235: Chapter 235 The Last Stand

The coldness of the fruit knife seeped through the rough cloth strips into the skin of his palm, bringing a sliver of sobering pain. Hei San's warning, like the cold tongue of a viper, licked at his ear, leaving behind an indelible chill and... temptation.

"The wind is blowing hard," "They're checking things thoroughly from above," "Don't run around in the East at night."

These pieces of information inversely confirmed the value of this gray zone—it was situated on the boundary of some kind of pressure and surveillance, where the flow of information, the exchange of resources, and even the breeding of danger were more concentrated and intense.

He needed a "stepping stone" with enough weight to knock open the door to the deeper-level transactions that Hei San might control. What did he have? Apart from that pathetic bit of food and tools he had just traded for, he had nothing.

Except for... knowledge, and a keen perception of "abnormalities."

A bold plan rapidly took shape in Ling Ye's mind. He would use the knowledge he had just acquired regarding the potential abnormalities in the "East" of this area (Hei San's warning), along with his own experience of destroying a "secondary node" and encountering "Plainclothes Agents," to "weave" a half-truthful "piece of information" that would be enough to pique the interest of a local snake like Hei San.

The persona he needed to adopt was no longer that of a pure, ignorant bottom-tier drifter, but rather an edge-dweller who, for some reason (such as trespassing or fleeing), had accidentally caught a glimpse of some unusual sights in the "East" and had consequently been noticed by the "higher-ups," forcing him into hiding, yet still possessing some potentially valuable "clues"—a dangerous but possibly "useful" person.

This role could explain why he was so cautious and possessed certain survival and counter-reconnaissance skills, while also providing a reasonable motive for the "demands" he might make that went beyond ordinary scrap trading (such as medicine, weapons, or intelligence). At the same time, it could test Hei San's reaction—was he aware of the abnormalities in the "East"? Was his "superior" connected to the "Plainclothes Agents" or related forces?

This was an extremely dangerous conversation on the edge of a cliff. One wrong word or one incorrect expression could invite catastrophe.

He needed to meticulously prepare his "lines" and "props."

Plan: "Throwing a stone to ask the way."

Objective: To have one final, and most probing, contact with Hei San. The goal was not any specific item, but to assess his value and danger, and to attempt to trade for higher-value medicine or critical information. If the situation went wrong, or after the transaction was completed, he would immediately and unconditionally execute an evacuation.

Preparation:

"Props": He needed an item that could corroborate that he had "caught a glimpse of an abnormality." He recalled the characteristics of the G-7 Node sensors and the appearance of the rotten fungal film at the "green light" sewage outlet. He could not forge a sensor, but he could try to use things he could find to hint at something "unusual." From the ruins, he found a small piece of metal scorched by high heat or chemicals, its surface showing irregular dark blue and charred textures (likely remnants of some small-scale fire or accident), and found a few plastic pieces with dull colors and unnaturally curled edges. He wrapped these inconspicuous fragments in a relatively clean piece of rag, using them as "evidence."

"Story": A vague but critical outline. The gist was: About ten days ago (coinciding with the time he destroyed the nest and encountered the "Plainclothes Agents" search), he was looking for things deep in an abandoned factory area in the "East" (vaguely pointed, not specific) and accidentally stumbled upon some "unusual things"—there was "strange blue light" (hinting at the "abyssal eye" characteristics) emerging from underground cracks or pipes, the ground had "glowing, sticky stuff" (hinting at the polluted fungal carpet), and he heard "a low sound that was like a machine but also not like a machine." Because of curiosity (or fear), he approached to take a look, and it seemed he triggered something, attracting "people wearing dark clothes and holding strange instruments" (referring to "Plainclothes Agents"). He managed to escape by luck, but afterwards, he felt like he was being watched and had to hide here. Recently, he noticed that the "East" didn't seem peaceful at night (Hei San's warning), and he was worried if it had anything to do with what he saw that time.

"Demands": Based on this story, his "demands" were logical: he needed medicine to treat the potential aftereffects of "contacting unknown substances" (anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, or even antidotes), he needed more handy tools for self-defense (hinting at weapons), and... "information" about what exactly was happening in the "East," who those "people in dark clothes" were, and how he could completely shake off the potential pursuit.

Self-State: Adjusting his mental state to its best. Restraining the special sense of calmness brought by the "Star Visualization," he let his eyes reveal a sense of exhaustion, nervousness, and vigilance, but also a trace of imperceptible paranoia and desperation born from holding a "secret." These were traits likely possessed by a fugitive who had been under high pressure and fear for a long time.

Action Steps:

Timing: Choose the next evening, when the sky was darkening but not yet black, visibility was blurry, but people could still be identified. At this time, foot traffic was relatively low, and Hei San might be about to close up shop; his vigilance might be slightly relaxed due to exhaustion, but he might also be more impatient.

Contact: Walk directly to Hei San's stall, no beating around the bush. Place the cloth bag containing the "evidence" fragments gently on the stone slab. Then, using a lowered but clear voice, tinged with a hint of hoarseness and urgency, get straight to the point: "Three days ago, in the East, behind the Old Textile Factory, I saw something. Afterwards, someone came looking for me."

Observe Reaction: Stare fixedly at Hei San's single eye and the slightest changes in his facial muscles. See if he reacts to "the East," "the Old Textile Factory," or to "saw something," "someone came looking." See if he reveals surprise, vigilance, greed, or deep-seated fear.

Narrating and Probing: Depending on Hei San's initial reaction, decide the level of detail and the focus of the "story." If the other party shows interest or nervousness, add some details; if the other party is indifferent or suspicious, touch upon it briefly and emphasize his current situation of being "looked for" and his needs. During the narration, intentionally mix in some real details (such as "strange instruments," "blue light") to observe if the other party can understand or match them.

Propose Transaction: After finishing the story, propose directly: "I want something that can save my life. Medicine, self-defense items, and... news about those 'people in dark clothes.' These..." He pointed to the fragments in the cloth bag, "might be useful to someone who knows what that is."

Response and Evacuation:

If Hei San shows strong interest, or even takes the initiative to ask for more details and is willing to provide valuable items or information, trade cautiously. After getting the items, leave immediately using "fear of being followed" as an excuse, never linger, and directly execute the evacuation plan.

If Hei San's reaction is cold, or he expresses powerlessness, immediately take back the "evidence," say "sorry for the trouble," and leave just as quickly, without pestering him further.

If Hei San shows hostility, suspicion, or attempts to fish for information, control him, or if other suspicious personnel appear nearby, immediately abandon everything, escape the scene at top speed, not hesitating to expose some abilities (such as speed), use the complex terrain to shake them off, and flee directly into the wilderness.

Core: Regardless of the outcome, after this contact, never return to this area, and never again make contact with Hei San or anyone related to this.

The risk of the plan was suffocatingly high, but Ling Ye's eyes were like quenched cold iron, icy and firm. He repeatedly rehearsed every possible scenario in his mind, scrutinizing every word he would say and every expression he would make.

The next day, at his hideout, he mixed the last bit of instant noodle crumbs and seasoning powder with water and drank it to replenish his strength. He carefully checked his equipment: steel bar spear, pipe cutter, the newly acquired fruit knife, slingshot, water bottle, salt bag (empty), medicine (unused), and woven bag. He placed the few items he considered most important close to his body, and hid the rest in the corner of the hideout, ready to abandon them.

In the evening, the lead-gray sky became even gloomier, as if it might rain. The wind was not strong, but it carried a damp, cold chill.

Ling Ye checked his disguise and state one last time, then, like a warrior going to his death, quietly left the hideout and walked in the direction of Hei San's stall.

His heart was pounding like a drum, but his breathing was steady and long. All nervousness and fear were forcibly suppressed into the deepest part of his eyes, transformed into a calm, almost cold determination.

In front of the stall, Hei San was lowering his head to pack up his things, seemingly preparing to leave. There was almost no merchandise left on the stone slab.

Ling Ye walked over, his footsteps sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet evening.

Hei San raised his head, his single eye sweeping over him without any expression, but deep in his eyes, there seemed to be a trace of imperceptible fluctuation.

Ling Ye did not pause; he placed the small cloth bag containing the fragments directly onto the stone slab. The cloth was rough, and the outline of the hard objects inside was vaguely visible.

He raised his head, his gaze meeting Hei San's single eye, his throat bobbed, and using that intentionally lowered voice, tinged with hoarseness and a trace of imperceptible trembling, he spoke the opening line he had practiced countless times: "Three days ago, in the East, behind the Old Textile Factory, I saw something."