The next morning, as usual, Old White took Xiao Feng into the jungle for a hunt.
Now that Xiao Feng had matured, they no longer needed to rise at dawn. At seven o'clock, the two of them stepped out of Zone 64, braving the chilly gusts of late autumn wind.
Just beyond the gate, White caught sight of the burly figure of Turner, known as "Viper," clad in full camouflage combat gear.
Turner was smoking, and judging by the cigarette butts scattered at his feet, he had clearly been waiting for White for quite some time.
As White approached, Turner flicked away his cigarette and exhaled a plume of smoke.
He was dressed in full tactical gear. Around his waist hung a wide leather belt bearing an oversized pistol and a menacing, machete-like knife.
"White, may we have a word?" he asked.
White glanced toward the eastern sun—it was still early. He frowned slightly. "What is it you wish to discuss?"
Turner pulled a pack of cigarettes from his jacket, offered one to White, and lit another for himself. "It's the same matter—I want you to join the Viper Mercenary Corps."
White gave a dry chuckle. "How many times must I tell you? I have no desire to join your Vipers. I prefer solitude and the freedom that comes with it."
Turner inhaled deeply and smiled. "But you're no longer alone." He nodded toward Xiao Feng.
"He's just a boy—he needs my protection."
Turner exhaled slowly. "Even if not for your own sake, you should consider Alice. You haven't seen her in a long time, have you? We may live in the same town, the same protected zone, but I'll wager you've not laid eyes on her for quite a while."
White's brow furrowed, his face clouding with sorrow. "It's true... but what does that have to do with you?"
"I saw her yesterday," Turner said solemnly. "She didn't look well. Her condition seems to have worsened."
"What? What did you say? What's happened to Alice?" White's voice trembled.
"Calm yourself. The real question is—do you still want to heal her?"
"Of course I do! I'm almost done saving the money to take her to the capital for treatment!"
Turner let out a cold laugh. "Almost? White, do you have any idea how much it costs to seek proper treatment in the metropolis? How much have you saved? A hundred thousand? Two hundred?"
White shook his head. "Nowhere near that."
Xiao Feng, watching from the side, found a place to sit and quietly listened to their conversation.
Turner sighed. "You know your savings are insufficient. Why refuse to work with us? Together, we could earn far more—and faster."
White cut him off. "I have my reasons."
Turner smirked. "You're a psychic, aren't you?"
White stared at him, eyes narrowing with hostility. "How do you know that?"
"I know more than that. I know you're hiding from something—or someone. Why else would you flee to a remote place like Zone 64?" Turner's tone was certain, as though he knew the entire truth.
White's glare deepened. "What is it you want?"
"Relax. Turning you in to the Alliance wouldn't profit me much—and I'm no snitch. What I'm offering is protection. In my unit, you can remain hidden. No one would betray you. And with us, you'd earn enough to heal Alice—quickly."
White studied Turner's earnest face. "I appreciate your concern for Alice. But if I had ever wanted to join, I would have done so long ago. Now, with Xiao Feng under my wing, I have even more reason not to."
"You're trying to provide for two children. You think food comes easy?" Turner paused, then added, "White, if you join the Vipers, I will personally cover the cost to take Alice to the capital and get her the care she needs."
White stared at him, stunned. "You're saying—if I join—you'll ensure Alice regains her sight?"
Turner nodded. "You know my reputation. Ask around if you doubt me. A Viper's word is his bond."
White faltered. The offer struck at his deepest guilt—Alice's blindness, the debt he could never repay.
After a moment's silence, he murmured, "You swear you'll heal Alice's eyes?"
Turner raised his left hand. "I swear it."
White nodded slowly. "Give me a day to consider. I'll give you my answer tonight."
Turner laughed heartily. "I'll be waiting." He stubbed out his cigarette and added, "Go on with your hunt. May fortune favor your aim. I'll be at the tavern tonight. If we join forces, Zone 64 will be ours to command."
With that, Turner walked off, visibly pleased. As he passed the Alliance guard post, he shot a disdainful glance at the overweight sentry, Locke.
Locke returned the look with equal disdain.
Xiao Feng turned to White. "Uncle... If I were you, I'd say yes. Alice's health is what matters most."
White sighed. "Do you think I don't want to save her? But..."
Xiao Feng looked at him, his voice steady. "Uncle, your secret won't stay hidden forever. When it's exposed, who knows what might happen? Maybe joining the Vipers isn't such a bad idea after all."
White gave a bitter smile. "I understand the benefits. Let me think about it."
That day, he spoke no further.
That evening, after returning from the hunt, White and Xiao Feng entered the tavern. Turner was already there, a bottle of wine ready and waiting.
White sat across from him. After a long silence, he spoke.
"If you can truly restore Alice's sight—I'll join the Viper Mercenary Corps."
Turner's grin widened. He raised his glass high. "Welcome to the Vipers!"
Xiao Feng watched as the two men clasped hands, a sly smile curling at the corners of his lips.
What went through Xiao Feng's mind at that moment, even White could not have guessed.