Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The room was in chaos. Potato, pursued by Durian, had long abandoned running on its legs and was now rolling across the floor. Surprisingly, it was moving quite fast, keeping Durian at bay for the moment.

Corn, in turn, chased after Durian, squeezing a sticky corn ball and hurling it, hoping to trap Durian.

But Durian reacted with lightning speed, dodging the projectile with a swift sway of its body. The corn ball splattered against the floor, its burst of corn smoke failing to cling to Durian.

Durian paused for a split second, then pivoted, growling softly as it rolled toward Corn.

Corn let out a soft shriek and bolted.

Potato, having temporarily escaped danger, scrambled to its feet and chuckled gleefully.

Not one to stay idle, it tried to sneakily retrieve the corn ball from the floor, only to find its leafy hand stuck fast, unable to break free.

Meanwhile, Little Apple, enveloped in a gray cloud of smoke, darted back and forth, desperately trying to spread the smoke to obscure vision.

Alas, its efforts were futile. The smoke barely extended a few centimeters before Corn, charging forward, violently knocked it over, sending it tumbling into a corner, smoke swirling around it.

Corn crashed into Apple, then knocked over a table corner. Seeing Durian closing in, it mimicked Potato’s earlier move, flopping onto the ground and rolling swiftly to the side.

Carnivorous Flower stood in the center of the room, glancing left and right, wanting to help but unsure how.

Back in the Plant Little Courtyard, settling disputes was simple: a punch for each side. But Potato was the one being chased, Durian was new, and as a high-level mutant plant, its combat prowess was undoubtedly formidable.

It likely hadn’t yet unleashed its full power, and Carnivorous Flower worried that intervening might provoke it, causing an even greater commotion that would alert the humans outside.

After all, this was Black Ridge Mountain Base, where every human was an Ability User, unlike ordinary safe zones.

Money Tree perched on a low cabinet, its elongated leaves reaching down as it erected a defense barrier around Durian.

Durian paid no heed. With a single roll forward, the barrier shattered, and Money Tree’s leaves were pricked.

Little Cabbage huddled close to Money Tree, Soft Vine draped over its head, and Mimosa pressed against its cheek.

Durian, covered in thorns and moving with startling speed, left them utterly helpless.

Little Cabbage gazed across the room at the opposite table, where the still-small Cabbage Shell and Cabbage Bowl sat.

Maybe we should open the Cabbage Shell and all hide inside, it thought. The shell is so hard, it should be able to block Durian, right…?

The Sleep Spray was long gone, the empty bottle carelessly tossed on the floor.

Potato, still stuck to a corn ball on the ground, panicked even more than before. “Woo woo!”

Carnivorous Flower tried to help it, but tripped over a rolling corn ball.

Just as Corn was about to be caught by Durian, Soft Vine heard Carrot’s voice and extended its tendril to unlock the door.

The door burst open from the outside, and all the plants froze, including Durian.

Carrot and Chili Pepper stood in the doorway, followed by Qian Hui and Nan Tingjin, who had rushed over.

Another special-grade mutated plant had arrived, and the cold-faced human behind it smelled equally dangerous. Durian temporarily calmed down, retreating silently.

But… that special-grade mutated plant’s scent… why did it seem so familiar…?

Durian eyed it suspiciously, still on guard.

Orange, small… wait, isn’t that… Carrot?!

Potato was still “woo woo”-ing, so Qian Hui quickly picked it up.

He wiped the corn kernels sticking to Potato’s hands with a tissue. Corn jumped into his arms, pointing at Durian and “woo woo”-ing in grievance.

Money Tree leaped down from the cabinet, followed closely by Little Cabbage and Apple, all hiding behind Qian Hui.

Carnivorous Flower remained in place, its eyes fixed on Durian on the floor, constantly vigilant to prevent any rash actions.

Qian Hui patted each of the plants around him. “Alright, alright, I’m back… What happened?”

The plants chattered at once, gesturing wildly and acting out the events.

Without Sunflower present, communication was difficult. After struggling to understand for a while, Qian Hui finally pieced together what had occurred.

When Durian awoke, it had initially remained calm and hadn’t attacked, though it remained highly wary.

It refused all food and pills, demanding to know where the other Durian from yesterday had gone.

Sunflower, who was still present at the time, had half-lied, claiming Durian No. 2 had gone out on urgent business and would explain personally upon Carrot’s return, assuring Durian that it would recognize Carrot’s scent.

After Sunflower was taken away by Little Bamboo Shoot, Durian couldn’t resist asking again when its Durian partner would return.

Potato, being straightforward, declared there was no Durian at all—it was just Carrot in disguise.

Durian immediately panicked. Durian No. 2 had clearly been there last night, and how could Carrot possibly transform into a Durian?

Sensing the situation deteriorating, Corn quickly tried to soothe Durian with Sunflower’s words, but Durian was beyond listening.

It chased after Potato, demanding an explanation for how Carrot could become a Durian.

Seeing Durian’s agitation, Corn hastily pulled out the Sleep Spray. To its surprise, despite Durian’s round and clumsy appearance, it dodged with remarkable speed, fueled by its distrust of them.

Corn pursued Durian relentlessly, nearly emptying the entire bottle of spray. It then tried to lure Durian out of the room, intending to lock it up alone and use the spray again.

Noticing Corn’s attempt to escape, Durian gave chase, determined to prevent any plant from leaving the room.

Its primary focus remained on Potato, refusing to relent until it got a clear explanation.

Potato, however, had no idea how to explain. It didn’t understand what disguise medicine was; all it had seen was Carrot transforming into a Durian.

The whole mess seemed to have started with something Potato had said. Feeling both wronged and slightly guilty, it nestled into Qian Hui’s arms, whimpering softly.

Qian Hui sighed, holding both Potato and Corn close. “As long as you’re not hurt, that’s what matters.”

He looked up to see Durian slowly rolling toward Carrot, then flipping itself upright.

Surprisingly bold, Durian circled Carrot, gradually closing the distance.

As it drew closer, Durian recognized a familiar scent emanating from Carrot—a scent remarkably similar to Durian No. 2’s from the previous night, at least half identical.

It edged closer, wanting a better look.

Sensing Durian’s intentions, Carrot glared with its beady black eyes. “Woo?”

That sound sealed Durian’s conviction.

It froze, hesitating in place.

Durian No. 2 had made the same sound last night, urging it to hurry, eat something, and go to sleep.

So, the carrot before it was Durian No. 2…

Potato had been right all along. Durian’s true companion wasn’t another durian, but a carrot.

Durian’s mind reeled. It cautiously ventured, “Woo?”

Carrot, uninterested in engaging, considered locking Durian up until it behaved properly. Only then would it be released.

Taking advantage of the lull, Qian Hui opened the Encyclopedia and purchased a strategy guide for Durian.

[ Durian: High-grade mutated plant ]

[ Strategy Guide Purchased: A simple-minded Durian with a somewhat impatient and occasionally reckless temperament. Its intelligence is average, but its combat prowess is high, and it possesses a wide range of skills. To avoid being disliked and to better conceal itself, it knows how to suppress its pungent odor. Apart from a strong desire to be with others of its species, it has few preferences. Its greatest wish is to find other mutated Durians like itself and form a Durian army. ]

After reading the guide’s description, Qian Hui finally understood why Durian had agreed to return with the plants the previous night.

Carrot, having drunk the disguise medicine, had coincidentally transformed into a Durian, leading Durian to mistake it for one of its own kind.

It was precisely because of this that Carrot had reverted to its original form, and Durian had discovered that Durian No. 2 was missing…

But the disguise medicine was gone. Qian Hui frowned in frustration. Noticing Durian circling Carrot, he beckoned Carrot over.

“Carrot,” he whispered, “can you keep it company again? It seems to recognize you.”

Carrot hesitated before nodding. “Woo…”

Carrot could take Durian, since Corn and Potato, the main powerhouses, had been brought up by it.

But this place wasn’t as free as the outside world. Durian had to obey, or Qian Hui would lock it up.

Qian Hui sighed in relief and patted Carrot’s head. “Let’s try it first. Thank you, Carrot.”

Carrot turned and approached Durian.

With a woo, it bluntly declared that Durian was now its subordinate and had to obey its commands.

Durian was still pondering how Carrot could have transformed into Durian, its eyes dazed.

But the scent on Carrot’s body was unmistakable—it was Durian No. 2 from last night. Since it was Durian No. 2, that meant it was a fellow member of its kind.

A fellow member of its kind, especially a special-grade mutated plant with even greater power, was someone it had to obey.

And since Durian No. 2 had transformed from Carrot, it could probably transform back, right…?

Durian responded with a grunt, slightly retracting its spikes and obediently following behind Carrot.

Carrot offered it a bag of cookies, which it ate.

In just a few minutes, Durian’s Loyalty level rose from 10% to 40%.

 —

The study finally fell silent as the plants righted the overturned tables and chairs.

Little Apple coughed twice, exhaling smoke, then picked up the empty spray bottle and tossed it away.

Soon after, a subordinate brought lunch.

Qian Hui took an extra small bowl specifically to feed the plants.

As he fed the Carnivorous Flower a meatball, he recounted the morning’s events.

Upon learning that Nut had been found but had fallen into a deep sleep, the Carnivorous Flower’s mood turned complex. It lowered its head, its eyes filled with worry.

Carrot nudged closer to comfort it, reminding it that Sunflower was watching over Nut and that it would surely awaken soon.

Not only Sunflower, but Qian Hui was there too. Nut had always adored Qian Hui the most.

Before Qian Hui found them, Carrot and the Carnivorous Flower had spent too long in the apocalypse, becoming irritable and ferocious. Only after returning to his side did they gradually revert to their former selves from the Plant Little Courtyard.

Even if Nut refused to acknowledge them or Sunflower, it would undoubtedly respond to Qian Hui. Its awakening was only a matter of time.

The Carnivorous Flower nodded, its mood slightly improving.

After lunch, Qian Hui hurried back to the Restricted Zone Forest.

The Carnivorous Flower insisted on joining him, and Carrot wanted to go too, bringing Durian along.

Seeing Durian go, Corn and Potato couldn’t stay put any longer.

In the end, Qian Hui simply brought all the plants along to visit the slumbering Giant Nut.

Nan Tingjin still drove him there; otherwise, Qian Hui wouldn’t have been able to cross the iron gate and quickly reach the mountain forest.

After packing up, Qian Hui carried the plants in his backpack, blindfolded himself, and was carried downstairs by Nan Tingjin.

As they descended the stairs, Qian Hui wrapped his arms around Nan Tingjin’s neck and asked anxiously, “Am I taking up too much of your time?”

Nan Tingjin was the Leader, and logically, he should have been very busy. Yet he had been accompanying Qian Hui all this time.

The modified car hadn’t moved and remained parked in its original spot.

Before opening the car door, Nan Tingjin kissed Qian Hui’s cheek and replied, “No.”

He helped Qian Hui into the car, closed the door, and walked around to the other side.

The backpack and plants were placed on the back seat. Qian Hui sat obediently, unable to resist touching his cheek.

Soon, the modified car left the low building and headed toward the rear of the base.

In a distant corner, two figures stood together, watching the car’s retreating silhouette.

One of them was shorter, dark-skinned, and thin, named Shan Jun. He had been a member of the team that captured the Carnivorous Flower earlier.

Shan Jun was the only one who had angered Nan Tingjin during a mission by saying the wrong thing. He was disciplined on the spot and further punished upon their return.

As the modified car disappeared from sight, Shan Jun asked his companion, “Where did he go this morning?”

“To the back mountain,” the companion replied. “I’m not sure exactly where.”

The person sent to tail Nan Tingjin hadn’t dared to get too close, fearing discovery, so they only knew his general direction.

Frowning, Shan Jun asked, “What about Yuan Ji?”

“Captain Yuan accepted an assignment and left just a short while ago.”

With Yuan Ji gone, the base’s routine tasks would fall to the remaining main captains.

As for Nan Tingjin… most of the time, he rarely interfered in daily affairs, unless there was a problem no one else could resolve.

On the other hand, he was undeniably powerful—so powerful that no one could rival him. Even if he held a title and did nothing, outsiders would still fear Black Ridge Mountain Base.

However, ever since their failed mission to capture the Carnivorous Flower, Shan Jun had sensed a significant change in Nan Tingjin.

Especially now, with him personally bringing someone back from the outside—someone whose background remained a mystery.

Yuan Ji had met with Nan Tingjin yesterday and returned with a warning: pry too much, and you’ll end up dead. Keep your eyes and mouths shut.

Shan Jun scoffed at the rumors of Nan Tingjin having a lover. Someone like him? Capable of loving another?

The back mountain of the base… currently unused and uncleared, it was practically abandoned.

What was Nan Tingjin doing there with his man?

Shan Jun didn’t linger long. He turned and left.

On his way back, he retrieved his communicator.

A new message had arrived, its signal originating from Sky Base.

Nan Tingjin despised all pharmaceuticals and never accepted overtures from Sky Base. His subordinates, however, weren’t so principled, secretly purchasing medical supplies and other resources from them.

Shan Jun opened the message. It stated that Mr. Wen wished to visit soon and asked him to find an opportunity to inquire with Nan Tingjin.

Without hesitation, he replied, “No need to ask. The Leader will never agree.”

Then, he added: “If you want to come, you’ll have to use unconventional methods.”

For the next two days, Qian Hui took the plants to the forest behind the mountain.

Except for meal times, he stayed there all day, even wanting to stay overnight.

But for safety’s sake, Nan Tingjin remained by his side. The Cabbage Shell could only be used once at a time, and Qian Hui felt uneasy about letting Nan Tingjin sleep in the wilderness at night.

So he returned with Nan Tingjin each evening, only to return early the next morning.

During the nights, Sunflower kept Nut company, while the other plants took turns standing guard over the two days.

Durian, always kept close by Carrot, had become remarkably obedient and had grown somewhat familiar with the other plants.

Over those two days, Nut’s shell had fully recovered, its gray-brown color returning to a light brown and becoming smoother than before.

While tending to Nut, Qian Hui would talk to it constantly, sharing fragmented memories of their time together at the Plant Little Courtyard.

They had worked together on time, played together, and carved wooden sculptures together.

Leaning against the warm Giant Nut, Qian Hui apologized for arriving so late.

Yet for two whole days, Nut showed no signs of awakening.

In the Game Encyclopedia, its icon was lit up, but it still displayed as “unbonded.”

Qian Hui felt at a loss, but aside from waiting, there seemed little else he could do.

Since entering the base, Qian Hui’s credit balance had stagnated.

He wondered if having more friends around Nut would help awaken it.

But he still didn’t have enough credits to buy a Resurrection Bean, and he was unwilling to abandon Nut here to search for other plants outside.

The more Qian Hui thought, the more chaotic his mind became. He closed his eyes, forcefully clearing away the jumbled thoughts, and reopened the Game Interface.

After completing the previous Main Mission of feeding Evolution Liquid to the plants, the new mission was to bond with 50 mutated plants, regardless of Loyalty, with a reward of 2,000 Faction Points.

Fifty mutated plants were far too many… Fortunately, Qian Hui had spent time in the Restricted Zone Forest and had already bonded with some plants he’d only met once, bringing his total to 39.

Still 11 short… Even if Nut woke up immediately, it wouldn’t be enough.

This Main Mission was impossible, and the Side Missions were equally unattainable unless two mid-grade mutated plants suddenly appeared out of thin air.

The remaining tasks… a Hidden Mission involving secretly approaching the Zombie Faction, and a Hidden Plot Point waiting to be unlocked.

The Hidden Plot Point’s progress remained at 20%, unchanged from the update two days ago.

Since Nut remained unconscious, Qian Hui needed to find something else to do while staying at the base.

Moreover, this Plot Point might be related to Nut. If unlocked, it could provide clues to awaken it.

The small text beneath the progress bar still read, “Exploration of the base’s Restricted Zone complete.”

After a moment’s thought, Qian Hui went to find Nan Tingjin.

“Xiao Jin,” he asked nervously, “I’d like to explore other parts of the base. Is that okay?”

Nan Tingjin stood leaning against the car door and reached out to Qian Hui.

Qian Hui instinctively nestled into his arms, gazing up at him obediently.

“Yes,” Nan Tingjin said, pinching Qian Hui’s chin. “But you’ll need to cover your eyes.”

The base was always bustling with people, and Qian Hui needed to maintain his disguise, unable to reveal his eyes easily.

Qian Hui nodded. “Mm.”

With time to spare, a quick tour of the base before lunch seemed perfect. He returned to the Giant Nut and whispered, “Goodbye for now.”

Sunflower and the other plants stayed behind. Qian Hui took only Chili Pepper and Carnivorous Flower with him, leaving with Nan Tingjin.

As they left the Restricted Zone’s perimeter, Qian Hui re-covered his eyes with a strip of cloth.

The modified car slowed down, changed direction, and gradually drove toward the residential area. After crossing through the residential area, they arrived at another plaza on the opposite side.

Qian Hui couldn’t see outside, so Nan Tingjin told him where they were.

Qian Hui also kept a close eye on the Plot Point progress. As expected, it increased by another 10%, adding the line “Exploration of the base’s residential area completed.”

The plaza and the first few buildings belonged to the base’s main entrance. As the modified car drove past them, the progress immediately jumped to 40%.

Then, the modified car turned a corner, and Nan Tingjin said, “That’s another plaza over there.”

Though called a plaza, it was actually a former neighborhood park that had been preserved intact. However, most of the plants had died, giving it a desolate appearance.

The park’s entrances were too narrow for the modified car to enter, so it wasn’t considered explored, and the progress bar didn’t increase.

“What kind of plaza is it?” Qian Hui quietly lifted the blindfold a fraction, then quickly covered his eyes again. “I want to see it.”

Nan Tingjin replied with a soft “Okay” and parked the car by the roadside.

He helped Qian Hui out of the car, and they slowly walked toward the park.

There were people nearby; several sets of footsteps hurried past in the distance, making Qian Hui nervous.

Fortunately, the park seemed deserted. Qian Hui slowly walked halfway around it, groping his way to some dilapidated playground equipment.

Curiously, he asked, “What’s this?”

Nan Tingjin glanced at it. “Damaged. Can’t tell what it was.”

It was originally a swing, but now only a bent iron bar remained, with other objects hanging from it.

“Oh,” Qian Hui said, slowly moving to another spot and touching another iron bar. “What about this one?”

Nan Tingjin paused. “Not sure.”

Qian Hui continued forward, asking, “And this one…?”

“Not sure. Also damaged.”

“Alright…” Qian Hui stopped asking, walking silently for a while until he caught a faint scent of earth and vegetation.

The central flower bed was nearly overgrown, with only two wildflowers blooming sparsely amidst the weeds.

Qian Hui reached out to touch one, but his foot slipped on a loose stone, nearly causing him to fall.

Nan Tingjin swiftly caught him, lifting him up and setting him down on the edge of the flower bed.

The park was quite large, and Qian Hui had walked its entire perimeter, including all the side paths. By now, his breathing was slightly uneven.

Nan Tingjin watched him quietly for a moment, then leaned closer. “Where else do you want to go?”

The exploration of the base park was marked as complete, with the progress bar reaching 60%.

In good spirits, Qian Hui tugged on Nan Tingjin’s sleeve. “Anywhere is fine. Where else…”

Before he could finish, a kiss landed on his cheek.

Just then, a breeze swept through the park, rustling the loose stones on the ground and creating a sound like someone passing by in the distance.

Qian Hui hurriedly burrowed into Nan Tingjin’s arms, asking anxiously, “Is someone over there?”

Nan Tingjin glanced at the empty street. “Yes.”

Qian Hui grew even more tense, trying to push Nan Tingjin away.

Nan Tingjin didn’t budge. Qian Hui’s feeble struggles were no match for his strength, and another kiss landed on his cheek.

Qian Hui could only shrink further into Nan Tingjin’s embrace, whispering, “That’s enough…”

He felt a tug at the back of his collar—likely Chili Pepper, still hiding under his hood.

Sensing something amiss, Qian Hui tore off the cloth strip and peeked outside. There was no one there.

Slightly annoyed, he glared at Nan Tingjin and kicked him lightly as he sat on the flowerbed.

Nan Tingjin readjusted the cloth strip for Qian Hui, asking softly, “Shall I carry you back?”

Qian Hui nodded slowly and wrapped his arms around him.

Looking so docile, Qian Hui was placed down in front of the modified car, and Nan Tingjin leaned in for another kiss.

Qian Hui couldn’t dodge it, wrinkling his nose. “Why do you keep kissing me?”

Nan Tingjin lowered his gaze. “Can’t boyfriends kiss?”

It seemed… it seemed like they could, but when they were together before, it hadn’t been this frequent.

Back then, they only saw each other every six days, and even then, they didn’t act like this.

The car door opened, but Nan Tingjin didn’t immediately put Qian Hui inside, pressing, “Can they?”

Qian Hui stammered, “…Yes.”