Chapter 48: An Ambush

When Lin Xinghai arrived at the Administration Office, it was almost time to get off work.

“Welcome!” Liu Miaomiao, who was responsible for reception at the door, instinctively greeted him when she saw someone enter.

But upon recognizing the visitor, she immediately exclaimed excitedly, “Ah Xing, you’re back!”

Her voice instantly drew the attention of Wang Yao, Qin Zixue, Yang Yi, and Shen Yimei.

As it was close to the end of the workday, there weren’t many people left in the office, so the five women eagerly gathered around.

Their greatest joy, of course, was that Lin Xinghai had returned safely.

They had been busy job hunting all day yesterday, and only had a basic understanding of the mercenary profession.

But after today’s interactions at the Administration Office, they had learned much more about how perilous the mercenary life truly was.

Especially for new recruits just joining a mercenary corps—their inexperience meant their first missions were often the most dangerous.

Countless stories of returning with broken limbs were common; many never came back at all. So the women had been anxious throughout the day.

Seeing Lin Xinghai return unharmed naturally made them all very happy.

“Did you encounter any danger on this mission?”

“How are the higher-ups in the mercenary corps treating you? Since you were recruited early due to your gene assessment, you must be receiving special care, right?”

“Did you personally kill any zombies on this mission?”

After their initial excitement, they bombarded him with all sorts of questions.

Lin Xinghai found it somewhat troublesome; there were many things he couldn’t disclose, so he only answered with bits and pieces.

Even so, the women listened eagerly, especially when he mentioned learning to use the Ripper Rifle and killing several zombies—they were both amazed and thrilled, as if they had done the killing themselves.

“I didn’t expect you to have a talent for marksmanship. That’s great! Your role will be long-range damage dealer, which greatly reduces your risk,” Liu Miaomiao said with noticeably less worry in her eyes.

This was very important, since Lin Xinghai’s future missions would be frequent; just because he returned safely once didn’t guarantee every mission would end well.

The others nodded in agreement.

At that moment, even Le Cheng, the head of Human Resources, came over to congratulate him. “Congratulations! I heard your Rift Sky Mercenary Corps actually managed to kill a mutated zombie this time.”

Lin Xinghai’s face showed a flicker of surprise. Was the news spreading so quickly?

Though surprised, he quickly replied, “Thank you, Director Le, but I’m just a rookie. The credit for killing the mutated zombie goes mainly to the captain and vice-captain.”

“Haha, you’re too modest. Roger already said you’re a rare talent. Even if you didn’t do much this time, you’ll definitely be able to kill mutated zombies yourself in the future,” Le Cheng said with a warm smile.

Lin Xinghai was genuinely a little taken aback; Le Cheng’s politeness almost felt like flattery.

Then he noticed how Le Cheng kept glancing at the wrist-mounted computer on his arm, and suddenly it all made sense.

In fact, just as Lin Xinghai suspected, Le Cheng had deliberately approached him because of the wrist computer.

A wrist-mounted computer costs at least 5,000 credits, and even after five years as head of HR, Le Cheng didn’t have the extra money to buy one.

So this device wasn’t something just anyone could afford.

Lin Xinghai had only just joined the Rift Sky Mercenary Corps, yet already possessed a wrist computer. Whether it was temporarily assigned to him or for some other reason, it was clear the corps’ leadership placed extraordinary importance on him.

Why would a mercenary corps value a new member so highly?

Anyone could guess the answer, especially Le Cheng. Hence his overly courteous behavior.

Soon, the workday ended. Lin Xinghai and Liu Miaomiao changed out of their uniforms into casual clothes and left the Administration Office together.

“Ah Xing, why do I get the feeling Director Le is especially polite to you? I’ve never seen him treat the other veteran mercenaries so warmly,” Liu Miaomiao asked curiously.

“Maybe it’s because of this,” Lin Xinghai said, pointing to his wrist.

Only then did Liu Miaomiao and the others notice the wrist-mounted computer and couldn’t help letting out a surprised exclamation.

It wasn’t that they hadn’t been observant before; Roger had chosen the wrist computer for practicality, so when worn and not in use, it looked just like a regular wristband and didn’t attract attention.

Naturally, the women pressed Lin Xinghai about how he got the wrist computer. Even though he said Roger lent it to him, they all concluded he must be wealthy and insisted on treating him.

Lin Xinghai had a carefree attitude about treating others. Once his merits were tallied and credits awarded, he wouldn’t lack money.

He even suggested skipping the nutritional meal packages for dinner and instead eating out at a restaurant. Though more expensive, it would be more enjoyable.

...

“What? You said they went to the barbecue restaurant in the South District for dinner?” Huai Feifu’s forehead twitched as he stared sharply at Wang Damou, who had just returned with a message, and asked deliberately.

Panting, Wang Damou nodded, seemingly not fully grasping the gravity of the situation. “Boss, we’ve been waiting all day. Why don’t we eat first? Everyone’s…”

As he spoke, he noticed Huai Feifu’s narrowed eyes and shivered inwardly before hastily correcting himself, “Everyone’s... managing to endure it.”

Suppressing his irritation, Huai Feifu said sternly, “Everyone must stay alert. The upcoming operation cannot have any mistakes.”

...

More than half an hour later, Lin Xinghai and his group emerged from the barbecue restaurant.

“Tsk! These fully automatic barbecuers are really handy in this era. Perfect heat control. Even sprinkling just some salt makes the meat taste great. Only downside is the price of the meat is a bit high,” Lin Xinghai clicked his tongue.

“Not just a bit high. One meal costs 150 credits, almost three times the price of a premium nutrition pack. Maybe only a rich guy like you thinks that’s just a little expensive!” Wang Yao couldn’t help but complain.

“If it’s so expensive, then why are you all fighting to pay?” Lin Xinghai said with a smile.

Wang Yao grumbled a bit, then said, “You found us such good jobs. We can’t just not repay you!”

“By the way, do you all have enough money?” Lin Xinghai asked.

“Don’t worry! Director Le knew we just arrived at the Star Shield Refuge and advanced us a week’s salary,” Liu Miaomiao answered.

Lin Xinghai nodded, chatting casually with the women as they walked toward the dormitories.

Near the dorms, Lin Xinghai suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“There’s an ambush nearby!”