Lu Xiao led the patrol team back to the city, passing by without his gaze lingering on Shen Tang for even a moment, as if she was just a stone by the roadside, devoid of any presence.
An Ya lightly bit her red lips, not expecting to run into Lu Xiao today. She was initially feeling guilty and scared. After all, this stupid fat woman was Lu Xiao's partner, and publicly insulting her under broad daylight would somewhat damage a male's dignity.
If Brother Xiao were to take his anger out on her, her plan would be ruined!
Fortunately, Lu Xiao didn't even spare a glance at that stupid fat woman. It seems he truly despises her, and divorce is likely imminent!
The thought of such a handsome and powerful man soon becoming her subordinate made An Ya blush with excitement.
Ha, this ugly fat woman dared to insult her just now, truly stupid and ridiculous!
Feeling proud, An Ya stepped forward and fiercely pushed Shen Tang, not bothering to pretend anymore, her words piercingly harsh, "You unwanted ugly woman, if you know what's good for you, hurry up and get divorced, don't cling to Brother Xiao!"
"Lu Xiao is so excellent, serving a fat ugly woman like you as a female, it's so embarrassing outside!"
"How can such an ugly woman be worthy of Captain Lu Xiao? Truly like a toad wanting to eat swan meat!"
"Stop clinging to him, hurry up and get lost!"
The surrounding passersby also began to jeer and mock.
Those vicious words pierced into Shen Tang like knives, causing her hands to tremble with anger.
She knew she wasn't beautiful, perhaps even ugly, but never envisioned being humiliated so publicly, her eyes turning red instantly.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiao had already walked far, but suddenly heard a burst of laughter behind him mixed with ear-piercing ridicule.
He furrowed his brows, paused his steps, and looked back to see a crowd pointing and criticizing a female, their harsh words making him distinctly uncomfortable.
Lu Xiao wasn't one to meddle in others' affairs, he lifted his foot to leave, but suddenly froze upon hearing the name "Shen Tang," his heart shuddering.
He then focused his gaze on that obese female, scrutinizing her repeatedly.
His gray eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
Honestly, Lu Xiao had almost forgotten what his nominal partner looked like.
He vaguely remembered Shen Tang as dark, fat, covered in pimples, incredibly sloppy, reeking of an unpleasant odor, making people avoid her. He hadn't returned home in a long time.
But the woman before him, though still fat and bulky, was noticeably cleaner and tidier, at least not repulsive.
Lu Xiao felt puzzled, it's uncanny, she actually knows how to tidy up?
Whether it was his illusion or not, it seemed the woman's pimples had reduced some, her skin turned a bit fairer, not as nauseating.
He unconsciously stepped towards her.
"Why are you all blocking the path, the shelter regulation Chapter Three, Article Five states illegal road occupants are fined five hundred Star Coins, severe violators can be directly detained, if you don't clear out, you'll all be thrown into cells!"
As the captain of the patrol team, Lu Xiao held a significant position in the city, authorized to arrest ordinary Beastmen.
His icy reprimand made the onlookers flee like mice seeing a cat.
An Ya, seeing Lu Xiao approaching, felt a burst of joy, thinking he was coming for her, she hurriedly squeaked out sweetly, "Brother Xiao..."
However, Lu Xiao didn't even glance at her, walking directly towards Shen Tang, leaving a dumbstruck An Ya awkwardly in place.
Seeing Lu Xiao approach her, Shen Tang's heart tightened, fingers clenching the edge of her clothes, lowering her head in confusion.
Lu Xiao halted in front of her, his towering figure casting her in shadow.
He looked down at Shen Tang, noticing her slightly red eyes, paused.
"Why did you come out?"
The man's voice was deep and sensuous, like a rough hand grazing an earlobe, sparking a shiver.
Shen Tang timidly raised her head, recalling Lu Xiao's military background, his profound gaze felt oppressively scrutinizing, making her legs almost go weak.
Considering the owner's past reckless behavior, Shen Tang bit her lip and hurriedly explained, "I... I'm not here to gamble, just wanted to buy some meat, there's no food at home..."
Her voice diminished to almost inaudibility.
Hearing this, Lu Xiao's brows furrowed tighter.
He turned his head to look at the meat-selling stall and found that the fresh meat had already been picked out by the nobles, leaving only some scraps.
The other beastmen in the patrol team were also surprised. Although this ugly fat woman was indeed unlikable, she was still a precious female, and it was a bit pitiful that she was starving with nothing to eat. Didn't she have a male at home to take care of her?
A tall and skinny male beastman mocked, "How could the captain not give food to a female? If she didn't get anything to eat, how could she be this fat? From a distance, you'd think she was a black pig beast running out from the contamination zone."
"Exactly, she's so fat that even the captain can't afford to feed her. She eats even more than a pig!"
"Hahahaha..."
Instantly, this comment elicited laughter from the people nearby.
Shen Tang's toes were already curling in embarrassment, her face burning red as if bleeding. Although... they weren't wrong. The original owner had a huge appetite; that five or six-pound piece of meat was enough for her for several days, but the original owner would finish it in one sitting and still not have enough.
Lu Xiao coldly swept his gaze over the crowd and sternly reprimanded, "Shut up! If anyone dares say another word, they'll be sent back to receive punishment!"
The captain actually got angry!
The team members immediately fell silent, not daring to speak any further.
Lu Xiao withdrew his gaze and instructed, "Give her the purified beast meat from today's hunt." He looked at Shen Tang, whose body was so fat she panted after taking just a few steps, paused, then corrected, "Deliver it directly to her house."
The team members exchanged glances, utterly astonished, but did not dare to ask questions, quickly following the order.
Shen Tang watched as they truly brought over a large chunk of fresh beast meat, a hint of gratitude flashing in her eyes. She quickly said sweetly to Lu Xiao, "Thank you... Once I make meat soup, I'll bring you a portion."
Lu Xiao's expression was bizarre; he hadn't expected Shen Tang to thank him, much less offer to bring him meat soup.
When did this woman become so sensible?
But then he recalled the rumor he had heard that morning—Shen Tang had drugged Xiao Jin last night.
Lu Xiao's face turned cold, his tone indifferent, "No need, I still have a patrol task. I'll be off now."
With that, he led the team away with big strides, his back as stern and unapproachable as an iceberg.
Shen Tang didn't miss the change in his expression, muttering in her heart, did she say something wrong?
The taste of warm faces meeting cold backsides was truly unpleasant.
Men's hearts are like needles at the bottom of the sea.
Unable to find a way to approach, trying to offer a little courtesy didn't work either, so how should she strategize?
An Ya, who had watched the whole ordeal, looked deeply upset, clenching her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, almost drawing blood.
Wasn't it said that Shen Tang had a bad relationship with the beast husbands?
Why was this ugly and lazy woman receiving Lu Xiao's attention?!
In the apocalypse, food was the most precious resource; that large chunk of purified beast meat was worth ten thousand Star Coins!
An Ya felt indignant but understood Lu Xiao's reasoning. A dignified patrol captain letting his female starve would be a humiliation to male pride if word got out, an invitation for slander by those with ill intentions.
Even if Brother Xiao loathed that ugly fat woman, he wouldn't let himself become the subject of others' gossip.
Simultaneously, An Ya's heart brimmed with envy; why did this ugly, lazy female deserve such an excellent beast husband? Lu Xiao could only be hers!
"Hmph, it's just Brother Xiao taking pity on you, giving you charity!" An Ya mocked coldly.
Shen Tang looked at her desperation, finding it laughable, she coldly curled her lips, "He hasn't even given charity to you, so what are you so proud of?"
"You bitch, what did you say? Dare to say it again!" An Ya was so furious her eyes spit fire, wishing she could tear Shen Tang apart. How dare this ugly thing mock her?!
But An Ya didn't dare to strike again, only leaving behind a line, "You'll see!" before angrily leaving with her entourage.
Shen Tang stood on the spot for a long time, looking at the back of Lu Xiao, now long gone, her heart a mixture of feelings.
She knew Lu Xiao's attitude towards her was still cold, but at least he helped her today; at least the situation hadn't reached a point of no return!
She lowered her head to look at the beast meat in her hand, her eyes flashing with determination. No matter what, she would strive to change herself so that no one would look down on her again!
The system's announcement echoed in her mind:
[Ding! Congratulations Host, the male lead Lu Xiao's affinity +20, now: Displeasure 60!]