CH 65

⌈Weekend update: 0/2⌋

Facing Shu Shuishui’s enthusiastic greeting, a few large gray rats halted their charge and gathered together, chirping and discussing among themselves.

Though their bodies had mutated, they still couldn’t speak. However, that didn’t stop them from understanding Shu Shuishui’s greeting. This was the first time encountering such a situation.

After a lively debate amongst the rats, it seemed that there was no final conclusion. Right in the midst of their fervent arguments, a small, warm, brown-furred head squeezed in from behind.

Distinct from their gray surroundings, the curious newcomer’s head peered around. “Hello.”

The rats: “…”

Faced with the enthusiastic greeting from a seemingly similar being, they couldn’t maintain their imposing demeanor. The group of rats instinctively dispersed a bit to make way for the warm-brown newcomer.

In the end, the largest gray rat stepped forward and chirped a series of sounds.

Amidst a crowd of mutated giant rats, Shu Shuishui remained composed, occasionally nodding his small head or responding with a few words.

Quickly following was Gu Langu: “…”

Never before had he felt so acutely that Shu Shuishui’s true nature was that of a mouse.

A few minutes later, the gray rats swiftly departed, coming and going in haste.

“Don’t worry, Gu Gu. It’s alright. We’ve reached an agreement. We’ll coexist in the valley from now on, not interfering with each other. In case of special circumstances, we can help each other. They said they’d been living in the valley for seven to eight years. Aside from them, there are no other mutated creatures here. It’s very safe,” Shu Shuishui earnestly explained to Gu Langu.

Gu Langu nodded. “Shui Shui is amazing!”

Shu Shuishui waved his small paw. “This is just my native language. I know many foreign languages too. By the way, how about I sing a foreign song for you, Gu Gu? I’ll sing the simplest one!”

Suddenly, Gu Langu had a somewhat bad premonition. Every time Shu Shuishui sang, there was a contagious, brainwashing quality to it. It was unclear if it was due to the song itself or because he was a mouse.

As expected, not long after, Shu Shuishui’s song echoed through the valley. “ABCDEFG～HIJKLMN～～OPQ……”

Gu Langu: “…”

Fortunately, Shu Shuishui’s brainwashing moment didn’t last too long. After about half an hour, they finally explored the entire valley, confirming its safety. They were now preparing to head back.

Of course, before their return journey, the honest little dormouse and Gu Langu built snowmen and had a snowball fight. Considering the time, they didn’t play for too long. However, both Gu Langu and Shu Shuishui were very satisfied.

On the way back up the mountain, Shu Shuishui naturally sat on Gu Langu’s shoulder, pointing to the distant forest covered in white snow. “The rats live over there. It said that the forest is very deep. They came out today to find food. The freezing season still has some time left, so they’re collecting whatever food they can. And they have many little ones to feed. Supporting a family as a rat is not easy.”

“However, even though they are rats, furry and all, you’re not allowed to raise them, Gu Gu. You can only have me as your mouse. If you ever come across other rats outside, you must tell me. I won’t be clingy. I can go on a trip whenever you want,” Shu Shuishui added seriously.

“I won’t,” Gu Langu responded without hesitation. “There won’t be other mice. Having Shui Shui is enough. After all, you’re the only one, aren’t you?” Gu Langu replied with a hint of playfulness.

Shu Shuishui nodded his little head. “That’s right, I’m a faithful mouse.”

Gu Langu curled his lips into a smile. “Coincidentally, I am too.”

The faithful dormouse and the faithful person reached an agreement and found a path up the mountain during their cheerful conversation.

Back in the car, Gu Langu turned on the air conditioning and started the engine. When the temperature was comfortable, Shu Shuishui returned to his old business, stepping on the fabric and holding a needle and thread to sew a hat just like his.

As the car entered the settled town, Shu Shuishui happily raised the soft, brown fur hat. “Mission accomplished! The hat is finished! When you get out of the car later, you can wear it, Gu Gu!”

Gu Langu looked at the little mouse who was already packing up the toolbox. His gaze lingered on the warm-brown hat for a while. In fact, not too long ago, Gu Langu had already noticed something was amiss because the little mouse was using a small mirror to check himself while sewing.

Gu Langu’s hand trembled slightly as he drove, sensing something was up, but he didn’t have the heart to interrupt the earnest Shu Shuishui.

And so, the warm-brown hat with two mouse ears came into existence.

Shu Shuishui held up the adorable hat and inquired, “Gu Gu, do you like it? Isn’t it cute, just like me?”

How would Gu Langu respond? Naturally, he said, “Equally adorable. I really like it.”

After a busy day, Shu Shuishui finally felt reassured.

Once the car was parked, Gu Langu calmly accepted the new hat that Shu Shuishui had made for him, then held the little dormouse and got out of the car.

When they returned to the small town, it was already 7 PM. Campfires dotted the town, illuminating the otherwise dark streets.

The people from Fei Luo Base didn’t come back. It seemed they had found a new place to settle and intended to distance themselves from the pit that was Gu Langu Base. Hsu Sichen was by the campfire with others, roasting meat. Perhaps due to the joy of the moment, they were even indulging in some alcohol. Laughter and lively conversation echoed from afar.

Clearly, after more than a month of migrating and living together, the people from Hu Sichen Base had integrated quite well.

Actually, the decision for the entire Hu Sichen Base to join Gu Langu Base was quite surprising. At least Fei Luo didn’t have that kind of audacity, and Dong Shijun, who had been following him secretly, didn’t either.

The people from Dong Shijun Base hadn’t left. It was unclear whether they hadn’t found a suitable place or had other intentions. They continued to live next to Gu Langu Base, without any disturbances.

“Boss Dong, how about we leave too? Whether we find a suitable place or not, let’s at least find a temporary spot. Otherwise, I’m afraid I might lose control one day and run to Gu Langu’s base,” Scarface sniffed the air filled with the aroma of roasted meat and took a bite of the rough purple tree cake in his hand. Staying next to Gu Langu’s base was torment.

Dong Shijun didn’t respond. In truth, it was already too late. Once people’s hearts wavered, they would only remain stable if there was a particularly enticing new offer. Even though Fei Luo Base had left, as long as someone wanted to leave, they would inevitably find Gu Langu’s base.

The atmosphere on Dong Shijun’s side was desolate, while on Gu Langu’s side, it was festive.

Sitting on Gu Langu’s shoulder, Shu Shuishui looked around, waving his little paw and greeting others from time to time.

Wherever Gu Langu passed, there was an eerie silence. The expressions on everyone’s faces were somewhat dazed. They seemed to have glimpsed a Gu Langu with cartoonish furry ears! And the ear design seemed oddly familiar. For a moment, it felt as if a giant and a miniature version of Shu Shuishui were passing by.

Unfazed by the stares of the others, Gu Langu’s robotic nature was pushed to the extreme. Along the way, no one dared to burst out laughing. “You know a lot of people, Shui Shui.”

Shu Shuishui quietly leaned in and whispered, “Actually, I think they all look pretty similar. I’m not sure if I’ve met them before, so I have to say hello to all of them.”

Gu Langu: “…”. It seemed the little mouse had a bit of face blindness. It was probably similar to how humans might see all mice as looking the same, and mice might view humans similarly.

“Boss, why did you take so long to come back? We’ve got good news! We found a perfect little town. There are traces of ancient cultivation outside the town. By next summer, we might even be able to farm there. It’s located here, not far from this place…” Yu Jin excitedly pointed to a spot on the map. Of course, his expression froze as soon as he saw the hat style on Gu Langu’s head.

For once, a hint of delight appeared on Gu Langu’s face. “Are you sure you want to go there?”

Nan Ge nodded slightly. Compared to the somewhat dazed trio, he was much more composed. “We inspected the four target locations we previously determined during the day. This one is the best, backed by the mountains to block most of the wind and snow. While the outer farmland might be fallow, the soil quality is good. The town has both tall buildings and cottages, capable of both defense and attack. There are no obvious signs of mutated creatures in the vicinity…”

Nan Ge’s response was clearly more detailed than Yu Jin’s. He explained and analyzed various aspects. In short, they hadn’t found a more suitable place yet. Barring unforeseen circumstances, they were likely to set up camp there. The only concern was that it was a bit close to Zone B, but with Shu Shuishui around, that wasn’t really an issue. Whether it was the conquered Liu Du or the numerous simulators, they were all assets.

Gu Lan nodded in satisfaction. “That’s great. Then you can go to this small town.”

Nan Ge was taken aback. “Us?”

Yu Jin also snapped out of his thoughts, his gaze avoiding Gu Langu’s hat. He had a serious expression on his face, afraid of bursting into laughter. He suddenly didn’t envy Shu Shuishui making things with Gu Langu anymore. A pair of bright green gloves, a cute hat – who knew what else Shu Shuishui could come up with? “Why did Shui Shui make the hat like this?”

“It was Gu Gu’s request. He wanted a hat like mine. Do you want one, Mao Jin?” Shu Shuishui asked.

Yu Jin quickly shook his head. “No, no, I don’t want one.”

Shu Shuishui said, “That’s good then.”

Yu Jin thought to himself: “…” What’s the meaning behind that relieved expression of yours?

“Boss, you aren’t coming with us? Why did you say ‘you guys’ should go to that small town?” Nan Fang also sensed something unusual, a bit more sensible than Yu Jin.

Gu Langu regretfully spoke, “Yes, I and Shui Shui are going to the Feng Shui treasure land I mentioned earlier. We plan to stay there for the winter. It seems we can’t go together with you.”

Xie Feng, not caring about Gu Langu’s peculiar taste, immediately made a declaration. “First of all, I’m following Shui Shui. If Shui Shui doesn’t go to the small town, then I won’t go either.”

His words had barely landed when he received a stern gaze from Gu Langu, clearly indicating how cheap Gu Langu’s previous display of regret had been.