Chapter 18
The bi-monthly party performances they had endured in the past made them complain bitterly. Now, one adventure could only earn them a month of temporary tranquility, yet it still brought a sigh of relief to them.
Upon returning home, everyone was in high spirits, and no one dared to complain about the treatment they received there.
Late at night, as silence fell, Shen Yuzhe lay on his bed, reflecting. Human adaptability to their environment was remarkably strong. It was only by constantly reminding oneself and remembering the source of initial anger that the pursuit of freedom wouldn’t be abandoned.
Otherwise, individuals like Mina and Johnny, lost in prolonged captivity, might become complacent despite knowing that things weren’t right. They might even lose the drive to resist.
However, as Shen Yuzhe pondered over the events of the day, he couldn’t help but feel that Mina and Johnny weren’t as different from “them,” as Jay had claimed. At least, in critical moments, Johnny had shielded them, and Mina’s thoughts afterward were aligned with his own.
In a way, the five of them were more united than Zoe’s little people.
This unity was largely due to the family-oriented perspective centered around “Mina.” Her caring gestures in daily life had connected five strangers with no prior relationship, forming a makeshift family. It even gave Jay, who appeared cold, a touch of humanity.
…This power is quite remarkable.
Shen Yuzhe couldn’t help but think that if possible, he would convince everyone to escape from Evan’s control together.
With a hopeful heart, Shen Yuzhe closed his eyes and sank into dreams.
Over the next month, Shen Yuzhe continued to train. He gradually noticed that his physical condition seemed to be improving – lifting a nut that had once been a struggle was now effortless with one hand.
He could now barely withstand the punches from Jay’s fists, although every block made him feel like his bones were jolted.
After a few exchanges one day, Shen Yuzhe tiredly swung his arm and confessed, “I find this method a bit challenging.”
Jay also observed and agreed, “I initially thought your physical condition was quite good. With some practice, you should improve. However, I’ve noticed…”
Shen Yuzhe prompted, “Yes?”
Jay hesitated before explaining, “You have no talent whatsoever.”
Shen Yuzhe retorted, “What’s talent?”
Jay raised his arm and clarified, “It’s like me. Although I woke up with no memories, the first time I sparred with Johnny, I had an instinctive response to how to handle it… but you don’t. You have absolutely no idea how to react.”
Shen Yuzhe nearly lost his mind – wasn’t this obvious? I asked you why a month ago!
Jay concluded, “So I think you might not be suited for short-term combat training, especially strength-based combat.”
Hearing this, Shen Yuzhe let his arm hang limp, feeling thoroughly defeated. Was he doomed to be a weakling his entire life?
Jay rubbed his chin and said, “However, I’ve noticed that although you lack combat instincts, your reaction speed is quite fast. You could learn some clever techniques.”
At the glimmer of a chance, Shen Yuzhe’s eyes brightened, “What kind of clever techniques?”
Jay frowned slightly, “Ones that are… not exactly honorable.”
Shen Yuzhe’s eyes twitched, sensing a not-so-good premonition.
But Jay was already assuming a teaching pose. He addressed Shen Yuzhe, “Come, attack me.”
Shen Yuzhe threw a punch, but suddenly lost sight of his target!
Jay had swiftly crouched down and slid forward, directly grabbing Shen Yuzhe’s knee joint and giving it a twist.
Shen Yuzhe inhaled sharply, feeling like he was spinning in the air. He promptly crashed onto the ground like a dog eating mud.
Jay was about to proceed with his next move, but seeing Shen Yuzhe in obvious pain, he stopped, sighed, and got up. He waved to Johnny not far away, “Come over here, demonstrate for Yuzhe.”
Johnny walked over with a playful smile, teasing, “You’re still teaching this kid how to fight? Give it up; he’s no good at it. But that trick he pulled with the food last time worked well. Next time bring more, and those starving beggars might just worship him.”
Shen Yuzhe: “…”
Jay didn’t waste words and gestured to Johnny, putting on an enticing posture as if luring an attack.
Johnny, joking aside, bent his waist and clenched his fist, protecting his face and starting to gather strength…
After throwing a punch, Jay slid down just like before, directly wrapping his arms around Johnny’s thighs.
While Johnny maintained his stance and didn’t fall, Jay’s actions caused Johnny to lose his balance. He attempted to kick Jay twice but failed to disengage. In a moment of unsteadiness, both of them tumbled to the ground, struggling with entangled legs until Jay seized the opportunity.
Watching Jay extend his hand to grab a certain part of Johnny, Shen Yuzhe only heard Johnny’s pained howl before he curled up like a shrimp, his face flushed red.
Shen Yuzhe: “…”
Jay stepped away from Johnny, stood up, and shook his hand. Then, with a serious expression, he turned to Shen Yuzhe, “This is it. Regular fighters may disdain these tactics, but some people don’t mind resorting to underhanded and unsavory methods. Most fighters are like Johnny, relying on strength. Their attention and field of view are focused on the front. In this situation, launching a surprise attack at the opponent’s lower body has a high chance of success. You can grab, kick, stomp, or bite… any method works.”
Just as he was speaking, Johnny, who had just recovered, angrily groaned, “Jay, you shameless!”
Jay glanced at him expressionlessly and stated, “For survival, any means are fair.”
While Shen Yuzhe found the scene he had witnessed a bit painful, Jay’s final words somehow earned his respect in an inexplicable way…
The month passed quickly, and it was time for their visit to Zoe’s club again.
In the week leading up to their visit, Shen Yuzhe suggested that everyone hide some food and bring it inside Zoe’s club. Johnny, however, didn’t seem pleased and retorted, “Black, is your brain not working? I got beaten up last time. Why should I bring food for those bastards?”
Shen Yuzhe calmly advised him, “It’s their territory, and there are so many of them. It’s not beneficial for us to be hostile. If bringing some food can make them treat us a bit nicer and reduce the danger even if we get chosen for the match, isn’t it worth it? Besides, only a small group caused trouble for us that day, and later, some people spoke up for us.”
Mina chimed in, “I agree with what Yuzhe said, Johnny. Thank you for standing up to protect me and Lily last time, but I don’t want to see you get hurt again.”
Lily added, with a touch of pity, “Yeah, what would we do if you got hurt again?”
A bit embarrassed, Johnny rubbed the back of his head, “Really, you think so?”
Lily nodded repeatedly, “Of course!”
The approval from these two women greatly satisfied Johnny’s male pride, making him feel important. Thus, he compromised.
Jay didn’t have any objections. While he was frustrated with Marle, he understood Shen Yuzhe’s approach – showing goodwill in advance was necessary to find allies.
On the day, the club was livelier than the previous two times, because besides Evan, it was said that two other partners had also arrived. They had learned about the “special event” happening at the club that day and brought their mini people to watch.
Zoe introduced Evan to them, and upon seeing one of them, Evan was left almost speechless, “You… are…”
The other person made a shushing gesture and smiled, “Hehe, you can call me ‘Steven’ here.”
Evan enthusiastically shook Steven’s hand, “Understood, Mr. Steven. It’s an honor to meet you here!”
It seemed that not only “Zoe” chose to use an alias. The other female partner actually wore a mask… Evan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. These top elites were truly cautious.
After exchanging greetings, the enthusiasts began showing off their mini people to each other.
Steven brought a male and a female. Proudly, he introduced, “This one with red hair is ‘Foxfire,’ just bought this year. How does it look? Pretty, right?”
“Indeed! And this one?” Evan pointed at the other one with ash-brown hair.
Steven answered, “This is Little Wolf.”
Evan chuckled, “The names you’ve given them are quite interesting, sir.”
Steven shook the box lightly, “They’re quite iconic, aren’t they?”
At that moment, Shen Yuzhe and the others were held by Evan. They faced the two mini people in Steven’s hands across the transparent box. The one named Little Wolf had a pair of distinctive tiny fangs and bright green eyes.
Unlike Shen Yuzhe and the others, who were tense and stiff, Little Wolf on the other side was restlessly scratching at the transparent walls, seemingly eager to get out.
Steven remarked, “Little Wolf is quite lively!”
Evan commented, “Indeed, looks very energetic. You must take good care of him, sir?”
Steven responded, “Of course, naturally. I’ve hired a dedicated mini people nutritionist to prepare their daily diet.”
Evan couldn’t help but feel self-conscious about how he had been giving his mini people random human food to eat.
“However, Zoe’s activities are always highly competitive. Why did you bring them to participate?” Evan inquired further.
Steven burst into laughter, “They need some time out occasionally too, you know? Being cooped up in a box all the time isn’t healthy, right? Especially our Little Wolf here, he loves these kinds of games.”
Hearing this, the mini person named Little Wolf’s eyes gleamed, looking mischievously at Shen Yuzhe and the others across from them. It was as if he couldn’t wait to get out and engage with them in a match.
Just as they were talking, the female partner also approached. She held a female mini person dressed in a princess gown. At first glance, she looked just like a living Barbie doll, exquisitely cute.
However, the woman appeared more aloof, not coming over to strike up a conversation. She merely brushed past them while holding her mini person, heading directly into the event room.