IABI – Chapter 76 Outcome

“Cough, cough, cough.”

When she first surfaced, water surged out of her nose. Chi Xin coughed and flailed a bit, immediately met by a hand steadying her body.

Through her blurred vision, she saw several small dark figures rushing crazily toward her—it should be the rest of the team.

“Are you okay?”

Hearing this voice, which should have been extremely familiar, Chi Xin froze completely.

The voice felt like it had broken some taboo spell, making her perception of her surroundings shift entirely.

Her sinking body, the gentle arms holding her waist, and the concerned gaze of Jing Xiubai that met her eyes as she lifted her head.

“Um…” Her mind replayed the scene she had seen when she opened her eyes in sleep, the empty lips as if still covered by something. Chi Xin strained her throat and looked down, catching sight of his rising and falling chest. Her mind twitched. “…Not sinking?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt a sudden heat on her cheeks. She wasn’t sure if it was an illusion, but even the water seemed to have warmed.

Jing Xiubai stayed silent for a long moment.

When Chi Xin couldn’t help but sneak a glance at his expression, she noticed him running his wet hair back from his face. The sharp, striking features revealed a deep and gentle expression.

Seeing her look, he turned his gaze aside. Whether intentional or not, the gesture successfully eased Chi Xin’s embarrassment.

“Just don’t move, and you won’t sink,” Jing Xiubai replied seriously.

Chi Xin made a small sound, obediently retracting her hands and feet like a student following a teacher’s instruction, letting Jing Xiubai guide her toward the shore.

In the water, Chi Xin felt like a useless little cookie. She didn’t resist at all. Only when she reached the shore did she regain her energy, instantly full of life.

She propped herself up with her arms, sitting on the bank, and even reached out to pull Jing Xiubai, a good partner in solidarity.

Both were slightly out of breath. Chi Xin glanced to the side, meeting Jing Xiubai’s gaze.

In an instant, all that had happened flashed through her mind—the seemingly invincible long worm had ultimately died in a cage that would never be opened.

The two looked at each other and suddenly laughed out loud.

“I really should have come over sooner,” Jing Xiubai said. “I didn’t expect you could actually kill it.”

Chi Xin raised an eyebrow. “Everyone had full confidence in me. Were you the only one who didn’t believe?”

“No.” Jing Xiubai denied quickly. He moved slightly; Chi Xin guessed he was instinctively trying to adjust his glasses, though they had long been missing.

Finally, Jing Xiubai let out a sound of surrender: “I shouldn’t have expected you to act within your limits.”

Chi Xin understood his meaning. Seeing his expression—a mix of helplessness and indulgence—she looked away, casually twisting her drenched hair.

Falling into the water wasn’t entirely bad; the blood and dust from the battle were now mostly washed away.

After a short rest, they saw Yu Xiang’s head emerge not far away. The two stood, ready to meet him.

“By the way.” Chi Xin took the drenched earpiece from her ear. “Can this thing still be fixed?”

Its usefulness had exceeded Chi Xin’s imagination. She regretted that it had stopped working after getting wet.

“I’ll take a look,” Jing Xiubai said, taking it and removing the one from his own ear to store together.

“Chi Xin! Xiubai!”

Yu Xiang leaped, rushing toward Chi Xin.

Chi Xin instinctively lifted her leg to kick but thought better of it.

Instead, she spread her arms wide, welcoming Yu Xiang’s powerful bear hug.

Feeling the force, Chi Xin bitterly amused herself—if it had been Jing Xiubai rushing her, she might have ended up back in the river.

Yu Xiang didn’t know her thoughts; his whole embrace was trembling, his voice lacking its usual playfulness. “Luckily there’s a river… luckily.”

Jing Xiubai and the later-arriving Chen Xing bumped fists. “This river connects to the ant nest. The water sounds we heard in the underground market probably come from here.”

Chi Xin waved at Yong Ning, the last behind them. Seeing no sign of Rong Feng and the others, her heart sank.

She wanted to ask but didn’t dare. Jing Xiubai asked instead, “How’s the situation outside? Is Ah Feng okay?”

Upon hearing this, Yu Xiang’s smile vanished. He muttered, “The ant army is powerful. The escaping zombies have mostly been cleared, but Boss Lin…”

“He only has half his body left. Even if sister Congyun is a reincarnated bodhisattva, she can’t save him,” Chen Xing said.

Yong Ning finally arrived. He wanted to rush into Chi Xin’s arms but stopped when he saw her serious expression.

Noticing his hesitant eyes, Chi Xin stepped forward to hug him. “Are you okay?”

“Sister Chi, I’m fine.” Yong Ning smiled.

Chi Xin looked at the group. “Let’s head back and see.”

Chi Xin didn’t comment on Boss Lin’s previous behavior. Seeing him risking his life to save Rong Feng, she couldn’t feel any joy.

She didn’t care about Boss Lin himself but worried about Rong Feng’s feelings.

If the father had always been cruel, leaving only pure hatred for Rong Feng, or if something sudden happened… Chi Xin sighed.

She imagined Boss Lin, missing half his body, would be pitiful. Yet when she arrived, he was surprisingly well-groomed, the wounds no longer bleeding.

Being able to have a handsome son like Rong Feng, Boss Lin himself was attractive, though Chi Xin had always thought of him as a cunning, deceitful tiger behind a smiling face.

Now he was enveloped in a milky glow, eyes tightly shut, with a surprisingly peaceful demeanor.

Leonid stood beside them, Jiang Congyun focused intently on Boss Lin, hands hovering as her healing ability spread widely.

Rong Feng knelt, eyes bloodshot as he saw them return.

Jing Xiubai firmly gripped his shoulder.

Chi Xin crouched, seeing the sweat on Jiang Congyun’s forehead, gently wiping it away.

“It’s enough.” Rong Feng croaked. “No need to waste more power.”

The milky glow gradually dimmed. Jiang Congyun withdrew her hands, looking exhausted and sorrowful.

Seeing her like this, everyone knew the man truly couldn’t be saved.

Rong Feng took a deep breath and fell silent, staring at Boss Lin’s face, his thoughts unknown to anyone.

“He can still hear you,” Jiang Congyun said softly. “If there’s anything to say, speak to him now.”

Chi Xin was the first to rise, pulling Yu Xiang aside. “Let’s give Ah Feng some time.”

Words became useless; everyone silently moved a little away, giving father and son time for their final conversation.

At that moment, Boss Lin, eyes still closed and seemingly lifeless, suddenly moved.

Rong Feng leaned forward, and those about to leave stopped in place.

Boss Lin weakly opened his eyes a sliver, looking at the side, lips pale and trembling: “Boss Chi… will you grace me with your presence?”

Instantly, all eyes focused on Chi Xin.

Chi Xin hesitated slightly, pointing to her own nose. “You mean… you want me to stay as well?”

Boss Lin seemed genuinely too weak to speak. He closed his eyes and nodded lightly.

A person on the verge of death likely has no schemes or tricks left. Chi Xin silently nodded and signaled the others to leave first with her eyes.

Only three people remained in the room. Chi Xin crouched slightly on the other side of Boss Lin, not speaking first.

After all, in this conversation, it was the father and son’s territory. Chi Xin didn’t understand why he wanted her to stay—but she wasn’t so naive as to be presumptuous.

“A-Feng,” Boss Lin said softly.

Rong Feng responded with a low “hm.”

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Boss Lin’s mouth, but it quickly flattened. “At a time like this, you still won’t call me ‘Dad’ properly?”

“I…”

Rong Feng’s voice was hoarse; for a moment, Chi Xin didn’t even recognize it as his own. He spoke only that one word, then fell silent again.

Boss Lin opened his eyes. His somewhat vacant black eyes reflected the clear sky above, giving a fleeting illusion of a kind of fragile purity.

“The injection that girl took… it should have been the perfect serum as well,” he said. “If it weren’t for today, I never would have noticed—she actually has abilities.”

Thinking about this, Chi Xin shivered. Back then, she had only relied on information from the movie to know that Jiang Congyun could gain healing powers from that serum, completely unaware that serums could vary in quality.

One could only say… fortunately, the plot was still intact. If her reckless actions had accidentally killed the heroine, who knows what would have become of that world.

Rong Feng didn’t respond.

Boss Lin turned his eyes to him. “Actually, how could I not know? Going against the heavens, even the so-called perfect serum—who can guarantee it won’t have any side effects on the user?”

Rong Feng looked back at him. From Chi Xin’s perspective, she could clearly see the hidden pain in his eyes.

“Then why insist on it?” he said.

Boss Lin wanted to smile, but his heart was missing a large piece; at the thought, he nearly suffocated.

He gasped, “Foolish child… in this world, all that matters is how you survive, by what means—that’s your skill.”

Rong Feng opened his mouth slightly, then closed it again.

“I know you and I disagree. Since the day you were born, you and I never felt like father and son, more like natural adversaries,” Boss Lin said. “I never told you this, but I was actually happy that you didn’t follow my arrangements and insisted on carving out your own path. When I was young, I did the same—I ventured out on my own, and that’s why I am who I am today.”

He closed his eyes weakly, taking a shallow breath. “I have knocked you down countless times, hoping you would change your thinking. You are truly my son—talented, capable—but your kindness and weakness only hold you back. You could have had an even greater future… my son.”

After that long sentence, he began to cough painfully. Each breath sounded like an old bellows breaking.

Rong Feng’s upright posture twitched slightly. He opened his mouth several times but couldn’t utter a single word.

His eyes were full of pain; his hands at his sides clenched tightly. Chi Xin couldn’t bear to watch and cautiously spoke, “Boss Lin, maybe what A-Feng wants isn’t a greater future, just some peace of mind in life.”

Rong Feng could refuse even a perfect ability serum without flinching—how could he calmly accept what Boss Lin called a “greater future”?

From this, it was clear—the real problem between father and son lay here. They were still tangled in this one point even at the moment of death.

Boss Lin’s expectations for his son were more like shackles, making one only want to flee.

Boss Lin’s pupils narrowed slightly. “Peace of mind…”

Rong Feng, who had been unable to express himself, suddenly nodded heavily.

“Enough,” Boss Lin sighed, turning his gaze to Chi Xin.

Chi Xin stiffened, reflexively alert, taking several seconds to regain her composure.

“Boss Chi… Chi Xin,” Boss Lin said with a faint smile. “When I first met you, I knew you were extraordinary. I just didn’t expect… you to be this extraordinary.”

The old riddler. Chi Xin humbly asked, “Where did I make a mistake?”

Boss Lin didn’t answer. His smiling face suddenly changed; his entire body shook violently. “Cough… cough… cough…”

Rong Feng immediately reached out to press his father’s chest, but his heart was exposed, and the action was useless.

Boss Lin raised his intact hand to stop him.

“A-Feng, all these years, you have suffered,” Boss Lin’s voice wavered. He stared at his son with all his remaining strength. “Dad has never… given you what you truly wanted. I hope… this time, I can help you.”

“Chi Xin, I have only one request,” he said, not turning his head. His trembling voice enunciated each word slowly. “What you promised me that night when you returned to the market… you must fulfill it.”

Chi Xin was momentarily stunned.

“If you cannot… I will become a vengeful spirit, haunting you for all your lives.”

Boss Lin never looked at Chi Xin. After saying this, he kept his gaze on Rong Feng, eyes vacant yet faintly hopeful.

Rong Feng’s face was contorted in pain; his chest heaved violently as he struggled to speak. “Dad…”

Boss Lin seemed to have fulfilled some long-held wish. All his remaining strength poured out; the focus in his pupils gradually faded.

The half-exposed heart slowly stopped beating. His lips curved slightly, his face showing a rare serenity and paternal affection.

Boss Lin died.

Rong Feng trembled violently, slowly lowering his head to press his forehead against his father’s battered chest, squeezing out the last word from his throat.

“…Dad.”

Chi Xin’s eyes watered slightly. She turned her head to look elsewhere.

Yu Xiang was gesturing to communicate with the leading ant, but judging from both sides’ reactions, neither understood the other.

Leonid kept trying to look that way, but Chen Xing kept pushing his head back.

Jiang Congyun sat aside to rest, while Yong Ning leaned against a tree with his head lowered, lost in thought.

The rising sun shone upon the land, covering all the despair and death. Looking up, the sky was still a clear blue.

As if none of this had ever happened.

Chi Xin hesitated for a moment between staying behind to accompany Rong Feng and leaving him to say goodbye to his father alone. In the end, she stood up and silently walked toward the others.

She recalled carefully what Boss Lin had said the last time they visited the ancient city. After thinking it over, it was only that one line: “Please take care of him.” A simple request entrusted with care.

Whether Rong Feng needed someone to look after him or not, just for the sake of that one sentence, it shouldn’t have caused him to become a vengeful spirit, clinging to her through life after life… right?

Chi Xin shook her head and moved Rong Feng from the “Friends” group into “Close Friends.”

Seeing Chi Xin approach, all the ants in the large group turned their heads to look at her. The scene was truly spectacular.

Chi Xin paused briefly, then went to Jiang Congyun’s side, suppressing her movement to stand.

Her arrival seemed to confirm a fact. Yu Xiang’s previously exaggerated expression softened. “He’s already gone?”

Chi Xin silently nodded.

The atmosphere grew somber. No one knew what to say. Like Chi Xin, they all had complex feelings toward that cunning businessman. Now that he was dead, the only thing that mattered was Rong Feng’s feelings.

Chi Xin wasn’t used to such a low atmosphere. She glanced around. The large white ant that had been speaking to Yu Xiang seemed to sense the situation was wrong and obediently retracted its antennae, waiting quietly nearby.

Chi Xin stepped forward and held its antennae.

“Respected partner, you’re still as strong as ever.”

Hearing the white ant speak, Chi Xin observed it carefully. Because of her slight face-blindness toward ants, it took her a moment to recognize it—it was the lead soldier ant who had once brought them from the nursery to the Queen Ant.

“It’s you,” Chi Xin said in surprise. “Thank you for your hard work.”

The lead soldier ant bent its forelegs in a gesture resembling a human bow. “We followed the Queen’s orders to eliminate the enemy. Now that the enemy has been destroyed, we may return and report.”

Because of their presence, not a single escaped zombie or mutated zombie managed to spread. All had been destroyed here.

Chi Xin smiled at it. “Please convey my thanks and regards to the Queen Ant, and also to the little ant Ruoruo.”

“It is we who must express gratitude. You have eliminated the greatest threat, allowing us to rebuild our nest here in peace.”

Chi Xin stroked its antennae. “I wish you all well in the future.”

The lead soldier ant wiggled its antennae, probably signaling that it had received her message. It emitted a frequency inaudible to humans, and all the white ants quickly gathered around it.

After bidding farewell to Chi Xin, the white ant army marched off into the distance.

Rong Feng’s farewell did not last long. Shortly after the ants departed, he returned to the group carrying Boss Lin’s body.

Except for the whites of his eyes, now tinged red, the man showed no outward sign of the immense grief he had just endured.

“All present, let’s discuss the next plan,” Jing Xiubai said.

Everyone agreed.

No one offered excessive comfort or sympathy for Rong Feng after his father’s death. Chi Xin noticed that as everyone maintained a calm expression, Rong Feng’s tense posture slightly relaxed.

“According to our previous plan, we need to find a way across the ocean directly to the laboratory in Country A,” Jing Xiubai said. “The plan remains unchanged. Searching for the vaccine and serum is still our top priority.”

“How do we get there?” Chi Xin asked. “Don’t look at me—I really didn’t pack a ship.”

Yu Xiang’s expectant gaze shifted subtly.

Seeing that he actually had a guess, Chi Xin pinched the bridge of her nose.

“We’ll first return to Umel. The border is by the sea, and there must be merchants selling ships,” Jing Xiubai said.

“That works,” Chi Xin agreed. “My weapons inventory is almost depleted anyway. I can restock on the way.”

In her mind, Umel was instantly labeled a “Supply Station.” She felt as if she were playing an online game—every major battle requires prior supplies.

Mentioning that reminded everyone of the brutality of this fight. They glanced at each other, faces reflecting the relief of having survived.

After confirming the route, Chi Xin looked at Rong Feng, hesitating slightly. “Ah Feng…”

Rong Feng’s expression was calm. “Can you give me a moment? I want to dig a grave.”

He rarely made requests, so no one made it difficult for him. Chi Xin handed him a shovel, and he took it.

Everyone else understood him well enough and did not offer to help. Rong Feng dug quietly, and before long, he had dug a grave large enough for one person.

He found a relatively flat wooden board and neatly carved the words “Tomb of my father, Lin Nanhua”, placing it in front of the grave.

Everyone bowed their heads for a moment to express their respect and mourning for their friend’s father.

Then they prepared to set off. Just as everyone thought they were walking back to Umel, Chi Xin made a few gestures in the open space. Four motorcycles suddenly appeared out of nowhere, nearly causing Leonid to stumble in shock.

“What… is this?!”

Faced with their astonished expressions, Chi Xin scratched her head. “I said I only packed two motorcycles, didn’t I?”

They had traveled for three to four days to get here. Walking back would take half a month at least.

Thanks to Chi Xin’s friendly provision, their efficiency was greatly improved. Except for Jing Xiubai, everyone was extremely happy.

Three days later, the convoy arrived in Umel.

The city looked no different from when they had left. Most of the people who had died in the market were outsiders; the locals seemed calmer, more stable.

As soon as they entered the city, they saw a familiar face buying something by the street.

Everyone in the group was strikingly attractive, and the familiar face naturally noticed them—the cigarette dangling from his mouth fell to the ground.

“Old Diao?” Chi Xin recognized him. He was Boss Lin’s aide. He had clearly gone to the market before, so why was he here now?

Old Diao walked over, scanning the group, and let out a sigh. “Has the boss…?”

Chi Xin was even more surprised.

Receiving a confirming answer, Old Diao drooped his brows, looking a bit saddened. “Come with me first; this isn’t the place to talk.”

He didn’t seem capable of causing any stir now. Chi Xin and Jing Xiubai exchanged a few words and decided to follow him.

They arrived at the hotel where Chi Xin and the others had stayed before. The inn was much quieter now—most people had clearly perished in the disaster. Only Old Diao and a few unfamiliar faces remained.

Old Diao arranged seats for everyone and spoke first, explaining: “Before the auction started, the boss sent me back to handle some matters. At that time, I already sensed something was off, but I didn’t expect his foresight to be so precise.”

Chi Xin began to understand. Boss Lin already knew he didn’t have long to live; he had sent Old Diao back, probably to leave behind a trusted aide and arrange his assets… she glanced subtly at Rong Feng.

Sure enough, Old Diao asked outright: “Who’s Rong Feng?”

Several pairs of eyes turned to Rong Feng. He lifted his head and looked at Old Diao expressionlessly.

Old Diao studied his face carefully. “It really is you.”

“Did Boss Lin leave anything behind?” Chi Xin asked.

“Yes.” Old Diao nodded. “The boss instructed that all legitimate businesses be transferred to Rong Feng. He said if Rong Feng wanted to manage them, he could; if not, the profits should be given to him periodically—everything left to his discretion.”

The last sentence deliberately imitated Boss Lin’s tone.

Hearing this, everyone’s expressions subtly shifted. Chi Xin noticed Rong Feng’s gaze tremble slightly as he clenched his hands.

“What else did he leave?” Rong Feng asked.

“Nothing else.” Old Diao scratched his head. “Boss Rong is a well-known figure; he must know the kind of business we do. Before the apocalypse, it was underground; after, it’s not exactly respectable. Still, it’s all the result of the boss’s lifetime of work. It’d be a shame to waste it. I just hope Boss Rong doesn’t disband us—everything else is negotiable.”

Rong Feng said nothing.

Old Diao, knowing when to step back, saw the tension and stood up: “Friends have things to discuss; I’ll step aside. Find me once decisions are made.”

After he left, Yu Xiang patted Rong Feng’s shoulder. “A-Feng, your dad’s pretty generous.”

Rong Feng: “Disband them. I don’t want it.”

Yu Xiang was stunned. “Such a huge operation… you’ll really just throw it away?”

Chi Xin expected this. She didn’t know exactly how many businesses Boss Lin had, but just judging from the visible ones, Rong Feng wouldn’t accept them.

Jing Xiubai said thoughtfully, “Perhaps disbanding isn’t the only option.”

Startled, everyone looked at him.

“The people running these black-market businesses are simply guided by Boss Lin. If we replace him with A-Feng, it doesn’t mean things will stay the same.” Jing Xiubai said, “A-Feng, would you want to take them over?”

Chi Xin suddenly understood.

Jing Xiubai wasn’t suggesting Rong Feng continue Boss Lin’s business directly, but rather to merge it under his own banner. Boss Lin is no longer in charge, but Rong Feng is. Letting a bunch of underground operators roam free could be risky; it’s safer to consolidate them under control.

Rong Feng froze, surprised by this idea.

“That… might be feasible,” Chi Xin said. “If it’s A-Feng, the operation can at least feel more secure.”

Rong Feng’s eyes flickered with hesitation.

Jing Xiubai looked at him and suddenly said: “The mission to Country A involves only Chi Xin, Yu Xiang, Cong Jun, and me. You don’t have to worry about going together, and refuse here.”

At his words, everyone else looked on in shock.

Chen Xing panicked: “That’s not right! We’ve barely reunited; why leave us here?”

Yong Ning’s eyes welled with tears: “Sister Chi, I can help!”

Rong Feng’s gaze lingered on him, changing.

His eyes met Jing Xiubai’s, and between the two men, an invisible spark flew briefly—gone in an instant, leaving only mutual understanding.

“Just warning you about the danger; you probably won’t be persuaded.” Jing Xiubai said. “Think about it—once we control these forces, they’ll be significant. When we return, whatever Chi Xin wants to implement, they will play an indispensable role.”

Chi Xin, suddenly addressed: “Huh?”

Why is it her who wants to implement something? Isn’t that the hero group’s job?

Before she could figure it out, Rong Feng narrowed his eyes, clearly convinced.

“That’s true,” Chen Xing said. “Now we know we’re seeking the hope of salvation. Others don’t know. With more forces under our control, our actions will be easier.”

“Alright.” Rong Feng looked up at Chi Xin. “When you return, I’ll ensure all these forces can serve us.”

Chi Xin: “Mm…”

What exactly did everyone mean by ‘us’?

Having resolved Rong Feng’s issue, Yong Ning’s remained.

He grabbed Chi Xin’s sleeve anxiously: “Sister Chi, I want to go too. I can fight; I won’t hold anyone back.”

Chi Xin felt pity. In the story, Yong Ning couldn’t be left behind. She didn’t know what situation he would face; it was too risky.

So she followed the previous topic: “Yong Ning, building a force is very difficult. Rong Feng doesn’t have supernatural abilities; he’ll be at a disadvantage later. Think of it as helping me—stay to assist them, okay?”

Chi Xin knew other arguments wouldn’t work. Playing her own card, Yong Ning hesitated.

“Then… will you come back?”

“Of course.” Chi Xin smiled brightly, looking nothing like a battle-hardened post-apocalyptic warrior, just a lively, playful girl of her age.

“I promise.”

Yong Ning relaxed.

Whatever Chi Xin promised, she never broke.

Seeing this outcome, Old Diao was overjoyed.

Rong Feng emphasized that their development path might differ from before; Old Diao didn’t mind: “As long as we have food, we’ll do anything. Since you’re the boss-designated heir, we’ll follow you.”

In the apocalypse, finding a “job” was hard; wherever there was hope, they didn’t want to move.

“In that case, help me find a boat first.” Rong Feng said. “Doesn’t need to be big. Four or five people suffice, but it must be able to cross the ocean.”

Old Diao nodded, delighted, and went to find one.

“This… is easier than expected.” Yu Xiang said.

Chi Xin also thought of her arsenal: “Then next, let’s see where we can find some guns.”

Chen Xing laughed.

Jing Xiubai also smiled faintly.

Rong Feng looked a little helpless, glancing at Chi Xin: “Whatever you need, I’ll provide.”

Chi Xin froze, then realized—this guy isn’t just her “close friend” Rong Feng; he’s Boss Rong!

What a misunderstanding.

Amid laughter like a clear sky after rain, Chi Xin rubbed her forehead.

Seeing Rong Feng smile again, she didn’t mind this small embarrassment.

Old Diao acted quickly. By the next day, he had secured a suitable boat, ready to pick up at the port.

Chi Xin’s arsenal was restocked in half a day. That night, everyone had a lively hotpot in the hotel. Early the next morning, the group gathered at the port to see off the four embarking on the journey.

“Wait for our return.”

Chi Xin waved goodbye to the partners on the other shore.

The boat, with a small two-level cabin, drifted along the current, beginning a new chapter of their journey.