2: Chapter 2: Stockings can filter water

The air inside the cockpit seemed to have frozen.

A lone man and woman, the iron door locked tight, combined with the scorching aura almost overflowing from the man after he had just taken the enhancement serum, made Shen Man, the usually dignified and intelligent class secretary, feel a sense of panic like never before.

Shen Man leaned against the cold wall, her chest heaving violently, and those peach-blossom eyes, which always carried a hint of gentle warmth, were now darting around in bewilderment.

She could clearly smell the scent on Lin Xiao, a mix of sweat and male hormones, which was so aggressive that it made her legs feel weak.

"Lin... Lin Xiao..." Shen Man's voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum, trembling slightly. "Please, don't do this. Everyone is outside..."

Lin Xiao braced one hand against the wall, trapping her in his embrace, his gaze sweeping over her body without restraint.

Shen Man was wearing an off-white knitted sweater today, paired with a slim-fitting denim maxi skirt. Although it wasn't revealing, it perfectly outlined her voluptuous, mature curves.

Especially because of her nervousness, her full bosom rose and fell with her breathing, as if it might burst through her clothes at any moment.

"Class Secretary Shen, the world has changed."

Lin Xiao lowered his head, leaning close to her ear, his voice low and hoarse with a hint of playfulness. "I said it before: I am the Conductor. In this carriage, there is no 'everyone,' only 'my passengers.' And if passengers want to survive, the first thing they must learn is to recognize their place."

The warm breath sprayed onto Shen Man's sensitive earlobe, causing her body to shudder violently. Her intelligent, pretty face instantly turned as red as a ripe peach.

She, of course, understood what Lin Xiao meant.

The darkness from a moment ago and the system's announcement had completely shattered the original social order. Here, whoever held the resources and power was the god.

"I... I understand."

Shen Man bit her lower lip, a flash of humiliation in her eyes, but it was mostly a compromise in the face of survival instinct.

She lowered her head slightly, no longer daring to look directly into Lin Xiao's oppressive eyes. "Conductor... may I ask, regarding the distribution of supplies, what should we do?"

Watching this class secretary, who usually took care of everyone in class like a big sister and occasionally nagged him about collecting class fees, now showing such a weak and submissive side, the heat in Lin Xiao's heart was greatly satisfied.

However, he did not do anything further out of line.

For one, he wasn't that kind of lecher; for another, there were 38 top-tier beauties on this train waiting for him to "develop," and playing the long game was the way to go.

"Very good." Lin Xiao withdrew his hand and stepped back, the suffocating pressure instantly dissipating.

He casually picked up an unopened bottle of mineral water from the console next to him—this was the first bottle poured from the "Infinite Water Bottle" included in the sign-in gift package earlier—and tossed it directly into Shen Man's arms.

"Take it. This is your reward for being 'sensible.'"

Shen Man caught the water in a flurry and was stunned.

In this unknown wasteland world, water might be more precious than gold.

She had originally thought she would have to give up something... like her body, in order to trade for a bit of survival resources. She hadn't expected Lin Xiao to give her a whole bottle so easily.

"Go out now and calm everyone down."

Lin Xiao turned around, sat back in the driver's seat, picked up the T-shirt soaked with sweat to wipe himself off, and said, "Tell everyone, no noise, no fuss, keep quiet. In half an hour, I will issue new instructions."

"Yes... yes! Tha... thank you, Conductor!"

Shen Man felt as if she had been granted amnesty, clutching the bottle of water tightly as if it were a rare treasure. She took a deep look at Lin Xiao's broad, sturdy back, her eyes growing somewhat complex.

This man seemed completely different from the honest, simple class monitor who only knew how to move easels.

Not only had he become strong and overbearing, but he even had a sense of security that made one want to rely on him.

As the iron door closed with a "click," the cockpit returned to silence.

Lin Xiao let out a long breath, leaning back against the comfortable leather seat (an upgrade to the driver's seat included with the S-rank core).

"Whew... the side effects of this serum really test one's willpower."

He shook his head to temporarily cast away the romantic images in his mind and cast his gaze toward the semi-transparent holographic screen that only he could see.

**[Conductor permissions activated.]**

**[Current status: In motion (speed 60 km/h).]**

**[Carriage surveillance: Enabled.]**

**[Passenger status: Scanning...]**

The screen shifted, dividing into dozens of small grids, clearly displaying the real-time situation in the carriages behind.

This was not just a regular camera; it was more like some kind of God's-eye perspective.

In the carriages, the girls were in a chaotic mess.

Some were huddling together for warmth, some were trying to use their phones to find signals that didn't exist, and others—like Zhao Ji—were sitting on the floor, pointing in the direction of the cockpit and cursing, obviously venting the anger from being intimidated by Lin Xiao earlier.

"Hmph, a clown." Lin Xiao sneered, his gaze passing over Zhao Ji, and began to search the crowd for "potential stocks" worth cultivating.

The system notification sound rang out continuously.

**[Notification: Passenger detected awakening talent...]**

**[Notification: High-potential individual detected!]**

Lin Xiao tapped his finger, enlarging several glowing screens.

In the image, Su Qingqian was sitting cross-legged in a corner. Her cold, stunningly beautiful face was now covered in a layer of faint frost, and tiny ice crystals had even formed on her long eyelashes.

In her hand, that originally ordinary art class pencil sharpener was now emitting a bone-chilling cold.

She waved it gently, and as the blade sliced through the air, it left a visible white trail, instantly coating the nearby iron seat in a layer of frost.

**[Name: Su Qingqian]**

**[Beauty: 99 (Stunning)]**

**[Talent: Frost Sword Qi (A-Rank)]**

**[Description: Combat-type talent. Can imbue any elongated object with ice power, significantly increasing sharpness and freezing damage. As development level increases, can release long-range sword qi.]**

**[Evaluation: A natural-born Ice Queen, suggest prioritizing cultivation (and romance).]**

"As expected of the department beauty, this talent is powerful." Lin Xiao exclaimed in admiration. In the early stages, lacking firearms, a melee damage dealer with elemental damage was simply a godly skill.

Next, he looked to the other side.

That petite, twin-tailed loli, Luo Yao, had eyes that were glowing—literally glowing. In her pupils, it seemed as if countless green data streams were scrolling frantically, and she was in a state of extreme excitement.

**[Name: Luo Yao]**

**[Beauty: 95 (Baby-faced Loli)]**

**[Talent: Data Insight (A-Rank)]**

**[Description: Support/Intelligence-type talent. Can analyze hidden attributes of items within visual range, monster weaknesses, and logic locks of low-level electronic devices.]**

**[Evaluation: A walking human strategy guide; with her, you will avoid 99% of unnecessary detours.]**

"Intelligence officer acquired." Lin Xiao snapped his fingers.

Finally, his gaze landed on Shen Man, who had just walked out.

After returning to the carriage, Shen Man was holding the bottle of water, carefully sharing it with a few girls whose lips were already cracked from thirst.

At her fingertips, a soft, milky-white halo was faintly flickering. Those girls who drank the water saw their originally pale complexions turn somewhat rosy.

**[Name: Shen Man]**

**[Beauty: 96 (Intelligent Mature Woman)]**

**[Talent: Healing Light Wave (B-Rank)]**

**[Description: Healing-type talent. Through touch or a medium (such as water), consumes stamina to heal minor injuries of the target and restore a small amount of stamina.]**

**[Evaluation: The best logistics officer; with a healer in hand, the world is mine.]**

Besides that, Lin Xiao also noticed the hot-bodied sports representative, Zhao Xiaotang. Her skin surface had a bronze metallic sheen, and she was attempting to bend an armrest of a seat with her bare hands.

**[Talent: Steel Body (B-Rank)]**, a simple tank talent, but combined with her physique from years of exercise, she was definitely a great frontline fighter.

"One fighter, one mage (intelligence), one healer, one tank. This configuration is practically tailor-made for dungeon runs."

Lin Xiao rubbed his chin, a satisfied smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Although most girls awakened F-rank talents like [Cleaning], [Quick Sleep], or [Manicure Care], which were almost useless in the early apocalypse, the appearance of these core combatants gave Train No. 9527 the capital to survive.

"It seems it's time to assemble my 'harem'... oh no, my 'core train management team'."

Lin Xiao reached out and pressed the broadcast button on the console.

"Bzzt—" The sound of static echoed through the carriage.

"Everyone, pay attention. I am the Conductor, Lin Xiao."

The previously noisy carriage instantly quieted down, and all the girls looked up at the old-fashioned loudspeaker hanging in the corner.

"Su Qingqian, Luo Yao, Shen Man. The three whose names I called, come to the entrance of the cockpit in Carriage No. 1 immediately."

"I repeat: Su Qingqian, Luo Yao, Shen Man, come over immediately."

"Everyone else, remain where you are. Whoever dares to move without permission will have today's supply rations canceled."

The broadcast cut off.

The carriage immediately erupted into chaos.

"Why did he only call those three?"

Zhao Ji said sourly, casting a glance at Su Qingqian's cold figure, her eyes filled with jealousy.

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

"He must have seen how beautiful Su Qingqian is and wants to use his position to get some action! Hmph, men are all the same, not a single good one among them!"

"But... Luo Yao is so young, he could actually lay a hand on her?"

"Sister Shen Man went in just now and was called back again. Could it be..."

All sorts of speculations and rumors spread among the girls.

But Su Qingqian turned a deaf ear to them. She put away the pencil sharpener that was emitting a cold aura, stood up, and walked toward the front of the train with her long, straight legs, her face expressionless.

Luo Yao, on the other hand, jumped up in excitement, her twin tails swaying: "Wow! The Class Monitor must have discovered some fun data! I'm going to take a look-see!"

Shen Man sighed. Although her face was still flushed, she knew this might be an opportunity to establish order. She patted the backs of several girls' hands to reassure them and then followed.

...

The driver's cabin door opened again.

A blast of warm air hit their faces.

Lin Xiao had adjusted the temperature in this carriage to a comfortable 24 degrees. Compared to the drafty, biting cold outside, this place was simply paradise.

Su Qingqian was the first to walk in, her gaze immediately locking onto Lin Xiao, who was sitting in the driver's seat.

A hint of surprise flashed through her eyes, which were usually as cold as a frozen pond.

After not seeing him for only half an hour, the feeling Lin Xiao gave off had completely changed.

If the previous Lin Xiao was just a slightly harder rock, now he was like a heavy sword drawn from its sheath—his sharp edge restrained, yet extremely dangerous.

In particular, the firm muscle lines on his body could be felt even through his T-shirt, hinting at the explosive power contained within.

"Sit."

Lin Xiao pointed to three galvanized iron boxes that had been temporarily cleared nearby.

The three women sat down as told.

The scene was somewhat subtle.

One was the school's recognized aloof goddess, one was an internet-addicted 2D-culture loli, and one was a gentle, family-oriented older sister.

These three usually had almost no interaction in class, but now they were sitting together because of the same man.

Lin Xiao didn't waste any words and simply waved his hand.

Clatter!

Several beautifully packaged Newbie Breads and three bottles of mineral water appeared on the table.

He had just exchanged these in the System Mall using his initial points (as Conductor, he started with 100). Although they weren't expensive, they were incredibly impactful in the current environment.

Gulp...

Luo Yao couldn't help but swallow hard, her large eyes staring fixedly at the cream bread. "This is... is it still warm?"

Although Su Qingqian remained expressionless, her throat also bobbed slightly.

Even though the apocalypse had only begun a few hours ago, the fear of the unknown was extremely draining, and they were already starving.

"Eat up," Lin Xiao said indifferently.

Luo Yao was the first to lose her restraint. She grabbed a piece of bread and took a large bite, her cheeks bulging like a hamster's. "Mmm, so good! Long live the Class Monitor!"

Shen Man hesitated for a moment before picking one up and taking small bites.

Only Su Qingqian didn't move. She looked up, her cold eyes meeting Lin Xiao's directly. "There's no such thing as a free lunch. What do you want us to do?"

"Smart."

Lin Xiao snapped his fingers, leaning forward slightly, his eyes fixed intently on Su Qingqian. "I want you all to become my 'Adjutants'."

He held up one finger: "First, from now on, this train is no longer an ordinary means of transportation, but our only home in the apocalypse. I require absolute obedience and efficient execution."

"Second," he looked at Luo Yao, "Luo Yao, your talent allows you to see data, right?"

Luo Yao was licking cream off her finger and was stunned by his words. Her eyes widened. "How did you know? I have [Data Insight]! Oh, right, Class Monitor, I looked at you too, but..."

Her small face scrunched up. "Your status panel is full of golden question marks, and it hurts my eyes! Why is that? Are you an NPC?"

Lin Xiao gave a mysterious smile and didn't explain. "That's not important. What matters is that from now on, you are the train's Intelligence Officer. You'll be in charge of identifying all supplies and analyzing monster weaknesses."

Next, he looked at Shen Man. "Shen Man, you have healing abilities. You will be the Logistics Supervisor, responsible for resource distribution and treating the wounded. Remember, without my permission, not a single drop of water can be given out extra."

Finally, he looked at Su Qingqian.

Their gazes met in the air, almost as if sparks were flying.

"Su Qingqian, you're the best fighter among the girls in our department—don't deny it, I've seen your matches in the Kendo Club. The ability you awakened is also combat-oriented, isn't it?"

Su Qingqian was silent for a moment before slowly extending her hand. In her palm, frost condensed, and the air temperature around them instantly dropped several degrees.

"Frost Sword Qi," she uttered four words coldly. "But I've never killed anyone, nor have I killed... those kinds of monsters."

"You'll get used to it."

Lin Xiao's voice was cold and resolute. "You are my blade; you must be the sharpest. If there are troublemakers or monsters, you will be the first to charge. In exchange, I guarantee you the best equipment, food, and... the dignity to survive."

Su Qingqian looked at Lin Xiao.

Over the past four years, she had never truly looked at this boy who always helped the girls carry things with a cheerful smile.

In her eyes, men were either powerful controllers like her father or worthless male organisms.

Yet at this moment, the dominance, confidence, and the composure of controlling everything radiating from Lin Xiao actually caused her ice-sealed heart to throb slightly.

This was the gaze of a powerhouse.

In this broken world, only by following the strong can one maintain the pride to live, rather than becoming a screaming burden like those girls outside.

"Deal."

Su Qingqian picked up the bread on the table, tore open the packaging, and took an elegant bite.

This simple action announced her formal joining of Lin Xiao's camp.

Having settled these three core members, Lin Xiao felt much more at ease.

"Since everyone is in agreement, I will now issue the first mission."

Lin Xiao stood up and turned on the large carriage monitoring screen behind him.

"This train is our only reliance, but it's too fragile right now, and so are we."

Lin Xiao pointed to the clutter scattered throughout the carriages on the screen.

"Luo Yao, go and scan the entire carriage and mark everything that can be used."

"Shen Man, go and organize everyone to pool all their personal belongings. Hairpins, eyebrow razors, pepper spray, high heels... even stockings and underwear—as long as it's useful, register it all in the inventory!"

Hearing "stockings and underwear," the expressions of the three girls turned strange.

Shen Man's face was red. "Class Monitor... um, what do you need underwear for?"

Lin Xiao spoke nonsense with a straight face (though it wasn't entirely nonsense):

"Stockings can be used as simple water filters or twisted into ropes with excellent toughness. The underwires in bras can be sharpened into hidden weapons or lock-picking tools. This is called making the best use of everything, understand?"

In reality, he was thinking: If any strange clothing synthesis blueprints come out of the daily check-ins later, these will all be raw materials.

"Also,"

Lin Xiao looked at Su Qingqian and picked up a rusty iron axe he had prepared earlier—he had found it while rummaging through the toolbox.

"This axe belongs to you. It's a bit blunt, but in your hands, it should be more useful than a pencil sharpener."

Su Qingqian took the iron axe, the heavy weight causing her wrist to dip.

She tried to inject a sliver of frost qi.

Crack, crack, crack...

The surface of the iron axe was quickly covered in a layer of hard blue ice. The originally blunt edge instantly became incredibly sharp, emitting a chilling light.

"Good stuff." A light flashed in Su Qingqian's eyes, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly into a breathtaking arc. "Now, this feels a bit more right."

Watching this, Lin Xiao nodded in satisfaction.

"Very good. Move out. Tell everyone that if anyone dares to hide supplies or refuses to cooperate..."

Lin Xiao narrowed his eyes, his killing intent fully revealed. "The zombies on this wasteland should really enjoy fresh human meat delivery."

...

After the three women left, a commotion soon broke out in the carriage.

"Why should I hand over my LV bag? This is a limited edition!"

"My cosmetics are very expensive! They can't be confiscated!"

"Waaah, those are my spare panties..."

But the commotion was quickly suppressed.

There was Shen Man's gentle persuasion and Luo Yao's data analysis ("Sister, your bag is made of synthetic leather and has zero defensive power; you'd be better off trading it for half a biscuit"), plus Su Qingqian standing there with her frost-emitting ice axe.

Even Zhao Ji, after seeing Su Qingqian split a stainless steel handrail in half with one swing, was scared into obediently handing over the Swiss Army knife and pepper spray from her bag.

"Tsk tsk, these women really have quite a lot in stock."

Lin Xiao looked at the supply list on the system panel, which was constantly growing, and wore the gratified smile of an old farmer.

[Exquisite Hairpins x20], [Sunscreen Spray x15], [High Heels x30 pairs], [Stockings (various) x45 pairs], [Unopened Snacks x10 packs]...

Just then, Luo Yao's energetic voice came through the intercom:

"Reporting to Big Brother Conductor! I found something good in Sister Zhao Xiaotang's bag! It's a professional wilderness survival tool kit! And... wow, Sister Xiao Tang actually brought protein powder!"

"Great job." Lin Xiao's eyes lit up.

A wilderness survival tool kit—this was a god-tier item for the early stages.