Chapter Five: Intelligence Restored? A Date in the Apocalypse!

Through the camera, Gu Lang glanced at the panel of the ordinary zombie.

[Name: Zhang Tao]
[Charisma: 0]
[Speed: 3]
[Strength: 3]
[Intelligence: 0]
[Skills: None]
[Remarks: Ordinary zombie, the walking dead seen everywhere.]

Gu Lang noticed that, except for charisma and intelligence, the strength and speed of an ordinary zombie were about the same as a normal human. Yu Qiuchi’s higher strength was clearly an exception. Yet, both had zero intelligence.

The crux lay in intelligence.

He still had 2 free attribute points left from previous task rewards, which could be given to others—Yu Qiuchi included.

Should he increase Yu Qiuchi’s intelligence?

Gu Lang was pondering the idea of investing in his young girlfriend, hoping she’d become smarter and able to think for herself. Then, he wouldn’t need to control her remotely; Yu Qiuchi would be able to complete tasks on her own—how wonderful would that be?

Free attribute points were precious. Gu Lang couldn’t bear to use them for himself, worried they’d be wasted. But in the current situation, he couldn't complete the task without them.

It seemed he had no choice but to invest in Yu Qiuchi!

If you don’t risk the child, you won’t catch the wolf!

He gritted his teeth, called Yu Qiuchi back, opened the system interface, and assigned the free points to her.

[Prompt: Congratulations, host, for successfully increasing Yu Qiuchi’s intelligence by 2 points!]

Instantly, Yu Qiuchi’s body shuddered. The vacant gaze in her eyes cleared, and her expression returned to normal. Especially noticeable was her skin: the bluish-black veins vanished, her pallor transformed into a healthy blush, and her flesh softened under touch instead of being rigid.

“I… What is this… Gu Lang, you saved me!”

Yu Qiuchi opened her mouth—astonishingly, she could speak again.

An ordinary person’s intelligence ranged from two to three; hers was now restored to normal levels.

Now, she was just a young girl—alive and real.

Aside from her eyes still being black, she was indistinguishable from a human.

Though she had undergone zombie transformation, Yu Qiuchi retained her memories and her affection for Gu Lang. With intelligence restored, her feelings for Gu Lang grew even stronger.

She saw Gu Lang as her savior.

The blend of lover and benefactor attributes sent her affection soaring.

“Sob… I remember everything. You protected me and turned me back into a human. Gu Lang, thank you! I’ll stay by your side forever!”

Yu Qiuchi lunged forward, hugging Gu Lang tightly, crying so hard her tears fell like petals.

Her strength was still formidable—Gu Lang nearly couldn’t breathe.

“Ahem! Alright, Qiuchi! This was my duty. We’re lovers, after all.”

Gu Lang managed to push Yu Qiuchi away, a bit uneasy.

As a pure-hearted bachelor, this was his first time being hugged by a girl.

Of course, what happened before didn’t count—she’d been a zombie, and the feeling was more like interacting with a cat or dog.

Now it was different. She could communicate, she was beautiful, and Gu Lang felt a flutter in his chest.

He was like an old tree blossoming.

But he had to restrain himself!

“How do you feel? Any discomfort?” Gu Lang asked with concern.

Now that Yu Qiuchi had regained her looks and intelligence, Gu Lang’s concern could boost her affection.

Thus, he changed his previously indifferent attitude.

“Mm! I’m fine! Gu Lang, are you tired? Let me give you a massage!” Yu Qiuchi nodded obediently, stepping forward to massage Gu Lang. Her delicate hands were nimble.

During the process, she noticed her yoga pants were torn—likely damaged during her time as a zombie, moving sluggishly and clumsily in the mall.

Gu Lang had to fetch his own clothes for her.

Yu Qiuchi didn’t mind, directly letting Gu Lang take in the sight…

If only she were truly alive!

Still, a zombie was the same now.

With intelligence restored, the next plan became simple.

No need for the camera; Gu Lang could give instructions directly.

“Qiuchi, just like before, go lock the doors of the supermarket. We’re going on a date soon!”

Gu Lang’s expression was grave; after much thought, this was the safest method.

Yu Qiuchi nodded obediently. Even in oversized clothes, her curves were still evident.

She set off once more—this time, the task was far easier.

With intelligence, Yu Qiuchi was just like a normal person. She quickly cleared out the entire mall, locked the windows and doors, and sealed off some corners.

From then on, the whole mall became a vast, empty safe zone.

The prerequisites for the task were fulfilled—now came the smuggling.

That was simple, too. Familiar with the neighborhood and aided by Yu Qiuchi’s cover, Gu Lang slipped into the mall with ease.

In the early days of the apocalypse, electricity still ran—the supermarket was brightly lit, clean, and shining.

Most importantly, only the two of them were here. The sudden hint of romance was almost absurd.

Dating during the apocalypse—how thrilling!

The date began.

Yu Qiuchi took Gu Lang’s hand, her face sweet.

“Gu Lang! Who’d have thought we could go on a date in the apocalypse!”

Gu Lang forced a smile—it was indeed unbelievable, but the task mattered most, so he quickly spoke.

“Let’s eat first, shall we? What do you want?”

Yu Qiuchi hesitated, a little embarrassed.

“Raw meat, liver, blood…”

Even zombies had to eat.

Though her intelligence was restored, her nature remained. Her diet was still primitive.

Gu Lang wasn’t surprised—he’d anticipated it and brought some raw pork.

They found a restaurant, lit candles, poured red wine. Gu Lang had canned meat, Yu Qiuchi had raw pork chops.

A romantic candlelit dinner began!

After eating their fill, they strolled through the mall.

The supermarket was a bit chaotic, damaged by zombies and survivors during pursuits.

Many shelves were broken, but some remained intact.

For example, the hygiene section—cosmetics, daily necessities.

Gu Lang didn’t need them, but Yu Qiuchi was a girl, and these items were essential.

Gu Lang pushed a shopping cart, accompanying Yu Qiuchi as she browsed.

It was just like a couple shopping together.

Yu Qiuchi picked up some toilet paper, a comb, shower gel, and so on.

It seemed that with her intelligence restored, her instincts were almost indistinguishable from a normal person.

Along the way, Gu Lang selected jewelry for her—gold, silver, pre-apocalypse luxury items now as cheap as cabbage.

Seeing Gu Lang put a necklace on her, Yu Qiuchi was overwhelmed, carefully fastening it.

As a single girl, it was her first time receiving a gift from a boy—she was deeply moved.

Unconsciously, her love for Gu Lang grew ever deeper.

Next, Gu Lang found the machinery section.

Electricity wouldn’t last forever in the apocalypse—if they wanted a good life, a generator was essential.

He quickly found a diesel generator, small enough for him to carry.

After all their shopping, Yu Qiuchi’s face was radiant with satisfaction.

They’d eaten, shopped—all that was left was to watch a movie.

Gu Lang was energized, but where could he find a film in the apocalypse?

He pondered, then inspiration struck.

Since electricity was still available, as long as he found the projection room, he could play a movie.

Luckily, Gu Lang was familiar with this mall and its cinema section.

He found his way to the projection room and randomly started two films.

The two began their post-apocalyptic movie night.

However, Gu Lang hadn’t expected that the film he’d stumbled upon turned out to be a banned one—of that particular genre.

The theater was filled with all sorts of provocative scenes.

How awkward!

Gu Lang’s face flushed red.

Yu Qiuchi’s cheeks turned as red as apples, her hand clutching Gu Lang and squeezing unconsciously.

[Congratulations, host. Task complete!]