Chapter 285: Happy New Year

【System detects current time point, conforms to safe zone New Year setting】

When the cold mechanical voice sounded in Lin Chen's mind, he was sitting in the snow with Xia Nuan, the bread in his hands already eaten, only the packaging bag remaining in his palm. The sky was still drifting with heavy snow, the wind scraping his cheeks, carrying a bone-chilling cold, and the distant mountains were hidden in the white mist, unable to see their outlines.

Lin Chen looked up at the sky, snowflakes landing on his eyelashes, instantly melting into water droplets. He turned to look at Xia Nuan beside him; she was keeping her head down,

looking at the packaging bag in her hand, not knowing what she was thinking. Lin Chen did not speak,

just took out two thick coats from the infinite space and handed one to Xia Nuan. Xia Nuan looked up, took the coat, draped it over herself, and nodded at him.

【System prompt, safe zone synchronized to start New Year mode, lighting systems in all areas have been activated】

Lin Chen had a thought, and the infinite space door before his eyes opened again. He reached in and fumbled out a pile of things. There were a few bags of compressed biscuits, two bottles of water, and a string of small bells strung together with a red rope. He handed the bells to Xia Nuan. Xia Nuan took them, shook them in her hand, and they made a crisp sound. The sound spread in the open snowfield, startling a few birds in the distance, flapping their wings and disappearing into the snow mist.

The two stood up, patted the snow off their bodies, and walked toward the safe zone. The snow was still heavy, the accumulated snow under their feet covering their ankles, and every step was very strenuous. Xia Nuan walked behind, the bells in her hand making sounds from time to time, as if guiding the two. Lin Chen walked in front, his steps very steady. He knew that the safe zone was ahead, behind that mist.

【System detects host and related personnel moving speed is stable, expected to arrive at the safe zone in two hours】

Lin Chen ignored the system's prompt.

He just buried his head and walked forward, his ears filled only with the sound of the wind and the bells. Xia Nuan followed behind him, not speaking, just walking quietly. After walking for a long time, a faint light finally appeared in the distance; that was the streetlights of the safe zone, shining with dim yellow light in the snow mist. The two quickened their steps, walking toward that point of light.

They were getting closer and closer, and the outline of the safe zone gradually became clear—the high walls, the tightly closed gates, and the warning lights flashing on the walls. Several team members stood at the gate. Seeing Lin Chen and Xia Nuan, they immediately greeted them, their faces carrying surprised expressions. "Captain Lin, you're back!" a team member shouted, his voice carrying excitement.

Lin Chen nodded, not speaking. The team members opened the gate and let the two in.

The safe zone was completely different from the outside; the streetlights were on, light shone from the windows of every household, and sporadic laughter came from within. The snow on the ground had been swept clean, revealing a flat road surface.

The team members handed the two cups of hot water. Lin Chen took it and drank a mouthful; the warm water slid down his throat, dispelling quite a bit of the chill.

【System prompt, safe zone New Year material delivery completed, personnel emotions in all areas are stable】

Lin Chen and Xia Nuan walked forward along the street, red lanterns hanging on both sides of the street; although simple, they carried a sense of warmth. Passing by the cafeteria,

a burst of lively noise came from inside, and the fragrance of food drifted out. Xia Nuan stopped, looked toward the cafeteria, her eyes carrying a trace of longing. Lin Chen glanced at her and pulled her inside.

The cafeteria was very lively, team members sitting around several long tables, holding bowls and chopsticks, eating steaming hot food. Seeing Lin Chen and Xia Nuan enter, everyone stopped their movements and looked toward them. Xia Nuan felt a bit embarrassed, hiding behind Lin Chen. Lin Chen nodded at the crowd and found an empty seat to sit down.

Soon, team members walked over with food and placed it in front of the two. Rice, stir-fried dishes, and a bowl of soup—although simple, it was very rich. Lin Chen picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, and Xia Nuan followed suit. The noise in the cafeteria rose again, team members chatting, talking, and occasionally a burst of laughter would come.

【System detects the overall atmosphere in the safe zone is positive, blackened personality awakening probability continues to decrease】

Lin Chen ignored the system's prompt. He just ate his meal quietly, listening to the sounds around him. Xia Nuan ate very slowly, occasionally raising her head to look at the people around, a faint smile appearing on her face. Someone started singing, the singing not very good, but very loud, echoing in the cafeteria.

After eating, Lin Chen and Xia Nuan walked out of the cafeteria. The snow outside had become much smaller, the sky still overcast, but a few stars could be seen. The two walked slowly along the street. Passing by a house, the laughter of children came from inside. Xia Nuan stopped and glanced toward the window. Lin Chen followed her gaze. Inside the window, several children were surrounding a lamp, holding toys, laughing very happily.

The two continued to walk forward, walking to the square of the safe zone. A flagpole stood in the center of the square, with a flag hanging on it, fluttering in the wind. The streetlights around were on, illuminating the entire square. Xia Nuan suddenly stopped, turned to look at Lin Chen, her face carrying a trace of a smile. Lin Chen looked at her, waiting for her to speak.

Just then, a burst of cheers came from the distance, followed by fireworks exploding in the sky, colorful light illuminating the entire night sky. Xia Nuan looked up, watching the fireworks in the sky, her eyes shining with light. Lin Chen also looked up, watching those brilliant lights, his heart suddenly becoming very calm.

The fireworks were still going off, the sky a brilliant display. Xia Nuan turned her head, looked at Lin Chen, the corners of her mouth rising, and said softly: "Happy New Year."

Lin Chen looked into her eyes, looked at the smile on her face, and also smiled, responding lightly: "Happy New Year." ===== CHAPTER 286 =====