Chapter 59: White Silk
Morning.
Sunlight filtered through the porthole, spilling into the room on the top deck.
Whether it was due to Cui Zhiyun’s constitution or simply a good night’s rest, when Li Changsheng entered, she was already awake, though her complexion was a little pale.
The thin quilt covered only from her chest down, like a strapless dress, revealing a vast expanse of soft, fair skin.
“Breakfast,” Li Changsheng said as he stepped in, carrying a tray with boxed milk, eggs, bread, and beef jerky.
It was quite a feast.
Seeing Cui Zhiyun awake, he was surprised. “You really are a special forces veteran. Your recovery is impressive—I thought you’d need more sleep.”
Special forces?
Cui Zhiyun caught the term instantly. She remembered no one had ever mentioned her military background before. Coupled with Li Changsheng’s abilities, she found him ever more mysterious.
Though astonished inwardly, her expression remained composed. “I’ve long grown used to injuries,” she said, reaching for the milk, feeling its warmth and staring at the straw already inserted. She remarked with surprise, “I didn’t expect you to be so attentive.”
Li Changsheng replied coolly, “No need for thanks. To be honest, I saved you with ulterior motives.”
Cui Zhiyun paused, a smile tugging at her lips. “Hearing that puts me at ease.”
After finishing the milk, color returned to her cheeks. She looked at Li Changsheng. “I’d rather not eat in bed.”
Li Changsheng nodded, pointing at the coffee table. “If you can get up yourself, be my guest.”
Cui Zhiyun flexed her injured arm, confirming her bones were intact. “The bullet passed through the car before hitting me; it’s just a scratch. I can get up.”
Some people, the more injured they are, the more stubborn they become...
Li Changsheng thought of his family from another life, sighed, and looked at her. “I’d advise you to rest and recover properly.”
Cui Zhiyun fixed him with a serious, unwavering gaze.
In the end, Li Changsheng conceded, moving the breakfast tray to the coffee table and clearing away the stools that blocked her path. “Alright, come down when you’re ready.”
With that, he sprawled comfortably on the sofa.
“I can manage on my own, no need for your help. But did you forget something?” Cui Zhiyun’s eyes were sharp, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction. “Where are my clothes?”
Li Changsheng tossed her an oversized football jersey and a pair of stockings.
“Stockings?” Cui Zhiyun frowned.
“Only thing I could find on the ship,” Li Changsheng said, spreading his hands.
Cui Zhiyun snorted, lifting the jersey with one hand and estimating it would cover most of her body.
She bit her lip and prepared to change.
Seeing Li Changsheng still lounging there, watching her with interest, she snorted again. “Are you planning to watch me change?”
“This is my ship. I’ll sit wherever I please.”
Cui Zhiyun shot him a glare, then deftly used her uninjured hand to shield herself with the quilt and changed clothes quickly, giving Li Changsheng no chance to sneak a glance.
A pity.
Li Changsheng shook his head regretfully.
Dressed, Cui Zhiyun relaxed, glanced at the stockings, hesitated, and decided to put them on.
Ouch!
As she bent her leg, a sharp pain shot through her wound. Her thigh injury made any movement agonizing.
Seeing Li Changsheng’s indifferent attitude, she grew annoyed. “I can’t do this alone. Come help.”
Is this a trick?
This agent was surely up to something...
Let’s see what you’re scheming.
Li Changsheng hesitated, then approached, lifting the quilt for her.
Cui Zhiyun stretched out her long legs and pulled the jersey as low as possible. In that instant, an astonishing scene unfolded before Li Changsheng: the red football shirt barely covered her thighs, leaving two straight, enchanting, snow-white legs exposed.
As Li Changsheng stared, Cui Zhiyun tossed the white stockings at his face. “What are you waiting for? Hurry up.”
Her expression remained cool and aloof.
Li Changsheng steadied himself, reached out to help. The stockings were soft but tricky to put on. After some struggle, he managed to slip them over her legs.
The warm sunlight at nine o’clock bathed the room in brightness.
Her shapely legs, wrapped in white stockings, shimmered in the sunlight, starkly contrasting with the red jersey.
Cui Zhiyun wiggled her uninjured leg and pursed her lips. “So slow, and they look awful. Your handiwork is terrible.”
Smack!
Li Changsheng slapped her thigh, irritated. “So demanding. Eat your breakfast. I have questions for you after.”
With that, he picked her up and set her on the sofa.
Cui Zhiyun’s pale cheeks blushed slightly. She struggled at first, but with her injuries, she had no choice but to comply.
She ate in silence, upholding the rule of not speaking at the table.
Li Changsheng, who had been eager to ask about the Sunflower, found himself at a loss.
After finishing, Cui Zhiyun tidied the empty boxes and bags, wiped her mouth, and remarked, “It’s quite a spread—better than our current rations.” She paused. “How did you manage it? These supplies seem trivial to you. I’m growing more curious about you.”
Li Changsheng was momentarily taken aback, recalling the Freemason reference from yesterday’s tape recorder. “Don’t you Freemasons have plenty of talent? How come you’re short on food?”
“Of course we have supplies, but they’re controlled by the higher-ups,” Cui Zhiyun replied, her expression darkening as she sighed.
Even with her military background, post-cataclysm life was hard; resources were strictly rationed, and only a little food was allotted each day.
After a moment, Cui Zhiyun asked, “By the way, where’s my suitcase?”
“Gone. Probably taken by Rex’s people,” Li Changsheng shrugged.
Cui Zhiyun’s gaze was calm, her eyes cold as water as she looked at him. “Or hidden by some bastard, perhaps?”
“Could be,” Li Changsheng feigned ignorance. “Definitely taken by someone. Why are you staring at me?”
Cui Zhiyun snorted, “Isn’t that bastard you?”
Li Changsheng was about to deny it but saw her expression—she was certain. He pursed his lips.
Damn, can’t fool this woman.
Annoyed, he got up, fetched the suitcase from outside, and tossed it onto the coffee table. “Here.”
Cui Zhiyun took the case, opened it easily with one hand, and operated it skillfully, revealing a hidden compartment at the bottom.
Only now did Li Changsheng realize the suitcase held more than just the Sunflower compartment; beneath it was another layer containing many documents and a thin laptop.
Cui Zhiyun opened the computer with practiced hands, tapping away at the keyboard without looking up. “Two Sunflowers are missing. Return them to me.”
Li Changsheng raised an eyebrow. “How do you know I took them? Am I that shameless?”
“Intuition. You are exactly that shameless,” Cui Zhiyun replied, still typing.
Li Changsheng grumbled, “I did save your life.”
Cui Zhiyun acknowledged, “Thank you for saving me. Now, give back the Sunflowers.”
Li Changsheng smiled helplessly. He truly had no way to deal with this formidable woman.
From the moment he crossed over, Li Changsheng had resolved not to be soft-hearted in this dangerous world.
When faced with someone like Mohr, he would show no mercy: recruit if possible, eliminate if not.
But for someone like Cui Zhiyun, from the Ct camp—the so-called good faction—
Li Changsheng still had his limits.