10: Chapter 10 Bedroom Talk and Day 3 Check-in

The night was as dark as ink, and the wasteland wind howled past the Black Iron's hard armored shell, letting out a low wail.

But as the sound traveled inside the carriage, it was filtered by the thick soundproofing layer into a sort of reassuring background white noise.

Inside the carriage's No. 1 public lounge, a joyful atmosphere of "celebration" was currently permeating the air.

"Cheers! For the Class Monitor! For our Black Iron!"

"To survival!"

"For... for those damn bikers turning into fireworks!"

The crisp sound of clinking glasses rang out.

Although they were just ordinary glass cups (some were even mouthwash cups), the liquid they held seemed exceptionally enchanting and precious in this apocalypse—red wine.

Lin Xiao had obtained this during a previous trade, swapping it from an unlucky fellow who claimed to have looted a winery.

In a world where people would kill for half a loaf of bread, a few bottles of Lafite wouldn't even fetch a pack of instant noodles, but at this moment, it was the best spiritual solace.

Lin Xiao sat in the main seat, swirling half a glass of red wine in his hand as he watched the group of beautiful women around him.

After the day's battle, although the girls' faces still bore some exhaustion, their eyes were noticeably brighter. That sense of security from being protected and led allowed them to temporarily forget the cruel world outside the windows.

Zhao Xiaotang, unable to drink due to a shoulder injury, was gloomily gnawing on a Wind Wolf leg (roasted; though the meat was tough, it tasted decent after being sprinkled with the cumin powder Lin Xiao provided).

Luo Yao's face turned as red as a monkey's butt after just one small sip; she was currently hugging Lin Xiao's leg and giggling, mumbling nonsense about data.

Even Shen Man's eyes became somewhat hazy after two glasses, and she would occasionally look at Lin Xiao with a gaze so tender it could melt.

But Lin Xiao's gaze unconsciously drifted toward the corner.

Su Qingqian was sitting there.

This cold and elegant School Beauty wasn't wearing her stiff combat suit tonight; instead, she had changed into a slightly loose white cashmere sweater (also scavenged) and a pair of slim-fit jeans.

She sat alone by the window, holding a wine glass, her long hair draped casually over her shoulders.

She was drinking a bit quickly.

Her usually frost-cold face was now tinged with two moving flushes of crimson; there was less sharpness in her eyes, replaced by a laziness and charm rarely seen.

Seeming to sense Lin Xiao's gaze, Su Qingqian looked up and met his eyes across the crowd.

She didn't look away, but instead raised her glass in a distant toast and then tilted her head back to drain it in one gulp.

That slender, fair neck traced a graceful curve under the lights, making Lin Xiao's throat tighten slightly.

"Interesting." The corner of Lin Xiao's mouth curled slightly.

After a few rounds of drinks, the celebration dispersed.

The girls returned to their respective compartments in small groups to rest. After all, tomorrow was the last day of the Novice Protection Period, and it was said there would be a terrifying Zombie Tide; everyone was on edge.

Lin Xiao also returned to the No. 1 Conductor's lounge at the front of the train.

This was the most luxurious place on the entire train.

Not only did it have a real large bed and a desk, but it also had a tiny private shower room—though the water flow was as thin as cat urine and limited to 3 minutes per use, it was paradise for someone who hadn't had a hot shower in three days.

"Phew..."

Lin Xiao took a quick shower and walked out drying his wet hair, with only a bath towel wrapped around his waist.

He glanced at the time: 23:45.

In fifteen minutes, it would be time for the third Sign-in.

"I wonder what good stuff I'll get today. A nuclear missile silo or something would be best." Lin Xiao laughed self-deprecatingly, walked to the bedside, and picked up the unfinished bottle of red wine, preparing to pour himself a glass to help him sleep.

Knock, knock, knock.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the door.

Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow.

Who is it this late?

Shen Man? She just came by last night; she'd probably be too shy to come today, right?

Luo Yao? That girl is probably fast asleep by now.

Then it's...

He walked over and opened the door.

A pleasant scent of jasmine mixed with a faint aroma of alcohol wafted toward him.

Standing at the door was actually Su Qingqian.

She had clearly just showered as well—as a core member of the combat team, Lin Xiao had given her special permission to use the bathroom in this room, though it was supposed to be before he returned.

At this moment, her hair was still half-dry, clinging damply to her cheeks and neck.

She was wearing a slightly oversized men's white shirt (yes, another of Lin Xiao's spare clothes),

the hem barely covering the base of her thighs, revealing a pair of straight, rounded long legs. She wore slippers, her toes rounded and cute, painted with light pink nail polish.

"Not asleep yet?" Lin Xiao was a bit surprised and stepped aside to make way. "Come in."

Su Qingqian didn't say anything and walked in with her head down.

As the door closed, the narrow space was instantly filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.

She walked to the table, saw the red wine Lin Xiao had just poured, and without ceremony, picked it up and took a sip.

"Let me have some." Her voice was a bit raspy, with a hint of drunkenness.

Lin Xiao leaned against the door, arms crossed, admiring this "picture of a drunken beauty."

"What's wrong? Can't sleep after killing someone?"

He hit the nail on the head.

Su Qingqian's hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly.

She turned around, leaning her back against the table, those eyes like cold pools now resembling disturbed spring waters.

"Lin Xiao, am I very useless?"

She asked suddenly, her tone carrying a hint of self-deprecation. "Everyone calls me the School Beauty, a goddess; they think I'm cold and omnipotent. But... when I threw that Molotov Cocktail today, my hand was shaking."

"When that Biker Gang leader was crushed by you, and that pool of blood splashed on my face... I almost threw up."

"I'm actually... very scared."

She lowered her head, her shoulders trembling slightly.

This was the first time she had dropped all her disguises and defenses in front of someone.

At school, she was the perfect Su Qingqian, required to remain elegant and strong. On this train, she was Lin Xiao's handpicked "Number One Fighter," required to charge at the very front.

Only in the dead of night, before this man who was countless times stronger than her, did she dare admit her vulnerability.

Lin Xiao was silent for a moment, then stepped forward.

He didn't say any nonsense like "don't be afraid," but instead reached out directly, took the wine glass from her hand, and placed it on the table.

Then, those large hands gently rested on her shoulders.

"It's okay if your hands shake, as long as the Molotov Cocktail was thrown accurately."

Lin Xiao's voice was low and gentle. "It's okay to feel nauseous; you'll get used to it after vomiting a few times. In this apocalypse, no one can be a goddess forever; we are all wild dogs rolling in the mud."

"But you did very well. Even better than I imagined."

Hearing this, Su Qingqian suddenly looked up.

The distance between the two was extremely close.

Lin Xiao's bare upper body exuded a strong scent of male hormones, his firm chest and abdominal muscles right before her eyes.

Meanwhile, Su Qingqian's cheeks, flushed from the alcohol, and the snowy white cleavage faintly visible beneath the shirt collar, were also testing Lin Xiao's self-control.

"Really?" Su Qingqian's eyes were somewhat hazy.

"Of course." Lin Xiao smiled, his fingers gently brushing past her damp sideburns. "You are my ace."

Su Qingqian looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

There was gratitude, admiration, and a hint of... desire.

Using the alcohol-induced courage, she suddenly reached out and lightly pressed her hand against Lin Xiao's chest. Her fingertips traced the hard muscle lines, bringing a tingly sensation.

"Lin Xiao..."

She softly called his name, her body leaning forward slightly as if she couldn't stand steadily, and she leaned softly into Lin Xiao's arms.

"Thank you... If it weren't for you, I might have died in that art studio long ago, or been captured by those disgusting people."

"To repay you... tonight, let me help you relax."

Lin Xiao's breathing instantly became somewhat heavy.

"Relax? How?" He asked knowingly, his voice raspy.

Su Qingqian didn't answer, but instead stood on her tiptoes, her warm breath fanning against his ear.

"I know how to massage... I learned it for piano practice before. My technique... is quite good."

As she spoke, her hands slowly slid down Lin Xiao's chest to his waist, gently kneading.

Although the movements were a bit stiff, in this atmosphere, it was simply a fatal temptation.

Lin Xiao felt the fire inside him surge up with a "boom."

This was Su Qingqian!

The dream lover of countless boys at Shencheng University, the cold goddess whom one would feel was a profanity just to look at.

Now, she was wearing his shirt, in his room, actively throwing herself into his arms.

He grabbed Su Qingqian's slender waist and pulled her tightly against him.

His large hand reached in through the hem of the shirt, touching that breathtakingly delicate and warm skin.

"Mmm..."

Su Qingqian let out a kitten-like whimper, her body trembling violently, but she didn't push him away.

Instead, she pressed herself even closer, her arms wrapping around Lin Xiao's neck. She looked at him with hazy eyes, her red lips slightly parted, as if in a silent invitation.

"You asked for this."

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Lin Xiao let out a low growl and lowered his head, about to kiss her.

Just at this critical moment, with the situation heating up and about to ignite.

"Dang—dang—dang—"

An ethereal and solemn bell toll, as if coming from the void, penetrated the carriage and exploded directly in both of their minds.

It was midnight.

Immediately after, the dazzling golden system panel popped up before Lin Xiao's eyes, accompanied by a cold, mechanical prompt sound:

**[Ding! The third day has arrived.]**

**[Conducting today's God-level check-in...]**

**[Novice Protection Period detected to be ending soon, reward critical strike in progress!]**

Lin Xiao's movements stiffened abruptly.

The desire that was about to erupt was abruptly cut in half by this sudden system prompt.

He was a bit annoyed, but he had to look. Because this was the check-in for the last day of the novice period, and it was a "critical strike" check-in!

**[Congratulations to the host for a successful check-in!]**

**[Obtained SSS-rank technology blueprint/physical reward: All-Terrain Reconnaissance Drone (Swarm) x10!]**

**[Obtained special building blueprint: S-rank Greenhouse Planting Carriage!]**

**[Item Description: Swarm Drones]**

***Rank:*** SSS (Trans-era Technology)

***Functions:*** 1. **Holographic Reconnaissance:** 10km radius with no blind spots in vision, equipped with thermal imaging, night vision, and weakness analysis.

2. **Laser Cutting:** Equipped with miniature high-energy laser beams, capable of cutting through steel and instantly killing creatures below level two.

3. **Self-Destruct Mode:** Each drone is a miniature high-explosive bomb, with power equivalent to a tactical missile.

4. **Swarm Intelligence:** Fully automatic AI control, no manual operation required, automatically protects the master.

**[Item Description: Greenhouse Planting Carriage Blueprint]**

***Functions:*** Converts a carriage into a soilless cultivation greenhouse, growth speed +500%, ignores extreme external climates, produces fresh vegetables and fruits.

***Note:*** In the apocalypse, vitamins are more expensive than gold.

Looking at these two rewards, Lin Xiao's previously hazy brain instantly cleared up by more than half.

Cold sweat ran down his back.

Swarm Drones! Greenhouse Carriage!

This was simply help in a time of need—no, it was icing on the cake plus a nuclear bomb!

Especially the Swarm Drones; with this thing, he possessed beyond-visual-range strike capabilities and a god's-eye view. Facing the coming zombie horde, his chances of winning doubled instantly!

He glanced at Su Qingqian in his arms, whose eyes were dazed and who was still waiting for a kiss. Although the desire in his heart remained strong, reason regained the high ground.

Now was not the time to indulge in a bed of tenderness.

Tomorrow was the day Hell Mode would begin. If he didn't prepare well, all the beauties on this train, including Su Qingqian in his arms, might become zombie fodder.

Lin Xiao took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the restlessness in his body.

He slowly loosened his large hand that had reached into her shirt, changing to cupping Su Qingqian's burning hot cheeks.

"Qing Qian."

Lin Xiao's voice regained clarity and seriousness.

Su Qingqian opened her eyes in a daze, looking at him with some confusion: "Wh... what's wrong? Did I do something wrong?"

She thought Lin Xiao was not interested in her, and a flash of panic and disappointment flickered in her eyes.

"No, you are very good, so good that I almost made a mistake."

Lin Xiao gave a wry smile, gently pushed her away a little, and helped her tidy up her messy shirt collar.

"But, now is not the time."

He turned around and took out a long, black cloth bundle from his system space (pretending it was from a box under the bed).

"What is this?" Su Qingqian was a bit dazed by this sudden turn of events, and her drunkenness faded by half.

Lin Xiao unwrapped the black cloth.

"Clang—"

A clear, dragon-like ringing sound rang out.

A Tang sword with an ancient design and a chilling cold light appeared in the air.

The blade was long and straight, forged with intricate patterns resembling cloud designs, and the edge shimmered with a heart-stopping, deep blue luster.

This was a trophy Lin Xiao had scavenged from the car of the Biker Gang leader yesterday. After simple reinforcement processing by the system, its sharpness was enough to cut through iron like mud.

"This sword is called 'water cutter'."

Lin Xiao handed the sword to Su Qingqian, "Although your ice axe is powerful, it lacks flexibility and has a short attack range. This sword, combined with your Ice Talent, is a perfect match."

Su Qingqian stared blankly at the sword in her hand.

The heavy weight, the cold touch.

She could feel that this sword was extraordinary.

"Why... give it to me?" She looked up, her eyes complex.

The amorous atmosphere from just a moment ago had been broken, replaced by a sense of solemn ritual.

Lin Xiao looked into her eyes and said solemnly: "Listen, Qing Qian. Did you hear the bell just now?"

"That was the countdown to the end of the Novice Protection Period."

"Tomorrow morning, or perhaps in just a few hours, true hell will descend. Zombies won't be as gentle as they have been these past few days, supplies will be harder to find, and enemies will be stronger."

Lin Xiao stepped forward and gripped her shoulders again, but this time, without any lust, only the trust of a comrade-in-arms.

"I really want to have you, I really do. But I want you to live even more."

"I want you to take this sword, stand by my side, and become my sharpest blade. Not just a vase who can only please me in bed."

"When we truly break through this zombie horde, and the day we are truly safe arrives... I will collect that 'interest' with principal and interest."

Su Qingqian's pupils contracted slightly.

She looked at the man in front of her.

He clearly possessed absolute power and strength, and could have easily taken her just now. But he didn't.

At such a critical juncture, he chose to give her a weapon and chose to respect her value.

An unprecedented warmth surged into her heart.

If her previous submissiveness was born from fear and dependence, then now, Su Qingqian's heart had completely fallen for him.

She took a deep breath and gripped the "water cutter" sword in her hand tightly.

The daze in her eyes completely dissipated, replaced by her usual aloofness and determination, even sharper than before.

"I understand."

Su Qingqian said softly.

She suddenly stood on tiptoe, cupped Lin Xiao's face with both hands, and gently planted a kiss on his stubbly cheek.

It was very light, very soft, yet carried a burning temperature.

"This is the deposit."

She whispered in Lin Xiao's ear, a beautiful arc curling at the corner of her mouth; that smile was like ice and snow melting, breathtakingly beautiful.

"I will become your sharpest blade. Whoever wants to kill you must ask my sword first."

After speaking, she didn't linger, hugged the Tang sword, and turned to walk out of the room.

Her back was elegant, her steps firm.

"Hoo..."

Lin Xiao watched the closed door, let out a long sigh, and sat down on the bed.

"Damn it, this is practically Liuxia Hui reincarnated... System, you owe me a big one!"

He scratched his hair in annoyance, then quickly opened the control panel for the **[Swarm Drones]**.

Ten tiny light points lit up on the holographic map.

"Come on, zombie horde."

Lin Xiao looked at the pitch-black night outside the window, his eyes turning ferocious.

"Since I can't vent in bed, then I'll just have to take it out on you zombies!"

...

**[Time: Late night on the third day, 23:59:50]**

**[Server-wide announcement countdown: 10, 9, 8...]**

Above the wasteland, the originally silent night sky suddenly underwent a strange change.

That bright crescent moon, as if contaminated by something, began to rapidly engorge with blood and grow larger.

Within just a few seconds, a massive, blood-dripping red moon hung high in the sky.

The entire land was illuminated in an eerie dark red.

The shadows of dead trees twisted and danced on the ground, like countless vengeful ghosts.

**[Ding! Novice Protection Period ended!]**

**[The first wave of the global zombie horde "Bloody Run" has started!]**

**[Duration: 4 hours.]**

**[Rules: All trains will suffer crazy sieges from nearby zombies. Zombies' total attributes increased by 50%, perception range expanded by 10 times.]**

**[Wish all Conductors a happy hunt.]**

"Awoo—!!!"

"Roar—!!!"

As the announcement fell, the originally dead-silent wasteland seemed to explode.

Countless scalp-numbing roars rang out from all directions. The ground began to vibrate slightly, as if a thousand troops and ten thousand horses were stampeding.

In the driver's cabin, Luo Yao looked at the circles of red dots on the radar screen, which were so dense they would trigger trypophobia, and her face instantly turned pale.

"Squad... Squad Leader! The number... five hundred... no, over one thousand!"

"They are coming!"