“Yo-ho!” Chen Junnan smirked, eyeing the large rat before him. “Damn, you’re quite the chatterbox, aren’t ya?”
“You flatter me,” the Groundhog chuckled sheepishly. “Compared to a leader like you, I’d say I’m practically an introvert.”
“Ah, come on, don’t sell yourself short!” Chen Junnan waved a hand dismissively. “Yours truly is the number one social recluse in the capital—can’t even let out a burp in public. Guess we’re two peas in a pod.”
“Then we really do get along,” the Groundhog grinned, baring his rodent teeth. “I’m the type who wouldn’t speak up in eight hundred years. Introverts like us make the best friends.”
“Well, ain’t that a coincidence?” Chen Junnan beamed as he sauntered toward the Zodiac, sizing him up along the way. “See, I’ve been ‘introverted’ my whole life, and I still don’t have many friends.”
Meanwhile, the Groundhog scrutinized Chen Junnan from head to toe. Though both wore smiles, the atmosphere felt oddly tense.
Qiao Jiajin, lazily scratching his head, chimed in, “Are you two alarm clocks or somethin’? Why so loud the moment you meet?”
“Relax, Old Qiao, I’m just makin’ friends here.”
“Wha…?” Qiao Jiajin, having regained some energy, slowly got up from the ground, eyeing the approaching duo in confusion.
The Groundhog bowed slightly to Chen Junnan. “Leader, since we hit it off so well, why not come in for a visit? Got some fruit inside.”
“Aw, you’re too kind. That fruit ain’t cheap, is it?”
“You’re makin’ me blush, Leader,” the Groundhog shook his head. “Wouldn’t dream of chargin’ you money. Just a life or two—since you folks are already playin’ dead in the streets, lives must be worthless to ya.”
“Oh, just a life? Thought you wanted money. My bad, misunderstanding!”
“Yeah, yeah, hahaha!”
By now, the two stood face to face. Qiao Jiajin, sensing trouble, hurried over.
“Jun’nan, what’re you up to?” he asked warily, his street-smart instincts warning him about the smiling predator before them.
“Just chattin’,” Chen Junnan replied casually. “This rat’s invitin’ us to his game. What d’you think, Old Qiao?”
“Well…” Qiao Jiajin glanced at the rodent. “Don’t mind either way. Not fond of his type, but if he’s bold enough to mess with us, he’s askin’ for it.”
“Leaders, I’m not askin’ you to join any game!” the Groundhog feigned innocence. “Just come in for a snack. Got plenty of fruit—help yourselves.”
Chen Junnan and Qiao Jiajin exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadably calm.
“If you insist on treatin’ us, we’ll take you up on that.”
They swaggered into the Groundhog’s arena, where he welcomed them with open arms, leading them straight to the “Rat’s Den.”
“Leader…” The Groundhog smiled faintly at Chen Junnan. “After you.”
Inside, the building was filled with the sweet scent of fruit. The Rat’s Den indeed had fresh fruit laid out on a table.
“Wait…” Chen Junnan blinked. “You’re actually gonna feed us?”
“‘Course,” the Groundhog nodded. “Got a daily quota. Since most participants today are dead, might as well share with you two.”
“What kinda logic is that…” Chen Junnan frowned. “Why not eat it yourself or toss it? You seriously waited outside just for this?”
“Leader, I’ve always been this generous,” the Groundhog replied, staring intently at Chen Junnan’s face.
“What’re you starin’ at?” Chen Junnan grinned.
“Gotta say, Leader, you’re not bad-lookin’,” the Groundhog remarked.
“Obviously. One of us had to be presentable, right?” Chen Junnan shot back.
“Ha…” The Groundhog’s grin widened. “Brings back memories…”
Chen Junnan tensed at the word “memories”—something felt off.
“Truth is, I brought you here not just for fruit, but for a little chat.”
“Chat?”
The Groundhog nodded, closed the door behind them, and cranked up an old radio. Deafening rock music blared, the bass rattling the floor beneath their feet.
“What the hell’s this?” Chen Junnan shouted over the noise.
“What?!” The Groundhog cupped his ear. “Speak up, Leader! Can’t hear ya!”
“Turn that damn thing off!” Chen Junnan yelled. “Thought we were talkin’?!”
“Can’t, Leader!” the Groundhog hollered back. “This is the only way to chat! Don’t you like music when slackin’ off?!”
“I don’t even have a job!” Chen Junnan roared.
“Then how d’you support a wife?!” the Groundhog countered.
“I—I don’t have one either!” Chen Junnan felt a strange déjà vu—this rat felt eerily familiar.
“What…?” The Groundhog’s expression faltered. “Quit messin’ around, Leader. Weren’t you the love guru?”
“Me…?” Chen Junnan wanted to engage, but the music was unbearable. “Who the hell are you?”
The Groundhog leaned in, lowering his voice. “Leader, I’m an old friend.”
“Old friend…?” Chen Junnan frowned. He’d retained nearly eight years of memories—yet this face rang no bells.
“Need your help with somethin’ tricky,” the Groundhog whispered, his voice barely audible yet crystal clear to Chen Junnan.
“Like what…?” Chen Junnan hesitated.
“You and Qi Xia’s plan is in motion now. Plenty of Zodiacs are involved—I suspect some are spies.” The Groundhog smiled as if discussing the weather.
Chen Junnan and Qiao Jiajin exchanged another glance, unsure whether to trust the rodent’s words.
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