Lin Yifei had actually been quite confident before coming here. But after seeing how Yang Bin and the others lived, she felt a twinge of shame.
Still, Lin Yifei wasn't someone who gave up easily.
"Honestly, I can't find a second group in this entire apocalypse living as comfortably as you."
"But you probably can't stay here much longer. Even we managed to track down your location. I'm sure Ma Zhongguo can do the same."
"The grudge between you isn't small. Knowing Ma Zhongguo's character, I'd bet he'll come for you again soon."
"This time, he'll come fully prepared. Maybe he can't do anything to you personally, but this place could very well be leveled to the ground."
"You can't keep relocating every time, can you? Come to our base, and I'll arrange the best housing we have. It might not compare to this, but at least you won't be moving around constantly."
Yang Bin didn't respond. He just studied her in silence.
When Lin Yifei started to squirm under his gaze, he finally cracked a smile.
"They say big tits means no brains. You don't fit the mold."
"......"
"Look, your argument's solid. I'll give you that. But I've got zero plans to join anyone's base."
"You did remind me of something, though. Guess I need to set up some defenses early. Can't let them wreck this place."
"You're not worried at all? I know you're strong, but the military's heavy weapons aren't a joke. As far as I know, nothing can tank a rocket launcher or artillery shell. And the official Survival Base has recovered over a dozen of those heavy weapons!" Lin Yifei's tone turned serious.
"Huh, so they really do have that stuff. Thanks for the heads-up. But that's still not enough to scare us. So drop the whole 'come to our base' thing."
"More importantly-you've got some nerve. Pretty as you are, showing up at my doorstep with this handful of people. Aren't you afraid I might do something to you?" Yang Bin's eyes narrowed.
"I trust that Captain Yang isn't that kind of person."
"Tch. I don't even trust myself on that. What makes you so sure?"
"....."
"Pretty hardcore, though. Everyone on your team's strapped with high-yield explosives. If I tried anything, you'd blow us all to hell together?"
"!!!"
Lin Yifei's body went rigid for a moment, but she recovered almost instantly.
"Just a contingency. Apologies for the poor impression, Captain Yang."
"Heh. Ruthless. What's your name?"
"Lin Yifei."
"Lin Yifei. Not bad. Any interest in joining the Star Fall Squad?" Yang Bin said offhandedly.
"Yes."
Lin Yifei nodded without hesitation.
"......."
"Uh... I was joking." Yang Bin blinked.
"I wasn't."
"Hold on... you're a senior military officer. Why would you want to join our little squad?"
"I'm not military. Division Commander Liu was sworn brothers with my father. He promised to look after me, so I stayed with the army. That's all."
"......."
"Our squad's all guys. You're not worried about being the only woman here?"
"Worried about what? There were thousands of men at the military base. I managed fine."
"......"
Yang Bin studied her again, expression unreadable.
"You're trying to get close to us so you can eventually drag us to your base. That's the play, right?"
"I'll tell you now-the honey trap doesn't work on me."
"I genuinely just want to be part of the Star Fall Squad. This lifestyle of yours? I'm envious. Captain Yang extended the invitation himself. Only an idiot would say no."
"......."
"Fine. You can be a reserve member for now. Whether you actually make it onto the squad depends on your performance."
"Now go home. I'll handle Ma Zhongguo on my own. Don't need anyone else's help."
"If he's stupid enough to come at me again, I'll put him in the ground."
"......."
"There are over a hundred thousand people in the Survival Base. He controls at least tens of thousands of evolvers. How exactly do you plan to kill him?"
"That's my problem. Don't worry about it. Focus on building up your own base."
"Alright then. I'll head back, Captain. Whenever you're ready to make me a full member, come find me at the Minghu District Armed Forces Department."
With that, Lin Yifei turned and left with her people.
Yang Bin watched their retreating figures, eyes narrowing. This woman was far sharper than Liu Yong.
"Brother Bin, that girl's way prettier than our school's campus belle. Why didn't you just take her in?"
Yang Bin shook his head.
"Can't get a read on her. Better to pass."
"Then why'd you invite her?"
"She's an Ability User. I just... said it out of habit. Swear to god, I was only joking. How was I supposed to know she'd latch on like that?"
"......"
"Boss, I think having a girl on the squad would be great. It's getting stale with just us dudes."
"Yeah, and she's smart too. Plus she's an Ability User-she won't be dead weight."
"We'll talk about it later. I still can't figure her out."
"Fine. Come on, let's get back to mahjong."
"No using abilities!"
"Yeah yeah, promise!"
They played until midnight before heading to the backyard.
Su Ming was already awake. The moment he saw them approaching, he started begging.
"Please don't kill me. I'll do anything-be your servant, whatever you want. I'm an Ability User. I can be a real asset to you."
"Pfft. Like anyone here isn't an Ability User." Old Hei laughed.
"Alright Old Hei, make it quick. We've still gotta go up to the roof and stargaze."
"On it."
Old Hei started walking toward Su Ming.
"Die!"
A massive fireball erupted out of nowhere, hurtling straight at Old Hei.
"Hmph."
Zhong Yuansen snorted. An earthen wall shot up in front of Old Hei, swallowing the fireball on impact.
A split second later, an Earth Spike punched clean through Su Ming's chest where he lay.
"Been waiting for that." Zhong Yuansen smirked.
As an elemental Ability User himself, he knew full well that broken limbs didn't stop someone from releasing their ability. It just made it a bit harder.
"Thanks, Old Sen." Old Hei glanced at Zhong Yuansen.
"Since when do we do thanks?"
Internally, Zhong Yuansen added: As long as you stop eyeing my ability, we're good.
He still hadn't forgotten the way Old Hei used to look at him-like a scientist itching to put him on a dissection table.
Even after joining the Star Fall Squad, Old Hei had never quite let go of his fascination with Zhong Yuansen's earth-element power.
Now that Old Hei finally had an ability he actually wanted? Zhong Yuansen was more than happy to assist.
Yang Bin transferred Su Ming's fire ability to Old Hei. With that, the Star Fall Squad was officially All Members Ability Users.
Su Ming dealt with, the group headed up to the rooftop to stargaze.
Yang Bin had a feeling he was close to breaking through to Tier-6 Peak. A matter of days, probably.
This time, he might be able to attempt Self-Cultivation to advance his realm. The thought was genuinely exciting.