Waldo took out the materials for upgrading the advanced underground fortress. He clicked on the system assistant and initiated the upgrade process.

"Respected survivor, do you wish to upgrade the advanced underground fortress?" the system prompted.

Waldo clicked the "Yes" button.

The system window displayed the required materials for upgrading the advanced underground fortress:

Energy Stone: (1/1)

S-Alloy: (138/50)

Concrete: (2892/2000)

Waldo input the necessary materials, and the underground fortress underwent changes once again.

Firstly, the area of the underground fortress expanded once more. This time, it extended beyond the boundaries of the villa, at least expanding by one circle.

But what surprised Waldo the most was its depth. The advanced underground fortress had now opened up a second level! This meant that there were more rooms, storage, and other facilities to enjoy.

Ding!

"Respected survivor, the upgrade of the advanced underground fortress is complete!" the system announced.

Before Waldo had even gone downstairs to inspect the second level’s structure, he suddenly froze. He felt a breeze in the underground fortress?!

He turned his head and saw that his hair was gently swaying. It was real! 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

He was indeed feeling the wind in the underground fortress! Was this the ecological circulation system provided by the advanced underground fortress?!

This was beyond his understanding! There was no way to explain it using conventional science. However, Waldo didn’t dwell on it. After all, encountering things that challenged his worldview was nothing new.

Walking to the second level of the underground fortress, Waldo saw a water pool. The presence of wind, water, and photosynthesizing plants indicated that the basic ecological circulation system had been formed in the advanced underground fortress.

Satisfied, Waldo returned to the villa. Alanna and Helen had already prepared dinner and called him to wash his hands and eat.

After a busy morning in the forest, they returned to the villa area in the afternoon. They had just finished upgrading the advanced underground fortress, and the sky was gradually darkening.

Helen brought a plate of meat to Chubby, who was sitting on the ground.

Thanks to Waldo’s abundant resources, otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to afford Chubby. They’d have to let it fend for itself and hunt on its own. However, Chubby had excellent hunting skills and might even be able to provide for Waldo and the others someday.

At the dinner table, Alanna and Helen seemed to be playing some kind of guessing game. They didn’t talk much but constantly communicated through gestures and eye contact. Alanna lightly touched Helen’s arm several times, making Helen blush.

After dinner, they chatted for a while and then went back to their rooms. They were all tired after a full day of work in the post-apocalyptic world.

The night in the apocalyptic world was different from the old world. There were no crowds of people, no bustling night markets, and no bustling streets.

At first, Waldo wasn’t used to going to bed early, but as he got used to it, he couldn’t help but say, "This feels great."

Just as he was about to turn off the light, someone knocked on the door.

"Waldo, are you asleep?" It was Helen’s voice.

Waldo got up and opened the door. Helen had just taken a bath, with steam still emanating from her body and her hair still damp. Her light sleepwear clung to her skin, accentuating her graceful figure.

Waldo rubbed his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed. "What’s up, Helen? Is there something you want to talk about?"

Helen murmured, "Um, can I come in?"

Ah?

Waldo was a bit stunned. Helen had never mentioned entering his room before. "What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?"

Helen twirled her hair with her index finger, looking a bit uneasy. She seemed to think of something, and her face turned slightly red. "Um, don’t misunderstand. There’s nothing uncomfortable. It’s just that you’re a girl, and I thought it might not be appropriate."

Helen pouted and glanced at Waldo, showing a hint of frustration. "What’s inappropriate? Do you think I’ll eat you or something?"

Waldo could only scratch his nose. This was an awkward situation, no matter what.

He stepped aside and made room for Helen to come in. "Come on in, then. Although I’m not sure why you’re here, I can’t just leave you outside now."

Helen entered the room, and a gentle fragrance surrounded her, making Waldo’s heart itch.

At that moment, Helen turned around and closed the door behind her.

Uh...

Waldo was a bit flustered by this series of actions.

"Helen, what’s the matter? Do you need something from me?"

Helen couldn’t meet Waldo’s eyes directly and stammered, "Um, thank you for helping me recover Chubby today. You’ve worked hard."

Waldo smiled. "No problem. We don’t need to be so polite with each other. It’s not fun that way."

Helen ran out of topics, and Waldo didn’t know how to continue the conversation. The two of them stood there, not daring to look at each other, feeling a bit silly.

After a while, Waldo finally managed to say, "I... I’m feeling a bit tired."

Helen murmured, "I... I’m also tired."

"Then let’s go to bed," Waldo suggested.

"Yeah," Helen agreed.

Helen walked towards Waldo’s bed.

"Stop! Stop!" Waldo hurriedly grabbed Helen’s hand, not letting her move forward.

"Helen, your room is next door. If you keep going, I’ll have to sleep on the floor."

Helen turned around, determined. "What if I want to sleep with you?"

Waldo looked at Helen blankly, his expression complex.

He wanted to let go of Helen’s hand, but she firmly held on.

"Waldo, do you know why I never accepted anyone during my four years in college? Actually, there was always a boy I wished would sing to me. I was waiting for him to confess, but I waited for four years and nothing happened."

Waldo hesitated to speak.

Helen continued, "After college, I thought we would never meet again in this lifetime. Maybe in a few years, I’d meet someone else who could make me forget him. But unexpectedly, we ended up in this post-apocalyptic world, and I met that person again. Isn’t it fate?"

Helen didn’t give up and said firmly, "Now, I just want an answer. Do you like me or not?"

The weight of that question made Waldo feel breathless. He wasn’t stupid; he knew how Helen felt about him.

"I’m not dumb, I’m actually very smart. Do you like me or not?"

Waldo subconsciously nodded. "Yes, I do like you!"

But...

Waldo began.

"I already have Alanna."

"Then, do you like me?"

Helen wouldn’t relent.

Waldo nodded subconsciously again.

"That’s enough!"

Helen stood on tiptoe and kissed Waldo.

Never had Waldo imagined that Helen would be so bold and even more passionate than Alanna.

He didn’t know how long had passed when Helen finally tidied her damp hair, and her eyes were a bit blurred.

"Are you coming?"

"Yes!"

After a long while, Waldo panted lightly.

"Are you coming again?"

Helen shook her head vigorously, wanting to grab her clothes from the bedside.

"No more."

"Come again!"

Waldo embraced Helen again.