Collapse Simulator, why are we drifting apart?

Day after day, year after year, there is nothing special about life underground. There is nothing to do every day and there are no entertainment facilities.

The dim rock walls blocked the sunlight, and people couldn't even be sure how many years had passed. They could only struggle in confusion below.

It has been nearly ten years since the upper and lower levels were blocked. The number of people traveling back and forth has become less and less frequent, and people are beginning to find it difficult to survive. This has led to many riots, but they were all suppressed.

Nowadays, it is difficult to buy food even if you have money.

"What, Sambo, are you serious?"

In the grocery store, Fan Mu's face was filled with shock. He spoke in a hoarse voice to the showy man named Sangbo. He turned around and glanced at Xier who was standing outside the door. Seeing that she didn't notice him, he lowered his voice a little.

“Is the upper level really going to completely block the lower level?”

His face was serious. If the upper level completely blocked the lower level, the unrest that would be caused could be imagined. Many people might die this time.

"Really, little boss Sangbo can fool anyone but you!" Sangbo rubbed his hands indifferently, looked at Fan Mu who was becoming more and more like the person in his memory, patted his chest and made a promise.

"Little boss, you know my abilities. For example, when there were loopholes in our cooperation several times, she didn't notice the abnormality, right? This is all thanks to me, old Sangbo!"

"It's not a problem to get some food. As long as you have enough money, little boss, I can guarantee that the food will only go to you!"

Fan Mu frowned. There had indeed been several loopholes in the cooperation over the years. Although they had all been resolved, he still doubted his abilities.

And...is it really round again?

He glanced at Xier behind the door without leaving a trace.

He doesn't have much food left now. If two people eat together, it will probably only be enough for a month, so they have to eat sparingly!

"Okay, please keep it for me, thank you, money is not a problem!"

"Besides, haven't you always wanted this core?" A broken blue crystal appeared in his hand. "As long as you can help me get enough food, why not give it to you?"

"Are you serious, young boss?" Sangbo's eyes lit up instantly, as if he was waiting for him to say this!

"Yeah." Fan Mu nodded and said no more, then walked out of the store.

"Do you really want to exchange it?" The system's voice sounded with regret, "You are really unique in exchanging this for food. Do you know how difficult it is to deal with it? Do you know its capabilities?"

"You know, even though this is virtual, it's gone once you send it away."

"No matter how powerful it is, it's useless if it can't afford food and starves to death. Besides, this simulation can only use its own abilities. This broken thing is useless here. It's better to exchange it for some food!"

Fan Mu's face darkened. What abilities could he have, other than the talent he chose when entering the simulation?

Jingle Bell!

After going out, a relaxed smile returned to his face and he nodded to a man named Lan Changzhi next to him.

"Let's go, let's go back!"

Xier pursed her lips and lowered her eyes, so no one could see the expression on her face at the moment.

It has been four years since she escaped from Rivet Town...or maybe five years. After being exploited by Fan Mu, she has grown into her current appearance.

Her legs were a little longer, her skin was firm, and perhaps because she had not been exposed to the sun for many years, it had become a little pale, and the hollows around her eyes and cheeks had disappeared, replaced by fullness.

Her flowing blue hair fell to her shoulder blades, and the only thing that remained unchanged was her big blue eyes and indifference, giving people the illusion that she was a child next door who had just grown up.

During the growth period, it grew to this height, just reaching his chin. Fan Mu looked at his masterpiece and nodded with satisfaction.

At this time, Xier looked a little like a girl, not like the tomboy she used to be.

On the way back, Xier remained silent, observing her surroundings vigilantly, fulfilling her duties as a guard.

He didn't let down his guard until he was safely back at the cabin. He went to the desk, picked up the picture on the table and began to look at it.

This is her biggest hobby.

Fan Mu looked at it.

The picture book didn't seem to have any major wrinkles on the outside, but it was a little dirty in this dusty place.

He bought this picture book a long time ago, and it is still as good as new. You can imagine how well it has been preserved.

Xier carefully turned the pages of paper, looking at the pictures that had long been engraved in her mind, as if she was seeing them for the first time, with longing in her eyes. It was hard to imagine that a person with an impatient temperament would be so patient.

Looking at Xi'er sitting there with a somewhat lonely back, Fan Mu couldn't figure out why she was sitting there? Why did she open the picture book that had been torn apart every time she came back?

Is it because there are no other entertainment facilities?

But why does he have to keep looking at one picture book? Didn’t he buy a lot of books?

Is it because you long for the outside world?

…………

Maybe it’s because of this, it’s normal for children aged 11 or 12 to feel curious about things they have never seen before.

He still remembered that he had said that he would take her up there to have a look while he was on the mission, but... he seemed to have broken his promise, although he had never promised it to her face.

Every time I want to work hard, I feel like I don’t know where to start and I have the urge to give up.

While cooking, Fan Mu kept asking himself why?

Why are you unwilling to do the task? Why can't you make up your mind? Is it because you are too lazy to do it? Or do you think it doesn't matter whether you do it or not?

He didn't know, and he couldn't find the answer in his heart.

It's obvious that all of this is fake, and even death wouldn't be a big deal, so why are you unwilling to do it?

"time to eat!"

He brought the prepared meal to the table and called softly to Xier who was watching in trance.

Two dishes and one soup were plain for two people, but enough. However, it was still too luxurious given the current situation.

Xier nodded, put down the book, went to the dining table and started eating.

"Go wash your hands first." Fan Mu said helplessly.

Xier still nodded lightly, and went to wash her hands as he said.

Fan Mu looked at her departing back, not knowing why she listened to him so much. In his impression, she seemed to have never refuted him.

Is it because I am the boss who commissioned her that I never object?

Xier used very little water when washing his hands, and now he doesn't have much water left.

Sit back at the table and start eating.

"Come, have a chicken drumstick!"

Fan Mu picked up food for her very naturally, and Xier ate it naturally, but she only ate the food Fan Mu picked up for her and never took the initiative to pick up food.

"What's wrong?" Fan Mu noticed that she was acting strangely today and asked curiously, "Why aren't you picking up any food?"

Xier paused while eating, and Fan Mu noticed that she was clenching the chopsticks.

"Will there be nothing to eat from now on?"

Xier turned her head and looked at him. Even though they had been together for several years, Fan Mu rarely heard her speak on her own initiative.

"How could that be?" Fan Mu rubbed her head with amusement, "I thought it was something else? You're just worried about this."

"Don't worry, have you forgotten that I have the ability to pick up objects from the air?"

As he spoke, a bag of bread appeared in his hand.

"Look, don't worry, I can still support you."

Fan Mu said this in a joking tone, but his eyes were fixed on hers.

He lied, and he didn't know why he lied.

"Of course, if you feel that I can't afford to support you, or if you feel that you can't get enough by following me, you can run away at any time. I won't stop you!"