Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 45

Chapter 45

Qian Hui stared blankly. “What…”

He hadn’t expected Nan Tingjin to bring this up so suddenly. It had been several days since they last discussed the topic of “boyfriend.”

an Tingjin’s gaze darkened. “Don’t want to talk about it?”

Qian Hui lowered his lashes and remained silent for a long moment, his tone awkward. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”

This was the same conversation they’d been unable to continue last time, if that’s what Nan Tingjin wanted to hear.

“No boyfriend?”

“The first time I met you, you came over and hugged me,” Nan Tingjin’s eyes were pitch-black. “You told me we were lovers.”

He reminded Qian Hui that, all along, it had been Qian Hui himself who had declared whether they were or weren’t.

Qian Hui stammered, “I-I already told you, I had a dream…”

But Nan Tingjin still hadn’t recovered any of his past memories. To the current Nan Tingjin, it was Qian Hui who had made the first move.

Later, when Qian Hui took Nan Tingjin away from the base for the second time, he denied their relationship as soon as he woke up.

Yet Qian Hui also felt wronged. He had suddenly regained partial memories at that time and hadn’t thought things through.

The result was that Nan Tingjin became displeased, refusing to believe Qian Hui’s feelings for him.

an Tingjin still held Qian Hui’s chin, gazing at him quietly for a moment before leaning in for another kiss.

Qian Hui reached up to push Nan Tingjin’s face away, turning his head to evade the kiss. He murmured softly, “You still don’t believe me…”

an Tingjin gripped Qian Hui’s wrist, patiently coaxing, “Alright, I believe you.”

His tone softened, but his actions remained assertive as he pressed a firm kiss against Qian Hui’s cheek.

“I believe you,” Nan Tingjin repeated, pausing slightly. “But the past doesn’t matter anymore.”

Qian Hui looked at him, his expression blank once more.

an Tingjin continued kissing him, murmuring, “I’m your boyfriend.”

“Then… you…” Qian Hui hesitated, thinking for a moment. “Do you want to date me?”

After regaining some of his memories, Qian Hui’s subconscious told him that they had never officially confirmed their relationship before. Everything that followed had been a misunderstanding, and therefore didn’t count.

To become lovers again, he needed to clarify things to avoid another misunderstanding.

an Tingjin smiled, gently stroking Qian Hui’s palm as he replied, “Yes.”

He couldn’t resist leaning in for another kiss. Qian Hui didn’t pull away, but said, “I… need to think about it.”

Qian Hui felt he couldn’t agree too quickly. After all, Nan Tingjin had tricked him when he had amnesia before.

Just a few days ago, he had hoped Nan Tingjin wouldn’t leave, and Nan Tingjin had said he would consider it.

At the very least… he would give his answer by tomorrow morning.

an Tingjin stared at Qian Hui and said slowly, “Alright.”

His expression remained unchanged, as if he genuinely wanted Qian Hui to consider it carefully. He released his grip.

Qian Hui quickly retreated a few steps, settling down half a step away. He pulled a Mini Cabbage Lamp from the grass.

By the lamp’s light, he finally had time to examine the “little wooden cabin” he was in. He stood up and walked to the edge where the tree trunks were arranged.

Qian Hui carefully reached out and touched the trunks, hearing movement outside.

“Woo?” It sounded like Money Tree and Little Apple. They had noticed something was amiss and didn’t know what was happening.

Sunflower assured them Qian Hui was fine, but several plants remained worried. Little Succulent scurried around the tree trunks, trying to find a gap to peek through.

The new plants also gathered outside. Pothos climbed up the trunk, only to be stopped halfway by an invisible force.

Four-Leaf Clover tried to forcibly separate the connected trunks, but after repeated attempts, it failed.

Qian Hui crouched down, holding the Cabbage Lamp close to a gap between the trunks. “Xiao Kui, are you there? Don’t worry, I’m okay…”

A sliver of sunlight filtered through, illuminating the interior.

Hearing his voice, the plants felt much reassured and remained guarding the treehouse.

Before long, a group of Durians arrived.

They had been playing too enthusiastically by the lake, even jumping in for a swim, which scared away two Dwarf Trees that had come to drink.

Carrot wanted to chase after them and bring them back to Qian Hui. It didn’t understand what “Game” or “Encyclopedia” meant, only that Qian Hui needed more new plants.

But when it turned around, Qian Hui had vanished.

Carrot quickly led the Durians back to investigate.

Worried that Qian Hui might be bullied if left alone with Nan Tingjin, Nut and Cabbage grew impatient and began ramming the treehouse.

However, as Durians under the influence of disguise medicine, their original abilities were severely restricted, preventing them from using their Durian skills.

Carrot slapped its forehead repeatedly, only to see bizarre, miniature yellow carrots flashing before its eyes. Frustrated, it lashed out and punched Durian.

Durian felt nothing. It was still basking in the joy of commanding a “Durian army.”

It nudged Carrot, then enlarged itself and charged at the treehouse as well.

Qian Hui stepped back and looked around. Several loud thuds shook the treehouse slightly, but the structure remained incredibly sturdy thanks to his ability.

“Stop hitting it,” Qian Hui quickly urged. “Don’t worry about me.”

He turned to Nan Tingjin behind him. “Can’t we open it from here?”

Qian Hui remembered that at the Black Ridge Mountain Base, Nan Tingjin’s ability could restore moved trees to their original positions.

“We can.”

an Tingjin stood up and slowly approached Qian Hui.

As he drew closer, Qian Hui felt a sudden surge of nervousness. He tried to sidestep, but Nan Tingjin grabbed his wrist and pulled him back.

“It opens when you agree,” Nan Tingjin said.

Qian Hui froze, then realized what he meant. “You…”

He struggled slightly, nearly dropping the Cabbage Lamp, which Nan Tingjin caught.

an Tingjin lowered his gaze and handed the lamp back. “What about me?”

Qian Hui snatched the glowing lamp, unable to find the words. He could only glare at Nan Tingjin with his beautiful crimson eyes.

If I never agree… will Nan Tingjin keep me trapped here forever?

Outside, the Durians had stopped their assault and were now lurking nearby, observing in the shadows.

The Durians stopped playing, but Durian was even more excited than before. Hiding in the thick grass, with only the top half of its head visible, it asked Carrot when it would resume the attack.

Inside the treehouse, Qian Hui struggled against Nan Tingjin’s embrace, but couldn’t break free. Nan Tingjin held him tightly.

an Tingjin leaned down and kissed the tip of Qian Hui’s ear. “Open it if you agree.”

He pressed several more kisses to Qian Hui’s cheek. In just one night, Nan Tingjin had kissed him more times than in the entire previous half-month.

Unable to resist and already wanting to agree, Qian Hui finally relented.

“Fine… I agree!” Qian Hui raised his voice slightly. “Now hurry up and open it!”

an Tingjin’s breath hitched, his breathing suddenly becoming heavy.

Still holding Qian Hui, he coaxed, “One more kiss.”

ow that their relationship was confirmed, Qian Hui was much more compliant. Besides, they had kissed many times before.

As if to reassure him, Qian Hui leaned in and kissed Nan Tingjin’s cheek.

But Nan Tingjin seemed unsatisfied. He gently stroked Qian Hui’s chin with his fingertip. “Do you know how to kiss properly?”

Qian Hui looked up blankly. “No…”

Even before the Doomsday, there had been a significant age gap between Qian Hui and Nan Tingjin. It was likely Qian Hui had never been in a romantic relationship before.

an Tingjin’s memories had only partially returned, and his zombification left him still like a blank slate.

Moreover, with his silver hair and crimson eyes, he looked anything but human. Qian Hui remembered that back in the Plant Little Courtyard, he had always kissed Nan Tingjin only on the cheek, fearing he might accidentally bite him.

As Qian Hui struggled to think, Nan Tingjin leaned down and kissed him.

The kiss wasn’t gentle, likely due to his inexperience. It was a simple, straightforward kiss.

Yet even this brief, shallow touch sent a blush creeping across Qian Hui’s cheeks.

They had never been this intimate before. The closeness made it hard to breathe, and his heart raced.

an Tingjin kissed him again, and Qian Hui couldn’t help but push him away.

“I… I don’t feel well,” he mumbled, his expression confused.

Sensing Qian Hui’s tension and unease, Nan Tingjin restrained himself. “Okay, I won’t kiss you anymore,” he murmured.

He gently stroked Qian Hui’s silver hair, then kissed the corner of his reddened eye. “Why did you become like this?” he asked softly.

“I don’t know… I forgot,” Qian Hui mumbled, burying his face in Nan Tingjin’s chest. He looked up and whispered, “Can we go outside now?”

an Tingjin remained silent for a moment before finally agreeing, “Alright.”

At last, the entire treehouse began to move. The trees parted one by one, and the damaged grassland gradually returned to its original state.

The disguise medicine hadn’t worn off yet. As soon as Qian Hui appeared, a large group of Durians rushed toward him.

Unable to distinguish one from another, Qian Hui randomly picked up two of them. “It’s okay now… everything’s fine.”

A faint blush still lingered on his cheeks, and his body temperature was slightly elevated. Carrot quickly moved closer to examine him, touching the palm of Qian Hui’s hand to confirm he was unharmed.

At that moment, Nan Tingjin emerged from the shadows behind them. Carrot glared fiercely at him.

If only we hadn’t all turned into Durians and lost our true strength, Nan Tingjin wouldn’t be acting so arrogant…

Qian Hui sat down on the grass, set down the Durians in his arms, and picked up two more.

Through subtle movements and sounds, he began to discern the slight differences between the Durians. Touching one of them, he asked, “Is that Potato?”

The potato-flavored Durian’s eyes lit up, and it nodded vigorously.

The chili pepper-flavored Durian beside it quickly nudged closer, pointing at itself and making a questioning sound: “Woo?”

Recognizing the sound, Qian Hui confidently replied, “That’s Xiao Jiao.”

Chili Pepper was delighted, only to be shoved aside by another Durian.

The Durians seemed to have discovered a new game, taking turns having Qian Hui pick them up and guess who they were.

Despite numerous attempts, Qian Hui never made a mistake.

Finally, Corn deliberately crossed its arms, mimicking Potato’s usual pose. “Woo?”

Qian Hui hesitated. “Is it…”

Potato, standing nearby, frowned at this. With a playful punch, the two Durians immediately began wrestling in the grass.

Two hours later, the disguise medicine wore off, and the plants gradually reverted to their original forms.

Carrot pulled out a carrot thorn and examined it. Little Bamboo Shoot scurried under a tree to retrieve its bamboo blade.

Little Cabbage shrank back to its original size, feeling dizzy and stumbling as it walked.

The Durian, still reluctant to part, nuzzled against Qian Hui and wrapped its arms around his hand.

Even though it knew this wasn’t a real Durian, it felt deeply content, closing its eyes and imagining a group of Durians playing together.

After playing for so long, the plants grew hungry again and had another midnight snack.

As the night grew late, Sunflower led the new plants to rest. Since the Cabbage Shell might not have enough space, the newcomers settled down in the grass.

Qian Hui quietly went to check on them. Just then, Carnivorous Flower returned to relieve Carrot on watch. After a brief moment of affection with Qian Hui, it lay down beside Sunflower.

earby, Little Cabbage had opened its Cabbage Shell, and all the plants had already entered, waiting only for Qian Hui.

Cabbage poked its head out and waved at Qian Hui, but saw him heading toward Nan Tingjin instead.

Qian Hui approached Nan Tingjin, hesitated for a moment, then hugged him, murmuring, “Xiao Jin, I’m going to sleep now… Good night.”

an Tingjin lowered his head and kissed Qian Hui’s forehead. “Good night,” he replied.

Qian Hui released him and hurried back to the Cabbage Shell.

Carrot might return to sleep later, and the area was safe, so the Cabbage Shell’s door wasn’t fully closed, leaving a crack. It also remained visible, not activating its invisibility mode.

Little Cabbage had thoughtfully prepared a Cabbage Bowl lined with a soft towel. If any newly arrived plants woke up cold during the night, they could sleep in the bowl.

Having finished all preparations, it patted its body, extinguished all the Cabbage Lamps in the forest, and finally crawled into the Cabbage Shell.

Silence returned to the surroundings, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.

In the grassy field, Eggplant rolled over, hugged the Tulip beside it, and muttered a few words in its sleep.

Meanwhile, within the Sky Base, it was already late at night, but the attic remained brightly lit.

Dozens of guards stood watch outside, while subordinates hurried past.

On the top floor, Wen Jue sat on a sofa, his face etched with exhaustion.

Wen Jue had just awakened from his Lost State at noon when he received devastating news.

The Branch Base in Low-Risk Zone 3 had been breached, and all the mutated plants imprisoned there had vanished.

Furthermore, for reasons unknown, the base’s final self-destruct plan had failed to activate. The support teams that should have arrived sooner were delayed, not only failing to rescue the base but also discovering some documents within.

The team immediately brought the documents back and reported them to Cloud River Base.

Soon, the other major bases learned of the incident, and multiple leaders joined forces to demand answers.

Wen Jue had previously sworn that no research would be conducted on humans, let alone the unthinkable act of transplanting abilities.

The only silver lining was that the recovered documents indicated the research was progressing slowly, with only a handful of humans involved—fewer than ten.

But this gave Sky Base an opportunity to defend itself. One of the Main Base administrators replied that the participants had volunteered willingly and that the research was already planned to be terminated.

As for the imprisoned mutated plants, the Branch Base lacked sufficient funding to provide better living conditions.

These explanations failed to convince the others. Cloud River Base immediately dispatched a team to personally meet with Wen Jue.

Just then, Wen Jue awoke.

After hearing his subordinate’s report, Wen Jue’s face darkened, and he issued two orders.

First, he ordered the captured base to be destroyed, instructing his subordinates to fabricate any plausible reason.

Second, he instructed all bases to be informed that he had been experiencing health issues recently, and that workers at the factory had accidentally ruined two batches of medicine. As a result, production of all types of medicine would be slowed for the next three months, potentially leading to shortages.

inety percent of the medicine sold by Sky Base was used to suppress and alleviate the Lost State in human ability users.

This announcement was a thinly veiled threat. If the other bases pressed the issue and angered Wen Jue, they might not be able to purchase any medicine at all.

Without medication to alleviate the Lost State, it was estimated that within three months, a quarter of all ability users would experience weakened states, their overall strength diminished, making it impossible for them to effectively guard their bases and prevent unforeseen incidents.

The other bases, indeed wary of this prospect, immediately fell silent upon receiving the news.

However, the delegation from Cloud River Base was already en route, led by Qi Yue.

He still chose to enter the base and demanded to see Wen Jue.

After a guard went to inform Wen Jue, Qi Yue was escorted alone to the Attic.

By the time Qi Yue arrived, it was already dark. Wen Jue was still in a meeting with other administrators in his room. After a long wait, Qi Yue finally saw Wen Jue emerge.

Wen Jue closed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his temples. “Have you searched everything? Did you find what you were looking for?”

Qi Yue replied, “I didn’t search.”

He knew Sky Base would have taken precautions and hidden any incriminating evidence beforehand.

Besides… Wen Jue had already begun using the medicine as leverage, making him even less concerned about being caught with any incriminating evidence.

Watching Wen Jue sitting on the sofa, Qi Yue felt conflicted.

As one of the main captains of Cloud River Base, Qi Yue had always maintained good relations with Sky Base, and Wen Jue had been someone he deeply respected.

Yet at this moment, Qi Yue suddenly felt Wen Jue was a stranger.

Using resources vital to all the bases as leverage to quickly quell the matter might mean Wen Jue simply didn’t want to waste words, or perhaps he genuinely didn’t care about others.

The other bases were caught off guard and hadn’t yet devised a response. Fearing Wen Jue would indeed withhold the medicine, they could only endure for now.

Moreover, with the mutated plants’ attacks growing increasingly frequent, Sky Base did appear to be the victim.

The other bases couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t be attacked by mutated plants either. In such a situation, it seemed only logical for all the bases to unite and fight the mutated plants together.

Qi Yue frowned deeply, repeatedly recalling the two consecutive disturbances caused by the mutated plants.

Wen Jue sighed and opened his eyes.

He gazed out at the pitch-black night sky through the window and suddenly asked, “You… met someone from Nan Tingjin’s group last time, didn’t you?”

Qi Yue carefully replied, “Yes, I met him, but we had very little interaction.”

He remembered Qian Hui, the blindfolded young man who was close to Nan Tingjin.

In his memory, Qian Hui was gentle and frail, with a harmless and mild demeanor. Before the incident at Black Ridge Mountain Base, Qi Yue could never have imagined associating him with mutated plants.

At first, he even thought it was just a rumor, but Qian Hui’s distinctive hair color made him hard to mistake.

Wen Jue glanced at Qi Yue and continued, “I haven’t been feeling well lately, and my ability has been affected… This person can somehow command vast numbers of mutated plants. I fear that in the future…”

He trailed off, his voice growing softer as if talking to himself, revealing a hint of exhaustion and deep worry.

Qi Yue understood Wen Jue’s meaning: if they didn’t eliminate Qian Hui and the mutated plants quickly, all the bases would be in danger.

He didn’t respond directly but said cautiously, “Please get some rest and take care of yourself.”

Wen Jue nodded and gestured for his subordinate to escort Qi Yue out.

Just as Qi Yue turned to leave, Wen Jue spoke again, “Oh, by the way.”

“We’ve added someone to the mission roster,” he said.

“Nan Tingjin.”

ot long ago, Wen Jue had issued two orders. The subordinates sent to destroy the Branch Base had also inquired about why the surrounding bases hadn’t provided timely support.

Their arrival was far too late, and any explanation seemed hollow. They then recounted their encounter with Nan Tingjin.

At the time, Nan Tingjin was alone and didn’t appear to be coerced by mutated plants.

Moreover, his prolonged disappearance and suspicious behavior made him a prime suspect in the Branch Base’s fall, leading to his inclusion on the mission roster.

ow, Nan Tingjin, Qian Hui, and several distinctly identifiable mutated plants had become the Sky Base’s primary targets.

Any base that discovered their whereabouts and reported them promptly could participate in the joint operation.

Qi Yue remained silent for a moment before replying, “Understood.”

He immediately turned and left with his subordinates.

Wen Jue watched his retreating figure, then calmly shifted his gaze to a portrait on the coffee table.

The portrait depicted a cabbage—a special-grade mutated plant that had evaded capture and now appeared to have joined the Carnivorous Flower’s alliance.

Carnivorous Flower… Wen Jue murmured inwardly, recalling its appearance.

He had long suspected the Carnivorous Flower would seek revenge against the bases. There was also a mushroom, another special-grade mutated plant, that had been inseparable from the Carnivorous Flower. Their unusually close bond was rare among mutated plants.

Unfortunately, the mushroom had been captured and accidentally killed by researchers before its abilities could be fully understood.

Wen Jue casually set down the portrait and closed his eyes again.

Wild grasses thrived relentlessly, yet special-grade mutated plants could be killed… There was nothing to fear, only a breakthrough point to be found.

Qian Hui had stayed up late the previous night and didn’t wake up until nearly ten in the morning.

The plants had been awake for hours. Little Cabbage and Cabbage had already taken turns feeding everyone to prevent hunger.

Just as Qian Hui woke up, Carrot returned from outside, clutching two Dwarf Trees it had caught nearby.

The Dwarf Trees were identical, slightly taller than the surrounding bushes, and crouched on the ground, trembling. Carrot held one in each hand, excitedly lifting them up for Qian Hui to see.

Qian Hui, sitting at the entrance of the Cabbage Shell, stared for a moment before quickly saying, “Carrot, let them go! You’re scaring them.”

Carrot immediately released the Dwarf Trees, but they remained frozen in place, too frightened to move.

Qian Hui approached them, trying to soothe them with food. Sunflower also leaned in.

Sensing the gentle aura, the Dwarf Trees gradually relaxed, accepted Qian Hui’s offering, and then quickly scurried away.

Qian Hui turned to Carrot and cautioned, “Don’t do that again. Be gentler.”

However, with so many special-grade mutated plants around Qian Hui, including several combat-type mutant plants with overwhelming auras, unfamiliar mutated plants rarely dared to approach. They would catch a whiff of the scent and immediately flee.

Unless Carrot directly captured them… getting noticed by Qian Hui would be nearly impossible.

Carrot pondered for a moment before reluctantly nodding.

Well, we’ll deal with it when we get there, it thought. Unlike humans, we don’t have a base… and there’s no way to let the other plants know this place is safe.

Seeing Carrot’s obedience, Qian Hui patted its leafy head and went to wash up by the lake.

Nan Tingjin waited under a tree nearby. Qian Hui quickly finished and hurried over to give the food and water he bought.

He casually opened the Game Encyclopedia, wanting to check the Loyalty levels of the new plants.

Potato and Big Cherry were playing nearby. Big Cherry, always sleepy, was the last to wake up.

Still without breakfast, it hopped around on the grass, opening its mouth to catch the bombs Potato tossed.

Pumpkin sat quietly beside Sunflower, a Mimosa leaf stuck to its forehead. Several other new plants were also present.

They were closest to Mimosa and were currently using Sunflower’s light to communicate, listening intently as Mimosa continued recounting everything that had happened since being taken from the base by humans.

Initially, when they first met Qian Hui, the new plants didn’t quite understand him or his relationship with the Plant Squad. They had mistakenly believed the special-grade mutated plants were the ones in charge.

After spending a full day with Qian Hui, they realized he was the true leader of the group. Mimosa had even mentioned this earlier.

It was Qian Hui who had rescued Mimosa, kept all the plants by his side, and saved all the plants in the base.

As Pumpkin listened, its eyes began to water.

It felt sorry for Mimosa, who had worked tirelessly for the humans, but also grateful that Mimosa had ultimately met Qian Hui.

“Woo woo…” Pumpkin reached out to touch Mimosa, then tilted its head to look at Qian Hui, its eyes filled with admiration.

At that moment, Qian Hui received a notification that his mission was complete.

He paused briefly, calmly converted the reward of 2,000 Faction Points into 40,000 credits, and then purchased a Resurrection Bean.

With a total of 340,000 credits remaining, the Game still prompted him to confirm the purchase, but without the previous warning.

This time, Qian Hui selected “Yes.”

His credits plummeted by 300,000, and a small green bean appeared in his Game backpack, labeled “Resurrection Bean—Ready for Use.”

Qian Hui urgently scanned his surroundings, searching for the Carnivorous Flower.

“Xiao Zi!” he called out excitedly. “Carrot!”