Apocalyptic Wasteland Simulator

Chapter 169 - 164: Tenacious! Liu Haofeng’s Path to Survival
After all, Chen Pingchuan was the Divine Envoy who saved her, even though it was a future that never came to pass. Yet, Nightingale still harbored unusual feelings for Chen Pingchuan. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel·fiɾe·netSensing the turmoil within Nightingale, Liu Haofeng, standing by her side, could no longer maintain his composure. His lips trembled incessantly, his eyes filled with fear, and his voice quivered noticeably as he spoke. ”Night... Captain Ye, you’re not really planning to hand me over to him, are you? He’s not my classmate; he’s been possessed by a monster. My other classmates can testify to that.”

However, Nightingale did not respond. The growing silence in the cafeteria plunged Liu Haofeng into utter despair.

In stark contrast, the people from the mine, who had been on the brink of despair, felt a surge of elation. They saw a glimmer of hope. They were saved!

At this moment, Liu Haofeng could no longer bring himself to cover for Ye Luo. To save his own skin, he threw her completely under the bus. ”It was Ye Luo! Chen Tongxue, it was Ye Luo who threatened me to work with Captain Nightingale and frame you. I really didn’t want to do it!”

His outburst was the final push Nightingale needed to make her decision. ”Alright. You can take him.”

”Haha, Captain Nightingale, a very wise decision.” After speaking, Chen Pingchuan didn’t spare another glance for the small group of people left in the cafeteria, even though they could provide him with more physical attributes.

The side effects seem to be significant. If Nightingale hadn’t snapped me out of that frenzied state just now, I can’t believe how cold-blooded I could have become. Most importantly, ordinary people might feel fear, nausea, or terror after killing someone. But the only feeling in my heart was a single sensation: thrill. The intertwining of greed and desire is truly intoxicating.

Chen Pingchuan walked over to Nightingale with elegant, unhurried steps. He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on her face, which was as exquisite as a work of art. Nervous, Nightingale’s long eyelashes trembled, tugging at Chen Pingchuan’s heartstrings.

Once again, as if compelled by some inexplicable impulse, Chen Pingchuan raised his hand and gently pinched Nightingale’s smooth, delicate face. The touch was like holding warm, fine jade. A faint smile played on his lips as he let out a soft chuckle. ”I look forward to our next meeting.”

The moment Chen Pingchuan’s hand touched her cheek, Nightingale felt as if a powerful electric current had shot through her. Her body went rigid, unable to move. A strange emotion bloomed in her heart as an uncontrollable blush crept onto her face. She just stood there, stunned, allowing Chen Pingchuan to do as he pleased.

Only when his steady footsteps reached the cafeteria door did Nightingale seem to wake from a dream. She parted her cherry-like lips and exhaled softly, as if releasing all the tension from her heart.

Then, she looked at Liu Haofeng with a hint of apology in her eyes, just as Chen Pingchuan’s voice followed. ”Let’s go, Liu Tongxue. If we leave now, we can both retain a shred of dignity. You should understand what I mean.”

His voice, though gentle, carried an undeniable authority.

Liu Haofeng’s face was deathly pale. He didn’t cry or scream, nor did he rage at Nightingale for the shamelessness of her abandonment. He didn’t even mention how Nightingale was supposed to explain this back in the City of No Night.

Because in his mind, none of that mattered. He was going to die! Even if the City of No Night investigated later and sentenced this adulterous pair, Chen Pingchuan and Nightingale, to death, so what? Could I be resurrected? Besides, it was far from certain the City of No Night would even bother. I’m just an unfavored, illegitimate son.

At that moment, Liu Haofeng was devoid of all his former spirit. The calm, composed man was gone, as was the vibrant, spirited student from school. He was like a walking corpse following behind Chen Pingchuan, awaiting his final judgment.

Chen Pingchuan wandered around the mine once more, but he still couldn’t find his armored vehicle. Liu Haofeng, though confused, didn’t dare to ask. He figured that every extra moment he stayed alive brought a new chance for things to change, a chance that his life might be spared.

And indeed, the gears of fate began to turn. ”Why can’t I find it?” Chen Pingchuan muttered to himself, finally giving up the search for the armored vehicle and turning his gaze to Liu Haofeng.

”Xiaoliu, there’s something I need your help with. If you do it well, I’ll give you a chance. If you fail, well, we’ll stick to the original plan.”

Hearing this, Liu Haofeng’s face lit up with pure ecstasy. The opportunity he had been waiting for had actually arrived. The previously ashen, numb expression on his face was instantly replaced by a desperate will to live. ”Boss! From now on, you’re my big boss! Just tell me what you need. As long as I can help, I’ll do anything you ask without hesitation!”

Chen Pingchuan waved his hand, clearly annoyed and uninterested. He frowned, forced to admit to himself that he wasn’t perfect.

I seem to have an extraordinary talent for manipulating human nature. I have magical insight, an ability to easily read people’s minds, and a unique talent for toying with their emotions. However, when it comes to strategic planning or finding people and things, I seem to fall short. I often waste a great deal of time on tasks that require meticulous planning or searching.

Chen Pingchuan hated admitting he had weaknesses. So he turned his gaze to Liu Haofeng.

Whether you live or die depends on your own abilities now.

Chen Pingchuan then explained everything without reservation, telling him the secret of the three items he had obtained from Li Laoqi’s villa and the details of his search in the mine.

Liu Haofeng lowered his head and sank into deep thought. Time seemed to crawl by in the tense atmosphere. More than five minutes passed, but he remained completely oblivious to his surroundings. Large beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, running past his eyes and stinging the corners like tiny needles. Still, Liu Haofeng didn’t react, completely lost in his thoughts.

Chen Pingchuan stood to the side, his brow furrowed slightly. The patience in his eyes was fading, his once-calm gaze growing sharper.

Just as Chen Pingchuan’s patience was about to run out, Liu Haofeng finally moved. He slowly raised his head, his lips trembling. In an anxious, hoarse voice, he shared his theory, ”If I’m not mistaken, the armored vehicle should be...”