Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Negotiation

Lu Xiao was testing him, probing to see just how much he would tolerate. The greater his tolerance, the more leverage she would have in the negotiations to come. Of course, this also meant that the task they wanted her to perform would be that much greater.

’And in a situation like this, how could she afford to be afraid?’

Sure enough, Ban Lun burst out laughing when he heard her. The fat on his face trembled with the movement.

“You really are different. You’re not afraid of me at all!”

Lu Xiao didn’t respond, acting as if she found his comment tedious and not worth a reply.

Just then, another knock sounded at the door.

Ban Lun shouted, “Come in!” The door opened, and a tall male, also wearing a half-mask, pushed his way inside.

Lu Xiao tilted her head to look, her gaze meeting a pair of familiar black eyes. Her heart skipped a beat. It was Vice Admiral Fred.

’What is he doing here?’

Though her mind reeled with this question, she didn’t let any of it show on her face.

Fred casually placed the tray on the table. “Enjoy your meal.”

“That’s enough. Hurry up and get out. No need to talk so much.” Ban Lun waved his hand impatiently at Fred, shooing him out the door.

Lu Xiao nonchalantly lifted the cloche from the tray. Inside was the medium-well steak she had requested.

She really was hungry. She was supposed to be enjoying lunch with Ares, but then this had to happen.

But at times like this, it was all the more important to fill her stomach. She needed her strength to do what had to be done.

As for whether the steak was poisoned, she wasn’t particularly worried. With her purification ability, no poison had any effect on her.

If she hadn’t let her guard down and fallen into their trap, even the anesthetic wouldn’t have worked on her.

But by the time she realized what was happening, it was too late to purify it.

’I guess I’ve been away from the apocalypse for too long. I’ve lost the vigilance I should have.’

“Would you like me to cut that for you?”

Seeing Ban Lun trying to curry favor again, Lu Xiao simply gave him an indifferent look and continued cutting her steak without a word. Inwardly, however, she was wondering, ’Why is Fred here? Is it a coincidence, or did he come for me?’

’The former seems more likely. Even if they know I’m missing, they couldn’t have arranged for someone to infiltrate this place in such a short time.’

’So, Fred must have already been working undercover here before any of this happened.’

Lu Xiao’s mind raced as she ate. Suddenly, she felt something foreign in her mouth. Her chewing faltered for a split second before she resumed as normal. The brief pause didn’t attract Ban Lun’s attention.

The steak was gone. It had actually tasted quite good, but unfortunately, Lu Xiao was in no mood to savor it.

“May I use the restroom?” Lu Xiao asked, setting down her knife and fork and looking at Ban Lun.

“Of course. It’s right in there.”

Ban Lun gestured vaguely. As Lu Xiao stood up, she asked with feigned nonchalance, “There aren’t any cameras in the restroom, are there?”

Ban Lun froze for a moment, then laughed. “Of course not. Who would put cameras in a place like that?”

Lu Xiao’s gaze swept over his face. After confirming he wasn’t lying, she went into the restroom.

Closing the door, Lu Xiao spat the small paper from her mouth and unfolded it. It read: “Don’t be afraid. When the time is right, I’ll get you out. —Fred”

The message was short, but it was enough to put Lu Xiao at ease. At least she wasn’t completely isolated and helpless here.

After tearing the note into shreds, tossing it in the toilet, and flushing it away, Lu Xiao went to the sink, washed her hands, and tidied her appearance.

’A tough battle lay ahead.’

When Lu Xiao emerged from the restroom, she found Ban Lun waiting for her from a different spot.

“Miss Lu Xiao, I believe we can talk now.”

Lu Xiao walked over and sat back down in her original seat. “Suits me fine.”

“Miss Lu Xiao, we’ve all heard of your achievements at the Fifth Research Institute. You are incredibly capable and have a kind heart, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy. We want to invite you to join the Underground City to heal the Male Beastmen who are in even greater need of your help. You wouldn’t refuse, would you?”

“That depends on what exactly you’re planning. You can’t possibly think I’d agree just like that, can you? Besides, I need to see what’s in it for me.”

’Trying to get something for nothing? In his dreams.’

“Of course. In fact, we’ve been researching a more advanced serum, and we’re already seeing initial results. With your help, it wouldn’t be impossible to completely eradicate the spiritual instability that has plagued Male Beastmen for years. This would be an achievement that ensures your name is remembered for millennia. I’m sure you would feel honored to be a part of it!”

As she watched Ban Lun on the sofa, his expression and gestures full of fanaticism, he looked just like a deranged cultist.

Lu Xiao, however, focused on the key point of his speech: the serum.

’Could it be? Those research labs I saw on the way here… were they all researching this “more advanced serum” Ban Lun is talking about?’

’A serum that targets the Spirit Seas of S-Class males?’

’That actually does pique my interest a little.’

“If what you’re saying is true, then I am quite interested. What kind of serum is it? Can it treat S-Class males?”

“Of course! Of course it can cure them. It just has a few minor side effects at the moment. But now that you’re here, that problem can be completely solved.” Ban Lun’s eyes were filled with excitement as he spoke.

Lu Xiao raised an eyebrow. “Your words are too abstract. Why not just take me to see it?”

Lu Xiao displayed the perfect amount of curiosity.

But Ban Lun’s smile vanished. “Let’s not be hasty. You can get familiar with the place first. Give us some time to prepare as well.”

“Familiar?” Lu Xiao scoffed. “What’s here to get familiar with? Or do you think the people outside will simply do nothing about my disappearance?” She was well aware of her own value.

’Besides, Ares would never abandon me.’

At her words, Ban Lun’s expression grew serious. He was silent for a moment before saying, “Please return to your room and rest for now. Later tonight, I will take you to see a miracle.”

Lu Xiao didn’t press the issue. As for this so-called miracle, she couldn’t care less.

’Just listening to him talk, he sounds like some kind of cult leader.’

’I don’t believe a word of it.’

’Who knows what kind of monstrosity he plans on showing me.’

“But,” she said, shifting gears, “didn’t you say I should get familiar with the place? Are there any interesting places in the Underground City? Surely you don’t all just stay cooped up in your rooms all day?”

Lu Xiao, who had just dismissed the idea of familiarizing herself with the place, was now using it as an excuse without the slightest sense of hypocrisy. ’Hey, circumstances change!’

Ban Lun clearly hadn’t expected her to be so adaptable. His expression faltered for a moment. “In that case, I’ll have someone take you for a stroll through the market.”

After all, Lu Xiao was a female. Ban Lun wasn’t worried she would be able to escape.

Even if Lu Xiao put on a strong front, the Underground City was a lawless place—no place for a female to try and act tough.

“When it’s time, I’ll have someone come find you. Enjoy yourself.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep