Zero was the strongest of the Terminator models, combining the solid lethality of advanced mechanical alloys with the adaptability of liquid metal.
Its most terrifying feature was its ability to morph into any high-tech weapon, making its destructive power overwhelming.
With Zero's protection, Leo was confident that ordinary Level 3 Mutants wouldn't stand a chance against her—unless they were some kind of special case.
Besides, who would wander into an abandoned company for no reason? Well… petty thieves existed everywhere.
By the time Leo walked out of the base, it was already noon, and his stomach growled in protest.
His body required huge energy intake now. He still couldn't absorb external energy sources to sustain himself, so food was the only option.
He drove straight to Chinatown, planning to find some proper delicacies—not just to fill his stomach, but to indulge a craving.
In Leo's opinion, the variety of Dragon Country cuisine far surpassed anything else in the world. If he wanted real food, this was the place to go.
"Sigh… this damn homesickness," Leo muttered softly.
Looking at the familiar faces of his compatriots on the street, he felt his mood lift, a warm sense of belonging stirring inside him.
No matter how far across the universe he roamed, his bloodline whispered one thing to him: You are a descendant of Yan Huang.
He had thought about returning many times, but what would he return to see?
He had no one. He had always been alone, an orphan. Now, he wasn't just a stranger in a foreign land—he was a wanderer in the universe.
More importantly, he carried danger with him. Trouble followed him like a shadow.
Why bring that to his homeland? It was better to stay here and let the storm follow him instead.
In that bittersweet mood, Leo eventually spotted a restaurant specializing in Shandong cuisine. Without hesitation, he walked in.
He chose it for a simple reason—Shandong food came in generous portions, heavy on meat and fish. Perfect for someone with a bottomless appetite.
"Oh! A compatriot! Little brother, you're a new face. I know everyone who comes here often," the boss greeted warmly.
His accent was rough, his voice hearty, and his smile genuine. Leo instantly felt at ease.
"Yes, it's my first time here. Honestly… it feels like coming home. The decor and layout are so familiar," Leo said with a soft smile, taking in the traditional Chinese interior.
"Hehe, that's good! Since it's your first time, order whatever you like. I'll give you half off today," the boss said, patting his chest confidently. "We're all from the same place after all!"
"Then I won't be polite," Leo laughed. "But fair warning—I eat a lot."
"Haha, don't worry. Our portions are big!" The boss handed him the menu proudly.
Leo quickly ticked off a mountain of dishes. The boss blinked at the list. "Little brother… this much? This is enough for ten people. If you can't finish, it's a waste."
"Relax," Leo said with a grin. "I can finish it. I'm a big eater."
"Alright. Customer's king."
Since it wasn't rush hour yet, the kitchen worked fast. Within thirty minutes, massive bowls of Shandong cuisine started arriving nonstop.
Leo ate as the dishes came out—steady, relentless, like a machine.
The boss and staff were left wide-eyed.
My god… he really can eat.
Soon, more customers came in. By now, Chinese food's reputation had spread across the globe.
Foreigners might resist at first, but once they tasted it… the legendary "true fragrance" law of Wang Jingze would crush their pride.
White, Black, gray—everyone eventually succumbed to the flavors.
Just then, a commotion drew Leo's attention.
"I don't want to eat this!" a little boy yelled in English. "I want a hamburger!"
His exasperated mother tried to coax him. "Honey, we've already ordered. Just try some."
But the boy threw his chopsticks down dramatically. "It's too greasy!"
Helpless, the mother sighed, paid the bill, and left with him.
Leo shook his head with a bitter smile. "They don't know how lucky they are… When I was your age, I had to fight wild dogs for food."
After finishing, Leo waved the boss over. "How much?"
"With the 50% discount," the boss said after a quick calculation, "300 yuan."
"Alright. Thank you, boss. I'll come again," Leo said, paying without hesitation.
Just as he was about to leave, he noticed a girl sitting quietly by the door.
She looked around ten years old, her face dirty, clothes tattered and dusty. Her once-bright eyes were now filled with fear and sorrow.
She held a worn-out toy bear tightly in her arms—the only source of comfort she had left.
Leo could feel it… she was starving.
But she didn't step inside. Maybe she was too scared. Maybe she felt ashamed.
Leo froze, his heart tightening.
She looked so much like him in the past.
That helpless, lost, lonely boy who had to hide his hunger and swallow his pride. Afraid of being mocked. Afraid of being looked down upon.
Two wanderers in a vast world.
Maybe this was fate—his and her fateful encounter.