Night had fallen, and the scorching desert sands that could nearly cook a person during the day had quickly lost their heat. The temperature kept dropping. A dozen people sat in a circle around a fire, leaning against their vehicles, nibbling on their food. Makeshift windbreaks made of bedsheets fpped faintly around them, but no one spoke. The atmosphere felt heavy.

  As the backbone of this survivor group, Lin Tao’s somber mood inevitably affected everyone. However, among the women, there were still a few lively spirits. Jiao Jiao, the little firecracker, cracked a few jokes, finally breaking the oppressive silence. Bottles of red wine were passed around, and as the alcohol warmed their bodies, the group gradually became more talkative, restoring a bit of normalcy.

  “Here, have some wine to warm yourself up.” Bai Ru approached Lin Tao, offering him a cup of baijiu.

  “Thanks.” Lin Tao took the cup and took a sip without looking up. He leaned against the tire of the Leopard SUV, staring bnkly into the distance, lost in thought.

  “Let’s take the night watch together,” Bai Ru said softly, sitting down beside him.

  “Alright.” Lin Tao nodded absentmindedly, barely registering her words.

  “Still thinking about Hong Jie?” Bai Ru bit her lip, her expression complicated.

  “She’s gone,” Lin Tao murmured, shaking his head slightly. He took another sip, sighing. “Too many people have come and gone in my life, like passing travelers. I’ve gotten used to it.”

  “Then what’s still bothering you? You can talk to me.” Bai Ru rested her chin on her hand, tilting her head to look at him.

  “Nothing’s wrong,” Lin Tao replied ftly, downing another sip of alcohol.

  “Liar. Then why do you look so indifferent?” Bai Ru suddenly pouted, feigning annoyance.

  “Huh?” Lin Tao blinked in confusion, finally turning to look at her.

  “When a woman offers a man a drink and suggests keeping watch together, don’t you think she might be implying something? If you were in a good mood, wouldn’t you at least react?” Bai Ru’s face turned slightly red, but her voice remained firm.

  “Uh… this…” Lin Tao scratched his head awkwardly. He had truly been lost in his thoughts and hadn’t processed what she was saying. Besides, he had just watched Zhang Hong die before his eyes. Right now, he had no room in his heart for anything else.

  “I’ll tell you a little secret.” Bai Ru suddenly leaned in close, pressing against Lin Tao and whispering in his ear, “Nighttime and cold temperatures are the two things that most easily weaken a woman’s psychological defenses. And tonight… it’s very cold. Since we’re keeping watch together, who knows…?”

  “Who knows what?” Lin Tao asked, amused.

  “You tell me.” Bai Ru rolled her eyes at him.

  “Thank you.” Lin Tao smiled, looking at her sincerely.

  “For what?” Bai Ru blinked in surprise.

  “I know you’re trying to cheer me up, but I’m not as fragile as you think. I was just lost in some distant memories.” Lin Tao smiled, the weight in his tone lightening slightly.

  “As long as you understand.” Bai Ru blushed and sat up straight. “You’re the pilr of this group. If even you start to waver, then we’re truly doomed. Any one of us can fall, but you can’t.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t fall.” Lin Tao emptied his cup and gazed at the chatting women by the fire. He said softly, “I’ve survived mountains of corpses and rivers of blood. Maybe it’s like they say—‘The closer one gets to home, the more apprehensive one feels.’ The nearer I get, the harder it is to control myself. Sorry, I was a bit emotional tonight.”

  “Don’t apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong. In fact, all of us owe you. We’re just burdens to you, yet you still take us along. But we’re not selfish. For you, even if it’s just to improve your mood a little, we’d do anything.” Bai Ru gave him a meaningful look and pyfully winked.

  “There’s no need for that,” Lin Tao said seriously. “We’re all human, and mutual respect is enough. Like tonight—you were willing to use your body to comfort me, but that’s really not necessary.”

  Bai Ru’s cheeks flushed, but she scoffed, “I—I wasn’t trying to offer my body! At most, I just wanted to distract you. You’re the one with the dirty mind!”

  “Regardless, thank you. I do feel a lot better now. Looks like a beautiful woman’s charm really works.” Lin Tao grinned, eyeing where Bai Ru’s chest was pressed against his arm, his expression slightly smug.

  “Ugh, you pervert!” Bai Ru jumped back, hastily covering her chest before dashing off.

  Lin Tao chuckled, shaking his head. “Ah, a woman’s thoughts…”

  Late into the night, the campfire still burned brightly, but everyone had already gone to sleep. The girls had hung extra sheets at both ends of the vehicle to form crude windbreaks. They huddled in pairs inside rge sleeping bags, pressing close for warmth and security.

  Inside the Leopard SUV, Bai Ru and Lin Tao shared a single bnket, whispering softly. The same woman who had called Lin Tao a pervert earlier was now clinging tightly to his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. Her long legs, chilled by the night air, were draped over his. She didn’t seem to care whether her position would provoke him, practically curling up in his embrace. Yet, even so, she still spoke with firm conviction.

  “Can’t you just behave? What are you thinking about? Are we standing watch or not? And stop reacting like that—it’s pressing against me, and it’s really uncomfortable!”

  “Come on, shouldn’t I be the one compining? What kind of man wouldn’t react if you’re sitting on him like this? If he didn’t, he should probably see a doctor. And seriously, can you stop squirming? You’re about to break me.”

  “Hmph! Serves you right for having dirty thoughts. You’re taking full advantage of me and still compining? If this were the past, my fans would go crazy with jealousy! They’d probably chop you up and eat you raw. Hmph! I was once the ‘Jade Maiden Sect’ leader, you know? You should be grateful.”

  “Oh, come on. You climbed on top of me, remember? And aside from the fact that I can’t help reacting, how exactly am I taking advantage of you? My hands are right where you told me to keep them—on your waist!”

  “So what if I climbed on top of you? It’s freezing! Shouldn’t you be a gentleman and show some chivalry? Think of Liu Xia Hui! Think of Lei Feng! Show some restraint!”

  “What does Lei Feng have to do with this? He helped old dies cross the street; he wasn’t known for resisting temptation! If anything, he’d probably say I’m a good comrade!”

  “This is a test of your moral integrity! …Wait, why are your eyes glowing green? Lin Tao, I’m warning you, don’t betray the expectations of the Party and the people! Don’t do anything disgraceful!”

  “I was never even a Young Pioneer—what Party expectations? I can’t take this anymore! I’m at my limit!”

  “W-what are you doing? I—I was just joking! Don’t look at me like that! I’ll be yours eventually, but don’t force me, okay? Forced love isn’t real happiness!”

  Like a startled rabbit, Bai Ru leaped away, curling up defensively while Lin Tao’s breathing grew heavier, his eyes turning an ominous shade of green.