Chapter 30: Seeking Help, A Reluctant Attempt

Bian Changxi continued, “Captain Gu, I need to remind you: whether it’s abilities, zombies, or crystal cores, they all have different levels. While it’s not impossible to challenge higher levels or absorb higher-level crystal cores, at the beginner stage, ability users don’t have a solid foundation. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe—even irreversible damage.”

She then shared her experience on how to distinguish the levels of crystal cores. Gu Xu replied gratefully, “Miss Bian, thank you so much. You’ve saved us from taking a lot of unnecessary detours.”

“No need to thank me—it’s just a transaction.” Bian Changxi asked, “By the way, how did you know my surname is Bian?”

“I asked your team leader.”

“My team leader?”

Bian Changxi thought for a moment. It must be Cheng Haijun. If Gu Xu even asked about Cheng Haijun’s name, of course he’d want to know hers too. He’s the type who likes to have everything under control.

Before she could finish her thought, a commotion suddenly erupted on the other end—people shouting, some agitated, some cursing. Then it sounded like Gu Xu covered his communicator, speaking in a low, urgent tone. After a moment, his voice came through again: “Miss Bian, do crystal cores have any other uses? For example, can they heal?”

Bian Changxi raised an eyebrow. “Someone on your team is injured?”

“One of my comrades was scratched by a zombie. He’s had a persistent high fever, grinding his teeth and growling, and even lashes out at people while unconscious.”

Bian Changxi’s heart tightened.

Gu Xu seemed to know what she was thinking and quickly explained, “The wound looks normal, no signs of festering. When I and two other teammates first awakened our abilities, we also felt unwell for a while, so we didn’t pay much attention at first. But he just won’t wake up.”

Bian Changxi grew serious. “When was he scratched?”

“The wound is shallow, and he never mentioned it. He just suddenly collapsed. If I had to guess… it was probably around midnight last night.”

Midnight?

Bian Changxi took a deep breath. Now she understood why Gu Xu was so desperate to figure out the secrets of crystal cores—he was hoping to find a way to save his comrade.

“Your teammate…”

“What is it?” Gu Xu asked anxiously.

“Midnight last night was exactly when the zombie virus is most active… I’m not sure how to explain it, but even if your friend’s wound looks normal, there’s a chance he’s already infected.” Bian Changxi’s expression turned grave. “Has he started showing zombie-like symptoms?”

There was a rush of hurried footsteps, then dead silence—only heavy breathing and intermittent, beast-like growls could be heard.

Bian Changxi had witnessed countless life-and-death moments, but right now, she felt a suffocating pressure.

She tried hard to recall memories from her previous life. Back then, her situation was so dire that just surviving was a blessing; she hadn’t paid much attention to those around her. It was only after she became close with Qu Yi, that mad scientist, that she learned a bit about the early days of the apocalypse. She really couldn’t remember if anyone had experienced the same situation as Gu Xu’s teammate.

But she did know that not everyone bitten or scratched by a toxic zombie died or turned. There were rare cases where people survived and even awakened special abilities—but those cases were extremely rare.

At some point, Lin Rongrong had come over and whispered, “Isn’t there any other way?”

Bian Changxi shook her head and said to Gu Xu, “Don’t give up too soon. Usually, zombification happens quickly. The fact that your teammate is holding on like this means his healthy cells are fighting the virus. Maybe—just maybe—he can pull through.”

Suddenly, she remembered something and exclaimed, “Oh, do you have anyone with wood-type abilities over there?”

Gu Xu perked up, “What do you need a wood-type for?” Then he said to someone else, “Qiu Yun, go ask.”

“There was once a powerful… Well, anyway, your friend’s struggle is something no one else can help with. Ultimately, it’s his own potential fighting the virus. But wood-type abilities are full of vitality and naturally have healing properties. If a wood-type ability user could help repair his body, his chances of survival would be higher.” Bian Changxi almost let something slip and silently scolded herself for getting so worked up.

But she couldn’t help caring.

Someone who had survived seven years of the apocalypse would be numb to the world, but at the same time, understood the fragility and preciousness of life more than most. That feeling of being pulled back from the brink—whether you’re the one saved or just a bystander—was impossible to put into words.

It felt like a gift from the heavens, a miracle of life.

Bian Changxi had once used her healing wood-type ability to save many people on the verge of death. That sense of accomplishment was both fulfilling and joyful, filling her heart with light—until her ability was damaged and stagnated, and she went from a respected healer to just another office worker.

Lin Rongrong tugged her sleeve. Apparently, Gu Xu had already said heavily that they didn’t have any wood-type ability users.

Such bad luck, Bian Changxi sighed.

But then Gu Xu said, “Miss Bian, aren’t you a wood-type?”

Bian Changxi was caught off guard.

“You just asked for green cores.”

I also asked for white cores, didn’t I? Bian Changxi muttered to herself, annoyed at how quickly Gu Xu could connect the dots. She had to be careful with every word around him.

“I’m injured, and my ability is almost depleted. I can’t guarantee the results—of course, if you have no one else to turn to, I can try my best, but I can’t promise anything. The real issue is, how am I supposed to get to you?”

“The communicator has a GPS. I know your coordinates, and you’re not far from us. Can I come pick you up?”

Bian Changxi hung up, looking helplessly at the communicator in her hand.

Lin Rongrong asked cautiously, “You don’t want to go?”

Bian Changxi sighed. “I’m just not confident.”

She’d seen a powerful wood-type user help someone on the verge of zombification recover in her past life, but that person was at least level six—just a bit weaker than she was at her peak. She was nowhere near that level now.

If she failed, wouldn’t she make an enemy out of Gu Xu?

She didn’t want to cozy up to him, but she definitely didn’t want him to hold a grudge either.

Sigh, being a good person is never easy.

Lin Rongrong looked conflicted too.

She said, “Let’s hurry and gather supplies. He’ll be here soon. Do you want me to come with you…?”

“Can I?” Lin Rongrong asked, delighted, then quickly added, “I’ll move fast. I’ll go across the street—the department store should have lots of good stuff.”

Watching Lin Rongrong’s eager figure, Bian Changxi suddenly found her quite endearing—at least she didn’t seem to have any hidden agenda.

Bian Changxi touched the jade bracelet on her left wrist, wrapped it tightly with a strip of cloth, tied it securely so it wouldn’t fall off, and tucked it into her sleeve.

When dealing with others, what she feared most was her precious jade bracelet farm being discovered. If Gu Xu figured something out… sigh, what a headache.

She pressed her side and stepped outside, scanning her surroundings. It was now 3:30 in the afternoon. The sunlight was bright, but her face was pale. She squinted and spotted a large fruit shop at the end of the pedestrian street and headed over.

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"**Restarting the Farm at the End of the World**