The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1353 825: Xia Kai: Boss, Rookie, Rescue

"Honey, what do you think?"

Niu Ma turned to inquire of Mrs. Niu Ma.

"Since he's Ah Zheng's friend, just let it be. There's no need for a personal apology; invite him over for a meal next time you have the opportunity," Mrs. Niu Ma suggested.

"Feed him what? Would he even comprehend human cuisine?" Niu Ma scoffed at Liu Zheng, handing the phone over to Xia Kai.

"Only three minutes, make it brief. I still intend to take a relaxing bath," came the impatient reply.

"Understood, understood. Thank you, Mr. Niu Ma," Xia Kai said quickly.

"Mr. Niu Ma... that sounds peculiar," Liu Zheng grumbled through the phone.

"Ah, then what should I address you as?" Xia Kai inquired.

"He's my big boss; how do you think you should address him?" Liu Zheng retorted.

"You're the big boss, the boss's boss... a mega boss?" Xia Kai pondered before suggesting.

"Mega Niu Ma... fine, at least it's preferable to Mr. Niu Ma. How did you end up in Metropolis?" Liu Zheng got straight to the matter.

"I was unceremoniously propelled in by the system," Xia Kai responded.

Hell's Game imposes fewer restrictions on secrecy compared to certain Main Gods; this level of disclosure would not trigger any alerts.

"Oh? What sort of trial is this?" Liu Zheng inquired with curiosity.

"Hell Trial, the highest tier I've encountered thus far," Xia Kai stated with a faint, wry smile.

"Tsk, just as I suspected," Liu Zheng smirked.

Indeed, his rookie instance was anything but beginner-friendly.

"What is your mission?" he asked once more.

"The primary objective is to survive for 24 hours. There are no secondary tasks," Xia Kai answered truthfully.

"I see." Liu Zheng tapped his steering wheel, deep in thought.

"Boss, might I humbly request your protection?" Xia Kai, receiving no immediate response, mustered his courage to ask.

"What specific form of protection do you require?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"I had initially sought out your father's friend, Jing Shang, for refuge. He then guided me to the 'Hundred Ghosts' bathhouse for an interview. Things were calm at first, but upon exiting the elevator, they alleged a potential connection and insisted on escorting me to meet some minister."

"That, Boss, is how I inadvertently collided with Mrs. Niu Ma while attempting to flee. If Mr. Niu Ma departs, they will undoubtedly pursue me," Xia Kai explained.

"Which elevator did you utilize?"

"The one marked with the 'Anger Samurai' insignia on its door," Xia Kai replied.

"Did he strike you?"

"He did, but he used the flat side of the blade. Nevertheless, the impact still stings," Xia Kai remarked, tenderly touching the bruise blooming on his chest.

"Then their assertion isn't entirely unfounded; you do possess a link to the individual they are referencing," Liu Zheng commented, a hint of amusement in his tone.

"I had a feeling it was you," Xia Kai admitted. He had, in fact, already suspected as much.

Moments before, Niu Ma's halt had been triggered by the detection of Liu Zheng's aura emanating from him, and that samurai's restraint likely stemmed from the same reason.

"Protection can be arranged, but what can you offer in return?" Liu Zheng stated candidly.

"I can provide you with a piece of equipment of excellent quality," Xia Kai declared through gritted teeth.

This was the most valuable item he possessed, and he would not have parted with it had he not placed his trust in Liu Zheng's capabilities and integrity.

"Very well. Pass the phone to my boss," Liu Zheng agreed immediately, without even inquiring about the item's specific attributes.

His primary interest was not in the offering itself but in observing Xia Kai's willingness to demonstrate his sincerity.

"Thank you, boss! Thank you! Mr. Niu Ma, the boss requests the phone back," Xia Kai expressed his gratitude as he returned the device to Niu Ma.

Although Liu Zheng had only given a verbal confirmation over the phone, Xia Kai felt an immense sense of relief, as if a significant burden had already been lifted.

"You aren't considering having me escort him back to the city, are you? Let me be clear, I am absolutely not going to play the role of a nanny," Niu Ma stated as he accepted the phone.

"Certainly not! How could I possibly disrupt your and your wife's cherished vacation? You merely need to keep an eye on Xia Kai for a short period. I shall dispatch someone to collect him forthwith," Liu Zheng replied playfully.

"That still constitutes acting as a nanny. Ten thousand, not a cent less, or you can simply prepare to claim his remains. Why are you kicking me?" Niu Ma abruptly exclaimed.

In the subsequent second, the voice on the other end of the line shifted to that of Mrs. Niu Ma.

"Don't heed your boss's foolishness. We are all family here, so there's no need for any payment. You don't have to send anyone for him; we shall personally transport him back to the city," Mrs. Niu Ma said warmly.

"My vacation is far from over. Go back if you wish, but I have no intention of returning," Niu Ma obstinately refused.

"Not returning? I see. So, you desire me, a solitary ox, to go back while you luxuriate here? It would be even more convenient if I met my demise along the way, allowing you to acquire a new wife, correct? Is it not that flirtatious Qun Mengmeng? I sensed something amiss during our last dinner; your gaze kept straying towards her bosom."

Initially, Mrs. Niu Ma intended to tease, but unexpectedly found herself persuaded, her face visibly flushing with emotion.

"No, what nonsense are you speaking? Fine, fine, I'll go back with you, alright?"

Niu Ma declared with a sigh of resignation.

His initial intention was to extort some cash from Liu Zheng, yet he had inadvertently ignited a problem for himself. If only he had remained silent!

Upon hearing that the Niu Ma couple intended to escort him to the city, Xia Kai felt a secret surge of joy.

However, he wisely kept his delight concealed, lest he become Niu Ma's target for further frustration.

"Hurry up now, let's get going," Niu Ma urged, rolling his eyes at Xia Kai.

"Yes, yes, coming right away."

Xia Kai hastily pushed himself to stand.

Despite the pervasive pain throughout his body, he could still move, a testament perhaps to the mysterious effects of the wine he was forced to consume earlier.

True to the nature of the Hell Trial, deadly hazards and life-saving resources were found in equal measure.

"Excuse me, this patron is one of our staff members. You cannot simply take him away like this," a voice interjected.