Chapter 286: Chapter 286: Reunion
Most people, to one degree or another, had blood on their hands.
In an environment like this, many people gradually lost themselves, their minds consumed by nothing but slaughter and conflict.
Others managed to hold onto their sanity, but in such an environment, their minds would inevitably become twisted and warped.
They became bloodthirsty and violent!
Even he himself often sought psychological counseling after returning from missions.
On the surface, he didn’t seem to have changed, but he knew his outlook on many things had shifted. His mentality was different now.
He could also feel his own patience wearing thinner and thinner. He found himself growing more irritable, ready to fight someone at the slightest provocation.
There were many people in his situation.
Stella Sterling had been a ruthless character right from the start of the apocalypse. She was more decisive than others, daring to strike a killing blow against those inhuman creatures without hesitation.
She was far more ruthless back then, filled with a heavy killing intent.
’Logically, someone with as much killing intent as Stella Sterling should have only grown more ruthless in an apocalyptic world like this.’
’The more slaughter she experienced, the heavier her killing intent should have become.’
’But she was just the opposite. After being steeped in it for all these years, she actually seemed to have grown serene.’
’It wasn’t just her disposition, but her skin and appearance too. Anyone who didn’t know better would think she was some kind of recluse living in seclusion.’
’Truly astonishing.’
"Why are you staring at me like that? A look like that could easily give someone the wrong idea. Are you harboring some ill intentions toward me?"
As she spoke, her eyes scanned him up and down, her tone laced with a hint of danger. "I know I’m beautiful, so it’s understandable that you men would be captivated by me."
"But I’d still advise you not to get any funny ideas. The last person who did ended up in a very, very miserable state."
After shooting him a warning glance, Stella Sterling looked away.
"I’m telling you, Miss Quinn, don’t think you’re a million bucks, that everyone has to love you!"
Basil Xavier edged away, glaring at Stella Sterling.
’She can’t just spout nonsense like that! If that guy Gordon Ford found out... with how petty he is, who knows what he’d do to me behind my back.’
Hearing this, Stella Sterling replied nonchalantly, "RMB isn’t worth anything these days. I’m definitely more sought-after."
Basil Xavier fell silent at her words, because what Stella Sterling said was the truth.
RMB really was worthless now. You could probably drop it on the ground and no one would bother to pick it up.
In that sense, Stella Sterling really was more popular.
’With Stella Sterling’s status and her looks, who knew how many people were after her?’
At this thought, Basil Xavier couldn’t help but feel a flicker of schadenfreude.
’That guy Gordon Ford still hadn’t managed to win Stella Sterling over.’
’And so many people were secretly in love with Stella these days.’
’Gordon Ford had a lot more rivals now. It would probably be even harder for him to pursue Stella Sterling in the future.’
’He remembered the last time Gordon Ford went to see Stella Sterling. He’d planned on staying with her for a while.’
’But he came back so soon, and what’s more, he’d been drugged and sent away by Stella Sterling herself.’
’Remembering the look on Gordon Ford’s face when he’d told him about it, Basil found it rather amusing.’
’To think Gordon Ford would have a day like this!’
’And he had to admit, he admired Stella Sterling. She was truly ruthless enough to go through with it.’
’He’d heard the two of them used to be on great terms, they were even on the verge of becoming a couple.’
’Even so, Stella Sterling could still harden her heart and send him away just like that.’
The two of them were chatting when Gordon Ford arrived.
From a distance, Gordon Ford saw the two of them chatting happily.
His gaze was distant, his thoughts unreadable.
’They had met again after three years apart, and in the end, she had just sent him away.’
’But here she was, chatting so happily with Basil Xavier. He hadn’t seen her look that happy in a very long time.’
He let out a slow breath and walked over to them. "What are you two talking about?"
Basil Xavier turned to him with a chuckle. "Just talking about old times. What took you so long, man?"
Stella Sterling turned to look as well and saw that Gordon Ford’s eyes were fixed on her.
His expression was very different from the gentle one she was used to, now carrying a hint of mournful resentment.
As if he were accusing her...
Being stared at like that, Stella Sterling felt a twinge of guilt and shifted her gaze away uncomfortably.
’Maybe I went a little too far last time.’
But feeling guilty didn’t suit Stella Sterling, so she quickly composed herself.
She turned back, her gaze landing naturally on Gordon Ford as she looked him up and down.
’I didn’t really pay attention before, but now I realize Gordon Ford’s physique is much better than when I used to know him.’
’I can tell even through his clothes.’
’He looks better than anyone I’ve ever seen.’
Stella Sterling’s stare made Gordon Ford blush. He coughed lightly, a smile in his voice. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
He paused for a moment before continuing, "If you want a better look, we can find a private place sometime. I’ll let you look your fill, for as long as you want. I don’t mind!"
Basil Xavier’s eyes shot wide open. He stared at Gordon Ford in disbelief, wondering if his ears were playing tricks on him.
’Did a line that smooth really just come out of Gordon Ford’s mouth?’
Gordon Ford turned to look at him, his brow furrowed.
’This guy is really getting in the way right now.’
He shot Basil a look, raising an eyebrow.
’Since they’d reunited, Stella Sterling had been much colder toward him. Her attitude was completely different from before.’
’Last time, right after he confessed his feelings, she’d drugged him and had him sent away.’
’Now that he finally had something that caught her attention, how could he not seize the opportunity to show off a little?’
Seeing the look in Gordon Ford’s eyes, Basil Xavier felt a shiver run down his spine. He thought back. ’I didn’t say anything, did I?’
’He had to admit, Gordon Ford was like a completely different person whenever Stella Sterling was around. He couldn’t keep seeing him the same old way.’
He thought for a moment, then spoke up. "Oh, hey, I just remembered I have something to take care of. I’m gonna go find Ethan Young. You two talk. I’ll catch you later."
Without waiting for either of them to respond, he hurried away.
Gordon Ford sat down where Basil Xavier had been and smiled gently. "You’re not going to drug me and send me away again this time, are you?"
Stella Sterling shrugged. "This is Meridia Base. I don’t have the authority to do that here."
"Why are you avoiding me?"
Gordon Ford finally asked, his voice tinged with hurt.
Stella glanced at him out of the corner of her eye before turning away. "Because I don’t know how to answer."
"What about now?"
