Chapter 201: Surrender

Chapter 201: SurrenderFatty Xu's simple and honest appearance gave Zhang Yi an inexplicable sense of familiarity. He had known people like this before.

People who were not good at socializing, who grew up in ordinary environments, often developing a sense of inferiority. Their poor social skills made it hard for them to make friends as they grew up. So, when someone showed them a bit of kindness, they would give their all. After being betrayed by their so-called friends, they would start doubting reality and immerse themselves in anime.

Fatty Xu exhibited these traits, especially his excessive empathy. He could even consider things from Zhang Yi’s perspective, the man who had killed hundreds of people from Xu Dong Village.

Seeing Fatty Xu like this, Zhang Yi's desire to kill him diminished. However, he didn’t fully trust him and intentionally said, "You’re quite magnanimous, aren’t you? Surely, I killed some of your relatives this time? Don’t you want to avenge them?"

Zhang Yi stared intently at Fatty Xu's face. If there was any unusual expression, he would act immediately and take him down first!

However, the sudden change in expression he anticipated did not appear. Fatty Xu merely lowered his eyelids, slightly saddened, and said, "My parents... they both died shortly after the snowstorm."

"My dad had a heart attack on the first day of the drastic temperature drop. The snow was too heavy. We couldn’t get him to a hospital or find an ambulance, so he died at home."

"And my mom, who was in poor health, died in bed a week later."

Fatty Xu's face showed a hint of apology: " I'm Sorry. I didn’t mean to tell you these things."

"After all, there’s nothing happy about them. I apologize if it affected your mood."

He smiled awkwardly, looking somewhat embarrassed.

Zhang Yi was silent momentarily before asking, "What about the rest of your family? Aren’t the people in Xu Jia Village all one family?"

"One family? Hmm... sort of!" Fatty Xu's expression was slightly confused, as if he didn’t see a problem with this statement but also found it puzzling.

"Though we're of the same clan, no one in my family ever thought much of me. In their eyes, I’m probably just a worthless guy who only knows how to play on the computer at home!"

Fatty Xu scratched his head and smiled, "You see, they all treat me like this. How much feeling can I have for them?"

"So, I don’t hate you for killing the people of Xu Jia Village. On the contrary, I admire you."

"You were so cool, chasing us down with a sniper rifle while driving!"

At this point, Fatty Xu looked at Zhang Yi with eyes full of admiration.

He dreamed of being a hero as cool as that, making everyone in the village admire him and stop seeing him as a useless fat nerd.

Zhang Yi stared at Fatty Xu for a long time. Fatty Xu was also very nervous inside. He knew little about Zhang Yi's abilities and could only guess they were related to space. But one thing was sure, Zhang Yi's abilities completely restrained his. So, if they fought, he had no chance of winning at this distance!

After a full minute, Zhang Yi slowly spoke, "Alright, since you’ve come to make peace, I’ll give you a chance!"

"I have no interest in your village. Those muggles can’t affect me much. But you, you’re interesting. For your sake, I’ll spare Xu Dong Village!"

Zhang Yi knew exactly how to deal with people like Fatty Xu. He was timid and sensitive but would give his all if you showed him some recognition. He needed to be treated gently, not coerced.

Sure enough, Fatty Xu was thrilled to hear this. For his sake? Did this mean Zhang Yi recognized him? It was a great honor for someone as powerful as Zhang Yi to recognize him!

"Thank you!" Fatty Xu said, moved.

"Don't be in such a hurry! I have other conditions."

Zhang Yi continued, "From now on, you must follow my orders! You cannot refuse any of my demands."

Zhang Yi very much wanted a powerful ice-based ability user under his command. Since killing him and the people of Xu Dong Village wouldn't benefit him, he might as well show kindness to Fatty Xu and recruit him.

Fatty Xu hesitated a bit upon hearing this condition. "Any demand?"

This vague concept worried him. What if Zhang Yi had his eyes on him one day?

Zhang Yi saw his concern and smirked. "I won’t send you to your death!"

Keeping Fatty Xu was to have a useful helper when facing tough enemies in the future.

Seeing Fatty Xu's hesitation, Zhang Yi thought for a moment and pulled out his trump card.

"A die-hard otaku like you shouldn't be able to resist this!"

Zhang Yi reached out and took something from a huge warehouse in another space, then handed it over.

"If you follow me, you won’t be mistreated."

Fatty Xu looked up and saw what Zhang Yi had handed over. His eyes were glued to it, and his whole body trembled with excitement.

"Rei Ayanami!!!"

What Zhang Yi took out was an unopened Rei Ayanami figure. It was a limited edition from 2024, with only 50 released worldwide, and its online price had soared to 25,000 yuan, but it was still hard to get!

This was the most coveted treasure for an old otaku like Fatty Xu!

Fatty Xu couldn't believe his eyes and pointed at himself, "This... is this for me?"

Zhang Yi nodded, "I have plenty more like this. I also have some generational rare collectibles."

"If you follow me, I guarantee you'll have enough figures, pillows, and game cartridges!"

You need to use the right means for the right person. For someone like Fatty Xu, other things might not work, but this definitely would!

Fatty Xu let out an excited yelp, pounced on the precious Rei Ayanami figure, and hugged it tightly, his eyes burning with passion.

"Zhang Yi, you’re an otaku too! Do you... like Ellie?" Sᴇaʀᴄh the NƟvelFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

Fatty Xu looked at Zhang Yi with anticipation.

Zhang Yi was silent for a moment and then slowly shook his head. "I'm not a kid anymore."

Fatty Xu's face fell, and he lowered his head in disappointment.

"Yeah... that's true."

Zhang Yi sneered, "Only newbie otakus like you would like her! In my heart, Rinko Nanase is the true eternal goddess!"

The light in Fatty Xu's eyes, which had dimmed, lit up again. It was the feeling of finding a kindred spirit.