35: Warehouse Night Talk: The Mind of the Financial Queen

The night on the spaceship is always much quieter than the day.

Aside from the low, rhythmic hum of the engines, there is only the occasional faint sound of metal expanding and contracting.

Gu Pingsheng emerged from the bathroom, still wreathed in the steam of his shower.

He had changed into loose cotton loungewear, his hair half-dry and resting casually on his forehead, stripping away some of the cold sternness of the day and replacing it with a lazy, relaxed air.

"Alice, where is Gu Nian?"

He asked while drying his hair.

"Master, Miss Gu Nian is currently in the No. 3 Material Warehouse taking inventory of today's gains."

Alice's voice sounded in the air, as flawless as ever.

"Working so late?"

Gu Pingsheng raised an eyebrow.

This Gu Nian, ever since she became the Chief Financial Officer, has become a complete workaholic.

But that's fine.

The spaceship now has more and more supplies, and the variety is becoming increasingly complex; it really does need someone shrewd to manage it.

"Let's go take a look."

Gu Pingsheng tossed the towel to Alice and turned to walk toward the lower deck.

...

No. 3 Material Warehouse.

This was originally the cargo hold of the spaceship, but after several expansions, it has now become a massive storage center.

Rows of tall metal shelves are neatly arranged, piled high with all kinds of supplies.

From basic food and water to precious ores and parts, everything is here.

The air is filled with a mixture of scents: machine oil, metal, and desiccant.

Just as Gu Pingsheng reached the entrance, he saw a busy figure.

Gu Nian was standing in the aisle between two rows of shelves.

She was wearing a simple white shirt today, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing two sections of fair forearms. Her lower body was clad in a black pencil skirt that accentuated her exaggerated waist-to-hip ratio.

She had gold-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, and she was holding an electronic tablet in her hand, checking boxes of supplies.

"Refined iron ore, 300 units in storage... 0.5% loss rate... can still be optimized..."

She was muttering to herself, her expression focused, completely unaware of the movement behind her.

That intellectual, capable air, amidst this pile of cold cargo, appeared exceptionally charming.

Gu Pingsheng didn't make a sound, just leaned against the door frame and watched.

This is professionalism.

Compared to the vase that is Liu Ruyan, who only knows how to complain, a woman like Gu Nian is the true treasure in this apocalypse.

Seeming to sense something, Gu Nian suddenly stopped what she was doing.

She turned around, saw Gu Pingsheng, and froze for a moment.

Immediately, a professional smile appeared on that serious face.

"Captain? It's so late, why are you here?"

She pushed up the glasses on the bridge of her nose and hugged the tablet in her arms.

"Just coming to see if our Chief Financial Officer is worn out."

Gu Pingsheng walked in with a smile.

"How is it? How are the gains today?"

Mentioning work, Gu Nian's eyes lit up immediately.

She handed the tablet to Gu Pingsheng and pointed at the data on it, saying:

"Very bountiful. In addition to the crystals and leather armor you brought back, I also scavenged quite a few good things on the black market."

"Look here."

She pointed to a line on the manifest.

"【High-Precision Electronic Components (Blue)】 x50 sets."

"I exchanged these for the low-level zombie cores that were piling up in our warehouse. The other party was in urgent need of cores for experiments, so the price was driven very low."

"With these components, Alice's radar system can be upgraded by at least one grade, and the detection range can be expanded by 30%."

Gu Pingsheng scanned the list and nodded with satisfaction.

"Well done."

"Buy low, sell high, resource exchange. You are an expert in this area."

Receiving the praise, the corners of Gu Nian's mouth curled up slightly.

"That's just basic operations."

She turned and walked to a shelf nearby, pointing to a metal box on it.

"By the way, Captain, I've already had people move these components over. Would you like to check them?"

"Sure."

Gu Pingsheng walked over.

However.

This aisle was really too narrow.

It was originally designed to save space, and the distance between the two rows of shelves was only enough for one person to pass through.

Now that the floor was piled with boxes that had just been transported in, the space felt even more cramped.

Gu Nian was standing inside, and for Gu Pingsheng to get past, he had to squeeze by her.

"Excuse me."

Gu Pingsheng said, turning his body sideways.

Gu Nian also subconsciously pressed against the shelf, wanting to make a little space.

But even so, their bodies inevitably touched.

"Hiss—"

The sound of fabric rubbing was exceptionally clear in the silent warehouse.

Gu Pingsheng's chest brushed against Gu Nian's back.

That warm touch was transmitted through the thin shirt.

Gu Nian's body stiffened for a moment.

She could feel the fresh scent of Gu Pingsheng after his shower, mixed with the unique scent of male hormones, like a net, instantly enveloping her.

Her breathing skipped a beat.

Her heartbeat also uncontrollably quickened a bit.

Gu Pingsheng didn't seem to notice her abnormality.

He squeezed past, opened the metal box, and picked up an electronic component to look at it.

Fine workmanship, clear textures.

It really was good stuff.

"Not bad, top-quality."

He put down the component and turned around.

With this turn, they were now face-to-face.

The distance was less than ten centimeters.

Gu Pingsheng could even see the slightly trembling eyelashes behind Gu Nian's lenses, and the fine fuzz on her face.

The air seemed to have frozen.

The temperature in the warehouse seemed to rise by several degrees in that instant.

Gu Nian's back was against the cold shelf, and in front of her was Gu Pingsheng's broad chest.

This feeling of being surrounded made her legs go a bit weak.

But she is Gu Nian.

She is that Queen of Finance who is decisive in the business world.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.

She raised her head, meeting Gu Pingsheng's gaze.

In those eyes, the usual shrewdness and calculation were gone, replaced by a hint of boldness and provocation.

"Captain..."

Her voice was low, carrying a hint of hoarse magnetism.

"What? Is there a problem with the accounts?"

Gu Pingsheng looked down at her, the corner of his mouth curving into a playful arc.

He, of course, felt Gu Nian's change.

This woman, who usually looks so serious, is actually a vixen at heart.

"The accounts are fine."

Gu Nian extended a finger, gently tracing the back of Gu Pingsheng's hand.

Her fingertips were slightly cool, yet brought a tingling sensation like an electric current.

"But I have a problem."

She leaned in a bit closer, almost pressing against Gu Pingsheng.

The pleasant scent of the body wash was stronger now, making her feel a bit intoxicated.

"I've earned so much for you, and saved so many resources for the spaceship..."

"Captain, how do you intend to reward me?"

Her gaze was fixed directly on Gu Pingsheng's lips, with an obvious suggestive undertone.

This is an adult game.

No need for too much buildup, no need for too much pretension.

Benefit exchange, each taking what they need.

Of course, if one could enjoy it in the process, that would be even more perfect.

Gu Pingsheng laughed.

He reached out and grabbed Gu Nian's restless hand, pulling her toward him.

Their bodies were pressed tightly together.

Gu Nian exclaimed softly, her hands subconsciously pressing against Gu Pingsheng's chest.

But she didn't push him away.

Instead, it was like she was playing hard to get.

"Reward?"

Gu Pingsheng lowered his head and whispered in her ear.

The hot air sprayed onto Gu Nian's sensitive earlobe, making her tremble all over, and her whole body went soft in Gu Pingsheng's arms.

"What do you want?"

"As long as I have it, I can give it to you."

Gu Nian bit her lip, her eyes shimmering.

"I want..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Gu Pingsheng suddenly let go.

"Right, I have something for you."

Like a magic trick, he pulled a blueprint out of his pocket.

Gu Nian was stunned for a moment.

The ambiguous atmosphere was instantly shattered, leaving her feeling a bit disappointed, yet also curious.

"What is this?"

She took the blueprint.

By the dim light of the warehouse, she saw the words on it.

【Automatic Massage Bathtub Manufacturing Blueprint (White · Common)】

The corner of Gu Nian's mouth twitched.

A massage bathtub?

Although this thing is considered a luxury in the apocalypse, but... just this?

She, the dignified Queen of Finance, helped him earn so much, and it's only worth a white blueprint?

"Captain, are you trying to brush me off with this?"

She said with some dissatisfaction, throwing the blueprint back to Gu Pingsheng.

"Don't be impatient."

Gu Pingsheng caught the blueprint with a mysterious smile.

"It's not over yet."

He gently wiped his hand across the blueprint.

【Hand of God activated!】

【Ding! Critical success!】

【White -> purple!】

A dazzling purple light lit up in the warehouse.

Gu Nian subconsciously closed her eyes.

When she opened her eyes again, the ordinary white blueprint had changed its appearance.

The paper had turned into some unknown metallic material, with a purple halo flowing on it.

【deep sea therapy pod Manufacturing Blueprint (purple · Epic)】

【Description: Adopts deep-sea bionic technology, integrating massage, therapy, beauty, and repair into one.】

【Function 1: Deep relaxation. Can eliminate 99% of physical fatigue and relieve muscle soreness.】

【Function 2: Cell activation. Long-term use can improve skin quality, delay aging, and even slightly improve physical fitness.】

【Function 3: Spiritual comfort. Built-in brainwave regulation system, can help sleep and soothe the mind, and repair mental trauma.】

Gu Nian's eyes widened instantly.

She snatched the blueprint, staring fixedly at the attribute description.

Her hands were trembling.

Beauty? Delay aging? Eliminate fatigue?

To a woman, especially an exquisite woman who cares about her maintenance, this is simply an irresistible poison!

In this apocalypse, facing the wind and sun every day, and having to deal with all kinds of pressure, her skin had long since started to deteriorate.

Although she didn't say it out loud, she had actually been anxious inside.

And now...

With this thing, she could become that glamorous Queen again!

"This... is this for me?"

Gu Nian looked up, looking at Gu Pingsheng, her eyes full of surprise and disbelief.

"Of course."

Gu Pingsheng leaned against the shelf, arms crossed.

"You are my Chief Financial Officer, image is important."

"Besides, only when you are well-rested can you better help me make money, right?"

Gu Nian took a deep breath.

She clutched the blueprint tightly, as if she were clutching her own life.

"This reward... I am very satisfied."

She looked at Gu Pingsheng, the seductiveness in her eyes even stronger than before.

If the previous flirting still carried a bit of testing and benefit exchange.

Then now, she was really moved.

This man is not only powerful, but... really understands women.

"Glad you're satisfied."

Gu Pingsheng stood up straight, preparing to leave.

"The materials are all in the warehouse, you can arrange for Alice to manufacture it yourself."

"Get some rest early, there's a big move tomorrow."

After finishing, he turned and walked toward the door.

"Wait."

Gu Nian suddenly called out to him.

Gu Pingsheng paused and looked back.

Seeing Gu Nian standing there, the light hitting her profile, outlining a perfect silhouette.

She pushed up her glasses, a meaningful smile curling on her lips.

"Captain."

"This therapy pod... is for two people."

"When it's done, would you like to... try it together?"

Gu Pingsheng was stunned for a moment.

Immediately, he laughed too.

Laughing with a bit of wickedness.

"Sure."

"When the time comes, remember to call me."

...

Walking out of the warehouse.

Gu Pingsheng was in a great mood.

Subjugating Gu Nian was smoother than expected.

This woman, although shrewd, as long as enough benefits are given, and a little sweetness is added, she will become the most loyal partner.

And...

A two-person therapy pod?

Tsk.

Looking forward to it a bit.