manager Suo from the pharmacy. Running into him here was troublesome, but since I had already decided to resign, I might as well announce it right here.

“Manager Suo, the procurement of SB medicinal herbs will be canceled soon; the head office will issue a notice shortly. I’m just back a few days early. And I must inform you that I am resigning. Whenever you have time, I’ll come to the company to finalize the paperwork.”

The director of the Chinese Medicine Factory, Suo Tuzui (Suo the Bald), was no less corpulent than Zhu Da. He wore a crisp suit, his shiny, half-bald head gleaming under the light. Trailing behind him was a large, bulky bodyguard.

“Oh, are you willing to leave the Huashi Group? It’s the fifth-largest enterprise in our Da Long Country. Perhaps you plan to sweep streets when you resign? A greenhorn like you, who doesn't understand social rules, will be trash everywhere and will never be valued by superiors.”

A single punch from me could send Suo Tuzui flying out of the restaurant, but such scum wasn't worth wasting my energy on. When I make my fortune, I’ll buy Huashi Group and show him. Heh, wouldn't Hua Qingqing have to work for me then?

I didn't mind Suo Tuzui’s words, but others did. Zhu Da was the first to erupt, jumping up and slapping Suo Tuzui across the face: “Damn you, you dead bald donkey! I didn’t bother you last time when you took it out on Old Zhao, but dare say another word of ‘trash’ and I’ll listen!”

Zhu Da had a notoriously explosive temper. The last time we got drunk here, he almost went looking for Suo Tuzui to fight. Now that Suo Tuzui was right in front of him and speaking so rudely, he couldn't tolerate it.

Suo Tuzui touched the side of his face, where five distinct finger marks were already forming. “Fine! You dare hit me? Ah San, beat him hard! Don't hold back; I’ll take responsibility if there’s a fatality.”

Before the bodyguard, Ah San, could even move, a figure materialized in front of him. Li Tieniu blocked Ah San, stating, “A true eagle flies in the sky, a true steed runs on the grassland, and a true hero does not serve a tyrant. Leave this scoundrel, or you will not meet a good end.”

Both Zhu Da and I burst out laughing. This guy was uneducated, yet what he said sounded like something out of a movie script.

Ah San was enraged. He swung his fist, “What useless nonsense are you spouting, old man!”

Bang! A figure flew backward, whoosh! crashing into a stack of tables.

Li Tieniu dusted off his hands and muttered to himself, “Hunters in the mountains are never lenient with beasts.”

Zhu Da roared with laughter, “Brother Tieniu, I didn’t realize you were so strong! You talk like a comedian; you’re killing me!”

Li Tieniu smiled sheepishly. “I’m just a mountain man with no culture. I don’t know what a comedian is. I was afraid of embarrassing Little Zhao since I just arrived, so I picked up a few phrases I heard the teacher say to put on airs. This bit of strength is nothing; it’s far less than Little Zhao’s.”

Zhu Da scoffed, “Him? He’s not as strong as I am. Hey, Suo Tuzui, why are you still standing there? Hurry up and apologize to these gentlemen and clear out!”

Suo Tuzui couldn't believe that a burly brute like himself could be sent flying by a small, wizened old man with one punch. “You... you have the guts to stay! I’m calling for backup!”

Zhang Ersha, who had been sitting silently beside us, suddenly let out a dull gleam in his eyes and muttered, “Bite you dead, bite you dead…”

Zhang Ersha’s demeanor was already somewhat terrifying, and combined with his insane mutterings, Suo Tuzui was seriously spooked. “Zhao Qian, you just wait! I won’t let you off easily! We’ll see!”

Ptooey! I spat on the ground where Suo Tuzui had been standing. At worst, I wouldn’t collect half a month’s salary. What could he do to me? If I feared him, I wouldn’t be a B-Class superhuman.

Ah San hadn't even gotten up when a group of hotel security guards rushed over. “What’s going on! Who dares cause trouble on Brother Alliance territory!”

Suo Tuzui instantly perked up upon hearing the words ‘Brother Alliance.’ “So this is the Lv family’s property. I’m good friends with Second Master Lv. Hurry up and teach these few a lesson! They dare cause trouble on Master Lv’s turf; they clearly have no respect for the Brother Alliance.”

Having served five years in the army and then quietly working at the pharmacy upon my return, I knew absolutely nothing about the capital’s affairs. This ‘Brother Alliance’ and ‘Lv Family’ were news to me.

The security guards were adept at reading faces. Suo Tuzui clearly looked like a big boss, while we looked like common folk. The priority became obvious immediately.

“You all come with us to the security office,” several guards barked.

I replied courteously, “My apologies, we are here to eat. If you don't bring our food soon, we’ll go somewhere else.”

One guard sneered, “You’ve got some nerve, kid, acting so arrogant on Master Lv’s territory! I think you’re tired of living…”

Zhu Da pulled me aside. “Commander Zhao, it’s not that I’m a coward, but this Brother Alliance is not to be trifled with. In the capital, they share dominance of the underworld with the Hualong Society. Even some CEOs and government officials have to curry favor with them.”

Damn, they were that powerful. It seemed offending them wasn't wise. I should probably withdraw. “Since they don’t wish to serve us, I think we should leave, everyone. We’ll find a street stall for a quick bite.”

Suo Tuzui suddenly stepped forward to block our path. “Zhao Qian, don't think you can run roughshod just because you brought a strong old farmer! Today, you’ll enter standing and leave lying down! Everyone, get them! I’ll put in a good word for you with Second Master Lv tomorrow!”

Damn it, Suo Tuzui must think I was still the same pushover he could bully. I kicked him, sending him tumbling under a dining table. Coincidentally, a lady in a skirt, who wasn't scared off, was sitting at that table. Suo Tuzui suddenly scrambling under the table caused the skirted lady to scream shrilly.

The security guards hadn't wanted to make a scene in the main hall, but given the current situation, they had no choice but to fight. The leader waved his hand, and the group drew rubber batons and charged forward.

Taozi intercepted me. “Boss, let me handle this. You are a treasure; don't bother with these trivial matters anymore.”

Taozi’s flattery made me feel lightheaded, so I nodded and agreed to its request. “Be discreet, absolutely discreet, understand? There are too many people here; don't draw too much attention. If your identity is exposed, the nation might capture you and lock you away for safekeeping.”

Taozi shot off like an arrow. “Understood, Boss. I’ll just bite them a few times to vent some frustration.”

Thank goodness I instructed Taozi to be discreet; otherwise, the little creature would have surely gnawed their bones clean. Taozi’s speed was so fast that none of the onlookers could follow. The security guards collapsed with cries of pain. In just a few seconds, it leaped back onto my shoulder.

“Boss, all done. I chewed through their rubber batons and bit both their hands and legs once each. They won’t be causing trouble for the next ten to fifteen days.”

Looking at the pile of downed security guards, I felt a surge of pride. I didn't care about any alliance or society; anyone who dared offend me, a B-Class superhuman, would meet a bad end. If they truly infuriated me next time, I’d just summon the Giant Rat to eat them alive.

Suo Tuzui crawled out from under the table and tried to block our way again. I looked at him and said, “How about it, Manager Suo? Want to sample a taste too? I don't mind letting my precious cat use its mouth again.”

Suo Tuzui glanced at the bleeding security guards on the floor, shuddered violently, and stammered, “Zhao Qian, where did you bring these monsters from? I warn you, don’t let it come near me, or I’m calling the police!”

I couldn't be bothered with him anymore. I led everyone out of Yiren Pavilion without looking back. Zhu Da excitedly snatched Taozi. “That’s great, Commander Zhao! So your cat is this powerful! No wonder you treat her like a treasure. Lend her to me for a while?”

Taozi bared its teeth at Zhu Da, startling him into letting go immediately. “Good heavens, recognizes no one! Oh, Brother Tieniu, your strength is truly immense! You knocked over such a big man with one punch! What about Brother Ersha’s skills?”

Zhang Ersha shook his oily forehead and grinned foolishly, “Bite him dead, bite him dead…”

Zhu Da was confused and asked me, “What does he want to bite? Is there something wrong with his brain?”

I nodded to Zhu Da. “You’re very smart to figure that out. Brother Ersha’s mind is indeed a bit troubled. When he goes crazy, he might recognize no one. You must keep your distance from him then; this guy is poisonous all over. One bite could be fatal.”

“No way,” Zhu Da’s face paled. “How poisonous? Won’t it poison himself?”

“Have you ever heard of a venomous snake poisoning itself? I think one drop of his blood could probably kill a hundred people. So don't provoke him unnecessarily.” Since Zhang Ersha’s mind wasn't right, I had to scare Zhu Da a bit so he would usually stay away from him.

“Amazing, amazing,” Zhu Da kept giving thumbs up. “So you all possess unique skills. I’ll have to seek your guidance more often in the future.”

Li Tieniu exchanged polite pleasantries, and Zhang Ersha just kept grinning foolishly, not knowing if he understood anything. His grin started to creep Zhu Da out, causing him to slowly increase the distance between them.

Everyone quickly ate a hasty meal at a random restaurant and then returned to Zhu Da’s house to start cleaning. It wasn't until evening that I took Taozi and headed back to my own place.

Xiaoyudi happily came out to greet me. “Brother, didn't you say you’d be gone for several days on business? Why are you back so soon?”

I teased her, “Brother missed you, of course.”

“Really?” Xiaoyudi asked, tilting her head. It was hard to believe such a sweet and innocent child was nearly four hundred years old.

“Really.” Honestly, I did miss this little sister.

“I’ve been watching television these past few days and learned so much about your era. Also, the food Auntie makes is much tastier than the nutrient rations. This is the first time I’ve eaten such delicious food in my entire life.”

I led Xiaoyudi to the sofa to sit down. “Since you like it, you can stay here from now on. I’m worried leaving you alone at the base.”

Xiaoyudi looked surprised. “When did I ever say I was going back? Not unless Brother goes back with me. Father told me to follow you from now on; of course, I won’t leave you.”

“Brother doesn’t want you to leave…” As long as Xiaoyudi stayed, I could relax. She had so many things; I must prevent any blunders.