14: Chapter 14 This is life!

Ten minutes later.

The side door of the train opened.

Lin Xiao stepped down, leading Su Qingqian, Zhao Xiaotang, and a dozen or so girls who were slightly braver than the rest.

"Blargh..."

As soon as they stepped off the train, the thick stench of rotting corpses made several delicate girls double over and gag.

Lin Xiao showed no trace of pity. With a cold expression, he kicked a zombie head near his foot.

"Put your masks on. Your current mission is to 'loot the corpses.' The crystal cores inside zombie brains are the hard currency for upgrading the train and exchanging for supplies in the future. If anyone finds it too disgusting to do, then don't expect to eat later."

As he spoke, he demonstrated personally. With a flick of his Tang sword, a greyish-white crystal the size of a peanut flew out. He caught it steadily and tossed it into the sack behind him.

Although the girls were pale, under the pressure of survival and the joy of the attribute boost they had just received, they endured the nausea and began to work.

Even the former young miss Zhao Ji was now wrapped in a tattered headscarf. Holding a small knife, she dug messily into the corpse of the Hunter she had previously "cleared" while tears streamed down her face.

She was truly terrified now, fearing that Lin Xiao would throw her off the train if he became even slightly displeased.

"Class monitor! There's a big one here!"

Zhao Xiaotang's excited voice rang out. She was stepping on the headless corpse of the Screamer, holding up an egg-sized crystal core that emitted a faint blue glow.

"A Rank 2 Crystal Core!"

Lin Xiao's eyes lit up, and he strode over. "Great job, I'll credit you for this!"

He took the cool crystal core. A system prompt informed him that this thing was actually worth 500 points and was a necessary material for crafting certain special items.

The cleanup work lasted for over an hour.

The final haul: 480 ordinary Rank 1 crystal cores, 5 special Rank 2 Crystal Cores (from the Screamer, the Hunter, and several mutants), as well as various teeth and pelts left behind by the Wind Wolves.

...

Returning to the carriage, Lin Xiao told everyone to wash up briefly and rest. He then ducked into the Conductor's office and locked the door.

The most exciting moment had arrived—the **[Points Mall]** was open!

With a thought, a high-tech holographic interface expanded before his eyes.

The dazzling array of goods made Lin Xiao's eyes wander and his mouth water.

**[Food Section]:**

***Self-heating Hotpot (Box):** 50 Points

***Fresh Vegetable Pack (Weekly):** 100 Points

***Australian M9 Wagyu Steak (Piece):** 200 Points...

*(Lin Xiao grumbled: So expensive! 200 points for a piece of meat? This is highway robbery!)*

**[Weapon Section]:**

***Infinite Ammo Desert Eagle:** 5,000 Points

***Gauss Rifle (Basic):** 10,000 Points

***Exoskeleton Armor (Civilian Version):** 8,000 Points...

*(Lin Xiao looked at the 5,000-plus points in his pocket and silently shed tears of poverty.)*

**[Utility Section]:**

***Weapon Workshop Blueprint (S-Rank):** 3,000 Points.

*(Description: Converts one carriage into an automated munitions factory. As long as raw materials are available, it can produce standard ammunition, repair cold weapons, and even manufacture simple explosives.)*

***Infinite Water Cycle System (S-Rank):** 1,000 Points.

*(Description: Includes a high-efficiency filtration purifier, atmospheric water generator, constant temperature water heater, and a full set of shower plumbing facilities. Solves the drinking and bathing needs for everyone on the train.)*

***Medical Pod (Basic):** 5,000 Points.

Lin Xiao rubbed his chin, falling into deep thought.

Although he was a nouveau riche now, this amount of money only put him at a middle-class level in the mall. He had to spend it where it mattered most.

"First, ammunition."

In last night's battle, the machine gun tower's ammo was almost depleted, and the Remington sniper rifle only had three rounds left. Without firearms, facing the next, stronger wave of zombies would be suicide.

"Weapon Workshop, buy!"

**[Ding! 3,000 points consumed. Obtained 'Weapon Workshop Blueprint'.]**

"Second, quality of life."

The image of the girls in the carriage appeared in Lin Xiao's mind.

Though they were all naturally beautiful, they hadn't bathed in days. Add to that the sweat and the stench of corpses from earlier... the smell was quite pungent.

Furthermore, as a Conductor with standards (and a bit of a pervert), how could he tolerate his harem being so filthy?

More importantly, in this apocalypse, a clean hot shower was an absolute weapon for controlling people's hearts!

"Infinite Water Cycle System, buy! It's a must-buy!"

**[Ding! 1,000 points consumed. Obtained 'Infinite Water Cycle System'.]**

He had over 1,000 points left.

Lin Xiao flipped to the **[Skill Book Section]**.

His personal combat power was already strong, but he couldn't fight the whole field alone. Su Qingqian and Luo Yao, as his left and right hands, had to be strengthened.

***Basic Sword Mastery:** 500 Points.

*(Description: Directly instills ten years of swordsmanship experience, allowing the user to become one with the blade.)*

***Elementary Electronic Warfare Hacking Technology:** 500 Points.

*(Description: Master basic AI programming, signal hijacking, and radar modification techniques.)*

"Bought!"

With a wave of his hand, Lin Xiao instantly became a pauper, leaving only a few dozen points as spare change.

But looking at the items in his inventory, he grinned like a happy child.

...

8:00 AM.

Inside the first public carriage of Train No. 9527 (which should now be called the Black Iron).

All 38 girls in the class (including the injured Wang Jia) were present.

The atmosphere was a bit subtle.

The girls were either sitting on chairs or leaning against the walls. Although their mental states were decent, everyone looked somewhat disheveled.

Su Qingqian's smooth black hair was slightly knotted, and her combat suit was stained with dried blood.

Zhao Xiaotang's wheat-colored skin was covered in dust, her athletic muscle lines hidden by grime. Even Shen Man, who loved cleanliness the most, had a collar that had turned grey and dusty.

The air was thick with a strange mixture of sweat, blood, and the sour smell of not bathing for days.

"Ahem."

Lin Xiao, wearing a clean and fresh tracksuit (he had a cleaning kit from the system and had used it secretly), walked in front of everyone looking refreshed.

This contrast was simply a dimensional strike.

The girls looked at their clean class monitor, who even carried the scent of body wash, with eyes as resentful as neglected wives.

"You've all worked hard."

Lin Xiao cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the pairs of expectant eyes.

"In this battle, we achieved a complete victory. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts."

"Clap, clap, clap..." Sparse applause.

Everyone was currently more concerned with whether there was food and if they could rest.

The corners of Lin Xiao's mouth curled slightly as he dropped the first bombshell.

"To reward everyone and to improve our quality of life, I have just spent a huge sum to upgrade the train's water supply system."

He pointed to a metal door behind him that had just been modified.

"That is now the 'Public Shower Room'."

"24-hour constant temperature hot water, high-pressure showerheads, and it comes with body wash and shampoo."

Dead silence.

Three seconds later.

"BOOM—!!!"

The carriage instantly erupted! The sound waves nearly blew the roof off!

"Hot... Hot shower?!"

"Class monitor, you're not lying, right?! Is it really hot water? Can we wash our hair too?!"

"Waaaah, I can't take it anymore! I feel like mushrooms are going to grow on me!"

"I want to wash! I want to wash right now!"

A group of girls instantly lost their minds; some were even starting to unbutton their clothes, ready to rush in.

Even Su Qingqian, who always maintained a cold image, had an incredible light flash in her eyes, and her throat moved involuntarily as she swallowed.

For a woman, three days without a shower was already the limit, let alone having just rolled around in a pile of corpses. At this moment, the temptation of the words "hot shower" surpassed even a Michelin-starred meal.

"Stop!"

Lin Xiao shouted, blocking the entrance to the shower room.

He crossed his arms, his face wearing that signature mischievous smirk.

"Like I said, this is a high-end facility exchanged from the 'Points Mall.' Although the water is recycled, it still requires energy consumption."

"There's no such thing as a free lunch, and naturally, there are no free hot showers."

The girls instantly quieted down, looking at him expectantly like a pack of puppies waiting to be fed.

"Class monitor... then how can we wash..." Luo Yao hugged Lin Xiao's arm and acted spoiled, her twin tails brushing against him and making his heart itch.

Lin Xiao held up one finger.

"This involves the second thing I'm going to announce—the **[Contribution Point System]**."

He turned around and wrote several lines on the small blackboard behind him:

1. **Combat Points:** Killing zombies, assisting in defense, and collecting crystal cores; points awarded based on contribution.

2. **Logistics Points:** Responsible for cooking, cleaning, mending clothes, and caring for the wounded; points awarded based on workload.

3. **Special Contribution:** Handing over rare materials, providing key intelligence, etc.

"From now on, all high-level resources on the train, including but not limited to: self-heating hot pots, fresh vegetables, snacks, drinks, private single rooms, and... the right to bathe, will all be exchanged for Contribution Points."

"One bath (15 minutes) costs 10 Contribution Points."

"One box of self-heating hot pot, 5 Contribution Points."

"One pack of sanitary pads, 3 Contribution Points."

Lin Xiao looked at everyone with a smile: "Of course, to celebrate last night's victory, everyone is given an initial 20 basic Contribution Points."

"Su Qingqian, Zhao Xiaotang, and Chen Yuanyuan from the Combat Team just now will receive an additional 50 points."

"Shen Man, as the Head of Medical Logistics, is awarded 50 points. Others will receive rewards ranging from 10 to 30 points based on their performance."

"Hurray!!!"

This cheer was even louder than the one before.

Although it required points, everyone had an initial score, which meant—they could bathe right now!

"Um... Class Monitor..."

In the crowd, Zhao Ji weakly raised her hand. She looked the most wretched right now, covered in filthy blood, her hair like a bird's nest.

"Do... do I have points?"

Lin Xiao glanced at her and said indifferently, "Since you cleaned up the corpses at the end, that counts as labor. I'll give you 10 points. Enough for a bath or two full meals. You choose."

Zhao Ji was almost in tears. 10 points! Having to choose between a bath and a meal! This was simply a torture of human nature!

But she looked at the blood and filth all over her hands and gritted her teeth: "I... I'll take the bath!"

"Very well." Lin Xiao clapped his hands. "Now, everyone can line up. Shen Man, you're responsible for recording everyone's consumption and the queue order."

"Oh right, Su Qingqian, stay for a moment."

...

The crowd dispersed, and the girls scrambled to register and line up with Shen Man.

In a corner of the carriage, only Lin Xiao and Su Qingqian remained.

Su Qingqian looked at Lin Xiao, a hint of doubt in her eyes, along with a trace of imperceptible anticipation.

"What? You want to be the first to wash?" Lin Xiao teased.

Su Qingqian's face turned red, and she turned her head away: "You're the Conductor. If you want me to be first, I have no way to resist."

"In your dreams, go line up." Lin Xiao smiled and, like a magic trick, pulled out a thread-bound book with a simple, ancient luster from behind him.

**Basic Sword Mastery**.

"This is for you."

Lin Xiao handed the book over.

"What is this?" Su Qingqian took the book, only to find it felt warm and smooth. The words on the cover seemed to contain a certain sword intent; even a glance made her eyes sting.

"A skill book," Lin Xiao said seriously. "Your current fighting relies entirely on instinct and brute force. Although your Ice Talent is strong, your technique is terrible. Carrying this 'water cutter' blade is simply a waste of a good thing."

"Place your hand on the book, close your eyes, and silently say 'Learn'."

Su Qingqian did as she was told, half-doubtingly.

The next second.

The book in her hand turned into countless golden streams of light, drilling into her brow along her arm.

"Ugh..."

Su Qingqian let out a muffled groan, her body swaying violently.

Lin Xiao was quick, stepping forward to support her slender waist.

A massive flow of information poured into Su Qingqian's mind.

Stabbing, lifting, hacking, slashing... countless ways of wielding a blade and numerous life-and-death combat experiences were deeply engraved into her muscle memory as if she had experienced them personally.

It lasted for a full three minutes.

When Su Qingqian opened her eyes again.

Lin Xiao was surprised to find that her temperament had changed.

If she was a block of cold ice before, now she was an unsheathed sword of frost. Sharp and exposed, yet knowing how to restrain itself.

That aura of a master made her entire person seem even more unreachable, and also more—charming.

"How do you feel?" Lin Xiao didn't let go of her waist; instead, he gave it a mischievous squeeze with a smirk.

Su Qingqian didn't dodge as usual. She looked up, her eyes like cold pools flashing with excited light.

"It's amazing..."

She raised her right hand, not holding a blade, but simply pressing two fingers together and making a casual swipe.

"Sshhh—"

A faint sound of tearing silk actually came from the air, and a light trace of frost from her fingers lingered for a long time.

"Thank you, Lin Xiao."

Su Qingqian turned around to face Lin Xiao.

The two were very close; Lin Xiao could even smell the faint, pleasant fragrance on her body, mixed with sweat.

"Just saying thank you isn't enough." Lin Xiao pointed to his cheek, hinting at the unfinished kiss from last night.

Su Qingqian looked at him and suddenly revealed a cunning smile.

That smile bloomed on her cold and beautiful face, like a night-blooming cereus—a fleeting beauty that made Lin Xiao's breath hitch.

"I'm covered in filth right now, are you sure you want it?"

She intentionally leaned in a step closer, her body almost pressed against Lin Xiao's.

Lin Xiao was stunned for a moment, then laughed heartily: "Fair point. We'll talk after you've washed up and smell nice. Go on, I've opened a back door for you. No need to line up, just go to the bathroom in my room."

Su Qingqian's eyes lit up.

Although the public bathroom outside was good, dozens of people had to line up, and there was only a 15-minute limit.

The bathroom in the Conductor's room... that was VIP treatment!

"You said it."

Without any hesitation, Su Qingqian stood on her tiptoes and quickly pecked Lin Xiao on the lips.

"This is a down payment."

Having said that, she turned and ran toward Carriage No. 1 at the front of the train like a graceful swallow.

Lin Xiao touched his lips; a faint, cool sensation still remained.

"Tsk, this little girl is getting better and better at flirting."

...

Meanwhile, in the co-pilot's seat.

Luo Yao, who had just woken up, was holding her head with a miserable face.

"Waaa... my head hurts so much... it's like little people are banging gongs inside..."

The aftereffects of her mental power overexertion hadn't completely faded yet.

Lin Xiao walked over and pressed the **Elementary Electronic Warfare Hacking Technology** chip onto her forehead.

"Stop howling. Here's something good to nourish your brain."

"Eh? What's this? It's cool..."

Luo Yao only felt a cool stream of data pour into her brain, which not only dispelled the pain but also brought countless strange pieces of knowledge.

Code, algorithms, signal frequency bands...

"Wow! I am the goddess of hackers!"

Luo Yao was instantly revived, green data streams flashing in her eyes. She quickly tapped a few times on the keyboard.

"Class Monitor! I just upgraded the radar algorithm! The detection accuracy has increased by 50%! And I also hacked into this train's entertainment system. Now we can play music!"

"Untz-untz—untz-untz—"

Explosive DJ dance music suddenly erupted in the carriage.

The once lifeless apocalyptic train instantly turned into a mobile nightclub.

The girls waiting in line for a bath were also infected by the music, and some even started swaying along.

"This is the life!"

Zhao Xiaotang swung her ponytail, doing squats while waiting in line. "There's meat to eat, baths to take, and music to listen to. Following Class Monitor Lin, this apocalypse isn't so scary after all!"

Lin Xiao looked at all this, his heart filled with a sense of achievement.

This wasn't just a train.

This was his kingdom, his harem, and his foundation for standing tall in this wasteland world.

But he knew the challenges had only just begun.

He didn't know what kind of monsters were waiting for them at the next stop.

He opened the system panel and looked at the gray **[Day 4 Check-in]** button.

"Tomorrow... I hope it gives me something powerful. Bullets are really running low."

...

Night fell once again.

The girls, having washed away the filth, were like lotus flowers emerging from the water, radiating youthful vitality.

The carriage was filled with the scent of shower gel mixed with the smell of self-heating hot pots, creating a strangely warm atmosphere.

Lin Xiao lay on his large bed, listening to the sound of water from the bathroom—it was Su Qingqian enjoying her VIP treatment.

Through the frosted glass, the graceful outline of her curves could be vaguely seen.

Lin Xiao swallowed hard, feeling that tonight was destined to be another difficult night.

"System, this Infinite Train of yours is actually an Infinite Temptation, isn't it?"