The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1390 1390: Battle at Wild House

"Brother Leopard, your attention to detail is truly remarkable," Liu Zheng commented, offering a nod of approval.

While middle-income individuals might have their quirks, their collective moral compass generally points higher, contributing to the stability of a spindle-shaped societal framework.

Of course, a truly perfect spindle structure is elusive in reality; a nation where the middle class eclipses the lower class likely either excludes the impoverished from being counted or relies on other nations to shoulder the burden.

"Alright, enough flattery for Brother Leopard. Let's move it. If my captain catches sight of you, we'll be in trouble. He's a Honey Badger – extremely short-tempered," Hua Liebao urged, waving a paw dismissively.

The Honey Badger, colloquially known as "Pingtou Ge" ("Bald Head Brother"), reigns as the uncrowned king of Africa, a creature even the formidable lion and the surprisingly aggressive bull elephant in musth tend to avoid.

Naturally, this is merely a dramatic flourish.

In the grand scheme of things, sheer mass carries its own authority, and brute strength has its limits.

However, the Honey Badger's notorious temper is well-documented, with numerous accounts of it initiating confrontations with animals significantly larger than itself.

Furthermore, within its own weight class, the Honey Badger boasts an exceptional combat capability, often ranking at the very top.

"Lollygagging and chatting? Are you itching for a scolding again, kid?" a gruff voice boomed from behind.

Liu Zheng turned towards the sound and, indeed, spotted a Honey Badger in a security uniform approaching them.

This particular Honey Badger was larger than Hua Liebao, its face and visible limbs crisscrossed with scars, clearly marking it as a seasoned brawler.

"Captain, I wasn't just chatting; I was advising this delivery fellow on his way out," Hua Liebao stammered, his body stiffening as he hastily offered an explanation.

"You've already lit your cigarette and you're claiming you're sending him off? Just don't invite him back to your place later," the Honey Badger retorted sarcastically.

"Heh," Hua Liebao managed, rubbing the back of his neck with an awkward chuckle.

"Get lost." The Honey Badger sauntered over, delivered a swift kick to Hua Liebao's backside, and then turned its attention to Liu Zheng.

"From Bloody Restaurant?" it inquired, scrutinizing Liu Zheng.

"Yes. Hello, Captain, would you like a cigarette?" Liu Zheng extended an offer from his internal pack.

"I don't smoke. Quit already." The Honey Badger declined, shaking its head.

"Impressive!" Liu Zheng looked up, a flicker of genuine admiration in his eyes.

To have kicked the habit of smoking – truly the mark of a ferocious badger.

"What's your name?" the Honey Badger pressed.

"Liu Zheng. Have you heard of me, Captain?" Liu Zheng responded.

The Honey Badger offered no immediate reply, its gaze fixed intently on Liu Zheng.

"Whether I've heard of you or not, we'll find out soon enough in a fight!" it suddenly declared, lunging forward with a slap aimed at Liu Zheng's face.

However, Liu Zheng had anticipated the move, sidestepping gracefully before launching a hooking sidekick towards the Honey Badger's lower leg.

Even bipedal animals struggle with balance, making low strikes a highly effective tactic.

Previously, Liu Zheng seldom employed leg techniques due to his subpar physical condition, relying primarily on weaponry for offense; now, with his improved physicality, a plethora of previously inaccessible skills were at his disposal.

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"Wild House..." Liu Zheng pondered the name of the residential compound.

Based on his past experiences, a place with an unassuming name might not be so peculiar, but a name that stands out like "Wild House" practically guaranteed an unusual establishment.

To err on the side of caution, he decided against proceeding to the cemetery with the soup delivery, opting instead to drive directly to Wild House.

"Huh?" While navigating, Liu Zheng sensed a strange familiarity with the route.

Consulting his map once more, he discovered it was the exact same path he had taken to Green District previously.

"Green District and Wild House... Could Wild House be a community populated by predatory animals?" Liu Zheng speculated aloud.

If this were the case, wouldn't the proximity of these two districts inevitably lead to conflict?

Grappling with these questions, he reached the entrance of Wild House.

"Alright, no need to guess. This is definitely it," he affirmed.

The sight of the two statues flanking the entrance cemented his earlier hunch.

They depicted two powerful beasts locked in an embrace: one a majestic golden lion, the other a formidable white tiger.

The sculptor's skill was undeniable; the statues were not only lifelike but seemed to possess a dynamic quality, as if the lion's mane and the tiger's striped fur were subtly in motion.

Yet, their embrace wasn't one of combat but rather resembled a graceful dance.

The security personnel stationed at the pavilion were equally distinctive – a leopard.

This particular leopard bore tear-like markings near its eyes and had peculiar, hollow-patterned spots, making its exact species, whether cheetah or leopard, or even a hybrid, difficult to ascertain.

"Halt. What are you doing here?" As expected, he was stopped precisely before reaching the gate.

"Delivering food."

Liu Zheng gestured towards his uniform.

"Food delivery is not permitted inside. Consider yourself fortunate; I'm saving my appetite for a buffet this evening, so make haste and depart before I expend my stomach on you."

Hua Liebao flicked his paw dismissively, as if swatting a fly.

"Which buffet?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"Meat Do Do BBQ and Hotpot Buffet. What, you fancy dining there as well?" Hua Liebao countered.

"It's a consideration," he mused, nodding.

After all, the provided sustenance was rather unappealing, and frequent visits to the Jidao Public Bath for meals had become rather awkward.

"Then by all means, go. It truly doesn't have much to offer by way of limitations. The meat is freshly procured from outside farms daily, guaranteeing absolute freshness. Furthermore, it operates without time restrictions, unlike other establishments that, quite disgustingly, impose two to three-hour limits."

"However, be warned that dining there does carry a penalty if you fail to finish your meal. You'll be compelled to pay with your own flesh, quite literally slicing off as much as you left uneaten. So, if you decide to go, take only what you can consume. Don't merely chase value for money and end up losing your life instead," Hua Liebao advised.

"My thanks for the reminder, Brother Leopard. How about we venture there together? My treat." Liu Zheng seized the opportune moment to foster camaraderie.

"Attempting to bribe me, are we? It's no use. I'm a community owner myself; if I allow you in, I won't be able to maintain my standing within the community later, so forget it." Hua Liebao saw through his intentions.

"Does being a community owner entail responsibility for security in turn?" Liu Zheng asked, a hint of surprise in his voice.

"How could such a thing be possible?" Hua Liebao looked at him as if he were an imbecile.

"This residence was bequeathed to me by my parents. I couldn't secure employment elsewhere, so I became a security guard," Hua Liebao elaborated.

"I see. However, Brother Leopard, it seems unlikely you'd be unable to find work, doesn't it?" Liu Zheng remarked.

Judging by Hua Liebao's nonchalant demeanor, he appeared perfectly normal. Moreover, his parents leaving him a house suggested a family background of some standing, likely well-educated.

"Primarily, I'm simply too indolent to search. I possess a home and an inheritance; why should I endure the hardships of labor elsewhere? Furthermore, as an owner myself, the management is unlikely to dare oppress me excessively. They can't really get one over on me," Hua Liebao stated.

"That is indeed true. I am truly envious of you, Brother Leopard," Liu Zheng said with genuine sincerity.

"I am also quite envious of myself. Alright, now hurry along and depart. My mood is presently quite agreeable; should I become irritable later, you might find it difficult to leave," Hua Liebao advised.

Feline creatures are predisposed to a naturally volatile temperament, and leopards, in particular, occupy the higher end of this spectrum.

Even though Hua Liebao possessed only a quarter leopardine bloodline, it might still manifest in occasional irritability, one reason for his reluctance to seek employment externally.

After all, outsiders would likely not possess the same understanding as these familiar faces within the community, potentially leading to a fatal outcome without any remuneration.

Naturally, there was no necessity to divulge these personal details to Liu Zheng, whom he had only just encountered.

"Brother Leopard, do you partake in smoking?" Liu Zheng inquired.

"Indeed, I learned to smoke before I could walk; I recognized tobacco brands before I could decipher all the letters of the alphabet," Hua Liebao boasted.

"Then, have one."

He produced a pack of cigarettes gifted by Wang Manni, offered one to Hua Liebao, and took one for himself.

While offering cigarettes to acquaintances presented no issue, extending the same courtesy to unfamiliar individuals necessitated his participation as well; otherwise, they might feel awkward accepting.

"Lord of Hell. Whoa, brother, you're quite affluent." Hua Liebao wasn't exaggerating; he genuinely recognized the brand emblazoned on the cigarette pack.

Of course, he had only ever seen them before, never having had the chance to smoke one.

A single cigarette from this brand would cost fifty to sixty yuan, equivalent to a day's lost wages from his job.

"These were also given to me. Brother Leopard, if these do not meet your preference, I possess others," Liu Zheng said, retrieving another pack.

"Environmental Department's internal supply. This cigarette is superb, possessing a fresh taste without inducing dizziness and even leaving a subtle sweet aftertaste. One could smoke a pack daily without experiencing any discomfort." Hua Liebao's eyes gleamed.

For a seasoned smoker like himself, quality superseded price; a superior smoke was simply a superior cigarette.

"Here, accept this and enjoy." Liu Zheng handed over the entire pack.