In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, the colors faded as the outdoor temperature dropped to below minus ten degrees. Compared to the several degrees above zero during the daylight hours, there was a full twenty-degree difference.
However, thanks to the comprehensive heating system, the indoor temperature was quite warm, creating a cozy atmosphere that made one feel drowsy and unwilling to move.
Inside a large bathhouse, similar to most in Nuuk, the air was thick with steam due to the water vapor. Although it wasn't a hot spring, the stark contrast in temperature outside made it difficult for the guests inside to resist soaking until they felt dizzy and reluctant to get up.
Yang Xiaoyou lazily submerged half of her head in the water, blowing bubbles and feeling completely relaxed, lost in a state of bliss.
“Sir, you really shouldn’t soak for too long. Otherwise, you’ll feel dizzy when you get up. For those with weaker constitutions, it could even have lasting effects; it’s not good for your health,” said the male tour guide, sensing it was about time to wrap things up. He stood up and addressed Yang Xiaoyou.
Li Zheng's male companion had already followed the guide's lead and stood up as well. After rising, he seemed a bit unsteady on his feet, clearly feeling lightheaded.
“Just let me die here,” Yang Xiaoyou replied weakly, seemingly enjoying her relaxation and ignoring the guide's warning.
This caused Li Zheng, who had also been preparing to get up, to sit back down. Well, compared to that foolish and crude mountain man, he might be at a slight disadvantage physically. But compared to that fellow who looked like he could topple over with a gust of wind, he had no reason to think he couldn’t hold out.
Since he could manage it, there was no doubt that he could too.
Li Zheng also had no desire to rise from his spot and soon found a strong excuse for self-deception.
The male tour guide, clearly accustomed to this phenomenon from past experiences, shook his head after several unsuccessful attempts at persuasion. This sort of thing happened multiple times every quarter; he had grown used to it. They would only understand after experiencing some discomfort themselves.
Fortunately, while prolonged soaking did have side effects, as long as there were no underlying cardiovascular issues, serious dangers were relatively rare. He then took Li Zheng's companion along with him and reiterated that anyone feeling unwell should come out immediately.
Yang Xiaoyou and Zhang Liang clearly treated this advice as background noise. They both understood their own limits well enough; they knew when they could handle it and when they couldn’t.
On the other side, Li Zheng was determined to wait until that frail fellow left before making his own exit. The three of them held on like this for a while.
A cargo ship, having set sail from Canada and passing through Baffin Bay, housed a dimly lit room illuminated only by a single yellow waterproof lamp.
"Hmph! The honor of the organization cannot be tarnished. We must make Hive Security Company pay the price they deserve!" A figure clad in a black combat suit, wearing a traditional Black Hood and multifunctional goggles, waved his fist and spoke in a stern tone.
"Indeed! Although going head-to-head with a company of their nature is costly and risky, they wouldn't dare to provoke us lightly! As long as we act decisively and leave them dumbfounded, it shouldn't be difficult!" Another similarly dressed figure echoed.
"Hive Security Company has a reputation for top-tier combat strength worldwide. Since our target is an important figure, it's clear they won't be unprotected as the intel suggested. What we need to do is strike with the force of Crushing Eggs Under Mount Tai, wiping them out instantly without leaving any survivors! We must leave no trace! This is precisely why the Dark Organization has dispatched all of us. Hmph! It's been so long since we've acted; it seems they've forgotten our true terror!" After a cruel laugh, the first man chambered his weapon.
Then, from the shadows hidden by the orange light in the room came a synchronized sound. Twelve figures, equipped and silent like cold statues, stood quietly in the shadows, exuding an air of chilling menace.
Seeing the elite before him, the leader's eyes flashed with fervor. All of the Dark Organization's elite forces had been mobilized; they were an absolutely terrifying presence! Anyone who stood in their way would be ruthlessly eliminated!
"Seriously? Is it really necessary to hold on this long?" Zhang Liang opened his eyes and looked at Yang Xiaoyou still soaking in the bathhouse, feeling conflicted.
Initially, he had planned to wait until Yang Xiaoyou left before making his own exit to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
But as time passed, that seemingly fragile fellow was still blissfully lounging in the water, blowing bubbles.
Beside him, Li Zheng was nearly sticking out his tongue, clearly indicating that staying in there too long could be uncomfortable.
If it weren't for that awareness of needing to leave first or accidentally running into each other while exiting, it wouldn't have been such a big deal. However, after making his decision, seeing the current situation made him feel he had to wait until the other person left.
He decided to treat it as a challenge to push his limits; crossing glaciers was a test, and soaking to the limit was just as much of one!
He then stopped paying attention to the outside and began to close his eyes and rest.
When he opened his eyes again, he found that the unconscious Li Zheng had already been urgently carried out by someone. However, the other fellow, who was clearly not very strong, still seemed to be enjoying himself, splashing water around as the number of people in the bath decreased, having a great time.
"Hmph! I refuse to believe it. While I may not win against the forces of nature, how can I not win against you?!" A determined glint flashed in his eyes as he submerged himself again. Even though he felt a bit dizzy and oxygen-deprived after such a long time, he was surprised that the other person could endure for so long.
When Zhang Liang regained consciousness and opened his eyes again, he realized he was lying on a bed in the Lodging, feeling a soft and numb sensation all over his body.
"You’re awake! Tsk tsk, truly impressive. You fainted but managed to maintain your original posture without anyone noticing. It was only when the tour guide finished dealing with Li Zheng and came over to nudge you that they discovered it," said Yang Xiaoyou cheerfully from another bed where he was playing on his PSP.
Yang Xiaoyou admired this fellow who worked so hard, constantly challenging his limits to surpass them more easily. Ordinary people did not possess his unique physique.
The tour guide had taken Li Zheng to the hospital and was terrified when he found out that the two of them hadn’t come out yet. He rushed back in only to discover Zhang Liang, who was still dazed from fainting.
Having led so many trips, he had never encountered such a situation before.
Fortunately, Zhang Liang was sturdy and did not need to go to the hospital like Li Zheng; after lying on the bed for a while, he woke up on his own.
However, when Yang Xiaoyou saw Zhang Liang awake and immediately began checking his lower body, he couldn’t help but twitch at the corners of his mouth. What on earth was this guy thinking?
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