Miao Miao was stunned when she heard that. "Huh? You were cssmates before?"

  No wonder they got along so well.

  It seemed that for mutants and ability users to work together on missions, it was still quite challenging.

  Currently, there were quite a few mutants at the base, but job opportunities were scarce. Among them, there was a small number of emotionally stable yet combat-capable mutants. Headquarters was now researching whether mutants could also participate in battles.

  However, special attention needed to be given to their emotional states because mutants were too prone to losing control.

  Fortunately, the Research Institute was already working on a serum to suppress emotional outbursts in mutants. If successful, mutants might someday live as freely as ability users.

  After all, not every mutant was content to stay in the base doing logistical work. Some had grand ambitions but were confined to the base due to their physical limitations.

  This left them feeling deeply frustrated.

  Bai Shu, ever perceptive, seemed to catch onto something. "Are you saying that because we’re old acquaintances, our data might not have much reference value for you?"

  Miao Miao quickly perked up again. "No, no, it’s actually very important! If there are other situations like yours, maybe we can encourage mutants to form teams with people they’re familiar with!"

  Everything was worth trying, after all.

  Xiao Qiao crossed her arms and added, "This is the apocalypse. Even though we have precognitive ability users, they’re not omniscient. And the future isn’t set in stone. Right now, we’re just feeling our way forward."

  It was a process of trial and error, constantly summarizing experiences and exploring new ways of living.

  The ultimate goal was coexistence.

  In the past, humans were just humans. But now, the apocalypse had divided them into three categories: ordinary people, mutants, and ability users.

  But at the end of the day, as long as consciousness remained, they were all still human. It was just a matter of taking things slowly.

  This applied not only to living arrangements but to everything else as well. Humanity’s greatest strengths were intelligence, the ability to use tools, and adaptability.

  Coupled with the spirit of unity and a love for agriculture and infrastructure—traits deeply ingrained in their culture—the survival rate had significantly improved.

  As a result, people weren’t entirely pessimistic. Headquarters was actively working to keep everyone motivated and hopeful.

  Xiao Qiao reminded the rookie, "Miss Ragdoll Cat, you’re getting a bit off-topic. Isn’t part of your visit about collecting ideas for the New Year’s Eve performances?"

  She smiled mischievously as she spoke.

  Miao Miao snapped back to reality, flustered. "Ah, you’re right! I’m so sorry. Let’s wrap up the home visit here. From what I’ve seen, your bond is really strong, so there’s nothing to worry about."

  She quickly jotted down her summary and then asked, "Could Comrade Duoduo come over for a moment? I’d like to ask if she has any interest in performing. If she participates, there’s even a chance to win a prize! Of course, it’s completely optional."

  The main purpose was to liven up the atmosphere, celebrate a little, and bring people closer together.

  After all, in the apocalypse, most of the people one knew were gone. Many were strangers now, so building retionships was a good thing.

  But in this world, building retionships also meant more pain when they were inevitably lost.

  Miao Miao couldn’t help but feel a bit mencholic at the thought.

  Hearing the commotion, Xu Duoduo walked out, drying her hands. She sat down at the coffee table and even brought out a fruit ptter, pcing loquats and pears she had picked in N City st time.

  "Wow, baby, you’re such a thoughtful little sweetheart! Are these mutated loquats? I’ve heard they’re incredibly delicious—sweet, nutritious, and even seedless!" Xiao Qiao excimed, clearly impressed.

  She picked one up and began peeling it. Although researchers like her had access to many things, they weren’t as well-off as combat teams.

  After all, combat teams were the first to come into contact with resources. They collected them and sent them to headquarters, which then distributed them according to need.

  Some things Xiao Qiao had only heard about, but the moment she tasted the loquat, she fell in love. "Oh my god, this is amazing! Are you 3A folks living the high life or what?"

  Seeing Xiao Qiao enjoy the fruit made Xu Duoduo happy. After all, Xiao Qiao had given her a bunch of stuff yesterday too.

  It was only fair to return the favor.

  She nudged the fruit ptter toward Miao Miao, inviting her to try some.

  Miao Miao, now up close to the little zombie, was utterly dazzled. This—this—this little zombie was too beautiful!!!

  She bit her lower lip hard, her eyes fixed on Xu Duoduo’s face without blinking. Was this snow-white skin even real? And those delicate features—absolutely stunning!

  Who wouldn’t like such a gorgeous little zombie?!

  Xu Duoduo: ??

  Bai Shu and Chen Xiaofei exchanged puzzled gnces. What’s up with her?

  Meanwhile, Wang Weihu, sitting on a small stool with a massive basket of vegetables in front of him, looked particurly amusing given his burly frame.

  Xiao Qiao, munching on a loquat, asked him with great interest, "Can I take a picture of you?"

  It would definitely blow up the forums.

  Wang Weihu ftly refused.

  Miao Miao finally found her voice again. "Comrade Duoduo, do you have any interest in performing? Maybe pying an instrument or dancing? We’ve got a pretty complete set of equipment, all repaired from scavenged finds."

  Her words came out awkwardly, her emotions unstable. As a result, her ears and tail suddenly appeared, swaying slightly.

  Xu Duoduo’s eyes lit up instantly. She couldn’t take her eyes off the ears and tail but replied, "No, I won’t participate." She didn’t have any talents for performing.

  What would she even do—hoard things on stage?

  Impossible.

  Hoarding was her lifelong hobby, but as a zombie, her singing was completely off-key.

  Xiao Qiao seemed to notice something interesting and smiled knowingly. "Oh my, it looks like our little zombie baby has a thing for fluffy things. How adorable!"

  Just as Qin Luo was about to step out and ask Xu Duoduo how to wash mushrooms, he noticed her staring at Miao Miao’s ears and tail. He immediately cleared his throat loudly.

  Trying to draw the little zombie’s attention.

  Chen Xiaofei couldn’t help but comment, "Hey, hey, hey, why does it feel like the air just got sour?"

  Bai Shu, still browsing forum data, adjusted his gsses. "Why don’t you ask Captain Qin in the kitchen if he knocked over a jar of vinegar?"

  "Chen Xiaofei, Bai Shu!" Qin Luo ground his teeth. If it weren’t for the guests, he’d have beaten those two idiots by now!

  Always so cheeky.

  Chen Xiaofei and Bai Shu, emboldened by the presence of outsiders, ughed quietly to themselves after their antics.

  Wang Weihu shook his head. The reputation of 3A, their lifetime of glory—this was beyond saving if anyone saw them like this.

  Meanwhile, Miao Miao, blushing furiously, stammered, "Ah, if you don’t want to perform, that’s okay. Just make sure to come watch the show the night after tomorrow. It’ll be in the activity center on the first floor of our building."

  Xu Duoduo nodded. She had heard the big dog’s voice, so her gaze shifted to him. She tilted her head, noticing that he was pouting.

  He looked unhappy.

  Oh dear, while cats were indeed adorable, the big dog would get jealous if he didn’t get attention.

  So she couldn’t touch the cat.

  Xu Duoduo thought to herself that she’d just wait for the big dog to let her pet him instead.

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