Surviving the Game as a Zombie - Chapter 118

Xiao Li shifted uncomfortably on the leather sofa. It was too soft; the moment she sat down, she sank halfway in, as if enveloped by clouds. Her body, accustomed to perching on small wooden stools and large rocks, couldn’t quite adapt for a moment.

What was even harder to adapt to was the villa’s magnificent decor, which seemed completely out of place with the game’s world-building. The enclosed living room featured a ceiling with wooden beams, and the color scheme of natural wood and gray filled the atmosphere with an elegant, Zen-like quality. There was even a landscaped plant feature beneath the spiral staircase; the low-saturation green of an ancient pine elevated the entire color palette to an artistic level.

The wooden furniture and famous paintings in the villa were all perfectly preserved. It was hard to say whether to praise the original owner’s high aesthetic sense or Lin Zhongqi’s good taste for choosing such a place to receive guests.

Xiao Li swallowed. If Li Luo weren’t beside her, she would have suspected the game she was playing had been reskinned with a single click.

Before Lin Zhongqi’s gaze swept over, Xiao Li discreetly lowered her left hand and composed her unsophisticated expression. She truly wished Tang Yu and Jin Ye were here to witness the luxurious life the master of Songming City was living.

This luxury was not only reflected in the decor but was also vividly embodied by the city’s master himself. Lin Zhongqi, a little old man who looked like he had one foot in the grave, had his salt-and-pepper hair combed neatly. He was not tall and had a slender frame, and his dark three-piece suit looked expensive at a glance. He was leaning back in a single antique chair, holding a glass of red wine while speaking to Song Lengzhu. As he spoke, the mouth beneath his white beard seemed not to move, making his deep-set features appear even more severe.

This was not an easy person to talk to. Xiao Li’s experience was limited, so she couldn’t discern much, only that Lin Zhongqi was a man of deep and heavy thoughts. From welcoming Li Luo and Xiao Li to their seats to the current conversation, he had made almost no large, open movements. Every gesture, every raised hand, was slow and subtle, carrying an air of authority without any display of anger.

Compared to him, Song Lengzhu was much plainer. Her unchanging black windbreaker and pants directly lowered the villa’s class. Song Lengzhu sat squarely on the sofa, not a hint of timidity on her face. She held the red wine Lin Zhongqi had handed her and swirled it gently.

“Mr. Lin, you have quite a few nice things in this residence.” It was not Song Lengzhu who spoke, but Li Luo.

Li Luo’s face was also calm. In this three-way meeting to discuss matters, she looked straight ahead, as if she were in her own home.

The only one intimidated here was Xiao Li.

“Nothing special, just things the original owner left in the cellar.” Lin Zhongqi fixed his hawk-like gaze on Li Luo, not sparing another glance at Xiao Li beside her.

Song Lengzhu had initially taken a sip of the red wine with some interest, but she didn’t take a second one. She had clearly seen Xiao Li glance at her before hiding behind Li Luo, her fingers flying as she relayed information to someone.

Song Lengzhu lost her interest in drinking. Besides, the wine was terrible. Just like this glamorous facade, there was nothing to it on the inside.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Li Luo, Lin Zhongqi casually brought up, “Miss Song was a great help this time. A D-Class Zombie King, no matter how poor, is still a zombie king. After conversion, it can be considered capable of holding its own against three.”

Song Lengzhu’s expression didn’t change, but she was displeased. One against three? He was underestimating Tang Yu too much.

With that sentence, Song Lengzhu understood Lin Zhongqi’s thoughts. He didn’t think much of the so-called zombie king. On the surface, he was thanking Song Lengzhu, but in reality, he was belittling her, implying her gesture of goodwill was insufficient.

This was fine too. Song Lengzhu didn’t want Lin Zhongqi to pay too much attention to Tang Yu. She had brought Tang Yu here not to make the little zombie a target, but simply to find a reason to get her inside these high walls so they could coordinate their efforts.

Unlike Li Luo, who enjoyed exchanging pleasantries, Song Lengzhu heard Lin Zhongqi’s words and said directly, “Mr. Lin, does the fifteen-day residency right we agreed upon still stand?”

“It stands, of course it stands.” Lin Zhongqi put down his wine glass, a smile on his face, but it was only skin-deep. “Besides, I didn’t expect your friend to be Miss Li Luo. Now, I couldn’t be happier to have you stay in Songming City for the long term.”

Li Luo chimed in at the right moment, “Mr. Lin, you require residency rights here?”

Lin Zhongqi didn’t answer immediately. He picked up his wine glass and took an elegant sip.

In that pause, Song Lengzhu saw from the corner of her eye Xiao Li make a tapping motion in the air.

Xiao Li’s position was clever. She sat obediently behind Li Luo, playing the role of a “cousin who doesn’t interrupt when adults are talking.” She used Li Luo’s body to block Lin Zhongqi’s view, making small movements from time to time. However, she couldn’t block the view of Song Lengzhu, who was sitting to the side.

Since she couldn’t block it, she didn’t bother. Xiao Li had a gut feeling that Song Lengzhu meant her no harm. Besides, Song Lengzhu’s gaze remained fixed on Lin Zhongqi, as if she had no time to glance at her.

Song Lengzhu’s gaze didn’t waver as she picked up Li Luo’s thread of conversation, explaining on Lin Zhongqi’s behalf, “Mr. Lin values rules, which is why he’s able to manage Songming City so well. Residency rights are nothing more than a transaction. If you want to settle in the city and receive Mr. Lin’s protection, you must naturally give something in return. If you have two pieces of bread, you share one. If you have ten points of stamina, you contribute five to public construction. Those who accept can enter the city; those who can’t can stay outside. No forced deals, very fair.”

She enunciated clearly, speaking with perfect clarity, as if she were dutifully explaining the rules of Songming City to her friend.

“It’s just that I’m quite stingy and can’t part with half my wealth and energy, so I offered a small favor in exchange for a few days of residency. A few relaxing days away from the ruins, and who knows, maybe I’ll get used to it here and won’t want to leave.”

“I see.” Li Luo had a look of sudden realization. Her earlier praise at the city gate about his benevolence had been premature. As expected, there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Lin Zhongqi put down his wine glass. “However, I was just thinking, if you two young friends are willing to join the General Administration, this rule can be waived.” He stood up and went to look at a famous painting on the wall. In the painting, a young girl with skin like fine jade held a cluster of peonies. Beneath her rosy skin, a faint bluish undertone was visible, making the entire painting feel airy and bright.

“There are too many affairs in the city, and too few assistants who can help. I’m very short-staffed. I originally thought Miss Song was merely skilled in combat, but after these two days of contact, I realize my view was narrow. Miss Song is meticulous and composed, a smart person. If you were to help manage Songming City’s affairs, I wouldn’t have to work so hard.” Lin Zhongqi reached out a finger to trace the brushstrokes on the painting, continuing, “And Miss Li Luo goes without saying. I’ve witnessed your abilities; your methods are remarkable. If you two are willing to stay, Songming City will become even more prosperous.”

Song Lengzhu understood. Lin Zhongqi valued Li Luo’s talents. The idea of recruiting them had just occurred to him; otherwise, Song Lengzhu wouldn’t have had to negotiate for residency rights two days ago.

Lin Zhongqi didn’t know her, but he knew Li Luo. Perhaps they had some interactions in the interstellar era, but judging from Li Luo’s reaction, they weren’t particularly familiar.

However, this superior attitude was truly uncomfortable. While saying all this, Lin Zhongqi hadn’t even looked at them directly.

This old man with unfathomably high points was the polar opposite of Fang Yiming, who didn’t bother to hide his malice.

Li Luo smiled. “Thank you for the compliment, but I see you have quite a few subordinates outside the villa, each with an exceptional aura. I’m afraid we can’t compare.”

“Those are all boorish men. I’m looking for a female assistant who can help with management.” Lin Zhongqi finally turned around. “You should understand this better than I do. For various reasons in this game, most men have unleashed their belligerent instincts. They act without thinking and rely more and more on force. Such people can be used, but not entrusted with great responsibility. What I need are intelligent people who are meticulous and value relationships and loyalty. But there are few women in this game to begin with, and even fewer intelligent ones. You two young friends fit the bill perfectly.”

Song Lengzhu and Li Luo glanced at each other, a hint of a smile in both their eyes.

It was a smile that carried a knowing disgust, and a bit of contempt.

Lin Zhongqi was ultimately still posturing as a superior. Perhaps he himself didn’t realize it. He had put Song Lengzhu and Li Luo on a pedestal, even disparaging his own gender to elevate their value. But he failed to notice that his praise was always centered on himself; his so-called compliments were filled with a scrutinizing gaze.

Such praise might work on someone inexperienced, but Song Lengzhu and Li Luo understood it instantly.

He wanted a smart assistant. The definition of “smart” in the minds of men and women could be worlds apart.

Song Lengzhu didn’t hold back. “You mean, you need a female assistant who is obedient, useful, and loyal?”

Lin Zhongqi chuckled. “It seems being too smart isn’t always a good thing.”

Song Lengzhu said, “Then Mr. Lin might not find one. The women in this game who have survived have all developed temperaments that are not to be trifled with. Mr. Lin might as well try cultivating an equally outstanding male assistant. It might be simpler.”

Her tone was even, devoid of anger, calmly stating her opinion and even thoughtfully offering a suggestion.

Lin Zhongqi didn’t get angry either. “It seems Miss Song has no such intention. Very well, I won’t insist.” He then looked at Li Luo. “And what about Miss Li?”

Li Luo smiled radiantly. “I politely decline.”

Lin Zhongqi sighed. “How long does Miss Li plan to stay in Songming City?”

Li Luo thought for a moment, a sincere look on her face. “Two days, I suppose. But I don’t have anything to exchange for residency rights. How about this: two packs of compressed biscuits?”

She had once traded two packs of compressed biscuits for a barrel of oil.

The corner of Lin Zhongqi’s mouth twitched, and a flash of anger finally appeared on his face, but he quickly suppressed it. “Fine, consider it a favor from me.”

“I wouldn’t dare. Favors are hard to repay. If Mr. Lin doesn’t agree, just say so. I’m a businesswoman; even if the deal falls through, goodwill remains. I’m very easy to talk to. After we leave the game, the relationship between our two families won’t be affected.”

The muscles beneath Lin Zhongqi’s eyelids twitched uncontrollably. His authority being challenged infuriated him, but he restrained his temper. “Fine. It’s only two days, no matter. I have pressing matters to attend to. Please, make yourselves at home.”

He stood up, took the dragon-headed cane from the side, and went upstairs.

Lou Yan, who was standing by the door, immediately understood. The moment Lin Zhongqi moved, he walked over to Song Lengzhu and Li Luo, bowed, and gestured with his hand. “This way, you three. Your accommodations have been arranged.”

The invisible Xiao Li was finally acknowledged. Lou Yan had said “you three,” unlike Lin Zhongqi who kept saying “you two,” clearly excluding her.

But it was thanks to Lin Zhongqi paying no attention to Xiao Li that the conversation in the room was transmitted to Tang Yu’s ears through the camp’s voice channel.

It wasn’t anything crucial, just Lin Zhongqi personally receiving two distinguished guests and exchanging a few pleasantries. That was why he had been so unguarded during their talk.

Xiao Li dutifully played her role as the cousin, linking her arm with Li Luo’s as soon as she stood up, following closely like a mobile broadcasting station.

The four of them left the villa, got into a special car, and drove along the green belt of the large garden.

Li Luo suddenly spoke, asking Lou Yan in the driver’s seat, “Mr. Lou, you mentioned before that you could take me to see the laboratory. Can we go now?”

Lou Yan was taken aback for a moment. “Yes, you can.”

“Miss Song and my cousin will come too.”

“…Alright.”

Song Lengzhu sat in the front passenger seat. She openly opened her wristband and started sending messages right in front of Lou Yan, making no effort to hide it.

“Miss Li, I didn’t expect you to be so good at being passive-aggressive.”

Li Luo smiled gently. “I’m a businesswoman. One must be tactful when necessary, but also firm when the time comes.”

“I heard you stopped managing your business a long time ago?”

“I handed it over to someone else. I couldn’t be bothered.” Li Luo cut the topic short with a simple sentence, then asked, “What do you need the fifteen-day residency for?”

“I found something incredible in the city.” Song Lengzhu also cut the topic short with a simple sentence, saying no more.

Watching the fingers of the two in the front and back seats move, Xiao Li knew Song Lengzhu and Li Luo were having a private chat. She currently felt the awkwardness of being the odd one out, as if three people had four group chats, and the others were talking in a group she wasn’t in right in front of her.

Xiao Li’s eyes darted. She coughed lightly and switched to an obedient tone. “Song… Jie, shouldn’t we add each other as allies?”

Song Lengzhu’s hand froze in mid-air. Without turning back, she could feel the girl in the back seat looking at her with wide, innocent eyes.

Song Lengzhu knew perfectly well how much sincerity and how much pretense was in that sweet voice.

Xiao Li, Jin Ye, and Tang Yu—all three had been hunted by her, and she had almost killed them. Now, being called “Jie” made Song Lengzhu feel extremely awkward.

Tang Yu was a different matter. The two of them had spent time alone together several times, and the ill feelings between them had unknowingly dissipated. But she had barely interacted with Jin Ye and Xiao Li, so they were still at a stage of “we’ve cooperated once or twice, but old grudges can’t be forgotten.”

However, Xiao Li taking the initiative to add her as a contact was exactly what Song Lengzhu wanted. At least now she could contact Tang Yu’s teammates.

“Mm.” None of Song Lengzhu’s calculations showed on her face. She calmly exchanged contact information with Xiao Li, only to see a message from her pop up.

“Please take care of me in the future~ [Smiley Face]”

That smiley face, the more she looked at it, the more it seemed to have another meaning.

“Okay. I’m sorry about what happened before.” Song Lengzhu closed her wristband, not intending to reply further. She felt some apology, but not much.

In the normal struggles between players, the strong win and the weak are eliminated. It was different from the special situation with Tang Yu.

Right now, she was more concerned about the little zombie who had been sent to the laboratory.