Apocalypse: Last Traveler

Even the quality of sleep has improved. With the Fungus Stone in the car, every time they wake up the next day, they feel refreshed and energized.

Lu Xi'an feels that the Fungus Stone should have other effects, but what exactly those effects are has yet to be discovered.

The sleep routine remains the same as every night during this period; Lu Xi'an falls asleep watching a movie, then Yao Wei shuts down the computer, lies down, closes her eyes, and falls into a deep sleep.

But this night, neither of them slept until dawn.

In the middle of the night, a flash of white light made Lu Xi'an and Yao Wei suddenly open their eyes, followed by a loud "boom."

Both sat up, feeling the heavy moisture in the air.

Looking out through the front windshield, the sky was pitch black, without stars or moon, already covered with thick clouds.

It's going to rain.

Suddenly, they both thought of something and lifted the sheet to open the car door, getting ready to jump out of the car.

It was only then that they noticed each other's movements and couldn't help but glance back at each other.

"Let's gather the books."

Lu Xi'an spoke first, explaining to Yao Wei, "The books are on the car roof; they'll get wet and won't be readable later."

"Hmm."

Yao Wei nodded, indicating they had the same thought.

Their intuitive synchronicity made them exchange a smile, then they simultaneously got out of the car, closed the door, and climbed up to the roof.

—The reason for closing the car door was not only because of the lightning and thunder but also because the wind was somewhat strong, making them worry that things inside the car might get blown away, like the sheets.

Together, they untied the rope bundled around the book box. Yao Wei took the rope, and Lu Xi'an picked up the box, jumping down from the car's left and right sides.

The front and back car doors were reopened, the seats moved back as much as possible, and the box was set upright. Feeling it was about right, Lu Xi'an intended to temporarily place the box at his feet, but Yao Wei said, "Better put it here with me."

Lu Xi'an said, "Tonight, let's keep it here with me. If it rains during the day, we can move it to your side."

But Yao Wei shook her head, saying, "It's fine here with me; I can put my legs on it while sleeping.

If it's at your place and something happens, you won't be able to drive quickly."

Lu Xi'an had to admit that Yao Wei was right and passed the box to her.

Yao Wei placed the rope in the back seat, and the box was positioned where Gou used to be before she got into the car and closed the door.

As for Gou, it was arranged on the front console.

Anyhow, there was enough space on the console; making room for the box wasn't a problem.

Lu Xi'an also got in the car, shut the door firmly, and lay back down.

Outside, another flash of white light streaked by, followed by a rumbling thunder.

Both could see a bolt of lightning striking the county of Gu in the distance, not knowing if someone there was receiving divine punishment or undergoing a tribulation.

Lu Xi'an sighed, saying, "I once thought of using these books as firewood, but now that they risk getting wet, it's no longer an option, and I felt urgent to retrieve them."

"Hmm."

Yao Wei nodded, saying, "Books are useful."

She then remembered something and added, "More useful than your book."

"…"

Lu Xi'an fell silent. He certainly knew which book Yao Wei was referring to, so he retorted, "That's Luo Ping's book, not mine."

Yao Wei said, "Luo Ping gave it to you."

"…"

Lu Xi'an couldn't argue; Yao Wei was indeed right.

After a while, he forcefully countered with, "Actually, it's quite useful."

The rain poured down heavily, and they watched as raindrops hit the car windows, listening to the "pitter-patter" sound of rain falling on the car, not feeling sleepy for a while, so they let Gou turn on the lights and each picked up a book to read.

—The surroundings here had been confirmed safe; now, on a rainy night, there's no need to worry.

What they needed to be concerned about was turning on lights while traveling at night, venturing into uncertain places, which might make them a target and pose safety issues.

Staying here was no problem.

Otherwise, before sleeping each night, they wouldn't dare to turn on the laptop and let the computer screen emit light.

Previously, Yao Wei had already taken a language book for reading, and Lu Xi'an didn't feel like reading any comics now, so he asked Yao Wei to help him take out a language book, too.

The book's texts included classical Chinese, colloquial Chinese, poetry, and more, all different from the previous life, unique cultural features of this world.

This gave Lu Xi'an a sense of curiosity while reading, looking quite interested.

What amazed Lu Xi'an was that the core of the articles seemed similar to the previous life, as if originating from the same source.

But then again, all people here spoke Chinese and wrote in Chinese characters, sharing the same cultural roots and core content, so why not?

Should read some history.

The history of this world should somewhat resemble the previous life, yet differ in some ways.

Who knows what stories and dynasties existed in ancient times here?

And other places, what are they like? Does it suffer the same woes as the previous life?

Hmm... geography could be interesting too...

Lu Xi'an thought to himself while reading.

In any case, these books are indeed useful and hard-earned; how could they be burned so easily?

If he gets a chance to meet Luo Ping, he would give these books to him; perhaps they'd have some unexpected benefits.

Besides, even if not given to Luo Ping, can't he read them himself?

Learning never stops, and by taking some time to read, maybe someday, some knowledge will become useful.

Surviving in the apocalypse requires knowledge.

Lu Xi'an thought this way and focused on reading.

But when was the last time he really studied? While reading such formal textbooks, he got sleepy, and soon, the book fell onto his face with a "pop," startling him awake.

Then he held the book again, read for a while, and finally fell back asleep.

Books indeed are wonderful things; they can lull you to sleep...