After Yu Song left, only the two of them remained—one standing inside the room, the other outside the door—gazing at each other in silence.
Especially Gu Chi. He clearly had something to say, but now that she was here, the words seemed stuck in his throat.
“…Come in,” he said, stepping aside.
“No, no!” Chi Ying shook her head hurriedly.
Just seeing him again made her feel embarrassed. If they were alone in a room together, she was afraid she’d die on the spot.
Gu Chi stared at her, pausing for a moment.
“So we’re just going to stand here and talk?”
Chi Ying nodded seriously, as if it was perfectly reasonable.
Gu Chi: “…”
Fine.
“How’s your ability? Has it recovered?”
“I’ve already reached Level 5. It might take some time to get back to Level 7.” Gu Chi added, “Yun Ling was helping a lot of people recover their abilities, but I stopped her when I saw she was overexerting herself.”
Chi Ying let out a breath of relief. “As long as you can recover, that’s good.”
“Yeah.” He twirled his fingers a little, then said, “You told me before—if I had something to say, I could take my time…”
Chi Ying’s heart skipped.
“Yeah. No need to rush,” she mumbled, blushing.
Gu Chi chuckled. Not wanting to press her further, he changed the subject.
“I should be able to take a long break now. The biggest threat to the headquarters is dealt with. The remaining low-level zombies and scattered abilities can be handled easily.”
“Oh. That’s good.” Chi Ying was a little puzzled why he brought it up so suddenly.
“And while the cafeteria here is decent, it’s still just mass-produced meals. I’ve got some free time… if you want to come over for a meal sometime.”
“I’ll cook.”
Chi Ying blinked, startled—but nodded anyway.
__
The next morning.
Since Gu Chi had mentioned Yun Ling had overextended herself, Chi Ying decided to visit her early.
She’d also been separated from the team for too long. So she stopped by to see Lu Yunfei and Mu Yu on the way.
Yun Ling looked much better. Her complexion was healthy, and she was in good spirits—so much so that she asked Chi Ying for tips on getting stronger.
Chi Ying avoided the question by saying, “Eat and sleep more.”
Mu Yu was packing up her gun and reorganizing her storage space. When Chi Ying walked in, the room was full of things she’d taken out to sort.
Only Lu Yunfei was acting odd.
When Chi Ying knocked, he peeked out furtively, half his body hidden behind the door like he was guarding a secret.
“Damn, it’s just you.” He sighed in relief, patting his chest. “I thought it was Mu Yu.”
He hesitated a moment, as if making a big decision.
“…Come in.”
Chi Ying was confused but followed him inside.
“Here, try one!” Lu Yunfei plopped down on the sofa and patted his leg enthusiastically.
“What is it?” Chi Ying asked.
On the table sat a small bowl of glossy red fruit. A dozen strawberries, each still with little green leaves.
“Hey—strawberries,” Lu Yunfei grinned.
Chi Ying’s eyes widened. She hadn’t eaten any yet.
【You haven’t eaten much of anything since arriving.】 the system grumbled.
Chi Ying had only been in this world a few months. In a post-apocalyptic setting, fresh fruits and vegetables were rare luxuries.
Lu Yunfei picked up the bowl and handed it to her.
She took one and popped it in her mouth.
Sweet. Surprisingly sweet.
“Where did you get these?”
“I’m not telling. Otherwise, you’ll say he’s playing favorites.”
Chi Ying licked her lips, a bit regretful. “Okay…”
__
That night.
Chi Ying hesitated for a long time.
Gu Chi had mentioned yesterday she could come over for lunch. But with the awkwardness still lingering, she ended up eating brunch in the cafeteria instead.
Was she… avoiding him?
She checked the time, patted her cheeks, and finally walked to his room.
Knock knock.
After a few seconds, the door opened. Gu Chi appeared, half leaning against the frame, as if he’d been expecting her.
“Come in.”
Chi Ying relaxed and stepped inside.
“What would you like to eat?”
“Anything’s fine.” She sat on the sofa, legs tucked up, a little stiff. “I’m not picky.”
“Alright. I’ll just make a few simple dishes.”
He smiled—calm, composed, sharp as always. But when he smiled without restraint, it softened his whole face.
Chi Ying paused.
Gu Chi seemed especially fond of smiling today.
System: 【Oh no. You’re doomed.】
Chi Ying: What?
【He knows he’s handsome and is trying to seduce you with it. You’re finished.】
Chi Ying: …
She looked down. There were sliced pickled lemons already on the table, clearly waiting for her.
Chi Ying pursed her lips and picked one up.
After a while, she stood up. Sitting there waiting felt too awkward.
She walked to the kitchen. “Do you need help?”
Gu Chi turned with a soft smile. “I’ve got it covered.”
“…Oh.”
Still, Chi Ying stayed in the kitchen. Since she was freeloading, she at least wanted to help out.
But Gu Chi’s movements were fast and smooth—washing, chopping, cooking with practiced ease. She couldn’t find a chance to do anything.
She ended up staring at him for a while. His every move was pleasant to watch. Before she realized it, her gaze had drifted to his face.
She watched his profile carefully for a moment.
Chi Ying, internally defeated: …You’re right.
【Huh?】
Chi Ying: He really is good-looking.
【…】
You fell fast.
In the end, she never got a chance to help. To ease her guilt, she quickly set the table when the food was ready.
Gu Chi sat across from her. Just as they were finishing the meal, he stood up and went back into the kitchen.
Chi Ying glanced over.
What now?
Moments later, he returned holding a large metal basin.
He set it on the table and said casually, “Here—have some fruit.”
Chi Ying looked inside.
The basin was full of plump, red strawberries. Fresh and overflowing.
She stared in disbelief. “How do you even…?”
“I used to manage the greenhouse,” Gu Chi said. “Lu Yunfei wandered in and begged for fruit. The base didn’t have any, so I grew some.”
Chi Ying choked.
She suddenly remembered how Lu Yunfei had cradled that tiny bowl like treasure that morning.
So they were from Gu Chi…
Now she looked at the huge iron basin in front of her—so full she could barely lift it.
“…”
In comparison, that little bowl she’d envied earlier felt… a little sad.
【Tsk tsk,】 the system said gleefully. 【That’s definitely favoritism.】
“It’s too much. I can’t finish all this,” she mumbled.
Gu Chi smiled. “Then take it home.”
“…Oh.”
Chi Ying glanced down. She was holding Gu Chi’s rice in her right hand, strawberries in her left, and the lemons he made were still on the table.
Chi Ying: “…”
Too well-fed to refuse anything.
She looked up. Gu Chi was still smiling at her, his eyes warm and gentle.
Half an hour passed.
Suddenly, she lowered her head and whispered, “What you said before… that thing…”
Gu Chi looked up.
“Try it,” she said softly. “I think… it might work.”
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152
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