“AI：『Please wait.』 ‘Sleep mode activated. Defense level raised to Class A. Capable of resisting level-one mutated creatures. Please sleep without worry.’”
The hovercar lights dimmed, and the warm amber glow made the atmosphere cozy enough to lull anyone to sleep.
Lin Muxue’s eyes widened as she listened to the exchange between Sang Chu and the hovercar AI. She immediately threw herself onto Sang Chu, gripping her arm.
“Unbelievable! Sang Xiaochu, this means I can drive too!”
“Told you it was simple.”
Muxue hung on her like a sloth, dramatically sighing, “I’m officially a car owner now! My dearest, sweetest Classmate Song Xiaochu, how should I ever thank you?”
Sang Chu peeled her off and pushed her toward her room. “Enough. Go sleep.”
“You’re not sleeping with me? Sang Xiaochu, you’re so heartless!”
Muxue’s eyes were wide and teary, but Sang Chu only smiled faintly and opened a door.
“You really want me to sleep with you?”
Muxue took one look at the soft, luxurious bed inside and immediately stepped in. “On second thought, since we all have our own hovercars, it’s only natural to have our own private space. I won’t disturb your romantic solo life. Good night, my generous sponsor! Good night, Senior!”
She shut the door with a flourish and leaped onto the bed, rolling herself up like a silkworm. Hugging the blanket, she whispered:
“I hope this is all real and not a dream. If it is real, I can go find Grandma. I hope she’s still alive… Grandma, please wait for me!”
With that wish wrapped around her like the blanket, she fell asleep instantly.
Neither Sang Chu nor Lu Minfeng knew she had drifted into sleep that fast.
Lu Minfeng followed Sang Chu to the room across from Muxue’s.
“Thank you. If you need me, just say the word.”
“You’re welcome. We wouldn’t have survived in Zhao Feng’s base without you. By the way, Muxue said Zhao Feng somehow resurrected. What do you think?”
Standing at their respective doors, he frowned.
“It’s strange. I’m certain he was dead after Muxue shot him. Yet less than a minute later, he was chasing us. Something is off.”
“What’s your plan?”
Lu Minfeng’s voice was low and steady. “He tried to violate Muxue. I won’t let him live. But we don’t know what he has become. It’s best to wait. You mentioned building a base—trust me with that. When you gather the treasures you need, we can start searching for people. We need more survivors. Just the three of us won’t last long.”
He didn’t say the rest aloud—he also wanted to search for his family. Whether they were alive or not, he would at least try.
Sang Chu’s thoughts drifted to her brother.
“I believe in you. You and Muxue are the only ones I can trust. I know you care for her, but she might not feel the same. I hope you can separate personal feelings from the future of the base. No matter what happens with your relationship, I won’t allow a rupture caused by emotions.”
He smiled softly. “Don’t worry. To her, I’m at best a kind senior or older brother. Anything more… we’ll see. I won’t force it.”
“Good. Rest well. Use whatever you need.”
“Thank you.”
They entered their rooms.
Tu You had been perched on Sang Chu’s shoulder and now floated onto her bed.
【You seem very guarded toward Lu Minfeng?】
Sang Chu ran a bath, watching warm water fill the tub.
“He was good to us in the apocalypse, but I fear he might change. If his feelings turn into obsession, he might become our worst enemy. If he stands with us, I’ll feel safe traveling between worlds. But if he turns dark… I must prepare.”
【Human emotions are complicated…】
Tu You flopped onto the bed.
【Then why not lie to him from the start?】
【I can’t hide it. I’ll disappear and reappear often, carrying supplies that don’t exist here. Better to tell the truth now than be caught later.】
Tu You groaned dramatically.
【So complicated…】
【It’s fine.】
Meanwhile, in his own room, Lu Minfeng showered and opened his space band. Inside were supplies, weapons—and a tiny metal orb.
“The hovercar… is this little ball?”
He placed it against the smart-brain device. A hovercar icon appeared. The more he read, the more excited he became, even taking the laser guns out to try their weight.
When the hovercar stopped, he looked out into a world dyed red by the blood moon. He headed to the kitchen to cook.
Using the food Sang Chu provided, he cooked white rice and stir-fried dishes.
The aroma drifted through the entire hovercar.
Lin Muxue, half-asleep, followed the smell like a possessed zombie.
“Ahhhh—is that rice? And stir-fry?!”
“Minced eggplant, braised pumpkin, chestnut chicken, and fish…”
“Lu Minfeng, what kind of celestial friend are you?! Can we eat?!”
He passed her chopsticks. “Eat. It’s all from Ah Chu. I’m just cooking.”
Muxue didn’t even pretend to be polite. “Fine! Just save some for Sang Sang later!”
She took one sip of chicken soup—warm, rich, familiar.
Tears fell down her cheeks.
(End of Chapter)