NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: – A Vehicle Built to Last
| September 25, 2023 - 9:15 AM
Lin wasn't going to rely on city cars when the world collapsed.
She needed something practical. Durable. Easy to maintain.
So, after a quick breakfast, she grabbed her keys and drove to a used car lot on the outskirts of town.
| September 25, 2023 - 9:40 AM
The place wasn't flashy. No brand-new sports cars, no glossy advertisements. Just a gravel lot, rows of trucks, and a greasy-looking man in a flannel shirt leaning against the office door, sipping coffee.
Lin stepped out of her car, scanning the lot.
The salesman—Eddie, according to his name tag—pushed off the wall and strolled over.
"Morning, miss. Looking for something special?"
"Diesel pickup. Used. Manual transmission. No fancy tech, just reliable."
Eddie raised a brow, clearly not expecting that from her.
"Got a few," he said, rubbing his chin. "How heavy-duty you want?"
Lin smirked. "I plan on hauling a lot."
Eddie nodded like that made sense and motioned her forward. "Follow me."
| September 25, 2023 - 9:55 AM
Lin ran her hand over the faded red exterior of a 2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty.
Turbo diesel engine. Reliable, long-lasting.
Manual transmission. Less electronics to fail.
High towing capacity. Could haul supplies, maybe even a trailer.
Four-wheel drive. Perfect for rough terrain.
It had some wear and tear, but nothing she couldn't fix.
"How much?" Lin asked.
Eddie leaned against the hood, smirking. "She's a beast, but she ain't cheap. $14,000."
Lin folded her arms. "She's also old. $10,000."
Eddie chuckled. "You don't mess around, huh?"
"I don't like wasting time."
He rubbed the back of his neck, considering. "…$12,000, final offer."
Lin pretended to think, then nodded. "Deal."
| September 25, 2023 - 10:20 AM
She signed the paperwork, transferred the money, and took the keys.
As she climbed into the driver's seat and turned the ignition, the deep rumble of the diesel engine filled the cab.
She grinned.
This truck was going to outlive civilization.
| September 25, 2023 - 10:55 AM
Lin strolled into Zhang & Zhao Enterprises an hour late.
She could already feel the stares. Employees who usually ignored her now glanced up, whispering.
Lin never came in late.
Not once.
She didn't rush. Didn't apologize. Just walked through the office like she owned the damn place, her heels clicking against the polished floors.
| September 25, 2023 - 11:00 AM
She reached her desk, calmly set down her bag, and opened her laptop.
Her inbox was flooded with emails from William Zhao, but she ignored them—he could wait.
She had already won.
Instead, she clicked on the HR email from last night, rereading it.
Her remote position was practically confirmed. The only thing left was for Zhao to sign off.
And if today went how she expected?
He'd have no choice.
| September 25, 2023 - 11:05 AM
"You're late."
Lin looked up.
William Zhao stood in front of her desk, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
The usual pressure of his presence—the kind that made most employees nervous—didn't affect her in the slightest.
Lin closed her laptop slowly and leaned back.
"I am."
Zhao's eyes narrowed. "You never come in late."
Lin smiled slightly. "I don't plan on coming in at all soon."
Zhao's jaw tightened. "The remote request."
"Exactly."
He exhaled sharply, studying her.
"You really think I'm going to approve it that easily?"
Lin tilted her head. "I think you already know I do my job better than anyone else. And I think you care more about results than micromanaging."
A beat of silence.
Then—Zhao smirked.
"Fine."
Lin raised an eyebrow. "That's it?"
"You'll still be on call," Zhao warned. "If anything falls through, I expect immediate answers."
Lin shrugged. "Wouldn't expect anything less."
Zhao shook his head, muttering something under his breath before walking away.
| September 25, 2023 - 11:10 AM
Lin opened her laptop again.
A final confirmation email from HR appeared a minute later.
Your remote status has been officially approved. Effective immediately.