According to ancient sayings, he was just a local official, while Zhàn Běizūn was a close guard of the Son of Heaven, their importance was not on the same level at all.
"I still hold a different view on this matter. I very much doubt she has the ability to maintain the stability of the shelter."
"That's my business, you don't need to worry about it," Zhàn Běizūn said unhurriedly.
Old Wang left in indignation. Not only did he fail to establish his authority this time, but he was also about to lose the authority of the enforcement team. It was simply losing the wife and having to pay with soldiers.
"Alright, everyone continue with the check-in procedures. We will protect everyone's safety."
The surrounding people left one after another. The rescued mother walked over to thank Xiāo Chán.
"You're welcome, but you need to be strong yourself. If you have time, exercise more. Of course, this is just my suggestion." Xiāo Chán said.
The woman hesitated but finally nodded in agreement.
Xiāo Chán shook her head slightly as she watched the woman's retreating figure. What she had just said was entirely from the bottom of her heart.
In this chaotic world where lives are like grass, without a certain degree of self-preservation ability, one can only be slaughtered.
"Why are you shaking your head? Is something bothering you?"
Xiāo Chán turned her head and said curiously, "I didn't expect you to be so capable. Even he has to listen to you."
"I'm just responsible for the safety of this shelter. The main person in charge is still him."
Zhàn Běizūn clearly didn't want to dwell on this topic and changed the subject, saying, "What do you think of my suggestion just now?"
Xiāo Chán sneered, "Not much. If you want me to help you maintain stability, that's fine, but you might be thinking too simply."
Zhàn Běizūn was stunned by her words. After thinking carefully, he understood the underlying reason.
The key to the matter lay in Xiāo Chán's identity. It was very difficult for an ordinary person to achieve prominence, especially at this time.
"If you don't trust him, you can arrange for your own people to conduct daily patrols," Xiāo Chán said proactively when she saw the smile freeze on Zhàn Běizūn's face.
"What about you?"
For some reason, Zhàn Běizūn was unusually nervous after saying this. He hadn't experienced such an emotion in a long time.
"Who do you think dares to provoke me now? I plan to find some like-minded people to protect the interests of women."
Zhàn Běizūn felt a little disappointed but still smiled, "A very good idea. There are some things that we men are really not convenient to participate in. We'll have to trouble you more then."
"Good that you know. By the way, how do you plan to deal with these people?"
"What are your thoughts?"
"I think it would be better to let them repair the underground city, so they don't harm people outside," Xiāo Chán said with some disgust.
"Alright, it just so happens that they are short of people there."
After Zhàn Běizūn and his men left, Auntie walked over with a smile.
"Xiāo Chán, I didn't expect you to be on such good terms with Captain Zhàn. Auntie was worried about you every day."
Xiāo Chán said with a headache, "Auntie, he and I are just ordinary friends. We've only met a few times."
"Understood, understood. Auntie won't say anymore. Let's go, we're going over."
Xiāo Chán felt a headache looking at Auntie's expression. If she had a choice, she would never have done this, but she had no romantic feelings for Zhàn Běizūn. She didn't expect her aunt to misunderstand.
On the other side, Zhàn Běizūn was also dealing with the teasing of his team members.
They could tell that Zhàn Běizūn and that woman had an unusual relationship, and perhaps she was their future sister-in-law.
Facing his subordinates' teasing, Zhàn Běizūn had to use his authority as captain to suppress their gossip.
During the next patrol, Zhàn Běizūn was unusually distracted.
Perhaps his team members considered it a joke, but he was seriously considering a question: "Do I like her?"
This question plunged him into deep confusion. He didn't know what words to use to describe his current feelings.
If Zhàn Běizūn had experience, he would understand that he was falling for her. The beginning of liking someone often starts with curiosity.
From their initial interactions, he perfectly fits this pattern.
Initially, Zhàn Běizūn was full of curiosity about Xiāo Chán and tried to figure her out through various means.
However, as they interacted more and more, he still couldn't understand her and thus fell deeper and deeper, reaching a point where he was somewhat beyond his control.
This was the first time he had encountered such a situation. In the past, he treated all girls equally, and sometimes even thought that he would end up alone for life.
Xiāo Chán's appearance was like a white moonlight appearing before him, captivating him.
After serious consideration, Zhàn Běizūn made a decision: to go with the flow.
Now, the harsh environment constantly squeezed humanity's living space, and facing endless dangers, no one knew when an accident would occur. So, he would take it one step at a time.
While Zhàn Běizūn was lost in thought, Xiāo Chán's family found their accommodation.
Perhaps because of what happened earlier, their accommodation was small but decent, at least better than some they had seen.
"Sigh, I wonder when this kind of life will end!" Uncle shook his head, looking at the cramped room.
He wasn't dissatisfied with the room, but he couldn't see hope for the future. This was the current situation for most people.
"Uncle, what's the use of thinking about these things? No matter how harsh the environment, there are always ways to survive. Don't be too pessimistic," Xiāo Chán quickly comforted him when she saw this.
Uncle waved his hand, "I'm already old, and I don't have many years left to live. I'll live one day at a time."
Xiāo Chán quickly said, "Uncle, who can say for sure about the future? Perhaps this is also an opportunity for humanity."
"Did Captain Zhàn say anything to you?" Uncle asked curiously. Auntie also became interested and looked over.
Xiāo Chán said helplessly, "No. He and I are just friends, at most good friends."
"Then do you have feelings for him?" Auntie continued to ask.
"I don't know how to say it. At first, I quite disliked him, but after interacting more, I felt he was a decent person. Now, I guess we are good friends," Xiāo Chán said after thinking carefully.
"That's good. With the apocalypse upon us, one person's strength is ultimately too weak. If you two can end up together, it will be a good thing. If not, being good friends is also good," Auntie said.
Xiāo Chán said shyly, "Let's see. But why did you change your mind?"
Auntie said irritably, "Originally, we were worried that you were too strong-willed. Now that we see you have a good relationship, we are relieved. As for whether you can end up together, it depends on your fate. As long as you're happy, that's what matters."