Chapter 119: A Gesture of Goodwill |
Ding Junyi had a point.
The research carriage was clean, warm, and private. Despite being filled with various scientific instruments, in a way, it did make things more… stimulating.
But before Lin Xian could fully process her bizarre logic, Ding Junyi was already standing in front of him, staring at him with that eerily calm expression.
It felt like she was silently saying:
"Brother, let’s execute a flawless combo move together."
Was this how straight-A science girls expressed themselves?
Logically, clearly, without even a hint of hesitation?
Lin Xian was momentarily stunned, but he managed to suppress his internal turmoil and met her gaze.
"Are you afraid I’ll kill you?" he asked. "Or that when we reach Yubei City, no one will take you in, and I’ll just kick you off the train? So, you’re trying to get on my good side?"
But then again, if he were the kind of person to just sleep with her and then throw her off the train, what difference would it make?
Ding Junyi had no idea what Lin Xian was thinking. But when she heard his question, she answered without a shred of hesitation:
"You're right. But my request is for after we have sex."
"...After?"
Lin Xian's face twitched. "What the hell are you trying to say?"
Ding Junyi furrowed her brows slightly.
"Studies have shown that trust and acceptance between men and women increase significantly during or after sexual activity. In intense moments, it can even lead to a temporary state of emotional impulsivity and bonding.
So, I plan to ask to stay on your train and join your team after we have sex."
Lin Xian opened his mouth to say something but found himself at a loss for words.
For some reason, he couldn’t decide if she completely understood men or didn’t understand them at all.
"So after all that, your goal is just to stay on my train?"
"Yes."
Ding Junyi looked him in the eyes.
"From my observations, you are the leader of this train. Your abilities and decision-making skills grant you full control. In other words, the lives of Dr. Zhao, Dr. Xu, and myself are all in your hands.
In this situation, showing goodwill towards you costs me nothing and only benefits me.
Whether you let me stay, drop us off at an official outpost, or simply choose not to harm me along the way, it’s still a positive outcome for me.
Logically, my decision is fully supported by rational theory."
Ding Junyi had been carefully observing Lin Xian.
She realized his ability was extremely unique—he could create mechanical structures out of thin air. The Gemini 11R Nuclear Electric Locomotive normally required a team of specialists to operate, yet he controlled it effortlessly.
From her calculations, his ability was highly advanced, and his team was exceptionally strong—they had managed to escape from an impossible situation.
Furthermore, based on how Lin Xian treated Luo Shasha, KIKI, and the others, he seemed to be trustworthy.
After careful analysis, she concluded that her best survival strategy was to join his team.
"I see."
Lin Xian sighed deeply.
Talking to this woman was mentally exhausting.
She was completely honest and seemed sincere, yet it felt like debating a thesis paper. Even her attempt at currying favor came with theoretical analysis—just thinking about it gave him a headache.
"I’ll think about it. But as for the rest of your request—not happening."
"My apologies. I believe you may have misunderstood."
Ding Junyi reached behind her back, undoing her bra strap with a calm expression, her eyes filled with a subtle intensity.
"I’m not offering sex as a bargaining chip," she stated.
"I genuinely need to satisfy my biological needs."
Lin Xian: ?!?!?!?!
[Devour Successful: Mechanical Source Points +15, Mechanical Devour Skill Proficiency +8, Bonus: Defense +1]
[Devour Successful: Mechanical Source Points +15, Mechanical Devour Skill Proficiency +8, Bonus: Strength +1]
[Deconstruction Complete: Obtained High-Manganese Steel ×50, Hot-Rolled Forged Steel ×50, Cold-Rolled Dual-Phase Steel Plates ×15, Ordinary Carbon Steel ×100, Non-Metallic Foam Material, Non-Metallic Composite Material…]
It took Lin Xian around 40 minutes to fully devour the two flatbed trailers. The space behind the train was now completely empty.
Now, with the Gemini 11R Nuclear Electric Locomotive linked to Car 7, Lin Xian removed Car 7’s rear panels, planning to install a side door for easier access and cargo loading.
Additionally, he planned to modify the roof, preparing to mount a CIWS (Close-In Weapon System) later.
Current Status – Mechanical Heart (LV.2: 745/1000)
Upgrade to LV.3 for Special Skill Reward & Awakening
- Strength Level: 2 (80%) (200kg explosive force)
- Speed Level: 2 (05%) (13m/s sprinting limit)
- Defense Level: 1 (78%) (Reinforced bones & toughened skin)
Mechanical Awakening: Not Yet Achieved
- Mechanical Devour: LV.3 (106/1000) [Boosts Devouring Efficiency]
- Mechanical Manufacturing: LV.2 (260/500) [Boosts Construction Efficiency]
- Mechanical Passives: Scan / Repair / Deconstruct
Special Skills:
- Wind Cannon (Common) – LV.3 (Max Level)
- Ice Shield (Common) – LV.2 (09%)
- Backlash (Rare) – LV.1 (30%)
- Power Surge (Rare) – LV.1 (23%)
"So Wind Cannon maxes out at Level 3..."
Lin Xian exhaled deeply. The cold night wind howled outside, making him instinctively tighten the collar of his jacket.
At the very end of the train, the Huanxing 7F Electric Locomotive was still parked.
Since the nuclear locomotive wasn’t connected internally, and the electric locomotive was now obsolete, its best fate was to be devoured.
The last time he devoured a short-range freight locomotive, it had granted 300 Mechanical Source Points.
This Huanxing 7F was a massive machine.
Once he absorbed it, he would definitely break through to Level 3 Mechanical Heart!
To ensure safety, Lin Xian climbed into the cockpit. The locomotive’s armor plating was thick—he had considered repurposing it for the nuclear locomotive’s radiation shielding, but titanium alloy combined with high-density lead plates would be more effective.
So, he decided to devour it all at once.
As soon as the devouring process began, a crushing pressure slammed into him.
It felt like the air had been sucked from his lungs—a clear sign that he was absorbing an enormous structure.
Meanwhile, inside Car 5…
Ding Junyi walked in.
Zhao Yan and Xu Wen were huddled in a corner, exhausted. Luo Shasha had given them blankets, and for the first time in a long while, they were able to sleep properly.
However, in the post-apocalyptic world, nerves were always on edge.
Zhao Yan woke up instantly at the sound of footsteps.
"Director Ding?"
She glanced at Ding Junyi’s flushed face.
Her cheeks were slightly red, and there was a faint sheen of sweat on her forehead.
Zhao Yan’s brows furrowed in concern.
"You don’t look well… Are you sick?"
Ding Junyi: "No."
Comments 2