Chapter 48: I Am the Master
"You should know that the survivors outside probably dream of living here, right?"Although Su Chen's words were obvious, Liu Ling'er quickly nodded in agreement."The reason I let you in isn't because of our past relationship, and it's not because you helped me deal with Abiao and his people."Su Chen spoke indifferently.Liu Ling'er paused for a moment, confused.If it wasn't because of their past or her help, then why would Su Chen allow her to stay here?"It's because I think you're still somewhat useful to me."Su Chen's deep gaze locked onto Liu Ling'er as he lightly smiled,"First, I need you to help me cook and do some housework.""Second, I need you to satisfy my needs."When Liu Ling'er heard the first part, she thought it wasn't a big deal.But the second part immediately caused her face to flush with embarrassment.Why was Su Chen being so direct?Seeing that Liu Ling'er didn't respond, Su Chen's face turned cold as he spoke indifferently,"Don't want to do it?""I don't like forcing anyone. If you don't want to, I can let you leave."Hearing this, Liu Ling'er immediately became anxious.She quickly waved her hands,"No, no, no, Ah Chen, you misunderstood me. I… I'm very willing!"She was joking, right?The RV was so comfortable, and judging by Su Chen's demeanor, it was clear that the supplies inside were very abundant.If she wanted to survive, she had to stay here.Besides, the conditions Su Chen offered weren't too unreasonable.If it were Xiao Mei or any other woman, they would definitely agree without hesitation."Good."Su Chen nodded and said seriously,"From now on, I am your master, and my words are the law!""If you dare defy me, I'll kick you out.""Do you understand?"His voice was soft, but there was an undeniable command behind it.Liu Ling'er's heart skipped a beat.She could tell for sure that Su Chen was no longer the same person he used to be."I understand!""Good. Let me show you your living quarters."Su Chen waved at Liu Ling'er.Liu Ling'er thought she would be staying with Su Chen on the first floor since he had mentioned she was supposed to fulfill her "duties."However, to her surprise, Su Chen led her up the stairs to the second floor.The second floor had originally been a bridge-style terrace, but after Zhang Chi's modifications, it had turned into several sealed rooms.The rooms were cluttered with items, but after some tidying, a bed was cleared up.Although it was much simpler and humbler compared to Su Chen's bed, compared to where Liu Ling'er had stayed a few days ago, it was extremely luxurious!"This is your room. If I don't call for you, stay here."Su Chen instructed.Although Liu Ling'er had already been allowed into the RV, Su Chen still didn't fully trust her.There was a door between the first and second floors, and Su Chen planned to lock it while he slept, keeping Liu Ling'er on the second floor to minimize any risks.The two of them went back downstairs, and Su Chen sat back on the sofa, giving his next command,"I'm hungry. Go make something to eat.""Okay."Liu Ling'er answered and quickly put on an apron, standing in the cooking area.She opened the fridge and was taken aback by the abundance of fresh ingredients inside.She didn't expect there would be so many fresh ingredients left after all this time!Soon, Liu Ling'er cooked two or three dishes and brought them to Su Chen."Ah Chen, try it and see if my cooking has gone downhill."Su Chen casually picked up his chopsticks, tasted a few bites, and couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic.Even after all this time apart, Liu Ling'er's cooking was still as excellent as ever!What a shame.If it weren't for Xiao Mei's manipulation, Liu Ling'er would have truly been the ideal wife and mother."Is it not to your taste?"Seeing that Su Chen didn't say anything, Liu Ling'er asked cautiously."No, it's actually pretty good. Keep it up."Su Chen nodded slightly and complimented her,"Let's eat together, and afterward, we can rest."Was it time for that?Liu Ling'er's heart skipped a beat. She didn't dare say much and just obediently sat down.At that moment, the monitoring system suddenly emitted an urgent sound.Su Chen's gaze sharpened, and he quickly turned his attention to the monitoring screen.On the screen, several survivors were running hurriedly.However, they weren't heading toward the RV; instead, they were bypassing it and running toward the parking lot.What was going on?Su Chen's mind raced, and he forgot about enjoying the meal Liu Ling'er had made.He quickly stood up and walked over to the central control panel.The corner of the screen, which normally displayed the temperatures inside and outside the RV, now clearly showed that the outside temperature was dropping."Ah Chen, what… what's happening?"Liu Ling'er asked, noticing something was wrong.Before Su Chen could answer, the intercom suddenly crackled to life."Su, are you there?"He Wang's rough voice echoed in the RV."I'm here, Big Brother He. What's going on on your side?"Su Chen responded, grabbing the intercom."We didn't succeed. It suddenly started raining and put out the fire!"He Wang grumbled.According to Su Chen's plan, Liu Ling'er was supposed to lead Abiao and his group into the warehouse.While they were transporting supplies, He Wang would block the door, set the warehouse on fire with the gasoline Su Chen gave him, and burn Abiao and his group alive inside.The plan wasn't perfect, but it was well thought out.However, no one expected that after such prolonged heat, the heavens would suddenly send rain!"It's okay, Abiao and his group are just like grasshoppers after autumn, they won't last much longer.""But Big Brother He, you need to be careful not to be discovered."Su Chen reminded He Wang and then cut off the communication.Liu Ling'er, who had been listening to their conversation, began to speculate in her mind.It was really raining outside?If the long-lasting heat wave was finally ending, then rescue should be on the way soon, right?Was there still a need for her to stay with Su Chen?"If you regret it now, it's still not too late."Su Chen seemed to see through Liu Ling'er's thoughts and said calmly."Huh? No, no, no! How could I bear to leave you, Ah Chen?"Liu Ling'er quickly shook her head, hastily reassuring him.Even if the heat was truly over and rescue was coming, it would still take forever.Without Su Chen's help, how would Liu Ling'er survive until then?Not to mention, she had already deceived Abiao, and if he sought revenge, what would she do?Most importantly, now that she had reunited with Su Chen, he was completely different from before—stronger, more confident.Her feelings for him were secretly rekindled in her heart."Good. Let me tell you the truth—no matter if the temperature drops, this apocalypse is far from over."