Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 265: Formidable Enemy

After receiving Fatty Xu's promise, Xu Lili was overjoyed and thanked him before heading back home. Watching her leave, Fatty Xu clenched his fists and vowed, "I must protect this home!"

Gathering his courage, he went to find Xu Dongtang, who was busy arranging for the villagers to serve the soldiers from West Hill Base. Not only did he provide accommodations, but he also made every household bring out their food supplies to prepare meals for the soldiers. Xu Dongtang's smug expression made him look like a lackey from a century ago, eagerly currying favor with the invaders.

But Xu Dongtang's gains weren't limited to his own village; he had exploited the entire Xu Family Town, including five or six nearby villages. Other village chiefs, trying to show loyalty to West Hill Base, even increased their contributions to food and supplies.

When Fatty Xu arrived, he found Xu Dongtang's home bustling with activity. Xu Dongtang stood proudly outside his house, his demeanor like that of a father whose son had just been crowned top scholar.

Fatty Xu took several deep breaths to muster his courage. He walked up to Xu Dongtang and called out, "Grandpa!"

Seeing Fatty Xu, Xu Dongtang's expression changed slightly. "What are you doing here?" he scolded, frowning. Fatty Xu was Xudong Village's secret weapon, and Xu Dongtang had no intention of revealing his existence to West Hill Base just yet. He was worried that if West Hill Base discovered Fatty Xu's talents, they would take him away, leaving the village without its top asset.

"Come with me!" Xu Dongtang pulled Fatty Xu aside to a secluded spot and said sternly, "Your identity as a Superhuman is Xudong Village's secret. No one else can know! Stay home and wait for my orders."

Fatty Xu, however, chuckled. "Grandpa, do you really think you can keep this a secret? You've already dragged the whole of Xu Family Town into this mess. Even if you don't tell, other villagers might."

Xu Dongtang's face hardened, and after a moment of silence, he stared at Fatty Xu. "Chunlei, you've grown wings and have your own ideas now, huh?"

Fatty Xu said nothing but stared back. Xu Dongtang sighed and continued, "It's fine if you want to climb higher, but don't forget you're part of the Xu family!"

Fatty Xu replied, "Grandpa, I don't want much. I just want to share some of the burdens. At the very least, let me into the inner circle of the family. For example, when hosting higher-ups, you didn't even inform me. It's like I'm an outsider. That hurts, you know!"

Initially, Fatty Xu felt nervous bargaining with Xu Dongtang; years of subservience to his elders had drained him of the courage to speak up. But once he started talking, he realized it wasn't as difficult as he had feared. More importantly, he noticed that Xu Dongtang seemed afraid—he was backing down!

This realization boosted Fatty Xu's confidence. These family elders who bowed and scraped before West Hill soldiers—how could he, a Superhuman, be any less?

Seeing Xu Dongtang's hesitant expression, Fatty Xu stepped forward. "Even if you want to keep me hidden, West Hill Base will eventually find out about me. If they think you're hiding things, it won't end well. Let me meet them. It'll show your sincerity."

To gather intelligence on West Hill Base, Fatty Xu knew he had to get close to the soldiers.

Xu Dongtang hesitated for a long time, finally saying, "Once they know what you can do, they might take you back with them! Chunlei, my good grandson, the Xu family needs you!"

Fatty Xu's vanity was greatly satisfied. For Xu Dongtang, the village chief, to speak to him so respectfully was something he never would have imagined in the past.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. I won't leave the Xu family," Fatty Xu reassured him. His beloved Lili was here; he couldn't bear to leave.

Xu Dongtang realized that Fatty Xu's mindset had changed; he was no longer as easy to control. Reluctantly, he said, "Alright, I'll introduce you to the officers. But remember your promise: you can't leave with them."

Fatty Xu readily agreed.

Xu Dongtang grudgingly led Fatty Xu to meet Shen Hong and Yu Lang's group. At that moment, they were resting inside a snow hut. A fire burned in the center, and the soldiers were warming themselves while eating.

When they saw Xu Dongtang enter with a chubby man, the soldiers all turned to look.

Xu Dongtang greeted them with a fawning smile. "Officers, I hope you find the food we prepared to your satisfaction?"

Shen Hong nodded. "Not bad."

Yu Lang chuckled, "Thanks a lot, old man!" He pointed to Fatty Xu. "Who's this?"

From the moment Fatty Xu entered, he remembered his mission to gather intelligence for Zhang Yi, so he discreetly observed everyone present. His peculiar gaze naturally caught Yu Lang's attention.

Xu Dongtang introduced him with a proud smile. "This is my grandson, Xu Chunlei. He's a Superhuman. I wanted to introduce him to you all."

Hearing that Fatty Xu was a Superhuman, the soldiers immediately stopped what they were doing and stared at him in surprise. Superhumans were incredibly rare, as most mutations led to death, with only a few resulting in powerful abilities. Even West Hill Base didn't have many natural Superhumans.

Although all the soldiers present were highly trained, not a single one of them was a natural Superhuman. Both Shen Hong and Yu Lang had become modified Superhumans, but only after paying a heavy price.

When they heard Fatty Xu was a Superhuman, their eyes filled with curiosity, envy, and even jealousy.

Shen Hong immediately stood up and approached Fatty Xu. "You're a Superhuman? What's your ability?"

Hoping to earn the soldiers' trust, Fatty Xu replied, "I can control ice and snow. You see, all these snow huts in Xudong Village were built by me!"

As he spoke, he lightly waved his right hand, causing the snow on the ground to float up and form a snowball in his palm.

Shen Hong and the others widened their eyes, completely convinced. Shen Hong, especially, was so excited that he grabbed Fatty Xu's shoulder and shook it vigorously.

"Good, good, good! Who would've thought such talent would be hiding in this little village!"

Finding a Superhuman was a huge achievement! With this discovery, the failure of their previous mission could be offset. Shen Hong couldn't be happier.

Author's Note