The Villain Slaps The Protagonist’s Halo - Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Hunting the World

Shi Chen carefully wiped each fingertip, his head lowered. Nie Jia couldn't see his face, unaware of Shi Chen's expression, but felt a huge sense of relief in his heart. Shi Chen had no memory to begin with, and their identities in this world were diametrically opposed. Nie Jia had been very worried, unsure if his relationship with Shi Chen could proceed smoothly as before.

Now hearing Shi Chen's words, Nie Jia felt both reassured and touched. In this virtual world, regardless of their changing identities, even without memories, Shi Chen still placed Nie Jia as his top priority.

Without hearing Nie Jia's response, Shi Chen lifted his head slightly, feeling a bit anxious, thinking he had made an inexplicable blunder. But when he looked up, he saw Nie Jia's cheeks blushing, a coy expression on his face, deep affection and a hint of teary glimmer in his eyes.

"Alright." Nie Jia smiled, leaning down to kiss Shi Chen on the lips, taking the initiative.

Shi Chen's pupils constricted, embracing Nie Jia's waist and pulling him onto the sofa.

After a moment of intimacy, Shi Chen wiped away the tears at the corner of Nie Jia's eyes and asked softly, "What are you blaming yourself for?"

Nie Jia gripped his clothes tightly. "I don't intend to keep any secrets about the hunters—addresses, personnel distribution, members' capabilities. These have always been under Huaxia's surveillance. Many hunters may lose their lives because of my departure."

"If that makes you unhappy, I won't ask you anything, and I won't let others trouble you," Shi Chen reassured him.

Nie Jia shook his head. "With my status, if I don't mention it, it will only raise suspicions, and it might even implicate you."

"Indeed, many people will die," Shi Chen looked into Nie Jia's uneasy eyes, gently pinching his face, and smiled. "Why are you taking all the responsibility? Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Your departure signifies the dissolution of the hunters. The responsibility for the hunters' survival or demise no longer lies with you. Perhaps many from the Shark faction will perish, but the demise of the Shark faction will bring more opportunities to others."

Shi Chen patted Nie Jia's head. Nie Jia grasped his hand softly and whispered, "I just can't be sure if my decision is correct. Did I do anything wrong?"

Shi Chen fell silent for a moment. "You're just doing what you want to do, there's no need to judge right or wrong. We see everything from our own perspectives, and what seems wrong to others might be right for us. In times of war, everyone fights for survival, and we can't blame the Shark faction for everything. You came to me, leaving others behind, there's no need to judge. You just... love me too much, don't you?"

Nie Jia was momentarily stunned, then seemed to be relieved, showing a gentle smile. "Yes, I love you. I love you the most."

"Sweetie," Shi Chen ruffled Nie Jia's hair, asking, "Why are you all dirty?"

"There are 132 people from the hunters who came with me. I pried open a weapons depot that had been inactive for a long time and temporarily housed them there. Can you arrange for me to see the president tomorrow? And then figure out how to arrange them?" Nie Jia said. "They can continue to follow me, or you can incorporate them into your combat unit according to their abilities."

Shi Chen nodded. "Sure, the president has been fretting over your matters these past two days. Have you eaten yet?" Nie Jia shook his head, and Shi Chen cupped his face, stealing a kiss before getting up and pulling Nie Jia off the sofa. "I'll make you something to eat. Take a shower while I do that, darling."

Nie Jia was led to the bathroom by Shi Chen, tilting his head. "Aren't you going to ask who came with me?"

"Love whoever you love, you're here," Shi Chen let go of Nie Jia's hand and turned on the water for him, while Nie Jia felt like he was back in the previous world. Shi Chen's tenderness and roughness were both unreserved, making him feel incredibly reassured.

Listening to the sound of water from the bathroom, Shi Chen went to the kitchen and cooked a bowl of noodles for Nie Jia.

"Shi Chen..." Nie Jia's voice trembled slightly, sounding embarrassed and shy. 

Shi Chen was about to bring the noodles out when he saw Nie Jia standing at the bathroom door, wearing one of his shirts with long legs exposed, hair still dripping wet, a faint blush across his cheeks.

"I don't have suitable clothes," Nie Jia tugged at his shirt, trying to block Shi Chen's gaze.

Shi Chen had seen what he shouldn't have seen, even intimately so, but having lived with Nie Jia for so long, he knew exactly what Nie Jia liked, such as his commanding demeanor, his sleeping appearance, his disheveled look... and especially, his just-out-of-the-shower appearance...

He knew Nie Jia liked it, despite being together for several lifetimes, Nie Jia still couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.

Shi Chen nearly dropped the bowl of noodles on the floor.

"I'll have someone bring them over later. Let's eat first," Shi Chen's face was already as red as Nie Jia's, as if he was about to explode, but he still pretended to be calm as he walked to the dining table, unsure where to look.

Nie Jia smiled gently, wiped his hair, and sat down. He hadn't eaten anything in nearly two days, indeed starving. The sense of security with Shi Chen beside him made him very comfortable, and he happily devoured the bowl of noodles.

Shi Chen leaned over to watch Nie Jia eat, nudging his ankle under the table. Nie Jia said, "Another bowl."

Shi Chen's smile was full of indulgence. "Just this one bowl. Eating too much at night will affect your sleep. I'll cook something delicious for you tomorrow."

"I want ribs," Nie Jia said.

Shi Chen said, "Remembered. Anything else?"

"Tomato omelet," Nie Jia replied.

Shi Chen chuckled. "You've ordered a kid's meal? Okay, I'll make it for you tomorrow." He leaned close to Nie Jia's ear and whispered, "I didn't see clearly just now, were you wearing underwear, darling?"

Nie Jia blushed, using his chopsticks to tap Shi Chen's head. Shi Chen, in turn, kissed him on the ear and went happily to the kitchen to wash the dishes.

That night, Shi Chen led Nie Jia around the living room until Nie Jia yawned. Then, he hugged Nie Jia to bed, and they slept embraced all night.

The next morning, He Qingtang, with dark circles under her eyes and carrying two sets of slightly undersized men's clothing, went to find her superior.

Normally, He Qingtang would just walk into Shi Chen's house, delivering documents or reports, or coming to get something herself. She was

 more familiar with it than her own home. But today, her superior had made it clear that she wasn't allowed in and wouldn't even answer the door.

Feeling cranky from lack of sleep and not in the mood to wait at the door, He Qingtang didn't bother knocking and went to find out Shi Chen's location through her tracking device.

And so, she ended up at the vegetable market.

Standing not too far away, He Qingtang held the clothes in her arms, watching the handsome man standing in front of a vegetable stall, scolding the vendor for the expensive prices of the vegetables.

"Colonel, what are you doing?" He Qingtang felt her eyes must be playing tricks on her and went closer to carefully observe to see if it was an impostor.

"You're here just in time. The potato output from the farm is the highest among all vegetables every month. Is it appropriate to sell them at such high prices? Who set the market price? I'll have them come to my office later!" Shi Chen complained while angrily picking two more potatoes.

Seeing the innocent stall owner, He Qingtang looked at the other things by Shi Chen's side and pouted, "And you bought a big bag of ribs which are even more expensive. Are you really counting pennies over these two potatoes?"

Shi Chen walked back with groceries in hand, saying, "Seems like you're looking for trouble."

He Qingtang shoved the clothes into Shi Chen's arms. "Yes, I came bright and early just to find trouble. Here, take these clothes and let me go back to catch up on sleep. I have a meeting in the afternoon."

Shi Chen said, "No need to catch up on anything. Go inform the president at Qinghai Gate for me. I'll bring someone over later to discuss matters."

"Who are you bringing?" He Qingtang asked curiously.

"Nie Jia," Shi Chen replied expressionlessly.

He Qingtang chuckled. "Colonel, you have a sense of humor."

Shi Chen smiled back at her. "Now hurry along."

He Qingtang was sent off to Qinghai Gate to schedule a meeting with the president, while Shi Chen leisurely returned home. He made a breakfast omelet for Nie Jia and then went to wake him up.

When Shi Chen actually brought Nie Jia to Qinghai Gate later, He Qingtang was in the midst of peeling apples and chatting aimlessly with her presidential sister. Hearing the door open, she turned her head, nearly slicing off her own finger in surprise.

Even President He was taken aback, and her bodyguards immediately drew their guns in warning.

Nie Jia raised his hand, and all the weapons on the bodyguards, from knives to knuckledusters, instantly fell to the ground. Even the handguns were disarmed by Nie Jia, leaving the bodyguards tense and helpless. This was entirely their territory; they had no room for resistance.

"Your Excellency, please don't be alarmed. I come in peace," Nie Jia said calmly, prying open a magazine with one hand and pushing out the bullets one by one. He smiled faintly, tossing the completely disassembled handgun components onto the ground.

"Leave," Shi Chen gestured to the bodyguards, pointing at the door.

"Leave," President He quickly composed herself, calmly instructing in a low voice, "Qingtang, you too."

Only then did He Qingtang snap out of it. Holding a fruit knife in front of a level-six metal ability user seemed somewhat ridiculous.

In previous meetings, He Qingtang had always staunchly opposed abandoning Nie Jia. Huaxia's strategic layout required Nie Jia, and she dreamed that one day Nie Jia would stand with Huaxia against their enemies. She never dreamed that such a day would come.

When Nie Jia stood before her, He Qingtang didn't feel the slightest surprise. Her mind was blank, with a touch of tremor.

"Please, take a seat," President He said to Nie Jia.

"Forget it, Major, you're my sister and also my subordinate. There's no need to stand on ceremony here." Shi Chen pulled Nie Jia forward and sat down on the guest sofa.

President He nodded and took a seat opposite them.

Only now did He Qingtang come to her senses. Truth be told, she didn't want to stay here at all. She was just in a daze earlier, but since her superiors and the president didn't mind, she couldn't just storm out now. Upon closer inspection, Nie Jia was wearing the clothes she had just sent to Colonel Shi this morning. He Qingtang awkwardly smiled and tried to make conversation. "Colonel, did you two spend the night together?"

President He was about to get to business, but she was interrupted by He Qingtang's question.

Shi Chen glared at her and the president with a grim expression. "You should leave now."

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