Chapter 8: Confirming the Relationship
[Intelligent Race: Ghost Tribe]
[Potential: King Level (Common, Elite, Lord, King, Epic, Legendary, Mythical)]
[Tier 4: 0/50000]
[Name: Liu Tongtong.]
[Skills: Not Activated.]
[Faith: Li Yuqing, Tier 3 Necromancer Deity]
[Devout (Provides 100 faith points daily to her deity)]
[Mood: Joyful]
[Analysis: Formerly a Tier 3 Infernal Deity, she offended a Tier 4 Demon Deity while protecting the host and was tragically killed. Fortunately, Li Yuqing found her body and used costly materials to resurrect her as a powerful ghost.]
Zeng Shen was surprised by the panel floating above Liu Tongtong's head, unable to believe his eyes.
"Is something wrong?" Liu Tongtong asked from the elevator, puzzled by Zeng Shen's expression.
"No, nothing," Zeng Shen replied awkwardly.
"Alright, I'm off then," Liu Tongtong said, pressing the elevator button as the doors slowly closed.
"Yeah, go ahead."
Zeng Shen nodded, his gaze complex.
He hadn't expected that a casual use of the Eye of Insight would reveal that Liu Tongtong's transformation into an intelligent race was linked to his future self.
Moreover, it was because of him that she offended a Tier 4 Demon Deity and met her demise. Li Yuqing had found her body and transformed her into a ghost, making her an intelligent race.
"What happened in those three years? How did I attract the attention of a Tier 4 Demon Deity, leading to her death?"
A trace of confusion flickered in Zeng Shen's eyes, and a question suddenly occurred to him.
With his intelligence, how could he still be a Tier 0 waste after three years?
Could it be due to that Tier 4 Demon Deity?
As the thought crossed his mind, a flash of inspiration struck Zeng Shen.
If that's the case, then it explains why he remained a Tier 0 during the three years of the apocalypse.
"I thought so—how could I, with my smarts, be worse off than a child in three years?"
After a brief mutter, Zeng Shen's expression turned serious with concern.
"In the future, will I have a Tier 4 Demon Deity as an enemy?"
[Congratulations, host, for calmly repelling a Tier 4 Ghost Leader without alerting a Tier 3 Necromancer Deity. Survival Points +1000.]
Originally somewhat serious, Zeng Shen perked up at the sound of this notification—another 1000 survival points!
Instantly, his mood improved significantly.
After all, survival points were the key to his strength.
As long as he grew stronger before the apocalypse, his power would far surpass that of the Tier 4 Demon Deity, and Liu Tongtong wouldn't need to protect him, avoiding her tragic fate.
With this realization, Zeng Shen resolved to earn more first-time survival point rewards to quickly grow stronger.
Turning, he headed down the left corridor.
Soon, he stood before a door labeled 1314, with a small wooden plaque reading "Brotherhood Studio."
"This should be it."
Zeng Shen knocked on the door.
It creaked open.
"Class rep, I thought you were going to bail on me," Li Yuqing joked upon seeing Zeng Shen.
"Got held up by something on the way."
Zeng Shen replied, admiring Li Yuqing with a hint of awe.
Li Yuqing was dressed differently from her usual pure and sweet style, wearing a black off-shoulder top that revealed her delicate white shoulders, tight collarbone, and a hint of her fair skin—seductively enticing.
"Come in, class rep," Li Yuqing invited with a smile.
"I ran into Liu Tongtong earlier," Zeng Shen said as he followed Li Yuqing into the studio, glancing around.
The studio was spacious but empty.
It had four large rooms, a hall, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a balcony with a few potted plants.
"Why is this studio so empty? No desks or chairs?" Zeng Shen asked, puzzled.
"Because our studio was just established yesterday. Liu Tongtong and I ordered those things online earlier. They should arrive by Monday," Li Yuqing explained.
"I see," Zeng Shen nodded. "So it's just you, me, and Liu Tongtong for now."
"Isn't that enough?" Li Yuqing laughed.
"Of course, but how do you plan to run this studio?"
"Initially, we'll manage a few different-style social media video accounts and see which..."
Li Yuqing had clearly done her homework, discussing various topics, while Zeng Shen shared his small experiences and opinions.
Before long, the setting sun shone through the window, casting its glow on Li Yuqing's determined, delicate face, making her appear adorably rosy and captivating.
Unconsciously, Zeng Shen was drawn to her aura, stepping closer as he gazed at her sweet, cherry-red lips.
He lowered his head slightly.
Li Yuqing widened her eyes, body trembling.
But she didn't push Zeng Shen away.
In that instant, Zeng Shen snapped back to reality.
Yet noticing Li Yuqing hadn't pushed him away, he gained confidence, his hands exploring her back as their breathing grew heavy and intense...
[Congratulations, host, for successfully taking the initiative under the temptation of a Tier 3 Necromancer Deity, dealing a significant blow and gaining survival points +1000.]
"?"
Four hours later.
Li Yuqing, filled with springtime joy, drove Zeng Shen to his apartment.
From the car window, Li Yuqing said, "Hubby, I'll be accompanying my parents to visit our ancestors, so I won't be back until Monday. Remember to gather some interesting video material for me."
"Got it. Drive safely," Zeng Shen replied with a smile.
"Okay, I'll let you know when I get home."
"Sure."
Watching Li Yuqing depart, Zeng Shen turned and returned to his apartment, feeling elated.
Zeng Shen had long sensed Li Yuqing's feelings for him.
But he always felt unworthy.
In that moment, he didn't know what gave him the courage to kiss her.
Finally, their relationship was confirmed.
They became a couple.
"Maybe knowing the apocalypse is coming in a year changed my mindset, and I didn't want any regrets in the future."
Zeng Shen pondered this.
Returning to his apartment, Little Black and Little White rushed over, rubbing against his legs like long-lost lovers.
"Meow~"
"Woof~"
Watching the two little ones around him, Zeng Shen laughed heartily.
"You must be starving, little ones. Come, let me get you some fish snacks."