"Thirsty…water…"
After an unknown length of unconsciousness, Xia Yan slowly awoke, feeling a gnawing hunger in her stomach and her throat parched as if scorched by a hot iron.
Her arms felt as heavy as lead.
Her hazy vision was clouded as if by mist, and though she struggled to rise, she soon abandoned the effort.
Her gaze fell upon a plastic bottle and a bag nearby.
Lunging forward, she grabbed the bottle and, without a second thought about its contents, tilted her head back and gulped it down greedily.
The thirst vanished almost instantly.
After downing the last drop, Xia Yan tossed the bottle aside and, like a ravenous ghost, snatched up the plastic package from the ground and tore it open.
Instinct told her that it held food.
However, her face showed a slight hesitation as she saw the dark, unfamiliar substance inside.
What…is this?
Bringing it closer to sniff, she found no unpleasant smell.
After a moment's hesitation, Xia Yan finally summoned the courage and carefully took a small bite.
The moment it touched her lips, her expression froze, her pupils dilating in shock.
This!
What is this taste?!
Stuffing the dark substance into her mouth, Xia Yan eagerly devoured it and even licked her lips when finished, not even sparing the packaging, which she thoroughly licked clean.
At that moment, the alloy door opened.
Xia Yan looked up to see the man standing in the doorway.
"You're awake?"
Out of instinctive fear, Xia Yan shrank back and quickly glanced down at her clothes, nodding awkwardly.
"Yes."
"Did you enjoy it?"
Though she wanted to appear dignified, her mouth betrayed her.
"It was…delicious…"
Chu Guang gave a faint smile.
"Would you like more?"
Eagerly, Xia Yan nodded.
Satisfied with her answer, Chu Guang nodded back.
"What you just ate is called chocolate."
"Starting today, you work for me. Whatever I ask, you will do."
"In return, I will provide you with food and a safe place to stay. Additionally, if you impress me, I may reward you with more of that treat."
Xia Yan had never tasted chocolate before, though she had heard that it was once a popular delicacy, enjoyed only by the upper class in Boulder City.
"This…this is what chocolate tastes like?"
She instinctively touched her lips with her finger, a look of regret crossing her face.
Damn it!
If only I'd eaten more slowly!
Of course, Chu Guang had no idea what was running through her mind.
If he had, he might have rolled his eyes.
It's just a piece of chocolate…
Is it really worth that much excitement?
"Yes," Chu Guang said, looking at Xia Yan who was still seated on the ground. "So, your answer?"
"I agree."
Xia Yan responded without hesitation, not even bothering to ask what work Chu Guang intended for her.
After all, it wasn't as if she had a choice.
With half a leg gone, even if she returned to Boulder City, her fate would likely be to rot away in a slum alley, like a discarded orange peel.
No one would care.
So long as she could live, no one truly wanted to die.
She turned her head, closed her eyes in resignation, and murmured softly.
"Although I've never done it before… I suppose it should be fine. I know what you want…just be gentle."
"What?"
Chu Guang blinked in surprise, though years of experience told him she'd misunderstood. Quickly regaining his composure, he replied in a serious tone.
"Please, show some respect, Miss. I am having a proper discussion about work."
If you keep on like this…
Then I might not be able to stay professional.
Hearing his words, Xia Yan froze.
What…?
Wasn't his plan to have her bear his children?
Her pupils dilated in sudden realization, and as her imagination collided with reality, her face flushed a deep red.
She looked away in mortification, staring at the ground, and muttered in frustration.
"Just kill me already…"
Chu Guang: "???"
What…?
...
After spending some time, Chu Guang explained the situation to Xia Yan, who was still lying on the ground.
Games were not popular in the wasteland, so using the concept of "players" would only confuse her. Chu Guang instead explained in terms she could understand.
"Simply put, my people and I aim to build a haven for survivors on the surface—to drive out the mutants, shelter refugees, and restore order to this area."
Upon hearing his words, Xia Yan's expression was doubtful.
How much confidence did it take to say something so unrealistic?
Restore order?
Many had tried over the past two centuries, and none had succeeded. Meanwhile, mutants continued to infest the cities, and the space for survivors grew smaller year by year.
"Do you think restoring order is as simple as building a wall?"
Her spirit still bruised, Xia Yan replied sarcastically, "You should see Boulder City. There are far stronger people there, yet even they barely cling to the edge of the outer rings. What do you think you can accomplish?"
"I have my plan," Chu Guang replied calmly. "I don't expect this goal to be achieved in a few months. I understand it will be a prolonged battle, and I am prepared to dedicate generations to it if necessary."
Please.
It's just a story, can't you let me finish?
Chu Guang knew full well that restoring order was no small feat, nor did he think eliminating a few outer-city raiders would make him invincible.
But that was his role.
Or rather, the game's narrative.
At the very least, he wanted the players to feel that this NPC had a purpose.
However, Xia Yan seemed to catch only the last part.
Generations?
She instinctively shrank back.
So he really does want children.
"To the main point," Chu Guang cleared his throat and continued. "You know how to assemble firearms and maintain parts, correct?"
Xia Yan nodded.
"Yes, that's basic knowledge."
"Good," Chu Guang nodded. "From now on, you'll be the weapons shopkeeper."
"What?" Xia Yan blinked, puzzled.
Chu Guang used a term foreign to this world's language, his own parallel world's word for "shopkeeper."
"Weapons shopkeeper," Chu Guang repeated slowly. "That's your job. In short, you'll be selling and maintaining firearms. If anyone asks what you do, that's your answer."
"Selling guns?" Xia Yan asked, baffled. "To whom?"
"To the residents of the shelter."
"What???" Xia Yan was even more confused. "Aren't those people your subordinates?"
"They are, but they're slightly different from what you imagine," Chu Guang paused before continuing, "Put simply, we've just emerged from the underground and need to focus our efforts. Resources are limited, so for now we practice a planned economy—everyone works together and shares meals."
"When survival is secured, and resources start to increase, we'll encourage them to step out of their comfort zones. At that point, our haven will adopt a different set of rules. Food, medicine, weapons, and other resources will no longer be free."
"You mentioned Boulder City, so you must be familiar with the concept of currency? It's similar."
Clearly, she didn't fully grasp what he was saying.
In the wasteland, even a little education could lead to a decent job, like Old Charlie who eked out a living on Bet Street, or technicians who toiled in factories for the rich.
Only the truly poor would risk their lives for money.
Like Miss Xia here.
In the wasteland, mercenaries were never a glamorous job—they were merely expendable tools without benefits or support.
Not that Chu Guang minded.
He needed only a tool who would obey his orders.
Knowledge? Skills? Demeanor?
All could be learned.
Pausing, Chu Guang looked at her and said,
"Our language is slightly different from the surface's. But don't worry, I'll teach you some basic phrases for daily use."
"All you have to do is follow my instructions."