Ch 58: The Farmer Ger in the Apocalypse

Everyone in the room, including Tang Wenjie himself, was stunned. It took a while before Song Kaiji was the first to react, exclaiming, “You’ve really got something there!”

Tang Wenjie had awakened a rare and highly destructive metal-type ability! Among the well-known abilities, metal-type and lightning-type were universally acknowledged as the top two in offensive power. The debate over which was number one and which was number two had never been settled, but fire-type abilities had long since been pushed down to third place.

Moreover, despite just awakening, Tang Wenjie’s demonstrated strength was already comparable to that of a mid-tier level-two metal-type ability user. Whether it was due to the healing ability user helping him break through or just his natural potential, his starting point was far beyond the average.

The metal spikes he had just shot out were his innate weapons, a unique manifestation of his ability, similar to Qu Weiwei’s vines. He didn’t need to prepare metal beforehand—they simply materialized from nothing. Normally, a newly awakened metal-type ability user could only generate spikes the size of toothpicks, which had very limited power and could barely kill a zombie in one shot. At the peak of level one, they could form spikes the size of a finger. But Tang Wenjie’s spikes, from the moment of awakening, were already as thick as chopsticks!

Tang Wenjie had encountered some ability users on his way to the base, so he had a basic understanding of his newfound strength. Even he was shocked by how advanced his power seemed. But after the initial surprise came an overwhelming joy. He grabbed his mother in a tight embrace, tears streaming down his face. “Mom! I have an ability now! I can protect you! No one will ever bully us again!”

Watching from the side, Shen Qing felt an unexpected sting in his eyes. He recalled the moment he had left the Shen family with Miao Shi, determined to carve out a future for themselves. At this moment, he saw himself in Tang Wenjie.

Before, when he saw that Tang Wenjie, Song Kaiji, Qu Weiwei, and others had abilities, he couldn’t deny a bit of envy. But now, he thought—perhaps that cave was his ability, a gift from the heavens. Through it, he had obtained bows, arrows, and guns, making him an unmatched force in his world. Wasn’t that similar to what Tang Wenjie had just gained? He should be grateful for what he had.

The mother and son cried in each other’s arms for a long time, and everyone in the room felt a lump in their throats. It was not just the joy of overcoming hardship; Song Kaiji and Qu Weiwei couldn’t help but think of their own families.

Qu Weiwei was from Chi City, which was about two hundred kilometers from Hong City. Before the apocalypse, that distance wasn’t far—less than two hours by high-speed rail.

But after the world collapsed, such a distance became nearly impossible to traverse.

What haunted her most was that on the second day of the apocalypse, when communication was still somewhat functional, she had already lost contact with her parents.

At first, she could still reach her aunt’s family, who also lived in Chi City. But by the fifth day of the apocalypse, even their phone calls went unanswered.

Deep down, she knew what that meant. But she didn’t dare to dwell on it, unwilling to confront the brutal reality. She drifted through life in Red City’s base, avoiding the truth. If it weren’t for Shen Qing and Song Kaiji, she might have quietly died in that tin shack after her arm was severed, just another forgotten casualty of the apocalypse.

Seeing Tang Wenjie and his mother reunited stirred something painful inside her.

Song Kaiji felt similarly. The only difference was that, before the complete collapse of communication, he had been able to stay in touch with his family. They had agreed to meet at Hong City Base. Though it had been over six months without any word, that promise still gave him hope.

After a while, Tang Wenjie’s mother pulled herself together and introduced him to Shen Qing. “Son, this is Boss Shen. He’s the leader of Song’s team. While you were unconscious, he was the one who paid for everything—hiring the healing-type ability user, covering our entrance fees, and settling us in here. Hurry up and thank Boss Shen properly!”

Tang Wenjie was surprised. He had assumed all of this was arranged by Song Kaiji. Since they were close friends, borrowing some money from Song Kaiji wouldn’t have felt like a big deal. But accepting a favor from an outsider was different.

Now that he thought about it, he had seen Shen Qing with Song Kaiji at the base before, but he had just assumed they were friends or teammates. He never imagined Shen Qing was actually Song Kaiji’s boss.

At the same time, he recalled the warmth he had felt while unconscious, like a pair of gentle hands easing his pain—that must have been from the healing-type ability user Shen Qing had hired for him.

Song Kaiji seized the moment to ask, “What are your plans now? Why don’t you join our ability team? Our boss is a great guy. I’m not exaggerating when I say our team has the best benefits in the entire Red City Base.” His tone was half-joking.

Shen Qing had already told him that he wanted to recruit Tang Wenjie. Given that they had been roommates for three years, Song Kaiji knew Tang Wenjie’s character well. That made things much simpler. However, there was one non-negotiable requirement. Song Kaiji’s expression turned serious as he said, “We demand absolute loyalty to the team. Everything within the team must remain confidential—no one outside can know. Are you willing to join?”

Tang Wenjie also straightened up and answered earnestly, “Boss Shen has shown me great kindness. Of course, I’m willing to join—as long as he doesn’t mind taking in me and my mother.”

Even if all of this hadn’t happened, he still would have wanted to team up with Song Kaiji. He had just arrived at the base and knew nothing. Having a familiar person to rely on gave him a sense of security.

Besides, though his ability seemed strong, he still had to consider his mother. Other teams wouldn’t necessarily offer him a good deal if he had to take care of her.

But the most important thing was that when he had woken up, his mother had been chatting and laughing with others in the living room. He hadn’t seen her that relaxed in a long time.

That meant that during his two days of unconsciousness, this team had treated her well. They hadn’t looked down on her, bullied her, or taken advantage of her for being an ordinary person.

Shen Qing didn’t seem like a bad person, and anyone Song Kaiji chose to follow couldn’t be that bad either.

And if Song Kaiji said the team’s benefits were great, then they had to be really good—after all, Song Kaiji wouldn’t lie to him.

Tang Wenjie then remembered that Shen Qing had spent money on his treatment and entrance fees. He quickly said, “I feel completely fine now! I can go out and hunt zombies anytime. I’ll definitely earn back what Boss Shen spent on us!”

Shen Qing wasn’t short on crystal cores, but he appreciated Tang Wenjie’s attitude. He smiled and said, “There’s no rush. You just woke up—you don’t have to go kill zombies right away. We don’t overwork people here. First, let’s eat.”

Over the past couple of days traveling between the apocalyptic world, Shen Qing had completely fallen in love with Aunt Tang’s cooking! Back in Lantang Village, Miao Shi’s cooking skills were already top-notch. If the Shen family had any lingering regret about their separation, it was likely because of her cooking. Ever since the divorce, they hadn’t had a truly satisfying meal.

Miao Shi was a natural talent, able to create the most delicious meals even with limited ingredients. Aunt Tang, on the other hand, was different—she was a master at using a variety of seasonings to craft flavors Shen Qing had never experienced before. Not only was it better than Miao Shi’s cooking, but even the professional chefs in Ping’an County’s restaurants couldn’t compare!

Although seasonings were scarce in the apocalypse, Shen Qing was rich—he could afford them!

Today’s meal was going to be stir-fried celery with cured pork. The cured pork was from Shen Qing’s stash, and the celery had just been freshly cultivated by Qu Weiwei. As lunchtime approached, Mother Tang tied on her apron, picked up the prepared celery, and entered the kitchen. While sorting out pots and pans, she absentmindedly muttered, “Alright, my precious viewers, today Auntie’s going to show you how to make stir-fried celery with cured pork…”

Shen Qing, Song Kaiji, and Qu Weiwei: “?”

Mother Tang suddenly realized what she was saying and gave an embarrassed smile. “Oh dear, before my kid came home, I was bored and started a video account, livestreaming my cooking.” She quickly chopped the celery and heated the oil in the pan. “You wouldn’t believe it, but a lot of young folks love watching. They don’t even try to learn—they just watch for fun. I don’t get it.”

Qu Weiwei laughed, “Wow, Auntie, you were a big-time streamer?”

“Oh, not big-time,” Mother Tang said modestly, but she was clearly pleased. “I’d make about thirty or forty bucks a day. It’s a lot better than waking up before dawn to attend those government workshops just to get a free egg! Cooking is my only hobby—otherwise, how do you think I got so fat?”

“You’re not fat at all now, Auntie.”

“That’s only because I was starving all the way here!” Mother Tang sighed. “I used to be 180 pounds—so heavy I’d wobble when I walked. It’s all from cooking! You taste a little here, a little there, and before you know it, the weight piles on.”

Shen Qing was deep in thought. “My mom loves to cook too, but she’s not fat.” Was it because she used fewer seasonings? Shen Qing still wished Miao Shi could gain a little more weight—healthy weight.

Hearing this, Song Kaiji secretly glanced at Shen Qing. This was the first time Shen Qing had mentioned his personal life or family in front of them. Judging by his tone, his mother should still be alive? Where was she? Was she… with another spatial ability user?

Wait! A sudden thought struck Song Kaiji—could Shen Qing’s mother be the other spatial ability user by his side?

For some reason, this realization made him feel relieved. Although he still acknowledged the existence of another spatial ability user, the little jealousy and possessiveness he had felt before suddenly diminished.

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In the large wok, only a small amount of oil was added. First, the cured pork was fried until it released its own fat. The thin slices of pork curled and turned golden brown before Mother Tang added minced garlic, diced onions, and dried chili peppers. After a few quick tosses, a rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the room. Finally, she added the blanched celery.

At this moment, Song Kaiji walked into the kitchen, lifting the rice cooker’s inner pot and placing it directly onto the table.

Seeing the large pot filled to the brim with steaming white rice, Tang Wenjie almost felt like he was in a dream. Everything was too peaceful, too comfortable—it was as if the apocalypse had never happened. As if there was no virus, no zombies. It was like he had simply invited his classmates over for a meal. His mom was busy cooking in the kitchen. His dad… his dad would be home from work soon.

Mother Tang quickly finished cooking the celery and pork, skipping the hassle of plating. Instead, she simply placed the wok directly on the table, laying down some paper to catch any spills. “Alright, my precious ones, dig in!”

After eating two big bowls of rice, Tang Wenjie was completely devoted to Shen Qing. What kind of team was this that could afford to let its members eat like this?

At first, he hesitated to take too much, but seeing how naturally everyone else, including his mother, helped themselves to the meat, he couldn’t hold back anymore. Before long, the entire pot of rice and the large wok of stir-fried celery and pork were completely devoured. He even scooped up the remaining sauce from the wok with rice, finishing every last bit.

Shen Qing wasn’t worried about the food—he just thought Tang Wenjie was eating too much too fast. He lightly nudged Song Kaiji with his elbow. “Shouldn’t you stop him? There’s still dinner later.”

If Shen Qing said anything himself, he feared Tang Wenjie might feel too embarrassed to keep eating.

“It’s fine, let him eat,” Song Kaiji said knowingly. He understood Tang Wenjie’s appetite, and besides, the human body had a strange way of knowing when it couldn’t afford to get sick. It had endured worse before.

After the meal, Qu Weiwei went back to tending her soil boxes. Shen Qing had brought radish seeds, and during lunch, Mother Tang mentioned that dried radish stir-fried with cured pork was also delicious. Now, Qu Weiwei was full of motivation—she wanted to grow a batch of radishes that afternoon so Aunt Tang could start drying them.

Suddenly, she remembered something. Digging into her pocket, she pulled out a silver bar and a handful of crystal cores, handing them to Shen Qing. “This morning, Aunt Tang and I went to sell vegetables. We saw someone trading, so I exchanged two stalks of celery for this. The rest of the celery sold for these crystal cores.”

Shen Qing let Song Kaiji take the crystal cores while he examined the silver bar. It was a 100g investment silver bar, rectangular and stamped with words he didn’t recognize. This was easier to trade than silver jewelry since it didn’t need to be broken into pieces.

As he fiddled with it, an idea suddenly struck him.

If Qu Weiwei’s wood-type ability could accelerate plant growth, then this metal-type ability user…?

Shen Qing handed the silver bar to Tang Wenjie. “Can you change the shape of metal? Try turning this into…” He thought for a moment, worried that people here might not recognize ancient silver ingots, so he gestured to illustrate. “About this big, with two pointed ends that curve upward, kind of like a little boat.”

Tang Wenjie: “?”

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