Chapter Fifteen: Why Does This Feel So Insincere?

Lin Qisheng watched as Xu Nuo single-handedly cleared out all the zombies around them, leaving not a single one—no, not even a corpse—behind, and felt as if he were dreaming.

“This…” Lin Qisheng felt a sudden clarity. “Is this the reason you’re willing to protect her?”

But she didn’t need protection at all, did she?

Gu Xingze let out a snort, seemingly unsurprised by the scene.

Meanwhile, Xu Nuo’s mind was filled with 007’s anguished screeching: “Aaaahhhh!!!”

007 was practically twisted into the shape of The Scream.

What was going on? What on earth was its dear host doing?!

This was a total collapse! The character setting had completely fallen apart! How could she do something so fierce and unrestrained right in front of her romance target?

“Host, do you even remember your persona?”

“How are you going to explain this to them?”

“Hurry up and explain!”

The system’s anxiety was not shared by the audience. In the live-stream chat, the comments were filled with applause and praise, gifts flying in as cheers for Xu Nuo erupted.

“That was wild, just mowing them down head-on—amazing!”

“Is it just me, or does this move seem to require no skill at all? Anyone could do it.”

“Then let’s see you try.”

“From what I understand, that gun isn’t ordinary. If your mental strength isn’t high enough, you can’t even pull the trigger. Don’t be fooled by how easy the streamer makes it look—anyone else wouldn’t stand a chance.”

“Absolutely awesome.”

The stream’s popularity shot up alongside 007’s blood pressure, soon surpassing ten thousand viewers.

“I’ve watched the replay several times. Even in real apocalyptic survival games, this kind of performance is rare.”

“Show us another trick, streamer! I’ll send you a submarine.”

Fuming, 007 protested, “Don’t mislead my host! This is a serious romance game—no wild moves allowed!”

“I wouldn’t have noticed it was a romance game if you hadn’t said so. Ranked ninth among newcomers in the general section—impressive! It’s rare for a romance game to make the list.”

The more 007 objected, the more insistent the viewers became, rebellious now, all clamoring for Xu Nuo to show off again, promising submarines, planes, and rockets with every message.

At last, Xu Nuo spoke. “Are you all serious? You have to keep your word.”

An experienced viewer chimed in, “Streamers want real rockets and submarines, not just digital gifts.”

“What? You mean real planes? You all are wild.”

“Of course! Did you see that Gatling gun? It was a gift from a top supporter, too.”

“Life isn’t easy; the streamer’s selling her skills,” Xu Nuo sighed with exaggerated melancholy, humbling herself. “I’m easy to please. Whatever you want to see, I’ll try my best, as long as the gifts are generous enough.”

007 was on the verge of tears—partly frustrated by the host disregarding the character, but also feeling guilty, knowing the host was forced into this by the world’s harsh conditions and had to flatter the audience for rewards, going against her own heart.

It had no grounds for blame—after all, it was the one who chose this world.

“Host, sob sob… Next world, I promise I’ll pick you the best possible identity and background. I’ll never let you suffer again.”

“Thank you,” Xu Nuo replied.

“Miss,” Lin Qisheng sidled up curiously, waving his fingers in front of Xu Nuo’s face, “Earth to you.”

Gu Xingze pushed Lin Qisheng aside, standing guard before Xu Nuo.

“How did you do that just now?” Lin Qisheng pleaded. “Can I see your gun?”

“How far is your home from here?” Xu Nuo did not answer his question but said instead, “I can take you back.”

“Great! It’s about a dozen kilometers away. Thanks, sister!” Lin Qisheng replied cheerfully.

[Target: Lin Qisheng, Favorability +5]

Finally, the favorability wasn’t in the negatives. But 007 couldn’t understand why Lin Qisheng suddenly seemed to like the host.

“Host, let me give you a heads-up. Lin Qisheng’s personality and interests are very different from Gu Xingze’s. He’s extremely arrogant, self-centered, loves the spotlight, and is fiercely competitive. If you try to raise both their favorability at once, it won’t be easy.”

So give up quickly. Lin Qisheng isn’t as sunny and sweet as he seems.

“That sounds like a real challenge,” Xu Nuo mused, touching her chin. “I love a good challenge.”

007: ?!

“Host, please be rational!”

The three returned to the car. Lin Qisheng took the initiative to sit in the driver’s seat. “You must be tired, miss. Let me drive. No need to give directions, it’ll be easier… Gu, why are you looking at me like that? Do you still think I have bad intentions?”

Lin Qisheng sounded a little aggrieved. “Sure, we had some friction at first, but after a good fight, we’re getting along just fine, aren’t we? Miss Xu, you don’t mind, do you?”

Xu Nuo rubbed her arm. Strange—why did she catch a whiff of green tea?

Gu Xingze’s gaze was deep and cold as he stared at Lin Qisheng, but Lin Qisheng met his eyes with ease, even smiling.

“Let’s go,” Xu Nuo said, unable to bear the odd tension any longer.