Chapter 460 - 471: Won Over by a Meal
Chapter 460: Chapter 471: Won Over by a Meal
Before, he could still claim he was only feigning submission, that he hadn’t truly betrayed Sanctyr Base in his heart.
But now things were different. He had somehow, without even realizing when, divulged so many of the base’s secrets.
If the people at the base found out, he’d face dire consequences. Even if none of it was voluntary, the base wouldn’t listen to his explanations. They would only believe he had truly betrayed them and would treat him like a traitor.
Even if this Miss Sterling allowed him to return to the base now, he no longer wanted to go back.
Because if he went back like this, he probably wouldn’t meet a good end.
At this thought, his gaze on the Miss Sterling before him suddenly became incredibly resolute. He said with a cheerful laugh, "From the moment I started following you, Miss Sterling, I never thought of turning back. Since I’ve already changed masters, I can only wholeheartedly follow my new one from now on."
It was still a statement full of flattery, but compared to before, his gaze and tone were much more sincere this time.
As the saying goes, a wise man knows when to be flexible. What’s the difference who I follow?
He had joined Sanctyr Base back then just to find a way to survive. Over the years, he hadn’t developed much affection for Sanctyr Base, nor any major grudges. He had just been living an ordinary, unremarkable life.
They gave him a place to stay, but he had also done a great deal for the base.
Reaching this point meant his fate with Sanctyr Base had run its course. It was best to just let things be.
He never would have imagined it before today. He had just flown a transport mission for someone, and he’d been singled out and forcibly made to acknowledge a new master.
"Very good. Have something to eat."
Stella Sterling nodded and had him stand up. On the table beside her, several plates had already been laid out.
On them were things like fried chicken and fire chicken noodles.
’What happened today was indeed a bit unfair to this man. He’s the first person I’ve forced to follow me.’
’I know. He’s definitely resentful.’
’But that’s fine. I enjoy making people submit willingly. It doesn’t matter if he’s not following me of his own free will right now; I’ll make him want to.’
’And in this apocalypse, the most important thing to a person is food.’
’And as it happens, I have no shortage of food and drink.’
Hearing the words "eat something," Zane Xavier’s face fell again.
’If this ’accident’ hadn’t happened, I should have been back at Sanctyr Base by now. They’d be serving meals at the base right this moment.’
’At Sanctyr Base, we could actually eat steamed buns.’
’White flour steamed buns... Fragrant and soft... Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. People on the outside basically can’t get them anymore.’
’But at Sanctyr Base, I could eat them. I could even get half a bun, paired with a small bowl of congee. I was already very content with that kind of life.’
’But I’m afraid those days are over for me now.’
’After all, no matter how capable this Miss Sterling is, she can’t compare to Sanctyr Base.’
’Besides, who knows what ruins we’re hiding in right now. The best I can hope for is probably some dry rations.’
’And I bet there’s very little of it.’
’I’m not even sure when my next meal will be after this one!’
After lamenting his future fate in his heart for a moment, Zane Xavier quickly pushed aside these thoughts.
’Things have already come to this; I can only accept my fate. I’ll have to get used to living a hard life from now on.’
But when he stood up, he suddenly let out a shriek and lunged forward.
Stella Sterling was slightly startled by his action and took a step back.
Zane Xavier stood before the table, staring intently at the items on it, his eyes darting back and forth.
It was as if he was trying to determine whether these things were real or fake.
But the tempting aroma wafting over was a reminder that they were absolutely real and couldn’t possibly be fake.
He gulped hard several times, then turned to look at Stella Sterling. "Miss Sterling, are you sure we’re eating this right now?"
’I’m not seeing things, am I? That’s fried chicken, something I haven’t seen a trace of in years. And besides that, there’s a plate of tantalizingly vibrant fire chicken noodles.’
’Even in this sweltering heat, the sight of these two dishes made my appetite surge and my mouth water uncontrollably.’
He was uncertain, even suspecting for a moment that he was hallucinating.
"Of course. Anyone who follows me won’t have to worry about food and drink from now on."
Stella Sterling crossed her legs, beginning to tempt him with the food.
Hearing Stella Sterling’s words, Zane Xavier’s eyes went wide, his breathing quickening.
’Even at Sanctyr Base, I never ate this well, nor this much.’
’I never thought I’d get this kind of treatment following this new master!’
His eyes instantly began to shine.
The bit of depression, dissatisfaction, and guilt in his heart all vanished in that instant.
His gaze toward Stella Sterling was now filled with adoration.
’Guilt? Regret? To hell with all that! Miss Sterling has so much good food! Why didn’t I meet Miss Sterling sooner?’
’I should have met such a wise and powerful leader ages ago! My good days would have started so much earlier!’
’Thank you, Boss Saint, for making me escort Miss Sterling and giving me such a great opportunity!’
Although he hadn’t said anything, in that instant, Stella Sterling suddenly felt a surge of power flow into her body.
And this surge was the power of faith, coming from the very man in front of her.
The corner of her mouth twitched.
’I thought it would take some time to completely win him over.’
’I never expected a single meal would be enough to do it.’
’If I had known, I would have brought it out sooner.’
He had said many pleasant things before, but she hadn’t really believed him. Now, however, she could feel that his words were sincere.
She leaned back, the smile on her lips deepening. ’I can’t believe this actually worked.’
’I can make him work for me and also harvest the power of faith from him to make myself stronger. It’s killing two birds with one stone!’
’If this works, then in the future, maybe I can...’
At this thought, Stella Sterling smiled with delight.
"Go on, eat. As long as you’re loyal to me and follow me well, I won’t treat you poorly."
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Zane Xavier nodded repeatedly. With benefits like this for following her, he would be more loyal than anyone. He would never betray her.