Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Upon learning that Sweet Pepper had arrived at the base, Qian Hui immediately asked Carrot to take him there.

Hearing that Chili Pepper had been kidnapped by an unfamiliar special-grade mutated plant, several other plants insisted on going to investigate.

Potato even secretly crafted two missiles, clutching them tightly in its hands, thinking they might come in handy…

Along their journey with Qian Hui, they had gradually befriended many special-grade mutated plants. Big Pea was the only mischievous one, often teasing the others, but the rest were remarkably friendly, even the Carnivorous Flower was surprisingly gentle.

This “other pepper” that had resorted to kidnapping right off the bat must be trouble!

Big Cherry trailed closely behind Potato, burying its face in Potato’s hand, thinking the missiles were for it.

Potato quickly pushed Big Cherry away, saying, You can’t eat these now.

Thus, a large group of plants followed Qian Hui toward the Black Ridge Mountain Base. Apart from the sleeping Little Mushroom and the Sunflower assisting with the wall construction, all the other special-grade mutated plants joined the expedition.

Big Pea clung to Carrot’s leg, while Cabbage cradled Nut in its arms, a smear of green cement still clinging to its face, as it peered from atop the Carnivorous Flower’s head.

Spotting two figures in the distance—one red, one green—Cabbage quickly pointed and exclaimed, “Woo!”

Sweet Pepper’s concealment ability had already failed, and the Carnivorous Flower had caught its scent. With a powerful swing of its flower stalk, it rounded a corner.

Qian Hui gripped the sharp thorns on the Carnivorous Flower’s head and looked up.

Durian, now much larger, stood guard at the entrance. Beside the barrier ahead stood a red Sweet Pepper and a green Chili Pepper.

The Sweet Pepper was rounder and stood slightly taller than the Chili Pepper beside it. Half of its face was concealed by a black cloth, pierced with small holes to reveal its eyes and mouth.

However, the mask was hardly effective; it was immediately recognizable.

When the Sweet Pepper saw Qian Hui appear with the plants, it froze, the small knife it had been brandishing clattering to the ground.

As the Carnivorous Flower squeezed through the narrow entrance, lowering its head, Cabbage helped Qian Hui dismount.

Qian Hui took two steps forward and called out tentatively, “Tiantian?”

The Sweet Pepper rubbed its eyes in disbelief, checking if it was hallucinating.

Six years… it had been six years since it last saw Qian Hui.

“Woo woo…” The Sweet Pepper immediately rushed toward Qian Hui, tearing off its mask and dropping the bundle behind it.

It darted forward like a red lightning bolt, throwing itself into Qian Hui’s arms.

The impact knocked Qian Hui back half a step, but the Carnivorous Flower swiftly extended a leaf to steady him.

“Tiantian,” Qian Hui said, hugging the Sweet Pepper tightly, his voice trembling with emotion. “It’s really you… When did you find me?”

Sweet Pepper kept “woo wooing” and rambling incoherently. Sunflower wasn’t around, so Qian Hui couldn’t understand a word. He stroked the small leaf on Sweet Pepper’s head soothingly. “There, there. I missed you too.”

He hadn’t forgotten about Chili Pepper, who had been “kidnapped and tied up.” He looked up again. “Is Xiao Jiao alright too?”

Hearing Qian Hui call it “Xiao Jiao,” Sweet Pepper stiffened slightly.

It still felt a bit wronged, and a little guilty.

Sweet Pepper had originally planned to wait until Carrot gathered all the plants, then challenge Chili Pepper to a fight in front of them all, proving once and for all who was stronger.

After the fight, it would leave, and even if Carrot and the others tried to stop it, it wouldn’t care.

Now… woo woo, if it had known Qian Hui was here, it wouldn’t have bothered with that Chili Pepper at all.

Chili Pepper let out a soft “woo” and waved its hand to show it was fine.

Then it bent down to pick up the small knife Sweet Pepper had dropped, cradling it in its hands and examining it closely.

Made from chili pepper seeds… a dart that could be reassembled into a knife?

Wow…

Sensing the danger had passed, Durian shrank back to Carrot’s side, and Potato sighed in relief, secretly feeding the missile in its hand to Big Cherry.

As Chili Pepper approached, it casually picked up the flatbread, bundle, and mask Sweet Pepper had dropped along the way.

As it approached, Qian Hui crouched down. Sweet Pepper twisted its head and snatched the items away, stuffing the mask and unfinished flatbread into its bundle while glaring at Chili Pepper.

Chili Pepper stood to the side, somewhat bewildered.

It sensed that Sweet Pepper didn’t like it… Was it because they were both peppers?

Qian Hui didn’t notice Sweet Pepper’s glare. Seeing both plants were unharmed, he said softly, “Tiantian, why did you grab Xiao Jiao?”

He vaguely guessed the reason and sighed silently. “We all miss Tiantian so much, but we didn’t know where to find you.”

Back in the Plant Little Courtyard, Sweet Pepper’s personality had sometimes been difficult, prone to overthinking.

But it had no malicious intent and was actually quite well-behaved. Qian Hui knew it would never truly harm Chili Pepper.

Hearing this, Sweet Pepper immediately looked up.

Really?

So Qian Hui hadn’t forgotten it, and the Green Chili Pepper by his side wasn’t meant to replace it.

With just a few simple words, Sweet Pepper was appeased. It buried itself in Qian Hui’s arms, nuzzling him fiercely and starting to “woo woo” again.

Some people arrived at the outer entrance. Alerted by the unusual situation, a base captain led a team to investigate.

Finding the plants behaving peacefully, and the Sweet Pepper from the report now docile in Qian Hui’s arms, they concluded it had already been “subdued.”

The captain remained vigilant, quietly instructing his subordinates to intensify patrols and defenses around the base in the coming days.

A special-grade mutated plant had infiltrated the base undetected…

Though the plant hadn’t caused any damage or harmed anyone, future incidents might not be so benign.

Regardless, caution was paramount. Any mutated plants discovered near the base perimeter should be immediately reported to Qian Hui’s team.

They had just learned that Yuan Ji and a Mutated Chili Pepper had exchanged communication numbers, allowing them to “exchange” information.

The captain silently led his team away. Qian Hui stood up, Sweet Pepper clinging to him. “Let’s go back to the Little Courtyard,” he said. “Xiao Fen misses you terribly. It mentioned you this morning.”

The Little Courtyard? Xiao Fen’s there too?

Sweet Pepper trembled with excitement, clinging tightly to Qian Hui as they climbed onto the Carnivorous Flower’s neck.

Carrot brandished its thorns, pointing at Sweet Pepper and “woo wooing” as if scolding it.

Cabbage quickly pulled Carrot’s hand down. Forget it, forget it. Sweet Pepper’s back, and Chili Pepper’s safe too.

Carrot huffed again, while Sweet Pepper buried its head, pretending not to hear a word.

Before returning to the New Base, Carrot led Durian and several other plants back to the low building to retrieve their abandoned backpacks and belongings. The remaining plants left with Qian Hui and the Carnivorous Flower first.

On the way, Big Pea curiously opened Sweet Pepper’s small bundle, put its mask on its own head, and grinned mischievously with its hands on its hips.

Sweet Pepper, annoyed, threw a dart at Big Pea, who easily dodged it.

Wearing the mask, Big Pea pulled out half a rock-hard flatbread, sniffed it, and quickly tossed it back in disgust.

Sweet Pepper, however, snatched the flatbread back like a treasure and carefully returned it to its bundle.

It had stolen this flatbread from a human group it had encountered earlier. Though the taste was mediocre, it could be stored for a long time, saving it from having to search for food when hungry.

“What’s this?” Qian Hui asked, looking down. He froze, then hugged Sweet Pepper tightly, his heart aching for it.

He immediately bought a bag of cookies and a bag of jerky from the Game Shop, tearing open the packages to feed Sweet Pepper.

Sweet Pepper took a bite, its eyes lighting up as it devoured the food greedily.

Chili Pepper sat nearby, clutching Qian Hui’s sleeve and quietly observing it.

By the time they reached the New Base, Sweet Pepper had already finished three bags of cookies and two bags of jerky.

It burped, hopped off the Carnivorous Flower’s head, and spotted an empty cement bag by the roadside. Without hesitation, it tossed its flatbread-filled bundle into the bag.

Big Pea, still wearing the mask, crept up a tree, looking furtive.

Sweet Pepper followed Qian Hui through the base gate, its eyes wide with curiosity as it looked around.

Little Bamboo Shoot hurried over from nearby, with Little Mushroom, who had just woken up, trailing behind. When Little Mushroom spotted Sweet Pepper, it waved excitedly.

Qian Hui and the plants had returned, bringing a new friend with them.

The plants working near the wall temporarily set down their tools and gathered around. Qian Hui introduced Sweet Pepper to each of them individually.

Sweet Pepper, not wearing its mask, seemed slightly shy as it clung close to Qian Hui, its pitch-black, round eyes widening slightly.

So… so many plants I’ve never seen before…

Last night, it had been too dark to see clearly. Sweet Pepper had only glimpsed a few plants entering the base and hadn’t noticed Qian Hui and the others hiding in Carnivorous Flower’s mouth.

Now, all thoughts of becoming the new chili pepper or replacing itself had vanished. With so many unfamiliar plants around Qian Hui, where would Chili Pepper even rank?

Sweet Pepper pursed its lips and tugged tightly on Qian Hui’s sleeve, staying close by its side.

But the plants all seemed friendly, especially the small plants who followed Little Mushroom, calling it “Tiantian” in unison.

Sweet Pepper spotted Little Cabbage and turned to look at Cabbage.

Little Cabbage remained composed, skillfully retrieving a leaf gauntlet from the gap between its head leaves and donning it as it paced back and forth.

Sweet Pepper gazed at the two remarkably similar plants before turning to see Chili Pepper standing nearby.

Though they looked nothing alike, both were peppers, their relationship akin to that of Little Cabbage and Cabbage.

Just then, Chili Pepper approached, walking slowly forward.

It held something in its hand, which it carefully offered to Sweet Pepper. “Woo…”

Sweet Pepper glanced down and saw a small packet of diced meat patties, neatly wrapped in a clean bag.

Chili Pepper explained that this was breakfast the humans had provided that morning. Finding the taste acceptable, it had saved the leftovers, thinking it could eat them later if it got hungry.

If Sweet Pepper was still hungry, it could have them.

Sweet Pepper was indeed still a little hungry, and the aroma of the meat patties made its mouth water.

But just moments ago, it had kidnapped Chili Pepper, threatening it with a knife and demanding a fight.

Feeling embarrassed, Sweet Pepper stammered, unable to answer.

Seeing its desire, Chili Pepper simply took Sweet Pepper’s hand and pressed the meat patties into its palm.

Now, refusing was impossible. Sweet Pepper opened the bag and quickly devoured the small portion of meat patties.

Little Mushroom sidled over midway through and stole a couple of bites.

After devouring the meat pie, Sweet Pepper felt Chili Pepper had become its friend, its gaze now much more innocent.

Chili Pepper took another step closer and pointed toward the distant perimeter wall, inviting Sweet Pepper to explore the New Base.

Sweet Pepper glanced at Qian Hui, just as Nan Tingjin approached, diverting Qian Hui’s attention.

Staring at the slightly familiar face, Sweet Pepper muttered in dissatisfaction.

Sensing the gaze, Nan Tingjin’s eyes swept over them briefly before he took Qian Hui’s hand, leading him to see the newly repaired wooden cabin with its roof.

Before leaving, Qian Hui waved to the plants and the two chili peppers. “Go play now, but no fighting!”

Having only recently met Qian Hui, Sweet Pepper was reluctant to part and eagerly wanted to follow along.

However, when it turned its head, Little Mushroom and Chili Pepper were right beside it, Carrot had returned with Durian, and Sunflower waved its leaf from afar.

Hesitating for a moment, Sweet Pepper decided to explore the new “Plant Little Courtyard” on its own first.

It followed Chili Pepper and several newly acquainted plants, wandering around the area before joining in the construction of the perimeter wall.

As an assassin, Sweet Pepper moved with lightning speed, applying mortar to bricks at an astonishing rate. While other plants were still mortaring one brick, it had already finished three.

The mortared bricks were neatly arranged on the grass, ready to be placed on the wall by human Ability Users or the vines of Soft Vine and Morning Glory.

The morning passed quickly. The human ability users temporarily withdrew, and lunch was delivered from Black Ridge Mountain Base.

Qian Hui’s small wooden cabin was nearly complete. A table had been moved from Nan Tingjin’s residence, and with windows on all four sides, the bright, natural light made it a suitable temporary dining area.

After a busy morning, most of the plants were ravenous. In addition to the human food on the table, Qian Hui had purchased a substantial amount from the Game Shop.

We could plant a vegetable garden and an orchard at the base, he thought. And if we had a lake, we could raise some fish…

Chairs lined the table, where the plants either stood, sat, or squatted directly on the surface.

Sweet Pepper nestled close to Qian Hui, opening its mouth to accept the vegetable dumplings he fed it.

Little Mushroom and Little Succulent made a complete circuit of the table, each plant offering them a bite.

By the time they returned to Qian Hui’s side, Little Mushroom was full. It yawned, then burrowed into his pocket for an afternoon nap.

Qian Hui took the opportunity to check the Encyclopedia, confirming that Little Mushroom’s condition was normal.

The afternoon was spent continuing construction on the perimeter wall and refining other arrangements.

A bed was moved into the small cabin, curtains were hung, and the base gate was installed.

Qian Hui quietly retrieved the well-digging tools from his Game Backpack and placed them in a secluded, unoccupied spot before asking Nan Tingjin’s subordinates for assistance.

Carrot took the opportunity to fly several circuits around the two mountain peaks, roughly determining the locations for the training grounds and the lake.

As dusk approached, the Black Ridge Mountain Base’s perimeter wall was the first to be completed, significantly reducing the base’s area.

The Plant Little Courtyard’s wall was more than half-finished. Yuan Ji, leading his subordinates, prepared to leave, planning to return the next morning to continue helping.

Before departing, he spoke with Nan Tingjin at the New Base’s main gate.

“I’ve contacted a few familiar people. Everything remains calm outside today,” Yuan Ji said, glancing down at his feet. “There’s been no reaction from the Sky Base yet.”

The attacking forces had safely returned to their respective bases and were likely still resting and recuperating. The Black Ridge Mountain Base had sustained few injuries, allowing its personnel to recover quickly.

Later that afternoon, at Qian Hui’s suggestion, the base sent a group of people to receive healing from Sunflower’s radiant light.

After all, Sunflower had claimed a vast expanse of land, and healing some human ability users was a trivial matter for it.

“Since the Black-Reef Zombie King died, the Zombie Horde near District 5 has thinned considerably. However, there seems to be something unusual happening in District 7…”

Black Reef was the code name for Zombie King 03. With its death, no high-grade zombie has been able to successfully evolve.

As Yuan Ji spoke, he couldn’t help but glance down again.

At his feet stood Little Mango, vigorously swinging its tiny fists, rhythmically pounding his ankle.

Nan Tingjin’s gaze shifted to them. “How are you feeling today?” he asked.

Yuan Ji thought carefully. “I had a slight headache this morning, but it cleared up after taking a few energy pills.”

After taking the pills, he had even encountered a cute pink Little Mushroom.

“Alright,” Nan Tingjin replied. “Leave another vehicle behind.”

Knowing Nan Tingjin wouldn’t be traveling with the base personnel and would return later, Yuan Ji nodded. “Understood.”

As Nan Tingjin turned to return to the Plant Little Courtyard, Yuan Ji crouched down to look at Mango at his feet.

He patted Little Mango on the head, smiling warmly. “See you tomorrow.”

Mango skidded to a halt, panting, and glared at him with a “hmph” before turning and running off.

Since there was no need to build walls at the moment, Big Pea, wearing Sweet Pepper’s mask, was hiding in a tree near the gate. When Mango entered, it suddenly leaped down with a shout: “Ha!”

Mango wasn’t startled at all. Recognizing Pea, it happily told it that it had just defeated the human in gray clothes.

Pea thought carefully. The human in gray clothes… that was Yuan Ji. Apart from Nan Tingjin, he was the most formidable human at the Black Ridge Mountain Base.

Pea gazed at Mango with tender affection and patted its head. “Woo!”

Mango grew even more delighted, its face brimming with pride as it trailed closely behind Big Pea.

Meanwhile, Qian Hui was hanging a string of Cabbage Lamps along the repaired perimeter wall.

A dozen Mini Cabbage Lamps were strung together with thin grass rope, forming a glowing garland that illuminated the night.

More lamps adorned the side walls. Little Cabbage patted its body, and all the Cabbage Lamps flickered off and on in unison.

Cabbage cradled Little Cabbage and fed it two mana medicines.

Little Cabbage had expelled so many Cabbage Lamps that its energy was nearly depleted, yet it remained spirited, turning its head to gaze at the inner part of the base.

We could hang some Cabbage Lamps in the forest too… It would look so beautiful.

The other plants frolicked on the grass, enjoying the breeze. Potato, beaming with excitement, told Corn and Four-Leaf Clover that once the base was fully repaired, Qian Hui would buy it an airplane!

Sweet Pepper and Chili Pepper sat alone under a tree. As Chili Pepper recounted its capture by humans and its encounter with Qian Hui, Sweet Pepper sobbed, wiping away tears, and wrapped its arms tightly around it.

By the end of the day, the New Base remained a work in progress, lacking a water source, making it inconvenient for the cement-covered plants to bathe.

Qian Hui, however, was reluctant to leave. Buried in Nan Tingjin’s arms, he murmured, “I want to sleep here…”

Nan Tingjin responded with a soft “Alright,” holding him close. “Let’s go back first, then come back.”

Qian Hui immediately brightened. “Okay!”

A group of plants followed Qian Hui and Nan Tingjin back to the low building at the Black Ridge Mountain Base.

To save time, the plants crammed into the bathroom, washed up, and emerged one by one, drying themselves with towels at the door.

While Qian Hui showered and dried his hair, he rummaged through his backpack for a late-night snack.

After tidying up, they returned to the New Base.

Qian Hui activated the protective net and detector, ensuring they would be alerted to any nighttime disturbances.

Confirming the voice alarm was on, he was too exhausted to stay awake any longer. Nan Tingjin led him to the small wooden cabin to sleep.

Most of the plants were still buzzing with energy, playing around nearby.

Before long, Sweet Pepper grew sleepy and went to find Qian Hui.

But when it reached the cabin, it found the windows and door blocked by several trees, leaving only narrow gaps too small to squeeze through.

Sweet Pepper circled the cabin, clawing at the tree trunks, but couldn’t budge them.

Carrot ambled over and told it to save its energy, as the barriers would be removed in the morning.

Sweet Pepper knew Nan Tingjin was behind this. Enraged, it kicked a tree trunk before turning to find Chili Pepper.

The next day, the new base’s perimeter wall was completely constructed, forming a full circle around the exterior.

A notification popped up in the Game:

[ Congratulations on successfully reinforcing your base’s defenses! You have earned 100 Faction Points and the hidden item “Plant Dictionary”! ]

Reading the notification, Qian Hui’s eyes widened slightly.

Huh?

He opened his Game Backpack and found a new item: a book.

[ Plant Dictionary ]

[ Price: Hidden Item ]

[ Usage: A translation book that converts human Chinese characters into symbols understandable by mutated plants. ]

Qian Hui took the dictionary from his backpack and flipped through a few pages.

The thick volume indeed contained corresponding symbols for every Chinese character.

But what could this be used for?

To… write letters to plants?

Sweet Pepper sat beside Qian Hui, munching on a biscuit, while Carrot and Chili Pepper leaned in to examine the dictionary.

Chili Pepper flipped through the pages curiously, then looked up at the still-empty new base.

If we could send messages to the unknown plants outside…

And there are still three special-grade mutated plants roaming free. Maybe they could see it too.