69 - Cinderella’s Dream: Together Forever

Title: Transmigrated into a Wasteland Novel as a Scumbag A, Chapter 69 (Extra Update) Yi Yi drove to the artificial river in the center of Pingze City, where they replenished their water supply. Crossing through the city, they returned to the highway, surprised to find the southbound route to Funan City free of abandoned vehicles. In fact, many cars were headed the same way ahead of their RV. "Seems like we're not the only ones going to Funan City," Chen Wan remarked. "Yeah, and these roads have clearly been cleared. No abandoned cars. But I doubt the Funan City base is entirely safe. In an apocalypse, large groups rarely have a good outcome," Yi Yi grumbled. "I feel the same. That's why my plan is to help those we need to at the base and leave right away to find a small, safer town with water to settle down," Chen Wan shared her plan. Yi Yi nodded in agreement, praising Chen Wan, "You're the most rational host I've had. In past apocalypses, hosts had extraordinary ambitions or hero complexes. One even stayed put until starving to death. I've seen all sorts of oddities. I just hope you last long enough for me to remain in physical form for a few years." Yi Yi began to vent, speaking nonstop. Chen Wan understood Yi Yi's troubles; very few hosts last long enough for Yi Yi to acquire a physical form, explaining her non-stop chatter. Around 3 p.m., Chen Wan glanced at Yi Yi and offered, "Let me drive for a while. You can rest." "No need, I'm a bionic human. I don't get tired," Yi Yi replied with a casual smile. "But even bionic beings need rest, or they might short-circuit after prolonged activity," Chen Wan fibbed a reason. Reluctantly, Yi Yi pulled over, letting Chen Wan take the wheel and headed for the small kitchenette. Jiang Yan Xin and Qin Ke lounged on sofas, engrossed in their books, while Cai Cai napped in the room. Feeling bored, Yi Yi decided to corner someone to share her stories, previously told to Chen Wan, citing them as fascinating as fiction. Qin Ke noticed Chen Wan driving alone and moved to the passenger seat to join her. Seeing another person leave, Yi Yi settled next to Jiang Yan Xin on the sofa, effectively blocking her path. Jiang Yan Xin greeted Yi Yi with a smile and resumed reading her book. But Yi Yi's voice soon broke the silence. "Yan Xin, let's chat a bit. Reading in moving vehicles can harm your eyes. Come, let me tell you about some bizarre happenings I've encountered. They're far more entertaining than novels." Yi Yi's captivating eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Though not well-acquainted with Yi Yi, Jiang Yan Xin couldn't refuse, marking her place in the book and setting it aside with a smile. "Sure, I'll listen to your stories instead." "Great! Let me tell you about one world where the host's mission was..." Yi Yi launched into her tales with passion, disregarding their unfamiliarity, making it hard for Jiang Yan Xin not to listen. Chen Wan heard Yi Yi's endless chatter from the driver's seat, suppressing a laugh as she drove. Qin Ke overheard as well, commenting to Chen Wan, "Your...system talks quite a bit." "She's not just chatty; she hasn't stopped since she was released. Who knows how long she's been bottling it up," Chen Wan remarked with a laugh. Qin Ke found Yi Yi's lively nature refreshing, not the typical cold robot. Plus, she was grateful to Yi Yi for offering a glimmer of hope for her girlfriend's return, lightening her load of worries. Recalling the previous night's incident of Jiang Yan Xin's jealousy, Qin Ke asked in a whisper, "Was Yan Xin jealous yesterday? How did you console her?" Caught off guard, Chen Wan replied with feigned nonchalance, "Didn’t need much. I'm pretty skilled—just gave her a hug and everything was fine." Boasting her prowess, Chen Wan straightened her posture. Qin Ke's eyes were playful, doubting, "Oh really? Doesn't seem so from the way things usually are." Chen Wan glanced at Qin Ke, retorting, "You've picked up bad habits. My standing at home is always high." Holding back laughter, Qin Ke nodded in feigned belief, "Sure, sure. If I didn't live with you, I might’ve bought it." Chen Wan huffed in mock indignation. Was her supposed low household status really that apparent? As she continued driving, they surprisingly arrived at a remote county in Funan City by just after 5 p.m., four hours from the city center. Chen Wan decided to stay the night in the small town and plan their next move to Funan City in the morning, needing a strategy meeting. In the small kitchenette, Yi Yi was engrossed in a lively conversation with Cai Cai, who occasionally responded excitedly. Jiang Yan Xin had seized the opportunity to escape Yi Yi's chatter, realizing her earlier misunderstanding—Yi Yi could go on indefinitely once she found an audience. Grateful for Cai Cai's intervention, she thought, let him enjoy entertaining Yi Yi. Chen Wan parked the RV on a street, intending to search the stores after discussions. Cai Cai reached for Chen Wan, who embraced him and joined the small group in the kitchenette. "Let's all sit and plan our actions for tomorrow in Funan City." Qin Ke and Jiang Yan Xin joined, with Cai Cai nestled quietly in Chen Wan's arms, playing with his chubby hands. Chen Wan spoke, "Here's what I think: We can't take the RV inside. All supplies must be surrendered upon entering the base. I'm leaving behind weapons to avoid confiscation, but food should be returned after inspection. Each of us carrying a backpack of necessities should suffice. Our main task inside is to rescue people and get them out safely, then gather materials for keeping Yan Yan's body functioning. Yi Yi, you mentioned Funan has lots of laboratories?" "Yes, the Emerging Technology Lab at Funan University is the largest bionic research facility in the north. Although they haven't produced a viable bionic entity, they have ample raw materials. We'll need extensive supplies—motors, controllers, sensors, steel, memory metal, synthetic skin, wiring, and more. The lab's stocks are basic; additional processing is necessary. Funan's lab is essential, but prepare—there may not be enough materials, so alternatives might be needed," Yi Yi explained seriously. "I understand. We'll gather what we need piece by piece," Chen Wan resolved, aware of the challenges in acquiring materials to restore a bionic form. The task ahead might surpass the risks at the base, but it was unavoidable. Qin Ke clasped her hands together, looking at everyone with gratitude, "Thank you." "For what? You're with us to save people too. No need for thanks among us," Chen Wan smiled warmly. Jiang Yan Xin agreed with the plan, understanding the restrictions on carrying goods inside the base. But she had a concern, "What about Yi Yi? She’ll be detected by scanners as non-human." "Don't worry," Yi Yi reassured, resuming her leisurely attitude, "I'm specially programmed. Human machines will recognize me as a normal person. But I'll need different attire to avoid attracting attention." Chen Wan glanced at Yi Yi’s fiery red dress, her expression dimming. In such a harsh world, girls lost even the freedom to wear dresses. Sensing Chen Wan's solemn mood, Yi Yi comforted her, "That's life in the apocalypse. Not everyone’s like us; many choose the harder path." "Exactly, we just need to take care of our own," Chen Wan replied. The little one in her arms seemed anxious, his small legs kicking as he clung to Chen Wan, "Mommy, are you going out again tomorrow?" Chen Wan understood what Cai Cai meant and gave him a reassuring kiss, comforting him, "You'll come with us tomorrow. We're going to a place with lots of people. Just stay close, okay?" "Okay!" Cai Cai's eyes lit up at the thought of accompanying his mommy. Chen Wan continued, "But soon you'll need to stay in the car by yourself for a bit. We'll head out to find some food. I'll leave you with the learning tablet. You can watch a few cartoons, and by the time they're over, we'll probably be back." "Alright," Cai Cai replied, a bit downcast, as he snuggled into Chen Wan's embrace. Yi Yi took Cai Cai in her arms, soothing him for a while until he was happily entertaining himself again. For convenience, Yi Yi changed into a military green shirt and black jeans. Despite their casual attire, the group’s presence was striking, and their faces tended to draw attention wherever they went. Chen Wan glanced at the others, realizing that entering the base like this would hardly allow for a low profile. Trouble was likely to follow.