I am the Zombie King of the Apocalyptic World
Chapter 1207 - 1202 Be Too Clever by Half

Chapter 1207: Chapter 1202 Be Too Clever by Half

The scene was silent, Ruan Chao’en did not speak, and the eight people outside the cell bars were all still bowing, none daring to straighten up.

Almost half a minute had passed when the man who had been leading the group checked his watch and cautiously said, "General Ruan, the time has come, you can come out now."

"Is it time yet? Where’s the meal?" Ruan Chao’en glanced at the clock on the left wall. Its glass was covered in cracks and the minute and second hands pitifully ticked away.

"Right here, right here."

Yun Bo hurried over, crouching to place dishes from the serving tray through the delivery slot.

Ruan Chao’en glanced at it. Today’s meal was decent, with meat and vegetables, but he did not start eating immediately; instead he addressed the previous group, "Razor."

The men hesitated, knowing full well that General Ruan was probably deliberately making it difficult for them, but none dared to protest. They quickly told someone behind them, "The General wants a razor, go get one for me!"

"Yes!"

The person in the back responded and rushed back hurriedly.

Soon, the man returned, holding an unopened box of razors and respectfully handed it to Ruan Chao’en at the front of the cell.

Ruan Chao’en took it without any courtesy, tore open the razor packaging, and began shaving the beard that had grown long, his movements slow. Over ten minutes passed, and Ruan Chao’en looked refreshed, not at all like a prisoner who had been confined here for six months.

Having finished, Ruan Chao’en leisurely began to eat the meal that had been brought, although the food was cold, he seemed to relish it.

Everyone waited there for over half an hour, until finally Ruan Chao’en put down his utensils, stood up, grasped the iron bars in front of the cell, and casually exerted some force—four or five iron bars were instantly twisted and broken!

Through the torn opening of the cell, Ruan Chao’en swaggered out. The people in front saw the now pitiful state of the cell and dared not say anything; after all, this was a general, imprisoned for six months, and understandably harbored some resentment. At this moment, the fact that he was not murdering anyone was already merciful. Besides, he hadn’t resorted to lashing out at them but took his anger out on inanimate objects instead.

"Quick, quick, clean up the inside, and you all go open that gate over there, let General Ruan out.",

The man who had been at the front of the crowd shouted at his subordinates, then turned to Ruan Chao’en with a sycophantic smile.

However, Ruan Chao’en paid him no heed, looking straight ahead with his head held high and chest out, circling past several corners. He didn’t wait for the people behind to open the door; Ruan Chao’en snorted coldly, quickened his pace and strode forward.

Those following beside him were startled by his sudden move and before they could react, Ruan Chao’en kicked the door open. The lock on the door shattered with a ’click’ into several pieces.

"No need to send me off."

Without a pause, Ruan Chao’en walked out just like before, while those behind stayed at the exit. The leader wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, thinking to himself, "F*ck, such big shots are really tough to deal with."

Then, looking at Ruan Chao’en’s retreating back, he helplessly shook his head.

Who asked him to be a general?

As he exited the prison area, just crossing the boundary line between the prison region and the Central United District, Ruan Chao’en saw from afar, outside the checkpoint, a large group of soldiers—all belonging to the Eighth Army Corps.

The soldiers’ eyes gleamed with anticipation and delight, and a small commotion erupted among them the moment they saw Ruan Chao’en, clearly thrilled by his presence.

Ruan Chao’en smiled and gazed at them, an inner warmth flooding his heart. These were the people under his protection, their concern constantly reminding him that he was not alone in this world.

He walked to the front of the crowd, and the soldiers before him shouted in unison, "General!"

"Welcome back."

"Brothers, I’m back."

"General, the brothers have pooled their money to buy some fine goods, just waiting for your return."

"Really? Excellent!"

Ruan Chao’en’s smile was genuine, but soon, he noticed something was off, his smile slightly retracting as he asked in confusion, "Why are there so many of you here? There’s no need for such a grand welcome."

With his words, the air seemed to freeze, and the soldiers’ smiles grew strained.

Ruan Chao’en surveyed the crowd, feeling an unsettling sensation. These people seemed to be suppressing something, not telling him everything. Could it be that something had happened to the Eighth Army Corps in the half-year he was away?

With just a glance, Ruan Chao’en saw a face that was neither unfamiliar nor particularly familiar, but definitely memorable.

After all, a significant reason he had ended up in prison was because of this fellow.

"That, someone with the surname Xiao, come here."

Ruan Chao’en gestured, and the person he addressed was Xiao Hu.

Seeing Ruan Chao’en pointing at him, Xiao Hu’s heart skipped a beat, but he dared not resist and quickly walked over, his smile forced. He might have been genuinely happy before, but now, he realized Ruan Chao’en was suspecting something.

"General..."

"What has happened to the Eighth Army Corps while I was away?" Ruan Chao’en asked, his expression stern, commanding respect.

As he posed this question, Xiao Hu’s already reluctant smile faded further, and he struggled to speak, while the other soldiers looked on nervously.

Among these soldiers from the Eighth Army Corps, many were close friends with Ruan Chao’en. Rather than a superior-subordinate relationship, they saw each other as brothers during normal times.

Understanding Ruan Chao’en like a brother, they knew his character well—a grassroots figure who had suddenly risen to power, akin to a nouveau riche. Although powerful, his demeanor hadn’t caught up, and he retained a strong commoner’s air. To such a person, face was incredibly important—it was their honor, not to be trampled by anyone, unless by those far more powerful.

But when their strengths were comparable, any matter involving face could drive him to irrationality!

That’s why they tried their best to cover things up, but in attempting to be clever, they made things worse. After all, Ruan Chao’en was a general, and surviving till now was no small feat.