114: Chapter 114 Qin Lin, Am I handsome?

Xu Xue bit her lip.

It wasn't that she couldn't take the initiative; back when she was in the art circles, she had learned some techniques to fight for opportunities that she hadn't yet had the chance to use.

But doing it in front of Han Qing... it was too awkward.

Han Qing waited for a while, and seeing that Xu Xue had no intention of leaving, she began to feel anxious.

She had originally planned to wait for Xu Xue to leave and then... try again with Qin Lin.

She had to confirm whether she could get pregnant.

If she could succeed tonight, that would be for the best.

If not, she might need a more detailed examination, or... to think of another way.

But now that Xu Xue was sitting here and wouldn't leave, her plans were completely disrupted.

She waited another ten minutes.

Xu Xue still showed no sign of leaving.

Han Qing couldn't take it anymore; she put down her magazine and stood up.

"I'm going to shower and sleep first."

She spoke to Qin Lin, her tone somewhat stiff.

Qin Lin looked up: "Aunt Qing, so early?"

"Yes, I'm tired."

Han Qing said, then glanced at Xu Xue with a complex expression.

In that gaze, there was dissatisfaction and anxiety.

And also a... vague sense of competition that was hard to put into words.

Xu Xue felt her gaze and lowered her head even further.

Han Qing turned and walked toward the bedroom area, her pace quick, as if she were escaping something.

Only Qin Lin and Xu Xue were left in the living room.

The atmosphere became even more subtle.

Xu Xue looked up, stole a glance at Qin Lin, and quickly lowered her head again.

Her heart was racing.

She knew what would happen next, or rather, what should happen.

Su Yuran had already hinted at it very clearly, and she herself was mentally prepared.

In the apocalypse, using one's body to trade for survival wasn't something shameful.

Moreover, Qin Lin was young, good-looking, and treated her with respect.

But... when it was actually time to start, she was still nervous.

After all, this was her first time.

Qin Lin put down his tablet and looked at Xu Xue.

"Xu Xue."

"Here!"

Xu Xue looked up like a startled rabbit.

"No need to be so nervous."

Qin Lin tried to keep his tone gentle.

"We're just chatting."

"O-okay."

"You've been on the vehicle for a day now. How do you feel? Have you settled in?"

"I've settled in very well. It's great here, very warm, and everyone is very kind."

"That's good."

"Regarding your relationship with Yuran... I know it's a bit awkward, but I hope you can get along well."

"Yuran isn't a petty person; since she has accepted you, she won't make things difficult for you anymore."

"I know. Yuran talked to me today. She's very good to me, and I will listen to her."

"That's good."

Xu Xue leaned a bit closer to Qin Lin.

At this delicate moment, the door to Bedroom No. 003 suddenly opened again.

Han Yurou poked her head out: "Mom, you forgot to take your bath towel..."

Her words came to an abrupt halt.

Because she saw only Qin Lin and Xu Xue in the living room.

And the way the two were sitting... was a bit suggestive.

"Ah... I-I'll bring it later..."

Han Yurou's face turned red, and she quickly pulled her head back and closed the door.

But this little interlude broke the silence.

Qin Lin smiled helplessly.

"Yu Rou is always so impulsive."

Xu Xue also smiled, and her tension eased slightly.

"She's quite cute."

"Yeah, just like Yuling, she has a lively personality."

He paused, deciding not to beat around the bush anymore.

"Xu Xue, regarding your position on this vehicle... Yuran should have told you already, right?"

Xu Xue's face turned red again, and she nodded slightly: "She did."

"Then what are your thoughts? I don't force anyone."

"If you're unwilling, we can maintain a normal passenger relationship. You can still live on the vehicle and enjoy protection."

Xu Xue was silent for a few seconds, then she looked up, her gaze becoming firm.

"I am willing."

She spoke very softly, but clearly.

"Qin Lin, I understand the rules of this world. In the apocalypse, being alive is already a stroke of luck; having such good conditions is a luxury. I am willing... to become your woman."

By the time she finished saying this, her face was completely flushed, but her eyes did not shy away.

Qin Lin looked at her and saw the determination and calmness in her eyes.

She was a smart girl; she knew exactly what she was doing and exactly what she wanted.

"Good."

"Then I won't mistreat you. On this vehicle, as long as I have a bite to eat, you won't go hungry. As long as I am safe, I will protect you."

"Thank you," Xu Xue said softly.

Qin Lin stood up and reached out his hand to her.

"Come, I'll take you to see bedroom no. 004. Although it's a double room, only you are living there for now. If you need anything, you can tell me."

Xu Xue also stood up, hesitated for a moment, and then placed her hand in Qin Lin's.

His hand was very warm and powerful.

The two walked toward the bedroom area.

As they passed Bedroom No. 003, the door suddenly opened a crack again.

Han Yurou's little head poked out again.

Seeing the two holding hands, her eyes widened.

Then she shrank back like a startled little animal.

"Yu Rou..." Xu Xue's face turned even redder.

"Don't mind her; children are just naturally curious."

bedroom no. 004 was right next to Bedroom No. 003.

Qin Lin opened the door and turned on the light.

The room was very neat, and the bed was made perfectly.

On the desk were several books that Lin Wanwan had prepared in advance.

Some novels and essays for Xu Xue to pass the time.

"This will be your room from now on. Tell me anytime if you need anything."

"It's already very good."

Xu Xue walked into the room and looked around.

"It's much better than the shelter room at Clear Water Bay."

She turned around, looked at Qin Lin, and was suddenly at a loss.

What should she do next?

Just... start?

But this was too fast.

She had just gotten on the vehicle and...

What was the difference between this and doing it with a stranger?

Qin Lin saw her nervousness and didn't rush into action.

He sat down in the chair in front of the desk.

"Sit down, let's chat for a while longer."

Xu Xue breathed a sigh of relief and sat down on the edge of the bed.

The two chatted for a while longer, mainly about Xu Xue's past experiences.

Her family, her studies, and her artistic dreams.

Xu Xue was born into an ordinary family; both her parents were teachers.

She had liked drawing since she was a child and got into the Fine Arts Academy, but jobs were hard to find after graduation.

She met Su Zhenyun at a business cocktail party.

The other party said he appreciated her talent and wanted to sponsor her to hold an art exhibition...

"I really thought he just appreciated my paintings back then."

Xu Xue said with a bitter smile.

"Thinking back, I was too naive."

"In that kind of environment, it's hard for a young girl to distinguish between sincere appreciation and an approach with ulterior motives."

"But I wasn't completely innocent either." Xu Xue lowered her head.

"I knew he had designs on me, but I still accepted the funding. Because I needed the money, and I needed the opportunity."

"Under the pressure of survival, many people make compromises," Qin Lin understood.

"Even more so in the apocalypse, so don't feel like you did anything wrong. Being able to live and make choices that are beneficial to yourself is enough."

After chatting for about half an hour, Xu Xue gradually relaxed.

She looked at Qin Lin and suddenly asked:

"Qin Lin, am I... pretty?"