Chapter 800: Talking Past Each Other
Zhang Yi's attitude made Zhu Yunque extremely upset.
That Malayan soldier had just pointed a gun at her head!
"You don't care about me at all!"
She shouted angrily at Zhang Yi.
"From our very first meeting, you've treated me poorly. Tell me, what exactly have I done to offend you?"
"I've been trying my hardest to build a good relationship with you! What more do you want from me?"
Zhang Yi remained silent.
Hadn't Zhu Yunque been the one acting arrogantly toward him from the beginning?
Besides, they were merely work partners. Zhang Yi had no obligation to please her.
"My promise to Commander Zhu was only to keep you alive. But this mission is important, and I don't want deadweight around."
"If you could just be more sensible, I wouldn't have to treat you this way."
Zhang Yi frowned, looking at her like she was a child.
"Rein in that spoiled young miss attitude of yours. The things you take pride in are completely useless in this world now."
Zhu Yunque was deeply stung, but refused to admit it.
How could she be in the wrong?
The fault clearly lay with this cold, unfeeling man who didn't know how to treat a lady properly.
"You're lying! You're still holding a grudge because I mentioned you didn't remove your gloves when shaking hands! This is your petty revenge!"
Zhang Yi replied without hesitation: "Damn, you actually figured that out? How clever of you. Yes, I never forgave you for that incident."
Zhu Yunque was stunned.
She had just been venting - she didn't actually expect Zhang Yi to admit it.
Zhang Yi pointed at his own nose with a smirk.
"You should learn more about me. Zhang Yi is famously petty and vindictive."
He slowly opened his eyes, a flash of impatience in his gaze.
"So from now on, don't bother me again."
His eyes casually drifted toward the vast icy sea.
"In places ... accidents happen all the time."
Having just killed people, the thick scent of blood still clung to him.
This murderous aura made Zhu Yunque's neck prickle with fear.
Her face pale, she staggered back several steps before hurriedly retreating to her cabin.
With the annoying person finally gone, Zhang Yi exhaled. "Peace and quiet at last."
Zhou Ke'er, however, looked concerned. "She is Zhu Zheng's niece after all. Was speaking to her like that appropriate?"
Zhang Yi leaned against the railing as the Golden Edge sailed at full speed, icy winds blowing past him.
Not that he could feel the cold through his advanced thermal suit.
"I was never known for high emotional intelligence. Being diplomatic and pleasing everyone was never my style."
Zhang Yi said with an amused smile.
Zhou Ke'er studied his expression, suddenly reminded of when she first met Zhang Yi half a year ago.
When the apocalypse came, he had refused to humor anyone, living with complete freedom.
And now, Zhang Yi remained unchanged.
She smiled gently. "Sometimes I wish I could be as carefree as you."
"Easy! Just abandon your morals and no one can guilt-trip you. Live without a care and life becomes simple."
Meanwhile, in her room, Zhu Yunque's first thought was to complain to Zhu Zheng.
Like a schoolgirl bullied in class - or at least feeling wronged - she went straight to her authority figure.
Usually, this was a shortcut to preferential treatment, a tactic Zhu Yunque knew well.
The communicator connected to Zhu Zheng's office, revealing his stern face behind the desk.
"Yunque, what's wrong?"
Zhu Yunque sniffled. "Uncle, I almost died just now!"
She poured out her grievances to Zhu Zheng, expecting him to reprimand Zhang Yi afterward.
But Zhu Zheng simply laughed. "Don't worry, it's nothing serious. We don't need to concern ourselves with some Malayan country. Our Huaxu Kingdom's ships sail wherever we please!"
He thought Zhu Yunque was crying because of the Malayan soldiers.
Zhu Yunque said discontentedly, "Uncle, the Malayan soldiers were awful, but Zhang Yi treated me terribly too! When I was pushed down and had guns pointed at me, he didn't stand up for me!"
Zhu Zheng asked in surprise, "Didn't Zhang Yi eliminate all those Malayan soldiers? Isn't that standing up for you?"
Zhu Yunque hesitated. "Well... yes, but he seemed completely indifferent at the time."
Zhu Zheng chuckled. "That's just how Zhang Yi is - cold exterior but warm inside. He may seem uncaring, but the lad's actually quite passionate."
"He's like dry firewood. You need to ignite him with your own flame first before the heat builds up. Dry wood burns fiercely, understand?"
"Yunque, Zhang Yi is crucial to me and the entire Jiangnan Region. You must build a good relationship with him, win him over!"
Zhu Yunque was utterly speechless.
She even felt Zhang Yi held a more important position in Zhu Zheng's eyes than she did.
Her complaints died in her throat.
She wasn't stupid - she knew continuing to criticize Zhang Yi would only displease Zhu Zheng.
Yet after ending the call, she couldn't suppress her frustration.
"Zhang Yi, you're blind! How can you be so cold toward a woman like me with both looks and substance?"
She did want to get closer to Zhang Yi.
But Zhang Yi always had Zhou Ke'er by his side, leaving no opening for her.
With Zhou Ke'er around, Zhu Yunque's charm paled in comparison.
The Golden Edge continued southeast.
At mealtime, Zhu Yunque proactively approached Zhang Yi.
This time, her attitude was much improved.
"I've spoken with Uncle about the Malayan Navy incident. He said you needn't worry and should continue the mission. The region will handle any issues properly."
Seeing her gentle demeanor, Zhang Yi couldn't help but mock, "I thought you were just going to complain about me to your uncle!"
Zhu Yunque immediately flustered. "How... how dare you falsely accuse me?"
Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow. "So I was right?"
The truth cut deepest.
Zhu Yunque took a deep breath. "Fine, I admit I had some prejudices against you before. From now on, I'll try to listen to you more, alright?"
"I hope you'll treat me better too."
"You should know I'm not an unreasonable woman. And in the future, I can be of great help to you."
She hinted that being with her could grant Zhang Yi more power and status in the Jiangnan Region.
Zhang Yi paused briefly while eating, then offered no response to Zhu Yunque's words.
They were completely talking past each other.