pjbooks Chapter 10 link successful, 2nd Amplification Card!
Chapter 10 link successful, 2nd Amplification Card!
I don't know how much time passed.
The car returned to silence, with only the slightly rapid breathing of the two people.
An ambiguous yet warm atmosphere filled the air, a stark contrast to the cold darkness outside the car.
Cao Shuang sat up, took out the pack of Zhonghua cigarettes that he had opened from the blue box earlier, flicked one out, and lit it with the included lighter.
A flash of orange-red light illuminated his profile, which was expressionless yet held a hint of contentment.
He took a deep breath, slowly exhaling the bluish-gray smoke, his gaze fixed on the boundless darkness outside the window, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
Beside her, Chu Yao was already fast asleep, curled up in the reclined chair, covered with a thick coat that Cao Shuang had thrown over her from a green box.
Tears still clung to her face, her brows furrowed slightly, as if she were restless even in her sleep, but her breathing was even, clearly indicating that she was utterly exhausted.
Just then, that cold yet familiar mechanical voice echoed once again deep within Cao Shuang's mind:
[A deep connection (first time) has been detected between the host and the target 'Chu Yao' who meets the criteria. The connection is now officially established.]
[Congratulations, host, on completing the initial mission! Reward: Newbie Gift Pack x1 (automatically stored in system space).]
[First official connection achieved, bonus reward: Infinite Amplification Card x1!]
[Note: Chu Yao's loyalty and dependence have increased, and the linking bonus effect has slightly increased.]
[The tutorial phase has ended. The journey in this apocalyptic world is long. Please continue your efforts, collect and connect with more beauties who meet your criteria, unlock more system features, and reach the pinnacle!]
An Infinite Amplification Card! Another one! And it's a reward for "Linking"!
Cao Shuang's lips curved into a wider smile as he slowly exhaled a smoke ring, his eyes appearing bright and sharp behind the smoke.
Sure enough, just as he thought, this "connection" was, in the literal sense, the most direct form of possession and conquest.
It has nothing to do with emotions, only with survival and interests, and the "deep connection" determined by the system.
He glanced at the sleeping Chu Yao, then at the newly acquired [Infinite Amplification Card (Beginner)] in his system space, which shimmered with an alluring light.
"In the apocalypse, you should forge a strong bond with the beautiful women you admire..."
He repeated the system's ultimate message to himself in a low voice, and this time, he fully understood its meaning.
This isn't romance; it's the most naked law of survival, and also the most efficient way to become stronger.
The excitement of obtaining the second [Infinite Amplification Card (Beginner)] surged through Cao Shuang's veins like a tiny electric current.
This thing is extremely important; it's a strategic resource that can almost instantly change the course of a situation.
The first card solved the energy problem, giving him the means to recklessly speed along this deadly highway. This second card, however, must be used wisely, where it can maximize his chances of survival and combat effectiveness.
What's the increase?
He subconsciously scanned the interior of the dilapidated Wuling Hongguang. Space?
It's definitely getting more and more cramped, with all sorts of supplies piled up to the brim, making it difficult for even two people to move around. But the lack of space can be reorganized, and some low-value items can be discarded, so it's not the most critical issue for now.
Speed? The car's structure and aging are major flaws. Forcing an increase in speed could cause it to fall apart. It would be counterproductive.
Defense? We just installed a level 1 anti-collision bar, which raised the defense from 1 point to 5 points, but 5 points of defense... Cao Shuang recalled the evaluation on the data panel, "It went from one thin layer of iron to three thin layers of iron."
Hitting a dog won't break your body, but what if you hit something tough? Like other vehicles with malicious intent, or... the "monsters" mentioned in the announcement that might appear?
Weapons? The AK-47 and grenades are powerful, but they are external firepower and cannot directly improve the vehicle's survivability. Moreover, ammunition is limited, and every grenade used is one less available.
With too little information, the decision was difficult. Cao Shuang was not an indecisive person, but this caution stemmed from his understanding of the cruelty of this apocalypse and his clear awareness of the value of this precious card.
Don't rush, let's wait and see. Maybe we'll encounter a situation where we have to use it immediately.
He temporarily put the matter of the enhancement card to his mind and turned his gaze to Chu Yao, who was fast asleep in the passenger seat next to him due to exhaustion and complicated emotions.
Under the dim reading light, she lay on her side, her long eyelashes casting a small shadow under her eyelids. Her cheeks still bore traces of undried tears and a blush. Her lips were slightly pouting, showing less of the aloofness and arrogance she deliberately maintained during the day, and more of the vulnerability and authenticity that belonged to her age.
The white T-shirt was wrinkled from the earlier chaos, outlining its undulating curves.
It must be admitted that Chu Yao's looks and figure truly live up to the title of "school beauty" and perfectly meet the system's "high standards".
Especially at this moment, her defenseless and even somewhat vulnerable appearance is quite attractive to any normal man.
Cao Shuang is a normal man, and having just completed the "connection," a suppressed fire and desire for control have not been completely extinguished. He has always been decisive; if he wants something, he does it.
So, while Chu Yao was half-asleep and dazed, Cao Shuang leaned down again.
"Well……"
Chu Yao was startled awake. She opened her eyes in confusion and saw Cao Shuang. Her body stiffened instinctively.
No words, only actions.
The dilapidated Wuling Hongguang van swayed slightly and rhythmically once again on the edge of this road shrouded in darkness and unknown dangers, accompanied by suppressed gasps and sobs, until late at night.
……
Silent all night.
As the first pale rays of sunlight barely pierced through the leaden clouds and shone on the endless highway, Cao Shuang was already awake. He was a light sleeper, a necessary precaution in the apocalypse.
The night of indulgence didn't bring much fatigue; instead, he felt refreshed and invigorated, along with a certain indescribable sense of satisfaction. He stretched his slightly stiff neck and looked out the window.
Daylight broke, but the sky remained overcast, as if forever shrouded in a gray veil. On the highway, the traffic seemed to have thinned out, presumably because many cars had been abandoned last night.
In the distance, that ominous grayness still hangs like a backdrop on the horizon, reminding everyone of the countdown.
A rustling sound came from the side. Chu Yao also woke up. She rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up. Her brows immediately furrowed, and she hissed softly. She felt as if her whole body had been taken apart and put back together, especially her waist and legs, which were so sore and weak that they didn't feel like her own.
She couldn't help but glare at the energetic Cao Shuang beside her, her eyes filled with embarrassment and a hint of barely perceptible resentment.
That bastard... he has absolutely no sense of chivalry! He's like a tireless bull!
Strangely, despite feeling unwell and somewhat annoyed, her feelings towards Cao Shuang were completely different after last night.
The feelings of alienation, fear, and forced dependence have faded considerably, replaced by a more complex emotion.
The physical intimacy seemed to break down an invisible barrier, making her subconsciously regard Cao Shuang as "one of her own," even though this "one of her own" relationship was built on such a cold and direct foundation.
She even subconsciously complained in a low voice, slightly nasal and hoarse:
"You...you'll be gentler next time...my whole body aches."
Her tone unconsciously carried a hint of coquettishness that she herself was unaware of.