Chapter 121: Making Overtures

Ding Junyi is right.

The air inside the research car is clean and fresh, warm, and though filled with all sorts of strange scientific instruments, it feels more stimulating in some ways.

But Lin Xian hadn’t yet processed the woman’s bizarre theory when Ding Junyi had already walked up to him, gazing at him with calm eyes.

It felt like: Brother, let’s coordinate and land a slick combo move together.

A sense of déjà vu.

Do female STEM geniuses always express their intentions this logically, directly, and without any pretense?

After a moment of silence, Lin Xian suppressed his inner impulse and looked at Ding Junyi.

“Are you afraid I’ll kill you, or afraid that once we reach Yubei City no one will take you in and you’ll be thrown off the train—so you’re deliberately trying to win me over?”

No free rides.

But then again, if I’m clueless, wouldn’t I still just throw you off the train after sleeping with you?

Ding Junyi didn’t know what Lin Xian was thinking, but upon hearing his words, she replied without any concealment.

“You’re right—but my request comes after sex.”

“After???” Lin Xian stared blankly. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Ding Junyi frowned slightly: “Research shows that trust and mutual recognition increase between men and women during or immediately after sexual pleasure; during intense moments, it can even reach a state of temporary impulsive acceptance. So I plan to ask you to let me stay on your train and join your team after we have sex.”

Lin Xian opened his mouth, suddenly feeling unable to voice what he wanted to say.

For some reason, Lin Xian felt her state oscillated wildly between utterly understanding men and completely misunderstanding them.

“So after all that, your goal is just to stay on my train?”

“Yes.” Ding Junyi looked at Lin Xian. “From my observations, as the leader of this train, you possess both capability and decisiveness—meaning you hold decision-making authority. In other words, my life and Dr. Zhao’s and Dr. Xu’s lives rest in your hands. Under these circumstances, winning your favor brings me zero downside. Whether you choose to keep me, deliver us to an official organization, or simply refrain from harming me along the way—it’s all a positive outcome for me.”

After careful observation, Ding Junyi found Lin Xian’s ability exceptionally unique—he could create machinery out of nothing. The Twin Star 11R nuclear-powered electric locomotive required multiple specialists to operate, yet he moved it as if there were no obstacles at all.

Thus, she deduced that Lin Xian’s ability must be extremely advanced, and his team’s configuration must be powerful, enabling them to survive such perilous conditions.

Moreover, from how he treated the building, Kiki, and others, she judged him to be highly trustworthy. After thorough evaluation, Ding Junyi decided to propose joining his team—it was for her own survival.

“I understand.”

Lin Xian exhaled heavily. Talking to this woman, though she was utterly transparent and seemed sincere, always left him exhausted.

It was like writing a thesis—even asking for a favor required a full theoretical justification. It was exhausting to hear.

“I’ll think about it. Nothing else is needed for now.” Lin Xian said.

“Sorry, I may have made you misunderstand me just now.”

Ding Junyi reached behind her and unfastened her bra clasp, her expression calm, her gaze warm as she looked at Lin Xian. “I’m not using sex as a bargaining chip. For me, this is a genuine need to satisfy my physiological demands.”

Lin Xian stiffened.

This is still the contrast…

…

【Successful assimilation: Mechanical Source +15, Mechanical Assimilation skill proficiency +8, bonus reward: Defense +1】

【Successful assimilation: Mechanical Source +15, Mechanical Assimilation skill proficiency +8, bonus reward: Strength +1】

【Decomposition: Obtained High-Manganese Steel *50, Hot-Rolled Forged Steel *50, Cold-Rolled Dual-Phase Steel Plate *15, Ordinary Carbon Steel *100, Non-Metallic Foam Material, Non-Metallic Composite Material…】

Clank, clank. After roughly forty minutes, Lin Xian completed assimilating the two flatbed cars; the rear of the train was now empty.

Now that the Twin Star 11R nuclear-powered electric locomotive was coupled behind Car 7, Lin Xian removed its side panels and planned to construct a large door on the side for easier access and cargo loading/unloading. He also intended to design an entrance on the roof of Car 7; once he built the close-in defense cannon, he’d mount it directly on the roof. 【Current Mechanical Heart Level: Lv.2 (745/1000)】

【Prompt: Upgrading Mechanical Heart grants special skill rewards. At Lv.3, Lv.6, and Lv.9, a mysterious awakening is granted.】

Strength Level: 2【80%】 (Burst: 200kg class)

Speed Level: 2【5%】 (Max: 13m/s)

Defense Level: 1【78%】 (Tough Bones, Resilient Skin)

【Mechanical Awakening】: Not Awakened

Mechanical Assimilation: 3 (106/1000) — Increases assimilation efficiency

Mechanical Creation: 2 (260/500) — Increases construction efficiency

Mechanical Passive: Scan / Repair / Decompose

【Special Skills】

Wind Cannon (Common) (Lv.3, Maxed)

Ice Shield (Common) (Lv.2 9%)

Flash Step (Rare) (Lv.1 30%)

Electrical Surge (Rare) (Lv.1 23%)

!

“Wind Cannon is maxed out. So the skill cap must be Lv.3.”

Looking at the screen, Lin Xian exhaled deeply. Outside, the cold wind howled; he pulled his cotton coat collar tighter. He walked to the rear of the Huanxing 7F electric locomotive. Since the nuclear-powered locomotive’s cars weren’t connected, and this electric locomotive had no further use, the best fate was to assimilate it.

Previously, assimilating the short-haul freight locomotive from Beiwan had granted him 300 Mechanical Source points. This Huanxing 7F was a true behemoth.

If I handle this, I’ll definitely break through to Lv.3 Mechanical Heart!

For safety, Lin Xian climbed straight into the cab. The locomotive was already armored with thick plating he’d built himself. He’d considered removing it to install on the nuclear locomotive, but since the nuclear locomotive needed radiation shielding, he planned to use titanium alloy combined with high-density lead plates—so he decided to just assimilate everything at once.

As assimilation began, Lin Xian felt immense pressure surge over him, a suffocating sensation—this meant he was about to assimilate a massive machine.

On the train, Ding Junyi entered Car 5. Zhao Yan and Xu Wen were huddled together in a safe corner, resting. Shasha had brought them blankets; both were utterly exhausted, having slept poorly for a long time.

Perhaps due to heightened nerves from the disaster, Zhao Yan woke instantly at the sound of Ding Junyi approaching.

“Director Ding?”

Zhao Yan noticed Ding Junyi’s unusual expression—her cheeks flushed, a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. “You don’t look well. Are you sick?”

“No.”

Ding Junyi took a deep breath, steadied herself, picked up the blanket from the floor, wrapped it around herself, and sat down quietly.

“Did you talk to that Mr. Lin? What did they say? What do they want from us?”

“No demands. They’re heading to Yubei City tomorrow—we’ll see how things go then.” Ding Junyi removed her glasses and closed her eyes.

Seeing her complete lack of concern, Zhao Yan leaned close to her ear and whispered:

“I just heard over their radio—they have a team from our Dawn Project preparing in Yubei City. Maybe we can contact them and head to another underground city. You were right—we were smart to bring the research data.”

Ding Junyi lifted her gaze slightly and said bluntly: “To another underground city? Do you really think that’s a good decision?”

“What else can we do?” Xu Wen opened his eyes, whispering. “Should we just run around fleeing everywhere? We’re technical staff—living in an underground city is safer than hiding in these trains, isn’t it?”

“Director Ding, you’re a vital asset of the Federation Government. Don’t you want to go back?”

Ding Junyi looked up at the armored steel car, its interior warm, radiating a deep sense of security.

She closed her eyes, recalling the exhilarating rush from escaping the collapsing tunnel and the recent surge of freedom—she felt as if she’d broken free from mud. Her eyes flickered slightly. She said nothing.

New book, please vote for monthly tickets, guys—get on board and charge forward!

(End of Chapter)