The Cowardly Follower (09)

Her originally rosy skin began to become moist.

They coalesced into tiny, opaque water droplets and rolled off the ground.

The pale pink, still damp with water, turned into a vibrant color.

Xue Ci was dumbfounded.

He thought that growing bulging soft flesh was already a huge punishment for a boy, but he didn't expect it to go on like this.

Normally, he would go to the hospital to see a doctor, or pretend to be aloof and not interact with others.

It would be difficult for others to notice.

But it had to be at this particular time.

People were forced to hide in a small space, disregarding privacy in order to ensure each other's safety.

It will be discovered soon...

A mist immediately welled up in Xue Ci's eyes.

Snap--

Another opaque drop of water rolled down to the ground.

What should we do?

Xue Ci hurriedly reached out, staring at the spot where water stains still remained, but dared not wipe it.

Frozen in place, at a loss.

11 materialized, using its round, chubby appearance to try and comfort the host, "[It's okay, host. The punishment time is very effective. I just finished searching the data; it will only leak out within a fixed time. Just avoid everyone during that time!]"

As it spoke, the voices of the Fragment all burst forth—

[Baby, you're bleeding again...]

[Baby, don't cry, it breaks my heart. It's okay, baby, I'll help you suck it out and you'll be fine.]

Is the baby uncomfortable? Is the baby bloated?

[It's so small there, it'll probably be gone in a few puffs.]

More vulgar language had been censored, but these few sentences alone were enough to make Xue Ci tremble all over.

He quickly put down his clothes, his eyes were red and wet, and the tip of his nose was also red. He looked utterly pitiful, but he still put on a fierce look and scolded, "[Don't look!]"

The Fragment were so captivated by his appearance that they wanted to kiss him to death, their voices low and husky. "[Baby...]"

[And you're not allowed to talk to me!]

Xue Ci's brows were filled with embarrassment and anger. After he finished yelling, he felt a gust of wind pass through his clothes, linger on his chest for a few seconds, and then sweep away the water stains.

Xue Ci trembled sensitively.

Fortunately, the Fragment were obedient and didn't do anything too outrageous, quietly returning to the system room.

"Xue Ci? Why is the door closed? Is something wrong?" Wu Feng's voice rang out through the door.

For safety reasons, they don't lock the bathroom door when they go in; their tall figures can be seen flickering through the gaps.

Xue Ci was truly afraid that he would push the door open and enter at this moment.

He steadied his voice. "It's nothing... I'm changing my clothes."

After a few seconds, Wu Feng said, "Oh, then I'll move further away."

Despite feeling wronged, Xue Ci couldn't waste any more time. He lifted his clothes again and carefully touched that spot.

It needs to be squeezed out.

Clutching his clothes, the boy hung his head, his expression full of embarrassment.

His skin was naturally fair and delicate, but he didn't know how to move properly, and after a lot of effort, he could only leave a few dry red finger marks on his skin.

It not only hurts, but also feels sore and swollen.

Even 11 couldn't bear to watch anymore and said with heartache, "[Host, please don't squeeze anymore, sob sob. You can just tie it up with strips of cloth; the cloth is cotton and can absorb water.]"

Xue Ci sniffed and finally let herself off the hook.

He re-bandaged himself, put on his coat, and finished washing up before coming out.

He filled the small bathroom with a mix of fragrances.

"Xue Ci? Have you finished washing up? Have something to eat," Duan Zeran called to him.

Xue Ci obediently went over.

Breakfast was laid out on the table; the others had already eaten since they got up early, and what was left was his portion. Their supplies were fairly plentiful; breakfast consisted of bread and milk.

Outside the balcony, you can see plants rising into the air, but the corridor is relatively quiet.

Everyone seems to have come to terms with it, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed than yesterday.

Wu Feng even joked, "This milk has a lot of ingredients; the whole room smells of milk. I'll buy a few more cases later!"

Xue Ci's fingers twitched, her face lowered, and she sat in the corner, taking a bite of bread without tasting it.

Apart from Wu Feng, the gazes of the others were all fixed on Xue Ci's face, then slowly moved downwards.

Lu Bo'an and Yu Cheng, with their keen sense of smell, had smelled the milky scent this morning. It wasn't food, but a familiar aroma emanating from the upper bunk.

Unfortunately, the coat was too large, completely covering her slender body, making it impossible to see anything unusual.

Looking at Xue Ci, her eyelashes were wet, the corners of her eyes were pink, and her brows and eyes showed a slight panic. She took a few bites of bread and then stopped eating.

She bit her lip hard, staring at the ground, lost in thought.

There was still more than half a loaf of bread left. Normally, Xue Ci would have been too embarrassed to let others eat what he had left over, but given the special circumstances, he looked at the boys and asked, "Is any of you still hungry?"

Wu Feng: "Aren't you going to eat anymore? Eat some more."

Xue Ci listless and didn't seem to have much of an appetite.

Duan Zeran filled a bottle with hot water last night while it was still dark; it was extremely precious in the dormitory at this moment.

He poured Xue Ci a glass. "The bread won't spoil, eat it when you have an appetite."

He then patted Xue Ci's head, feeling the boy's body tremble slightly.

Are you afraid of being touched?

Or has someone discovered some secret?

Duan Zeran thought of Xue Ci's slightly bulging chest last night, and the blanket with a small water stain on it this morning.

His gaze peeked through the narrow neckline, as if trying to see right through Xue Ci.

However, he was quickly interrupted by Yu Cheng's voice--

"They're here." Yu Cheng's expression instantly changed as he stood guard at the door. "They're here again."

Everyone went on guard.

Xue Ci was shielded between Duan Zeran and Lu Bo'an.

Both of them were tall, making the air feel completely sealed off.

Xue Ci took away my oxygen, so I had no choice but to open my mouth to breathe.

Lu Bo'an was distracted by the sweet scent.

Wailing and screams echoed outside as former classmates died one by one beneath the thick roots of the mutated plant.

The group tensed their muscles, ready to fight at any moment.

The door was suddenly bumped a few times, and Xue Ci could feel the vibration. His body stiffened, Lu Bo'an quickly supported him from behind.

Fortunately, the vines did not break through the door.

It became quiet outside.

The group waited for about ten minutes before daring to relax their guard slightly.

Trapped in the dormitory for less than 24 hours, Wu Feng had already experienced two life-or-death situations, and even he felt uneasy. "My phone has had no signal since last night... I don't know what the situation is outside, is it just our school or..."

He thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Are there still zombies? If so, we're really doomed."

Xue Ci looked at him in surprise.

You were right.

Lu Bo'an looked at the group and said in a tone like an elder comforting them, "No matter what comes, you have to persevere."

He brought a chair for Xue Ci, then went to the balcony and looked out into the distance. There were no rescue helicopters in the sky.

The situation outside might be even worse than here.

"Save your life first."

The dormitory hasn't lost water or electricity yet, so they're relatively lucky compared to other dormitories where people have already died.

Lu Bo'an suggested dismantling one of the beds into wooden blocks, setting them on fire, and placing them in the corridor and on the balcony, which might dispel the vines.

Fortunately, there was a toolbox, so everyone was assigned tasks. Xue Ci was responsible for tearing the book into pieces to make kindling.

After the wooden stick was lit, Lu Bo'an went out first.

It turns out that the mutant plant is indeed afraid of fire.

After observing this, other dormitories followed suit, at least ensuring that no one would die in this corridor again.

Even at night, everyone still had to keep watch at the gate and check if the fire had gone out.

Xue Ci didn't look well and was weaker than the others, so everyone tacitly told him to go and rest.

However, Xue Ci refused.

Everyone took turns keeping watch at night. Two beds were dismantled, but it wasn't enough. For the past few days, Xue Ci Duan Zeran.

During the day, she would wrap her body in a coat, and at night, while everyone was resting, she would sneak into the bathroom, take off her shirt, and slowly peel off the strips of cloth.

The dry strips of cloth had become damp, almost bursting at the seams and seeping through.

Xue Ci felt like crying.

He forced back the tears, sniffed, and held back the soreness in his eyes.

You still need to learn how to make it yourself.

Xue Ci tried again, and finally a small puddle of murky water appeared on the ground.

But it was still plump and wet.

My skin is starting to hurt.

Xue Ci dared not use any more force and wiped away the remaining water stains.

I feel so tense during the day, I can only relax at night.

Xue Ci put on her shirt and sat on the small stool in the bathroom to obediently wash the soaking wet strips of cloth. After washing, 11 offered to let it dry the cloth.

The drying method used in method 11 was very primitive; it involved frantically flapping the wings.

It was fanning itself so fast that it almost made itself dizzy, Xue Ci caught it immediately.

The temperature is high in June, so even without sunlight, it will dry after being left in the bathroom for a few hours.

Xue Ci got up and left the bathroom, intending to add another piece of wood to the fire, but her mouth was suddenly covered from behind.

Having been entangled in vines before, Xue Ci's first reaction was that mutated plants had found him.

He trembled with fear, and only after a few seconds did he remember to struggle.

His limbs were weak and he couldn't shout. He desperately tried to push his tongue away to warn everyone of the danger, but then he heard breathing sounds next to his ear.

Behind him, Duan Zeran spoke in a low, hoarse voice. "Don't be afraid, it's me."

His lips brushed against Xue Ci's earlobe, and his hot breath quickly turned it red.

Xue Ci breathed a sigh of relief.

He was practically pulled into the other person's arms.

The next moment, the sound of rattan sliding through the quiet bathroom could be heard.

The bathroom light was off, and by the moonlight, the two could clearly see the thin vines sliding in from the drain and down to the center of the floor.

This is a vine that doesn't look so scary; its branches are slender, and small white flowers bloom at the tips.

The rattan didn't seem to be attacking anyone. It circled in the air a few times, then, as if it had smelled something, excitedly rolled around on the bathroom floor.

Until the dark green branches were tinged with milky white.

The air was filled with a rich, milky aroma.

Xue Ci's expression stiffened; he didn't know Duan Zeran had smelled it.

The vines, soaked in liquid, excitedly splashed water as they rose from the ground, spreading along the supports on the wall towards a piece of fabric hanging there.

That was his...

Xue Ci's shoulders trembled slightly, afraid of being discovered by the plants, and she pursed her lips tightly.

The plant, hooking onto the still-drenched cloth, was about to leave when, in the next second, a burst of fire scorched the tender branches, and the remaining dark green vines quickly retreated back into the drainpipe.

The Duan Zeran's hands intact.

Xue Ci was stunned.

Duan Zeran behind him, wasn't he? He's moving so fast...

However, he doesn't have time to think about it right now.

Duan Zeran picked up the strip of cloth with his fingers and brought it to his nose, presumably to smell it.

The boy was backlit, so his expression was difficult to discern.

Xue Ci's cheeks were burning with embarrassment, and for now she could only pretend to be stupid and act as if that thing wasn't hers.

But Duan Zeran wasn't about to be easily fooled. He shifted his gaze from the strip of cloth to a damp spot on the floor where the vines had just rolled.

Seeing that Duan Zeran was beginning to have doubts, Xue Ci abruptly changed the subject. "Is it gone?"

"It's gone." Everyone else in the dormitory was resting. Duan Zeran came out of the bathroom, leaned close to Xue Ci, and whispered intimately, his voice barely audible to the two of them, "It came for you, Xue Ci."

Xue Ci's shoulders trembled. "... Wh-what?"

"It likes your scent." Duan Zeran held up the strip of cloth in his palm, his voice low and husky, "This is your clothing, isn't it?"

Xue Ci guiltily looked away and urged the other person, "Go and guard the door quickly."

Duan Zeran seemed very confident that he could resist even if the vines rushed in. His gaze remained firmly fixed on Xue Ci.

You've been acting very strangely these past few days.

"Xue Ci, you can tell me whatever happened."

"I will stand by your side unconditionally."

Perhaps it was because Duan Zeran's voice was too gentle that Xue Ci's pent-up grievances from the past few days suddenly welled up, and her eyes immediately filled with tears.

I sniffed.

He looked up, his eyes red. "I'll show you... Don't think I've mutated, and don't think I'm a monster."

Duan Zeran: "How could that be?" I like Xue Ci too much to even think about it.

He swallowed the rest of his sentence.

In the moonlight, in the dimly lit bathroom, Xue Ci slowly lifted the hem of her clothes.

As her clothes were lifted, Duan Zeran's breathing stopped.

Where there should have been flat ground, some flesh has grown.

It grows into a small hill along the center, rising slightly.

It looks very tender and soft; it seems like it would ooze water if you touched it even slightly.

It might actually happen; the strip of cloth in his hand is what he uses to block the water.

Xue Ci could feel Duan Zeran's gaze, fixed on him, making him uneasy. He explained softly, "I just suddenly grew up like this, I'm not... a monster."

Duan Zeran said softly, "I know, Xue Ci is Xue Ci."

Xue Ci was clearly comforted by Duan Zeran's words.

He put down the clothes.

Duan Zeran spoke again, "I will always protect you."

Xue Ci her head up, her voice nasal and dependent. "Thank you."

Duan Zeran: "Is this strip of cloth what you used to wrap it up there?"

"Um..."

No wonder she's been wearing a coat lately; this cloth cover isn't cut very carefully, and it must be very uncomfortable to wrap around her. Xue Ci's skin is so delicate; it'll probably leave red marks. Duan Zeran said with pity, "Xue Ci's area is very small; she doesn't need this."

Upon hearing Xue Ci lowered her eyes and remained silent.

Seeing this, Duan Zeran leaned close to his ear, his lips barely moving as he whispered something.

After hearing this, Xue Ci froze, then looked ashamed, her skin instantly turning red.

After hesitating for a few seconds, she finally bit her lip and nodded.

"I didn't want to either..."

He whispered, his voice tinged with helplessness and shame.

"Can I come closer and take a look?" Duan Zeran concealed his trembling excitement well, sounding like a caring and trustworthy roommate.

Xue Ci agreed so easily.

She lifted her clothes again.

Duan Zeran was very close this time, his hot breath hitting her skin.

Xue Ci's chest heaved slightly, and she took a step back, whispering a warning, "It'll leak out..."

Duan Zeran's eyelids twitched violently.

Swallow down.

I'll be careful.

The cloth strips are wrapped around it because it will leak out. However, the amount of soft flesh that grows is not much, and the quantity should not be large.

Duan Zeran actually had a good solution, but after seeing Xue Ci's trusting expression, he swallowed his thoughts.

What if bringing it up scares someone?

Who will she rely on then? The gloomy Yu Cheng, or Lu Bo'an, who seems to have many tricks up his sleeve and knows how to deceive innocent young boys?

The fragrance, so close at hand, assaulted Duan Zeran's nostrils.

He straightened up and put Xue Ci's clothes down.

At least for now, Xue Ci has only told him this secret.

The dormitory was quiet, with only the sound of even breathing.

Occasionally, noises came from the corridor, but they couldn't wake the tired people.

However, apart from Wu Feng, the other two were not asleep and clearly heard every word spoken on the balcony.

Including Xue Ci's line--

"It will flow out."

*

After Duan Zeran learned about this, Xue Ci felt much more relieved.

When they rewrapped him in bandages, they would stand guard at the bathroom door and sleep outside at night, keeping him completely hidden. This also helped him deceive the other people in the dormitory.

The boy got the clothes from somewhere; the fabric was very good, and the strips were cut to the same length so they didn't chafe his skin.

They even offered to help him wash the soaked cloth strips.

Xue Ci embarrassed to have someone wash her clothes, and awkwardly said, "You've already helped me a lot, I can wash them myself..."

Duan Zeran: "Xue Ci is weak, and there's still a smell on her after washing."

Xue Ci could barely detect these scents anymore. Her expression stiffened, and her cheeks flushed red. "Is... is that so?"

Duan Zeran: "I'll help you wash it clean."

Xue Ci did not refuse again, and afterwards handed over all the soaked strips of cloth to Duan Zeran.

I managed to stay in the dormitory for three or four days. Luckily, the water and electricity were still running out, but my supplies were almost gone.

The main shortages are dry food and some medicine.

Students from other dormitories in the corridor were injured or killed to varying degrees.

There were still a dozen or so survivors, who gathered together to discuss the matter.

"It will be much less dangerous for us to go out at night, especially with torches."

"First, go to the school supermarket to find supplies, then go to the infirmary. The infirmary is close to the school gate, and if we have time, we can also check out the situation outside."

"Safety is the top priority, of course."

The supermarket and the medical clinic were far apart, so everyone split the queue into two groups.

Each group has a captain, namely Duan Zeran Duan Zeran very reliable, and Lu Bo'an, who looks calm and experienced.

The remaining people are free to follow, or they can stay in the dormitory.

Having been trapped in the dormitory for so long, everyone wanted to go out for a walk, even if it meant risking their lives.

Just then, 11's voice rang out: [Host, a zombie outbreak is imminent. You need to leave the protagonist to activate the protagonist's special abilities.]

"Xue Ci, you can stay--"

Duan Zeran could speak, Xue Ci interrupted him, "I want to go to the infirmary with my older brother."

Duan Zeran stunned. "Are you going out?"

Xue Ci nodded. "I'm going to find the medicine and bandages."

Duan Zeran understood Xue Ci's implication, but he was really worried about Xue Ci not being under his watchful eye.

"How long have you all been cooped up in your dorms? Xue Ci must be itching to go out too." After Wu Feng chimed in, everyone else said they would protect Xue Ci.

Duan Zeran frozen as he finally Xue Ci, "Be careful."

Xue Ci successfully joined Lu Bo'an's team.

This group was significantly smaller. In a crisis, the allure of food is far greater than that of medicine.

In addition, the infirmary was too close to the school, and no one knew what was going on, so most people didn't dare to take the risk.

As night fell, the group finally made their way out of the dormitory building in the dark.

Bathed in moonlight, the road appeared veiled, making it seem less frightening.

What's terrifying are the dark shadows of the trees on both sides of the road.

Xue Ci gets goosebumps just looking at her.

The group carefully advanced, carrying torches.

Occasionally, you'll encounter corpses on the road; the blood splattered on the concrete has long since dried.

The entire school smelled of sticky plant sap.

Lu Bo'an was also a graduate of East University and was very familiar with directions. Soon, the group arrived at the infirmary.

The infirmary was littered with corpses; it was a gruesome sight.

Blood was splattered everywhere, and some people couldn't help but gag when they saw it.

Xue Ci also started to feel nauseous and covered her nose.

Lu Bo'an remained calm; the scene did not affect him.

The East University Medical Clinic was very large, and he directed everyone to get their medicine.

Xue Ci was assigned to the second floor.

There's an emergency room on the second floor. The shelves are stocked with anti-inflammatory medications and gauze.

Xue Ci had just taken it down when she heard a noise inside the house.

[Host, high alert! A massive zombie outbreak is imminent!!!]

Xue Ci's fingers trembled, and her heart leaped into her throat.

thump--

The corpse, which had been sleeping on the floor, suddenly sprang up.

Soon, all the corpses bounced around wildly like fish thrown onto the shore.

The scene was so comical that it diluted the sense of fear.

The zombies had festering skin, blue faces, and their heads twisted and turned, making them look rather dim-witted.

11: [This is a zombie transformed by a virus. It's the lowest level of zombie; it can't see and relies entirely on its sense of smell and hearing. A shot to the head will kill it instantly.]

[There are also some that are directly mutated zombies, retaining human thoughts, and are also impossible to kill.]

The mission in this world is not to defeat zombies, but to survive in the school and wait for outside rescue.

There happened to be an iron bar in the corner, so Xue Ci picked it up and slammed it into the zombie that was lunging at him.

The stick was too brittle and broke instantly.

Fortunately, the zombie's head was also blown off.

However, five or six zombies suddenly appeared around them!

Xue Ci needs to hold out until the second half of the story.

The progress bar is currently only at 40%.

The most important thing is to survive!

Xue Ci took the stick and tiptoed out.

Running became difficult; he started panting after running just one corridor.

My chest felt heavy and swollen.

During a brief rest, 11 suddenly raised its voice to warn, "[Host, left side!!!!]"

Xue Ci looked to his left and saw a zombie staring straight at him.

The zombie had a bloody hole in its face.

He opened his mouth with difficulty, as if calling his name: "Song... Song Xueci..."

The sound of teeth grinding together is unsettling.

Xue Ci gripped the iron rod tightly, only recognizing it as Chen Jun when it drew near.

They turned into zombies.

The two already had a grudge, and since Chen Jun still seemed conscious, he must have wanted to bite him to death!

Xue Ci's body trembled uncontrollably, especially when the other party let out a shrill laugh.

He froze on the spot, his back instantly breaking out in a cold sweat, gripping the iron bar tightly.

The opponent lunged at him, but before he even landed, he was kicked seven or eight meters away.

The loud noise startled all the zombies on the floor.

All I could hear were roars.

The next second, Xue Ci was hugged from behind and took a few steps into the bathroom next door.

The door slammed shut with a "bang".

The man was very strong, Xue Ci was being strangled uncomfortably, letting out muffled, wet breaths, her heart pounding anxiously.

Lu Bo'an held him with one arm and braced his other hand against the door.

"Watch out over there by the window."

He reminded him.

In the cramped space, Xue Ci, too nervous to notice, didn't realize that Lu Bo'an had wrapped his arms around him from under his arms.

Her palm landed squarely on her chest.

Meanwhile, the liquid seeping through the cloth strips was gradually wetting the man's calloused fingers.

Author's Note:

Xiao Duan missed his chance! The eldest brother was the first to eat, but not immediately.

First, she has to run into her ex-boyfriend Lu Dog.

Waaah, zombies have finally appeared in Chapter Nine Liao!