Armed Train in the Apocalypse

”What about her parents?”

”They’re both dead.”

The woman’s tone was natural, as if she were talking about what she had for lunch.

Xiaoba opened his mouth but didn’t continue to ask.

The train is not a land of plenty. Although everyone works tirelessly day and night, people are classified by their contributions and levels. For example, the crew’s pay is lower than that of the Armed Corps who risk their lives.

Most family members, who board the train relying on men in the Corps, are attached to the logistics group doing odd jobs. Their work is miscellaneous, yet they earn the fewest points, barely enough to maintain food and clothing. According to Hu Shuo, after repeated calculations, there’s no surplus at all.

To upgrade your points, you either need to get promoted to management or enhance your evolution level.

Nowadays, the train is no longer in its infancy. The management positions within the crew are exacting. Take the cooks and those with glasses, for example. These Level 5 Crew positions are watched by a bunch of eager deputies. Those people have ability and experience, so there’s no way ordinary folks who got in through connections could get ahead.

Evolution also requires resources. Unless she can risk her life like Jiang Rong or the mongoose with the Corps, but nowadays the Corps’ recruitment has become increasingly strict. You can’t just get a chance because you want to fight.

It’s indeed difficult for her, alone, to raise such a small child.

Xiaoba struggled internally.

’Even though I can take care of this one, what about the next?’

’There will always be a next one.’

This isn’t a matter of affordability.

As long as the apocalypse continues, such things will come endlessly. This is an environmental issue and cannot be solved by adopting one or two.

Xiaoba couldn’t help but wonder, if Su Huan were facing this situation, how would he handle it?

The woman didn’t urge or pressure him with a pitiful look, just quietly waited for Xiaoba to make a decision.

”Here!”

The crisp voice seemed to exert all its strength.

While Xiaoba was in a daze, the little girl had already pressed a milk date to his lips.

The young man revealed a faint smile and, having made up his mind, turned around and said seriously, ”I won’t adopt this child.”

The woman wasn’t surprised and was about to express her gratitude when the young man spoke softly.

”I will provide you with some supplies every month through the normal train exchange channels, but I hope you keep this matter confidential. If it leaks because of you, I will stop the aid.”

The woman was taken aback, wanting to express her gratitude, but not knowing the appropriate gesture, she appeared somewhat at a loss.

Xiaoba handed the milk date back to the little girl persistent in giving it to him, then took a bite of the milk date and muttered with a smile, ”Thanks a bunch.”

Giggling with delight, the little girl grinned widely.

After seeing the woman off, Xiaoba pondered for a while before heading towards Dean Zhou’s laboratory. After half an hour, he hurriedly went to find Xiaozhao, and then together with Xiaozhao, they found Hu Shuo.

The latter was checking a materials list but, upon hearing Xiaoba’s intention, said solemnly, ”You’re saying you want to establish a system on the train to adopt children?”

Xiaoba shook his head, ”I’m merely proposing this idea. Whether it can be implemented depends on the actual situation.”

”Does the Train Master know about this?”

”I consulted with Dean Zhou first, then with Xiaozhao and you. I haven’t told anyone else yet.”

Listening to Xiaoba’s response, a hint of appreciation flashed in Hu Shuo’s eyes.

Yet, he didn’t agree on the spot, merely replying in a businesslike manner, ”I’ve received your proposal. I’ll report it to the Train Master in due time.”

He then lowered his head to continue checking the list in his hand.

As Xiaoba stepped out, Hu Shuo placed a pen to hold down the materials on the desk and stood up, saying, ”I’ll step out for a bit and be back shortly.”

...

The Train Master leaned lazily against a wooden stump, munching on a banyan fruit while gazing at the picnickers in the distance, his eyes unconsciously wandering near Yu Yue.

He mainly sat there to suppress plant growth.

Hu Shuo stood respectfully to one side, slightly to the rear, yet in a position where Su Huan could easily turn his head, catching him in the corner of his eye.

”Tsk, he’s learned to use the rules now.”

In the past life, our Master Eight was a stubborn one, and his title as the orphanage dean made the Mechanical God Cult grit their teeth in hatred.

Hu Shuo chuckled, ”Master Eight is indeed a genius.”

Su Huan replied with a half-smile, ”Secretary Hu’s skill in subtle flattery is growing by the day.”

Xiaoba was someone he promoted personally, so praising Xiaoba had a far better effect than directly flattering him.

Because it was his achievement.

Hu Shuo said seriously, ”Other kids at this age might be clever, but they can’t be described as wise.”

Su Huan quietly snorted twice.

If He Jie said this, it would certainly be a genuine remark on Xiaoba’s talent, but Hu Shuo would never waste words like that.

Su Huan’s method of discerning people was brutal yet straightforward.

First, determine what kind of person you are, and then deduce based on the behavioral logic. If you’re good, think positively, and if you’re foolish, expect foolish acts. In other words, focus on the person, not the issue.

If the Train Master guessed wrong, that would be your problem. If you truly have a loyal heart, why not reveal it openly under the clear sky?

”So, what do you think about Xiaoba’s proposal?”

Su Huan asked again.

Hu Shuo said, ”Before coming here, I bumped into Dean Zhou. She supports the idea. By providing material support to raise children, the train could gain a continuous influx of fresh blood, and these children would have a purer and more loyal attachment to the train.”

”The downside is high investment and a long cycle. To do it well, every step of education must be kept up.”

”We can integrate it with the existing educational system to form a complete educational framework, allowing them to enter various departments after the age of fourteen...”