Author Archives: sandy

Furthermore, the ones who started the provocation were from the U.S. team. Who would dare to confront them? The U.S., along with countries like Germany and the UK, have always been arrogant and domineering, their international status and technological advancements leading the world. No one wanted to confront them head-on.

However, this did not apply to China.

China had long-standing grievances with these countries. After years of being bullied, they had finally caught up, and the country had become much more assertive in its diplomacy. Chinese citizens abroad no longer had to endure the indignities of the past. The negative image of China abroad was mostly due to the deliberate demonization by unscrupulous foreign media.

This live broadcast of the tech competition was the best opportunity for China to reshape its image in the eyes of the world. Before departure, officials had told the team to be bold and assured them that the country had their back!

The awakening of the Eastern dragon would show the world its true strength and heal the historical wounds and humiliation suffered by the nation. Tolerance? Not this time. They were ready to roll up their sleeves on foreign turf!

Professor Yu gave a signal to the team.

Immediately, a young man stepped forward, mimicking the exaggerated, provocative tone of the U.S. team,

“Oh my, isn’t this the U.S. team? Professor, I’m so scared! Should we go to Chinatown and the church to get a protective charm and a crucifix? I’ve heard the U.S. team is super lucky. Any team that goes up against them ends up in trouble, like last year’s third-place team from Germany, whose captain got diarrhea during the match. How unlucky!”

Before coming here, each team member received detailed information on the previous tech competition. The officials provided this to familiarize them with the competition’s process and rules, prepare them for any potential “accidents,” and give them an idea of the underhanded tactics of some countries.

The U.S. had won the last competition with outstanding tech achievements, but they also engaged in many dirty tricks, leveraging their “leader” status. The most notable incident was during the final match against Germany, where Germany’s captain got diarrhea, impacting their performance and costing them the championship. The German audience was both regretful and outraged.

No one was naive; it was obvious that something fishy was going on. However, due to the lack of attention and the U.S. team’s strong presence, the issue was swept under the rug. Back then, fairness was just a façade for the powerful.

Because of this, Germany led a coalition of weaker countries to protest, resulting in a shift from recorded broadcasts to live broadcasts for this competition. Although this wouldn’t entirely prevent dirty tricks, it significantly limited the bullying and manipulation by powerful countries.

The other teams were aware of this. As the U.S. team’s arrogance grew, the expressions of those around them changed from amusement to seriousness. Germany’s team members clenched their fists, clearly remembering the previous injustices.

The U.S. team members felt the shift in atmosphere but didn’t feel guilty. They didn’t believe their predecessors would stoop to such tactics. They were the mighty Western leaders, standing atop the world. How could they do something so despicable? These losers were just sore losers, throwing baseless accusations.

Scoffing, the U.S. team members dismissed the Chinese team. “Oh, the losers who went out in the first round last time are getting cocky. Should we aim even higher?”

“Come on, they have Tang Xun this time. He’s one of HF’s top graduates, can’t underestimate that.”

“Right, we might have some competition. Tang Xun is my senior. Competing with him is an honor. Haha, maybe this competition will be HF Senior vs. Junior…”

Their laughter was filled with mockery and disdain. Even Tang Xun, now famous, didn’t faze them. To them, he was just another HF graduate, learning their country’s technology. Even if China did better this time, it wouldn’t count as China’s honor.

Such arrogance and disdain infuriated the Chinese team.

But Tang Xun remained calm. He looked at the U.S. team, then at the hotel manager, “The hotel rooms aren’t strictly assigned. If teams agree, rooms can be swapped, right?”

The manager was taken aback but didn’t respond. Tang Xun didn’t wait for an answer and turned back to the U.S. team, “How about a bet?”

“What kind of bet?” The U.S. team was puzzled.

Tang Xun didn’t mince words, “First round, attack and defense. Bet that your team will only qualify last. Deal?”

His words instantly darkened the faces of the U.S. team members, their eyes blazing. This wasn’t a bet; it was a blatant insult, a challenge to their pride.

“What do you mean, Tang Xun?”

“With your record, you dare to bet with us? Don’t forget, you were first-round losers last time. How dare you make such a claim?”

“Why should we waste our time betting with you losers?”

Their shouts didn’t faze Tang Xun. He cut them off, “Enough talk. One question: Do you dare or not? If you lose, we swap hotel rooms. If we lose, we quit the competition.”

Fang Ziyang and the others stepped forward, their voices united, “Do you dare?”

Their powerful declaration echoed, their unity intimidating.

The crowd was momentarily stunned by this show of strength. Even the U.S. team was taken aback, unable to retort.

At that moment, a voice with a foreign accent called out from the back of the crowd,

“How can we miss such an interesting bet? Sophis, accept the challenge.”

The crowd parted to reveal a handsome red-haired man in a suit and a beautiful Chinese man pushing a wheelchair.

The U.S. team members looked relieved to see them. Fang Ziyang noticed the handsome Chinese man and smirked slightly.

xxx

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The effects of the Bright Eyes solution were immediate and noticeable. Those with severe myopia experienced slower results, but those with mild myopia noticed significant improvement on the spot. The entire VIP lounge was abuzz with excitement. If the product didn’t need to be applied gradually as per the instructions, everyone would have thrown away their glasses immediately!

Despite this, everyone was overjoyed and eager to know more about the product’s sales details. When would it be available on the official website? Would they get a discount or priority purchase as team members? While research jobs paid well, only the top-tier scientists made serious money. Without personal projects yielding results, they had to rely on fixed salaries and benefits.

Understanding the team’s situation, Fang Ziyang smiled and reassured them, “The Bright Eyes solution will be priced similarly to the Beauty Serum, with different product levels. The specifics will be available on the website in a few days. But…”

The crowd grew anxious. “But what?” they demanded, eager to start saving up.

“But you don’t need to worry. Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals is one of the sponsors of this competition team. All Dongsheng products you use during the competition are free.”

There was a brief pause, followed by an uproar. “Oh my gosh! Professor Yu, who chose Dongsheng as our sponsor? I want to personally thank them!”

Fang Ziyang was taken aback by the enthusiasm. The team’s excitement spoke volumes about the quality of their products, even making them willing to offer personal thanks.

The VIP lounge buzzed with chatter for over half an hour. Once all the procedures were completed, it was time to board. The team noisily grabbed their simple luggage, leaving the larger suitcases to be handled by the staff. To ensure the team members were in top condition for the competition, the officials had provided a support team, showcasing their thorough preparation.

The ten-hour flight to the United States was uneventful. The team’s plane had excellent facilities, so despite the boredom, the journey was comfortable. The competition was set to take place in New York. Although many Western and some Asian countries harbored a certain disdain for China, publicly they maintained decorum.

When Fang Ziyang and his team arrived, they received the standard welcome. However, the level of hospitality quickly diminished off-camera. For instance, while all teams stayed in the same hotel, the room allocations varied greatly. The top countries like the US, Germany, the UK, and others enjoyed the best accommodations, occupying suites with expansive views and full amenities.

China’s team, however, did not receive such luxury. They were not given the worst rooms, but the allocation was clearly unfair.

“Sorry, but the rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Since you arrived late, the upper floor rooms were already taken…” The hotel manager feigned regret, though his eyes betrayed his disdain.

China had faced such treatment countless times internationally. Despite some improvements, condescension remained. Many in the West still viewed China as underdeveloped.

The Chinese team was understandably upset, but the situation worsened when they were confronted by a group of young people with varied skin, hair, and eye colors who emerged from the elevator.

“Oh, isn’t this the Chinese team? They have the nerve to join the competition again. Are they here to show us another early exit?”

The group mocked them loudly in English, drawing the attention of other teams and sparking curiosity and amusement. The previous international tech competition had not been widely known among the general public, but this time, the competition had been heavily promoted. The first competition hadn’t been live-streamed, but recordings existed, and China’s early elimination had become well-known, fueling the current derision.

Competitors from various countries enjoyed seeing their rivals squabble and lose face.

Fang Ziyang, however, remained calm. He’d faced worse and wouldn’t let petty provocations get to him. He turned to the team, “Let’s not get distracted. We have a competition to win.”

Despite the adversity, the Chinese team resolved to let their performance speak for itself. They knew that showing weakness or getting provoked would only give their detractors more ammunition. Instead, they focused on proving their worth through their skills and determination.

xxx

Sandy: *Sigh the author … nobody in the West view China as underdeveloped. We all are aware China is very rich. Mostly everything we use these days are made in China.

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Fang Ziyang wasn’t particularly fond of crowds, so after a quick round of required interviews with the media, he quickly dragged Xie Zheng into a lounge to hide. Tang Xun, on the other hand, couldn’t avoid the reporters. Being a well-known figure in the scientific community and the team leader, he had no choice but to handle the press outside.

When they reached the lounge, many of the team members were already there.

“Fang Ziyang!”
“Ziyang!”
“Brother Fang!”

Everyone’s eyes lit up when they saw Fang Ziyang, and they all stood up to greet him enthusiastically, addressing him in various ways.

To these tech enthusiasts, age didn’t matter. As long as someone was exceptionally skilled, they’d call them whatever— even “dad” if needed!

After greeting Fang Ziyang, everyone turned to Xie Zheng beside him, all very perceptive and in unison, saying, “Congratulations on your wedding, Mr. Xie!”

As expected, Xie Zheng was visibly pleased by the heartfelt congratulations.

“Thank you.”

Although he still nodded solemnly, his cold face showed a noticeable smile. Everyone enjoys hearing good things, especially when they hit the right spot, and even someone as reserved as Xie Zheng was happy.

Xie Zheng’s reaction made it clear that his relationship with Fang Ziyang was genuine. Any corporate benefits from their union were just a bonus, reassuring those who speculated their marriage was solely for business reasons.

Despite some members casually calling Fang Ziyang “brother,” most actually saw him as a younger sibling. Over the past year, Fang Ziyang had become very popular within the team, and everyone cared for him.

Even Jin Yu had come to terms with it. Her admiration for Xie Zheng was more about respect than romantic feelings. She was naturally outgoing and had already given up on her feelings when Xie Zheng confessed his love for Fang Ziyang. Now, seeing the couple together didn’t bother her.

In fact, she was more excited about the gifts Fang Ziyang promised to bring back for everyone before they left the base.

“Fang Ziyang, didn’t you say you’d bring us gifts? Hurry up and show them. If I don’t like it, I won’t forgive you…”

Impatient Jin Yu eagerly crowded around, looking expectant.

The last time Fang Ziyang gave her a necklace, it saved her career. Now that he had promised special gifts again, she was genuinely excited.

Everyone knew: Anything from Ziyang was bound to be top-notch!

Hearing this, the others’ eyes lit up too.

“Yeah, yeah, Fang Ziyang, didn’t you bring us gifts? Show them already.”

“Don’t rush, don’t rush. I’ll show you once everyone is here. I promise it’s something good.”

Fang Ziyang didn’t reveal the gift immediately, teasing them instead.

“You’re so annoying, always keeping us in suspense!”

Clearly, this wasn’t the first time Fang Ziyang had done this.

Fang Ziyang grinned mischievously, remaining calm and unbothered.

Xie Zheng, with a smile, gently tapped his little lover’s nose: playful.

Fortunately, they didn’t have to wait long. In about ten minutes, all the team members had gathered in the lounge.

Seeing that everyone, including Professor Yu, had arrived, Fang Ziyang signaled Xie Zheng to open the suitcase, revealing a box of items that looked like cosmetics.

“What’s this? ‘Bright Eyes’? Sounds like eye drops.”

Everyone gathered around, curious.

Fang Ziyang quickly explained, “Yes, these are eye drops. It’s a new product from Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals.”

A new product from Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals?

Hearing this, everyone’s eyes brightened.

Even without knowing the product’s exact function, just the fact that it came from Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals was enough to excite them.

Over the past year, Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals had made a name for itself with its miraculous beauty serum. The product’s effects were astonishing, making it impossible to ignore the company. Even if their other drugs weren’t as groundbreaking, they were still top-tier in their field. A new product specially brought out by Fang Ziyang was definitely not ordinary.

And indeed, it wasn’t.

As Tang Xun, Xie Zheng, and Rick helped distribute the items, Fang Ziyang explained,

“Bright Eyes, simply put, is an eye drop, but it’s quite different from ordinary ones on the market. It’s for both external and internal use…”

“I won’t go into too much detail. Let’s just say that if you use this, any nearsightedness under 800 degrees can be completely corrected within a month.”

“For those with more than 800 degrees, it can still bring your vision back to around 200 degrees…”

The room fell silent.

It wasn’t that they didn’t believe him; it was precisely because they did that they were stunned!

They expected something good from Fang Ziyang, but this exceeded their wildest expectations.

Correcting nearsightedness under 800 degrees to normal vision, and reducing higher degrees to around 200— this was a dream come true for people with glasses!

Currently, there were treatments for vision problems, but none were particularly effective. Laser surgery was the best option but had its drawbacks, including the risk of blindness if nearsightedness recurred.

But these Bright Eyes drops, even if their effects weren’t as powerful as Fang Ziyang claimed, were surely safe.

Nearsightedness was the biggest enemy and annoyance for academic researchers!

Even the esteemed Professor Yu was taken aback, “Ziyang, does it really work as well as you say?”

“Of course, Professor Yu. Do you think I’d exaggerate my product’s capabilities? Besides, it doesn’t just treat nearsightedness. It also helps with presbyopia, cataracts, and other eye issues, although the effects might not be as pronounced…”

This was his second priority after developing the beauty serum.

Long-term exposure to computers and phones often damages eyesight. Fang Ziyang disliked wearing glasses; they were not only unattractive but inconvenient. Even contact lenses were a hassle. So, when sorting through the goldfinger’s data, he prioritized the beauty serum and then the Bright Eyes drops.

Over the past year, Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals had stabilized the production and sales of the beauty serum, making it the perfect time to launch a new product.

Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals was also one of the sponsors of the tech competition.

“Start using them today. You’ll notice a difference each day. Just make sure to give me a shout-out during the competition…”

Fang Ziyang winked at everyone.

While good products speak for themselves, a bit of advertising never hurts. This tech competition was a prime opportunity.

“I’m already seeing the benefits.”

Tang Xun added, smiling, as he pointed to his eyes, now free of his trademark gold-rimmed glasses.

Though his glasses had given him a scholarly, handsome look, he had never liked them due to the inconvenience. They were uncomfortable!

Tang Xun’s endorsement eliminated any doubts.

“I’m trying it now!”

Impatient Jin Yu eagerly unwrapped her package and began reading the instructions.

She, too, had nearsightedness, always needing glasses for research and contact lenses for going out. Not only was it a hassle, but it also affected her looks. She despised her nearsightedness but couldn’t avoid it due to her work with computers and phones, creating a frustrating cycle.

In fact, almost every academic or researcher dealt with nearsightedness. Their entire team wore glasses, the only difference being the degree of nearsightedness.

Fang Ziyang’s gift was perfect for everyone.

Soon, the room was filled with the sound of unwrapping as everyone eagerly tried the product.

Ten minutes later…

Chaos ensued.

“Ahh, what are these black things? Are my eyes really that dirty? Are these the so-called toxins?”

“Just like the beauty serum, this product is amazing!”

“Hurry, Miss, where’s the restroom? I need to go now…”

Similar to the beauty serum, Bright Eyes also had a detoxifying effect. Although it was initially alarming, the results were undeniably impressive.

The more severe cases of nearsightedness would take longer to see results, but those with minor nearsightedness could already see a clearer world, ensuring full recovery within a month.

“Fang Ziyang, from now on, I’ll stop being envious and jealous of you and just sing your praises all day!” Then Dongsheng Pharmaceuticals could develop more products she loved!

Jin Yu, thrilled, raised her hand and declared she would become Fang Ziyang’s number one fan from now on.

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Uncle Wang and Aunt Fen had everything prepared early at the small estate. Zhou Jun, Zhao Jingyu, the elders from the Xie family, and a few close friends from Rick’s side had all arrived yesterday. Although the meal was simple, “simple” here meant a refined small banquet for the upper class.

With all the unpleasant characters already kicked out, everyone enjoyed a pleasant atmosphere during the meal. After the banquet, the two couples retired to their rooms to enjoy their much-anticipated evening.

That night, Xie Zheng showed his little lover what it meant to be a genius in every area!

Although Xie Zheng was a lifelong virgin without any experience in that aspect, it didn’t hinder a smart person from quickly mastering the practical application of theory. It only took a few minutes for him to transition from awkward to skilled.

His moves went from tentative to adept in minutes; his perfectly proportioned broad shoulders and narrow waist forming a V-shape; his movements revealing strong yet not exaggerated muscles, the handsome man, resembling a graceful and noble leopard or a powerful lion, made Fang Ziyang blush and swoon.

Though he had lived two lives and had a child in his past life, his experience in this area was limited. His lover’s strong physique made his heart race.

His lover’s body heat was intoxicating.

Xie Zheng, assertive yet gentle, indulged in the one who occupied his heart completely. His past disinterest in sex and high standards were merely because he hadn’t met the right person. When the one he truly loved opened up to him without reservation, no man could remain calm…

He held the young man who occupied all of his heart, cherishing and adoring him as if he possessed the whole world.

The night was full of passionate intimacy.

Both of them indulged a bit too much, and when they woke up again, Xie Zheng felt refreshed while Fang Ziyang was in pain.

His whole body ached, especially the indescribable area that hurt even with medication.

Lying on the bed, whining and reluctant to move, Fang Ziyang made Xie Zheng feel a pang of guilt for losing control during their first time.

“Lie still, I’ll give you a massage…”

The usually stern and serious man had a face full of regret and tenderness, his hair slightly tousled from sleep, making Fang Ziyang laugh.

They say the psychological impact is strong. Being so cherished by his lover, the discomfort seemed to lessen significantly.

He wasn’t really that uncomfortable. In his past life, he endured much worse pain and suffering. This was nothing in comparison. His exaggerated reaction was just a bit of a spoiled attitude, being pampered made him act a bit more delicate.

He hooked his arms around his lover’s neck and rested his head against him, feeling indescribable happiness.

Unable to resist, he acted coquettishly, “Hubby, hug me~”

“Sure.”

Xie Zheng obligingly embraced him, his movements careful, and his usually stern features softened with affection.

His wife was so fond of acting coquettishly; it seemed they would never be apart… which felt quite nice.

Embracing each other, their gazes locked with tender affection.

After finally obtaining their marriage certificate, the two spent an entire day lounging at home.

Although this time wasn’t enough for newlyweds to indulge in, with the tech competition imminent, Fang Ziyang couldn’t afford to slack off. The next day, when they received the parts sent by the officials, they began assembling the competition computers.

This step was crucial and not at all redundant.

Considering the stakes of the competition, which would influence the development of countries for the next decade, any underhanded tactic was possible. While the competition rules were fair, the space outside the competition was rife with opportunities for manipulation.

Computers were crucial tools for this competition. If any tampering occurred, it would be devastating.

Fang Ziyang had faith in the officials but preferred to err on the side of caution. He would only trust the computers he assembled himself.

During the last life’s Hongmeng Computing Competition, some contestants suffered significant setbacks due to tampered computers. Being cautious was always the best approach.

Although he had to personally handle each computer, with Tang Xun’s help, they only had to prepare for the official and backup teams, including Tang Xun, totaling 13 people. They had enough time.

During this period, Xie Zheng also busied himself with company affairs, ready to accompany his lover for the competition.

After all, his computer skills were also top-notch, and since most of the projects were from New World Technology, he could handle any issues promptly.

Of course, the most important reason was that they were newlyweds and reluctant to be apart.

Rick also enthusiastically helped these days. Both men were more inclined to love their partners than their empires, which explained why Rick had eagerly settled in China despite there being so many countries worldwide.

…

A week flew by, and it was time to depart for the M Country for the tech competition.

After packing their luggage, the four headed to Beijing Airport to gather as planned.

Given the significance of the tech competition, it garnered global attention. Their departure attracted a large crowd and many news reporters, making for a lively scene.

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Li Weilan was thinking the same thing.

He wanted to protect her, protect the world they lived in, and safeguard their peace and tranquility. So, he just smiled warmly, a small dimple appearing at the corner of his mouth, and said, “As long as I see you, everything is fine.”

“So sweet.”

Shen Cheng’s heart unexpectedly skipped a beat.

She carefully looked at Li Weilan, trying to discern something in his smiling face. But even though he had hidden it well, Shen Cheng knew him too well. She could see a faint shadow in his expression—something he was trying to keep from her. There was definitely some worry he hadn’t shared.

Could it be related to the final stage of the mission?

No, her little one was the type to grow stronger in the face of challenges, to never back down. If he was just worried about the strength of the final boss, he would be more determined and focused, but he wouldn’t have this unspoken concern in his eyes.

Clearly, there was something he wasn’t telling her.

What had happened during those few minutes when the game screen went black and he was facing off with Fu Yanzhou? Was there something crucial that he couldn’t tell her?

Shen Cheng had a vague sense that something wasn’t right, considering the appearance of the zombie monkeys in her world and the looming zombie crisis. She didn’t yet know how to connect all these fragmented pieces of information, but her sharp mind told her that something was definitely off!

She chose not to press further.

If a man wanted to bear a secret, perhaps it was better to let him.

Instead of questioning him more, she took his hand and showed him the “kingdom” she had prepared—how she had reinforced the doors and walls of their home, stocked up on food and supplies. Aside from the fact that the house was rented, she had prepared everything else she could.

Li Weilan cherished the moment as he gently stroked her hair: Shen Cheng’s hair was smooth, like silk slipping through his fingers, so different from the state of most people’s hair in the post-apocalyptic world.

In their world, most water was purified by water-based ability users, and since the amount was limited, it was primarily used for drinking. Only high-level ability users could afford to have enough water each day to stay clean and look their best.

This was the reality of the post-apocalyptic world.

This was the struggle of ordinary people trying to survive in that world.

In the beginning, before Noah’s Base was established, before she had come into his life, he had also been struggling to survive.

But eventually, he found her.

No matter what the app had in mind, bringing her to his side was the greatest kindness, the most profound compassion, and the best outcome he could hope for.

In the end, for her sake, he owed the app a great debt.

Li Weilan cherished the feeling of running his fingers through her silky hair, and in that moment, his heart finally calmed.

The little bit of bitterness and reluctance he had felt earlier sank deep into the ocean of his mind, disappearing into the depths as he touched on these small moments of connection.

Gathering up his fleeting emotions, he looked at all the supplies she had stored and smiled, saying, “I truly hope we never have to use any of this.”

“???” Shen Cheng was taken aback, her mind racing, but she followed his lead and said, “Better safe than sorry, right? Though I also hope we never have to use it.”

She then flashed a proud smile. “Not bad, right?”

Li Weilan knew what she was hinting at and couldn’t help but smile as he lightly brushed her nose with his hand. “Very impressive.”

“Lilan,” Shen Cheng suddenly grabbed the hand that had been stroking her black hair.

Her small face drew closer on the screen, and she asked, “What should I call you?”

“???” Li Weilan pondered for a moment, and then instinctively understood her meaning.

Roleplay!

He recalled those times in the game when he’d been playfully cornered against a wall—though he had been flustered at the time, wasn’t this a playful take on the same thing?

His lips curled into a smile, his heart racing. His voice deepened, and his gaze darkened with intensity, “Master.”

“Good boy,” Shen Cheng responded with a satisfied smile as she cupped his face.

Li Weilan’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly leaned in and kissed her deeply.

When they parted, a thin string of saliva connected them, and Shen Cheng’s heart raced wildly. She didn’t even realize that her ears had turned red, but she still felt the need to stay in character: “So, does that mean you can lie to your master?”

In the game, it felt fun, but saying the word “Master” out loud in real life, especially in front of him, felt like a total embarrassment.

Her ears burned even hotter.

But the sound of that word echoed in the air between them, making Li Weilan’s gaze grow darker and more intense. His breath quickened as he asked, “What does Master want to know?”

“Master wants to know,” Shen Cheng said, sensing that he had dropped his defenses, “if you’re hiding anything from her?”

Li Weilan surrendered completely.

There should be no secrets between them.

Faced with that tone, he had no room to resist.

He glanced at the phone on the table, pressed the power button, and watched as the screen dimmed and the phone powered off. Although he knew this gesture was probably pointless—whether it was the game system or the mysterious connection between the two worlds, it was unlikely that something as simple as turning off a phone would sever that link.

But this act was just a small attempt to feel a bit safer.

In that moment, Shen Cheng vaguely guessed what was on his mind. After all, being completely unguarded about a game system that could connect two worlds was unrealistic, but her feelings for this game were more affectionate than wary.

Just thinking about how the game had brought her together with her boyfriend was enough to make her appreciate it.

After finishing everything, Li Weilan finally looked up and asked, “Xia Jinshi and Fu Yanzhou’s plan is to open an interdimensional gate.”

“???” Shen Cheng was stunned for three seconds at first, still lost in the lingering dream of the moment. But when she realized what “interdimensional gate” really meant, she was suddenly shocked. “Are you saying they plan to transfer the zombies from their world to another one?”

Li Weilan nodded, “The opportunity to use spatial cutting skills has been quite frequent, and during this process, I occasionally felt that there was something on the other side of the space that we opened. But we never knew what that ‘something’ was, and we didn’t think much about it at the time.”

Shen Cheng was startled.

Yes, the so-called “space” created by spatial abilities and the items that materialized from “reality” through the App all suggest that there is indeed a certain connection between the real world and Li Weilan’s world, right?

And the spatial energy fluctuations that Li Weilan sensed during the materialization also confirmed this theory—establishing this connection requires Li Weilan’s spatial abilities.

If you follow this logic, then the storage, farmland, and spiritual spring in Li Weilan’s space…

Shen Cheng’s eyes widened. Li Weilan slowly nodded, confirming her suspicions. What they both realized was that those things weren’t simply “appearing out of nowhere.”

His space had established a connection with a corner of another world, and this ability to open a rift and establish a connection might be unique. Now, Fu Yanzhou and Xia Jinshi had also found a way to open such an interdimensional connection.

By maximizing their energy and combining it with the explosive force of a nuclear bomb, they could use the collision between energies to open a door to another world.

Then, the zombie army, which has been assembled and is now operating under Fu Yanzhou’s command, could follow Fu Yanzhou into an entirely new world.

No one knows where this world leads.

But even if there’s only a one-in-ten-thousand chance that it leads to Shen Cheng’s world, Li Weilan couldn’t take that risk.

Even without the final task reward of 20% progress on the zombie vaccine—which would enable mass production of the vaccine—Li Weilan would still do everything in his power to stop their plan.

Their world’s survival should not come at the expense of another world.

For Fu Yanzhou, leading the zombies to that other world means he would remain the one and only Zombie Emperor. Perhaps these messages have already been conveyed to the other zombies, or perhaps not. But either way, Fu Yanzhou, who can command so many high-level zombies and devour the crystal cores of his fellow zombies without restraint, must clearly understand this plan.

It’s a perfect plan.

But now there’s only one final question: Why are Xia Jinshi and Fu Yanzhou so certain that the interdimensional gate will definitely open?

Where does their confidence come from?

Could it be that they’ve already conducted similar experiments, and the recent “anomalies” in Shen Cheng’s world are related to their experiments?

This was the question that Li Weilan did not voice.

Because he could see the anger burning in Shen Cheng’s eyes. She furiously rubbed her forehead, pointing at the TV that was still looping news reports and “rumors,” and said to Li Weilan, “If they dismissed the zombie deer as a false alarm, then our world is already in danger. And you’re telling me that all of this could be because some scientists have treated our world as just another test site?”

“…” Li Weilan saw the flames of fury burning in her eyes.

He lowered his head in shame. Although it wasn’t directly his fault, thinking about the “plague” that had spread from their world made his heart sink with an indescribable bitterness—this was also why he hesitated to tell her everything in the first place.

I can’t shake the feeling that, considering everything, as a spatial ability user, and one of the few who thought about the ‘spatial ability’ aspect, I bear some responsibility for this.

Shen Cheng, however, grabbed Li Weilan’s hand, her voice still full of vitality. Li Weilan looked up, dumbfounded, at the warm smile beside him. “Li Weilan, let’s beat them up, knock their teeth out, and then wipe out all the remaining zombies right in front of them. Let them know that causing trouble elsewhere is the only solution for the weak. It’s not us who can’t handle it; it’s them who are too weak!”

Li Weilan looked into her eyes.

His voice was husky, “Cheng Cheng…”

Shen Cheng then realized that his spirits were a bit low. After thinking it over for a moment, she quickly understood what was going on.

He had a knot in his heart!

He was overthinking things!

Way too much!

Her boyfriend, of course, was someone she had to cheer up herself.

Shen Cheng clearly distinguished between enemies and her own, and she had no intention of punishing her boyfriend for the mistakes of others. She hugged his head close, saying, “Li Weilan, this isn’t your fault. You’re the first spatial ability user, so it’s natural you didn’t think of these things. As for me, I’m also a first-time girlfriend,” she said playfully, blinking her eyes, “so, please bear with me, Li Weilan.”

He wished he could just pull her into his embrace.

She was his salvation.

His long-awaited dawn.

“There’s something I never told you,” Li Weilan said, “being pulled out of the desert by you, I think I’ve already used up all my luck.”

“That’s not right,” Shen Cheng shook her finger, “It’s all of our luck because if it weren’t for that, I might still be living in a shared apartment.”

The two of them chatted warmly for a long time.

When the time drew near, Li Weilan held her close, and as the unavoidable moment of parting approached, he slowly closed his eyes, hoping that this would only be a short separation, leading to an everlasting reunion.

Their conversations were filled with everyday matters, and Li Weilan eventually spent some time in the store picking out the most suitable weapon and armor for himself: a helmet that resists mind control, and instead of a traditional combat weapon, he chose a chip weapon designed to be installed in Xia Jinshi’s nuclear control room. This chip would directly ruin Xia Jinshi’s plan—because even if the coordinates in the control room were off by just an inch, the final landing point could be drastically different. The portal Xia Jinshi intended to open would instead become a means to destroy the zombies.

The two had already agreed that Li Weilan would lead the base’s fighters in the front line to stop Fu Yanzhou’s zombie army, while Shen Cheng would use the distraction to sneak in and find out where Xia Jinshi had hidden the nuclear control room.

To achieve this, Shen Cheng purchased the [Truth Serum: Makes the user speak the truth once. Please consider your questions carefully (Note: If you waste the opportunity by asking careless questions, this App is not responsible for the cost.)]

Using the truth serum required careful planning. For this reason, Shen Cheng and Li Weilan had already rehearsed their lines, ensuring they knew exactly how to question Xia Jinshi to get the most out of that one shot.

Shen Cheng watched as Li Weilan successfully landed back in the game, breathed a sigh of relief, and decided to focus on the mission at hand. She activated the projection, controlled her in-game character, and stealthily made her way to Xia Jinshi’s tent.

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

Fu Yanzhou and the other extremely human-like zombie facing him almost simultaneously began their confrontation.

“Space manipulation!” As soon as they exchanged their first moves, Shen Cheng immediately realized the nature of the ability possessed by the zombie facing Fu Yanzhou.

Fu Yanzhou’s ability was of the psychic type, with his primary tactics involving psychic restraint and psychic thrust. These skills would slow down his opponent’s movements, making them increasingly sluggish until he could ultimately control them directly with his psychic power.

In a matter of moments, the opposing zombie was layered with multiple debuffs, its speed diminishing, and its movements becoming as disjointed as if it were dancing in a trance.

But then, that zombie used a ‘teleportation’ ability, instantly closing a gap of several dozen meters. With the increased distance, the effects of Fu Yanzhou’s psychic power immediately lessened, rendering his debuffs ineffective.

After watching them exchange several rounds, Shen Cheng quickly noticed that Fu Yanzhou seemed somewhat restrained in his fighting, almost as if he was holding back against the other zombie. Every time he got close enough to cause serious damage, he would pile on debuffs, but when there was still some distance between them, he would only delay, without delivering a killing blow.

“What is Fu Yanzhou thinking? What’s going on with this space-manipulating zombie?” Shen Cheng murmured to herself, puzzled and unsure.

Li Weilan was the only space-manipulating ability user they knew of.

According to the information they had gathered, Li Weilan’s blood had the potential to become a key ingredient in the ‘Dawn light’ ability-enhancing serum, likely due to his close contact with a meteorite and his space manipulation ability.

But how could there be a space-manipulating zombie among the horde?

This definitely wasn’t normal!

Li Weilan kept his eyes locked on their fight, watching every move intently. After a long while, he sighed deeply.

The zombie used teleportation once again, this time appearing right next to Fu Yanzhou.

Perhaps sensing the growing killing intent or realizing that the probing had gone on long enough, Fu Yanzhou raised his hand to strike the zombie’s face. The moment his hand made contact, something unexpected happened: the space-manipulating zombie split perfectly down the middle, right in front of him, its body cracking open into two halves. Dark blood gushed out a moment later, splattering everywhere.

Fu Yanzhou wiped the blood off his face, his handsome features remaining expressionless as he coldly stared at the corpse on the ground. After a long pause, a roar suddenly erupted from deep within his chest.

All the surrounding zombies slowly knelt down in submission.

Fu Yanzhou extracted the crystal nucleus from the zombie—it was a pale blue, multi-faceted crystal, covered in blood and grime.

Spatial-type crystal nuclei are a unique shade of blue, but in Fu Yanzhou’s hands, the crystal’s color grew increasingly dim, and its size steadily shrank. Eventually, it was completely absorbed into his hand, crumbling into dust that was blown away by the wind.

“He can actually absorb a spatial-type crystal nucleus!” Shen Cheng observed this clearly, even from a distance, seeing the crystal being gradually absorbed by Fu Yanzhou.

It’s rare for zombies to kill one another, and it’s even more uncommon for them to freely absorb each other’s ability-related crystal nuclei. This is a well-known fact among all survivors. But now, watching Fu Yanzhou absorb the spatial-type crystal nucleus, both Shen Cheng and Li Weilan felt a deep unease: something unprecedented had changed within Fu Yanzhou.

Fu Yanzhou’s eyes remained cold and distant, filled with a chilling, almost pathological detachment.

He didn’t seem to care that the crystal nucleus came from a zombie filled with viruses and filth, as if the cleanliness and purity he once valued had completely vanished.

However, Li Weilan noticed something significant: when Fu Yanzhou absorbed the crystal nucleus, the blood and grime covering it were completely wiped away by his abilities, leaving the crystal looking pristine and brilliant.

This attention to ‘cleanliness’ showed that the old Fu Yanzhou, with his penchant for purity, hadn’t entirely disappeared.

Li Weilan quietly followed in Fu Yanzhou’s footsteps.

**

Fu Yanzhou suddenly turned around.

There’s a resonance between the auras of powerful beings, and he could sense this presence. If he wasn’t sure before, the gruesome scene of splitting the zombie and the ease with which it was done confirmed his suspicions about who was following him.

This time, both Shen Cheng and Li Weilan heard his voice: “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Fu Yanzhou,” Li Weilan spoke up, his voice steady, “How much of your consciousness is still intact?”

Fu Yanzhou slowly raised his gaze.

His eyes flickered between black and silver, his facial muscles stiff, yet he managed a faint, somewhat strained smile: “At least, I still remember you, Mr. Li.”

The sense of discord was growing stronger. Li Weilan moved slightly closer, but Fu Yanzhou instantly increased the distance between them. Despite this, Li Weilan noticed something clearly—Fu Yanzhou’s face had a slight tremor. “Your energy is leaking? You can’t control your abilities anymore? What’s happening?”

Recalling how Fu Yanzhou absorbed the crystal nucleus from the other zombie, Li Weilan’s thoughts raced: “What exactly are you and Xia Jinshi planning? Are you intentionally provoking other high-level zombies to engage in combat? That way, you can openly select the crystal nuclei you want?”

Fu Yanzhou’s voice was hoarse, cracked, “It has nothing to do with them.”

His tone showed resistance.

Shen Cheng deeply regretted not having taken Fu Yanzhou out of the research facility when she had the chance. Now, Fu Yanzhou’s energy seemed to be in a constant flux, his health bar fluctuating between yellow and red, indicating that he was struggling to control his chaotic thoughts.

“Fu Yanzhou,” Li Weilan called out again, but before he could finish speaking, Fu Yanzhou’s gaze turned completely cold.

He stared intently at Li Weilan, tilting his head slightly: “Do not interfere.”

His voice was stiff, as if speaking with human vocal cords was already unfamiliar to him: “We will disappear from here, forever. The world will return to peace—this is what you want too, isn’t it?”

Fu Yanzhou’s gaze remained fixed on Li Weilan, with a determination that bordered on obsession.

In those icy eyes, Li Weilan saw a burning resolve, as if it emanated from the very depths of his soul.

No matter what Fu Yanzhou’s exact thoughts were, the only thing that was certain was that what he was saying now represented his true feelings.

He believed that Xia Jinshi’s plan could end the zombie crisis in this world.

On the surface, it seemed like a good thing.

But was it really that simple?

If this plan was as flawless as it appeared, why did Fu Yanzhou carry such a heavy sense of self-destruction, constantly needing to reassure himself that what he desired, sacrificed, and endured was worth it?

Maybe he had been brainwashed by Xia Jinshi?

Li Weilan suddenly realized something: the recent tasks from the game app, the gradual increase in zombie vaccine research progress, his own abilities, and the energy surges during his conflicts with Fu Yanzhou—all these clues pointed to the same conclusion. Yes, this was the only explanation for why the game wanted them to stop Fu Yanzhou!

Spatial manipulation was the critical issue!

Feeling the intense pressure emanating from Fu Yanzhou, Li Weilan glanced around and suddenly asked a question: “The nuclear bomb… it’s meant to kill you, isn’t it?”

Fu Yanzhou didn’t respond, merely tightening his stance, readying himself for battle.

Li Weilan murmured to himself, “I should have realized this earlier.”

Shen Cheng, watching this unfold, still didn’t fully grasp what they were hinting at.

Had Li Weilan figured it out?

What should they have realized sooner?

Whatever Fu Yanzhou and Xia Jinshi were planning, if their goal was to thwart it, the best course of action would be to knock Fu Yanzhou out and take him away. The zombie horde was gathered because of Fu Yanzhou’s influence, and while handling them might be difficult, it was certainly easier than chasing down every zombie across the world.

On the flip side, they could simply subdue him, drag him back to the research institute, tie him up, and figure things out later. Shen Cheng was kicking herself for not doing this earlier when they had the chance at the research institute. Now, they were dealing with a zombie king who had an ability that was almost a game-breaking bug. Fu Yanzhou seemed increasingly out of control, rebellious like a child. Shen Cheng thought that with a brat like this, the best approach was to beat him, tie him up, and then teach him the right way.

Just as she was about to shout “Li Weilan,” intending to have him fight Fu Yanzhou, the game screen suddenly flickered and went black!

What was going on? Did the phone just die?

She shook the phone, but no matter what she tried, the screen remained black. Even after restarting the game several times, it stayed black.

Shen Cheng was furious!

She had been thinking about switching to co-op mode and fighting alongside Li Weilan, but now the game had just pulled the plug? What was the meaning of this?

In the game, feeling Shen Cheng’s presence suddenly vanish, Li Weilan’s eyes flickered.

He abruptly confronted Fu Yanzhou, demanding, “Are you trying to open the gate to another world?”

The nuclear bomb might kill, but the massive shockwave and the interaction with the existing powers could indeed open a gateway to another world.

This is the only logical explanation that fits the statement “we will disappear from this world.”

It’s the only way to make the zombies completely vanish from this world.

The nuclear bomb would kill many of the powered zombies, but if they were no longer in this world, they wouldn’t have any influence here anymore.

Xia Jinshi chose a seaport area, where time and the ocean would gradually wash away the nuclear radiation. As time passes, this place would become a thriving port again, while the zombies, under Fu Yanzhou’s leadership, would move on to another realm.

Fu Yanzhou’s cold gaze landed on Li Weilan’s face.

Li Weilan instantly teleported away, dodging the spot where Fu Yanzhou’s attack would have landed. He could feel the sticky, web-like energy trying to ensnare him, and he was certain—this time, Fu Yanzhou truly intended to kill him.

And he was ready to strike.

“Traitor, die!” Fu Yanzhou growled from deep within his throat.

At that moment, the light in his eyes was completely gone.

He would never allow a plan, for which so much had been sacrificed, to be ruined at the final moment.

To be destroyed by someone else.

Li Weilan teleported several times to evade Fu Yanzhou’s attacks, his mind swirling in confusion: for this world, it did seem like a good plan.

But which world would they be opening the door to?

Li Weilan vaguely began to grasp the truth.

Did their own world also go through such a struggle?

“Fu Yanzhou!” Li Weilan’s gaze shifted from confusion to resolve. He thought of those few days in Shen Cheng’s world, the immense damage that zombies had brought to their world, and the momentary doubt and chaos in his heart suddenly vanished.

A shortcut.

If the shortcut is down such a dark path, then there’s no need for it, nor for that kind of glory.

At that moment, Shen Cheng’s phone screen lit up.

Her eyes brightened, and she saw Li Weilan and Fu Yanzhou dodging and fighting each other. It seemed like Li Weilan was not much of a match for the multi-powered zombie king.

Fu Yanzhou’s energy was chaotic, but his fighting style didn’t need to consider energy consumption. Even as the energy became more turbulent, he didn’t care.

Shen Cheng’s task updated:

[Understand the truth about the nuclear bomb (Completed). Vaccine research progress 10%]

[Main Task 3: Stop Xia Jinshi and Fu Yanzhou’s plan (Countdown: 24:00:00). Task reward: Vaccine research progress 20%]

Shen Cheng still didn’t fully understand what the truth was!

At this moment, Shen Cheng opened the shop, and the items in the shop displayed the following:

[Main Task 1 & 2 Reward: You can freely obtain one weapon, one piece of equipment, and one…]

“???” In the past, the most expensive weapons and armor in the shop were marked with prices in the hundreds of thousands. Shen Cheng had always hoped to get some good items from weapon rewards, and even if she sold some assets, she could barely consider herself a small cash-rich player. But now, they’re directly offering free items?

A final mission, and the game is even giving out weapons and equipment? Are they really that worried about us failing the mission?

Shen Cheng couldn’t believe it. She faintly sensed something was off, as if, to this game system, the success of the final mission mattered more than it did to them.

Shen Cheng’s eyes twinkled with suspicion: When has there ever been such a thing as a free lunch? If it looks like a good deal, it’s probably a trap!

Instead of rushing to choose the most expensive equipment by sorting by price, she first told Li Weilan about this: “Lan Lan, this main mission is to stop Fu Yanzhou and Xia Jinshi, and the game is letting us choose one piece of equipment for free. What do you think?” She dragged out her words, with a hint of cunning in her tone.

The meaning was clear: Should we try to negotiate with the shop?

Since the game seems so eager for them to complete the mission, just getting weapons and equipment doesn’t seem like enough. Some revival potions or similar items wouldn’t be too much to ask!

Xia Jinshi had probably planned this ‘final plan’ for a long time, and since the game was asking them to stop Xia Jinshi, with the timing so critical, Shen Cheng naturally wanted Lan Lan to get the best possible supplies.

Li Weilan narrowed his eyes.

After thinking for a moment, he suddenly said, “I know you can hear us.”

“Listen.” He repeated, his voice slowing down, “I want to see.”

Shen Cheng didn’t know who Li Weilan was talking to, but after repeating it twice, a new notification suddenly popped up in the game interface:

[Do you want to materialize: Li Weilan? Remaining time: 10:00:00. Please note: Due to time constraints, materialization may lead to final mission failure. The host is advised to choose carefully.]

Choose carefully?

Shen Cheng’s eyes lingered on the warning message for a moment, but she didn’t hesitate for long.

Li Weilan had already chosen to ‘materialize,’ and Shen Cheng, hearing the conversation earlier, realized that the app really was accommodating their needs. Without further hesitation, she clicked confirm.

As soon as she clicked the ‘confirm’ button, a magical scene unfolded. Light dots slowly gathered on the screen, and a well-built, handsome man gradually took shape on the screen. Then, through the phone screen, the man winked playfully at her and smiled as he extended his hand, saying, “Cheng Cheng…”

Shen Cheng couldn’t believe her eyes as she looked at the man now on the screen.

But she hadn’t forgotten that this time, it wasn’t as simple as it seemed!

There were still choices to be made!

This time…

A small, faint dimple appeared at the corner of Li Weilan’s mouth.

He gently embraced her, holding her close as if she were something precious, and finally, in that moment of feeling her realness, he felt the warmth return to his heart. The reality returned, and his life no longer felt like a controlled joke.

For a brief moment, when he realized what he and his world truly were to this “game,” Li Weilan had a fleeting doubt—wondering if he was living in a virtual world of zeros and ones.

There was even a moment when he questioned whether all their efforts were just a joke.

But then, he saw her.

No matter what the game was, no matter what the app was, at least she was real. Holding her at that moment, he finally felt a long-lost sense of peace.

At least, to him, this wasn’t a joke.

He had found his anchor in this world.

His world might be in chaos, but where she was, that would always be the safest home.

“Cheng Cheng,” he called her name softly, almost like a whisper.

Shen Cheng felt him nuzzling close, filled with such fondness and attachment, and she couldn’t help but ask softly, “Lan Lan, your emotions seem a bit off.”

Before she could finish her question, Li Weilan leaned in and kissed her.

In that instant, countless stars seemed to dance before her eyes. Shen Cheng forgot what she had originally wanted to ask and closed her eyes: His kiss was unusually passionate, but amidst the warmth of the embrace, there was a sense of longing conveyed, as if he was drawing energy, like she was his entire world.

His breath was hot and warm, gradually growing heavier, and his reaction clearly showed that for him, this carried a deep meaning, making it almost impossible for him to control his breathing.

Shen Cheng didn’t push him away. This warmth and gentle obedience soothed his restless emotions. After a moment of exploration, Li Weilan sighed deeply, surrounded by the gentle fragrance that Shen Cheng carried, which seemed to warm his entire world now that he was in this world.

“Cheng Cheng, I miss you so much.” His voice was lower than usual, and it was only then that Shen Cheng realized her face had turned red. From her current angle, she could clearly see Li Weilan’s long, lowered eyelashes and the focused gaze in his eyes as he looked at her.

She felt a bit uneasy.

They were too close.

This proximity, this sense of invading her space, made her whole body feel like it was slowly burning, and she didn’t even realize how hot she was becoming.

But this was her boyfriend, after all.

He was her cub that she had raised step by step, and now, the only one in her life who belonged to her.

His significance to her was like air; once she realized her life was void without him, it was already impossible to separate.

In truth, she didn’t want to be apart.

“Lan Lan,” Shen Cheng leaned in and kissed the corner of his mouth—still feeling a bit shy, even such a simple gesture made her blush slightly. “I just feel like something’s off with your emotions.”

Sharp as always.

Li Weilan thought this to himself but didn’t dare share all his previous speculations with her. The app had arranged for a disconnect at that moment precisely because it knew her personality and didn’t want her to fall into a spiral of worry and anxiety.

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

Li Weilan’s first question was simple. He asked the very thin boy, “What’s your name?”

The boy remained silent for a moment. It wasn’t because the question was difficult, but rather because it was too simple, too easy to answer. He was all too aware of the value of the food offered to him in this world, which made him hesitate.

Li Weilan and Shen Cheng both heard his response: “Li Yexing.” He said his full name, then added sadly, “It’s been a long time since anyone called me that.”

Li Weilan looked at the zombie, which now stood stiffly with its arms hanging at its sides, and noticed a faint resemblance between its decaying features and the boy’s.

Although Li Weilan hadn’t asked, the boy seemed sensitive to the scrutinizing gaze and coldly said, “You want to ask about our relationship, don’t you?”

“?” Li Weilan thought to himself, ‘So it is as I suspected.’ Before he could say anything, Li Yexing sharply continued, “Yes, it’s my dad, but not my real dad. My real dad died long ago.”

From the few brief statements, Li Weilan quickly grasped the tragic story behind them. In this chaotic post-apocalyptic world, although the boy didn’t seem to be ten years old yet, he had likely experienced more life-and-death separations than most adults had before the apocalypse.

When the boy mentioned his ‘dad,’ his tone was harsh and cold, devoid of any warmth, clearly indicating that their relationship had become strained.

For a child like him, being precocious was normal. If he were still innocent and naive, he wouldn’t have survived this long.

Li Weilan nodded and didn’t take the boy’s sharp tone as an insult. He understood that, for the boy, this zombie likely meant more to him than any living person. In that sense, Li Weilan’s scrutiny was indeed a kind of offense: “For someone who is willing to share their food with you and values it so much, they are indeed worthy of being called ‘dad.’”

Li Yexing’s expression darkened slightly, and he said quietly, “Too bad I never called him that while he was alive. Now, no matter how many times I call him, it’s too late.” His voice carried a hint of tears.

Then, he quickly put on a tough front and glared at Li Weilan, his tone turning hostile again: “Don’t get all chummy with me. What does my relationship with him have to do with you? If you want to ask something, ask, and then leave us alone.”

Li Weilan’s first few questions were meant to establish a baseline for questioning: the first question was the boy’s name, and the second was about his relationship with the zombie. Judging by the boy’s quick responses and facial expressions, it was clear that he rarely interacted with others and didn’t seem like the type to lie.

Only then did Li Weilan ask his main question: “What message were those birds delivering earlier?”

The boy gestured to the zombie and then turned to Li Weilan, saying, “We all have to gather. They say it’s to witness…” He paused before continuing after confirming with the zombie, “the battle of kings.”

“???” The battle of kings?

Recalling that the current zombie king should be Fu Yanzhou, both Shen Cheng and Li Weilan felt their hearts sink: this confirmed that Fu Yanzhou’s situation was dire!

“What does this battle involve?” Li Weilan asked further.

The boy conversed with the zombie in their own way before shaking his head: “It didn’t say. That’s all it knows. But the new king says we won’t go hungry.”

When the boy mentioned the words ‘won’t go hungry,’ he sighed deeply: “Without food, we have to rely on abilities to help us hunt. The zombies care a lot about not being hungry, but it seems like the others are okay with it.”

Since Fu Yanzhou became the king, the human casualty rate had plummeted. For humans, this was a good thing, but for the other zombies, it meant they had nothing to eat. How could they be okay with their deteriorating living conditions?

A ‘ding’ sound came from Shen Cheng’s phone, showing the completion of the task: 【Main Quest 1: Investigate the Reason for the Zombie Horde’s Stability (Completed) – Reward: Zombie Vaccine Research Progress 10%】

Shen Cheng checked the vaccine’s research progress: it had now reached 70%.

Main Quest 2 then popped up:

【Main Quest 2: Investigate the Truth Behind the Nuclear Bomb – Reward: Zombie Vaccine Research Progress 10%】

Once this task was completed, the vaccine’s research progress would reach 80%. Excited, Shen Cheng shared this with Li Weilan, who nodded and looked at the boy and the zombie, his voice warm, “You two should avoid this mess. Leave while you still can.”

The boy, however, scoffed and said, “Leave? Where could we possibly go?”

The zombie let out a low growl from its throat, perhaps agitated by the word ‘leave.’ Li Yexing patted its decayed hand, managing to calm it down with difficulty. He said, “With a group like ours, if others see us, it’s either kill or take what we have. We have nowhere to go.”

Li Weilan and Shen Cheng both fell silent.

Where could this child and zombie go?

When humans see a zombie, they either kill it if they can or find a way to kill it later. If this child insists on protecting the zombie, they will eventually be treated as an enemy. There’s no way they could go to a human settlement and reintegrate into society.

In some ways, even if they returned to a human settlement, this child, who clearly has no abilities, might actually be safer living among zombies.

Since this zombie has a way to mask the child’s scent and they have enough food and water, everything else becomes less of a problem. Zombies generally don’t turn on their own kind; they rarely kill each other.

From this perspective, the child was right—they have nowhere else to go.

Li Yexing looked at Li Weilan’s silence but didn’t say anything mocking this time.

He started gathering up the scattered food. Unsure of how to carry everything, Li Weilan approached him and softly said, “If you trust me, I can store it separately and give you a little each day.”

Li Yexing hesitated for a long time, looking at Li Weilan and then down at the food on the ground, carefully weighing his options. Realizing he couldn’t carry it all by himself, he finally nodded slowly, “Then… I’ll trust you this time.”

Li Weilan waved his hand and stored some of the food in his space, leaving only a packet of milk candy, which he handed to Li Yexing.

Li Yexing unwrapped the candy.

It was sweet.

The sweetness of the milk candy seeped in, as comforting as a childhood dream.

He opened his eyes and smiled sweetly at the zombie with the expressionless, corpse-spotted face that was emitting guttural noises from its throat. “Let’s go,” he said.

Li Weilan and Shen Cheng both felt a heavy weight on their hearts.

If they could still think of the other world as just a game, it might be easier, but knowing it was a real world, and that Li Yexing and the zombie’s situation wasn’t just a side quest in a game, it took Shen Cheng a while to recover her emotions. “When the vaccine is developed, do you think these zombies will regain their sanity?”

“They will,” Li Weilan reassured her.

What he didn’t say was that there were two possible outcomes: one where the virus is completely eradicated, resulting in the extinction of zombies while humans gain immunity; and another where the vaccine works as Shen Cheng hopes, restoring the zombies’ sanity.

But the more likely scenario was the first one.

Even if the zombies regained their sanity, how many of them could cope with the realization that they might have consumed other humans, possibly even their own loved ones? For those whose lives were already shattered, perhaps death would be the best release.

Shen Cheng didn’t dwell on it. Watching Li Weilan follow the pair as they walked ahead, she couldn’t help but ask, “The second phase of the quest is about the ‘nuclear bomb.’ Should we head back?”

“Yes,” Li Weilan nodded, “This mission is clearly part of a series. The first phase involved the unusual behavior of the zombie horde, and the second phase is about the nuclear bomb. If there’s a third phase, it’s likely to involve stopping the launch, destroying the bomb, or altering the impact and effects of the bomb. The first phase led us here, and it’s almost certain that the next major event will be the battle between the zombie kings. I’m sure something significant will happen during that battle.”

Shen Cheng thought carefully and said, “I trust your judgment, Lanlan.”

After analyzing everything, Li Weilan managed to suppress the anxiety in his heart.

His greatest worry was that something drastic might happen in her world, causing things to escalate quickly while they were separated by an immeasurable distance, making it impossible for him to provide help in time.

Even when he heard the boy mention his relationship with the zombie, Li Weilan felt a pang of concern. But this time, no matter how much he hoped, there were no signs of another ‘modern-day visit’ to her world.

He had a deep realization that this time, he might not be able to return to her world until everything here was resolved.

“Cheng Cheng, I really miss you,” he finally murmured softly, lowering his gaze, and when he said this, there was a devout sincerity in his expression, as if he were earnestly praying to all the gods.

In response, he felt a warm touch.

Shen Cheng’s fingers pressed gently against his hand, and then he heard her voice, “Lanlan, it seems like nothing major is happening here right now. Just take it one step at a time, and don’t worry.”

The zombie monkey outbreak had indeed been alarming, but the swift response from the northern country had been effective, with captured ones being quickly executed and incinerated, all under close observation.

Shen Cheng knew that this might not entirely stop the situation from developing further, but for now, it seemed that the immediate spread had been cut off. Based on Li Weilan’s world’s experience, cross-species transmission would only occur if there were bloodborne contact.

She missed her boyfriend terribly too.

But she wanted to see him focused on saving the world, saving her, without being distracted by concerns for her safety while he battled other zombies.

She carefully counted off her preparations: “I’ve stocked up on food, stored plenty of bottled water, installed security doors and windows, bought a generator in case of power outages, built a wall around the house, purchased defense equipment, and I’m running every day to stay fit. So don’t worry, even if things get really bad, I can hold out for a good while!”

“Of course I trust you,” Li Weilan said, genuinely reassured by all the preparations she described, his eyes softening with a faint smile.

**

After the zombie horde trekked for more than six hours, they finally arrived at their destination.

It was a valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and now densely packed with zombies. The closer to the center a zombie was, the higher its status and rank seemed to be, with those in the middle appearing more intelligent and lively.

And the moment Li Weilan looked at the center, he saw someone locked in a standoff—Fu Yanzhou.

His skin had that cold tone unique to zombies, his gaze was direct, but his features still faintly resembled his former self.

Shen Cheng remembered seeing his half-zombie state before. At that time, he had already been injected with the zombie virus and had drunk the spiritual spring water, leaving him in a state of muddled agony. Now, his entire being was brimming with energy, and the moment she caught a glimpse of his eyes, her own stamina bar felt depleted.

Even standing on the outskirts, Li Weilan could feel the oppressive aura emanating from Fu Yanzhou.

It was a kind of formidable pressure, unique to high-level ability users, almost tangible in its intensity.

This pressure didn’t just affect Li Weilan; it made the other zombies in the area behave more cautiously, as if moving through a quagmire.

The zombie with the child, however, quietly found a secluded spot and curled up with the child, clearly not intending to draw attention by running away. The moment Li Weilan saw Fu Yanzhou, Fu Yanzhou’s gaze lazily fell on him as well.

Fu Yanzhou’s gaze lingered on Li Weilan’s face for a moment before moving away.

Shen Cheng asked nervously, “Do you think he recognized you?” Although Li Weilan’s face looked the same, his aura…

“Maybe,” Li Weilan replied. But what Fu Yanzhou was thinking now was anyone’s guess.

After all, Fu Yanzhou was the only zombie with a semblance of sanity in the world, and his thoughts were uncharted territory with no precedent to follow.

Shen Cheng checked the time: Li Weilan didn’t have much time left in his disguise.

After all, it was a 24-hour limit, and fatigue was starting to set in. While he had been forcing himself to stay awake, the unpredictability of Fu Yanzhou’s intentions suddenly dispelled any drowsiness he felt.

He had to be alert for whatever might come next.

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

Xie Zheng’s sudden official announcement caused a great stir both online and among the elite circles.

While fans on the internet were heartbroken that their idol had been taken, those in high society felt immense pressure about the alliance between New World Technology and Dongsheng Pharmaceutical.

From the moment Dongsheng Pharmaceutical made a name for itself, it was expected that the two companies would have a good relationship, given that Fang Ziyang and Tang Xun were close brothers. Mutual support was only logical.

But mutual support and a marriage alliance were two different concepts!

Especially with the marriage of the major shareholders of the two companies, it was akin to an indirect merger. The combined strength of the two wasn’t just one plus one equals two; it was much more significant.

Moreover, there was something that the general public hadn’t noticed.

Rick and Tang Xun also went to get their marriage certificates. While they were relatively low-key, insiders knew what their marriage represented, making the news even more shocking.

Rick was from the James family, a name that carried significant financial and networking weight even if he wasn’t on the best terms with his family.

Xie Zheng and Rick were close friends, and Tang Xun and Fang Ziyang were brothers. This union was nothing short of a perfect alliance.

The prospects of both companies were already evident, and their combination promised unimaginable future achievements.

Especially for other companies in the same industry, the pressure was instantly overwhelming.

Regardless of what people thought, the matter was settled. After Xie Zheng’s announcement, Fang Ziyang also posted their marriage certificate photo on his Weibo. The official Weibo accounts of both companies followed suit with congratulatory posts.

Around this time, the government also finally released the list of participants for the International Science and Technology Competition.

–

“Oh my god, Fang Ziyang is a member of the official team for the tech competition!”

After months of promotional efforts by various countries, everyone had a basic understanding of what the International Science and Technology Competition was, especially the younger generation, who knew well what it represented.

Simply put, it was like another form of the Olympics, but focused on technology.

Knowing the importance of this competition, people were astounded to see Fang Ziyang on the list.

After all, the public wasn’t very familiar with Fang Ziyang’s true capabilities. To the average person, aside from his background, his standout qualities were his academic performance and good looks, with no significant contributions to the field of science and technology.

Unsurprisingly, as soon as the list was announced, discussions shifted from Fang Ziyang’s marriage to the legitimacy of his spot on the team.

“Fang Ziyang is indeed outstanding, but isn’t it inappropriate for him to participate in the tech competition?”

“The other team members have all won various awards in the tech field and have made notable contributions. I’ve never heard of Fang Ziyang being involved in tech; isn’t he still a university student?”

“I trust the authorities wouldn’t falsify credentials. I’m just really curious—what kind of surprises will Fang Ziyang bring us?”

“Stop speculating and go check out the latest Weibo posts from Jin Yu, Zhao Kairui, Yuan Zuoting… All the team members are speaking up for Fang Ziyang. The videos look pretty genuine—Fang Ziyang is amazing!”

While netizens speculated, the competition team members quickly voiced their support for Fang Ziyang, affirming his capabilities.

He hadn’t spent the past year in the base for nothing.

Tech enthusiasts are typically quite straightforward, though they might harbor some minor schemes. They naturally admire strength. When faced with someone slightly better than themselves, they might feel jealous, but when faced with someone vastly superior, all they feel is admiration and respect.

Even Jin Yu, who wouldn’t admit it out loud, secretly admired Fang Ziyang.

They were a team. Questioning Fang Ziyang’s ability indirectly questioned their own competence and integrity.

Moreover, if their own people had no confidence in them, they would start the competition with half their morale already lost.

Morale and the support of the home front were also crucial for victory.

Thus, without needing a reminder from the authorities, the team members spontaneously began voicing their support online.

While the general public might not know the full story, seeing the unanimous support from the team members made it clear that Fang Ziyang’s inclusion wasn’t a fluke, reducing much of the skepticism.

After all, this was an important competition. The authorities wouldn’t be so careless, right?

Moreover, as Tang Xun’s younger brother, Fang Ziyang surely had some serious skills, even if he hadn’t showcased them before.

With the officials unlikely to act recklessly in such a public manner, it was best for ordinary folks not to worry needlessly. Things that they could think of surely had already been considered by the officials.

…

While there was a lot of buzz due to various news, Fang Ziyang wasn’t concerned. The officials and the company’s public relations team would handle everything. If minor issues like these required their personal attention, what was the point of paying the employees so much?

Besides, their schedule was tight, and they didn’t have the luxury to worry about other matters.

After posting the announcement on Weibo, Fang Ziyang and the others quickly returned to their small estate.

Given the limited time, the wedding ceremony would have to wait until after the tech competition, but they still planned to have a meal with close family and friends before then.

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Moreover, Fang Ziyang still looked very young. Although he was already 20, he still appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen. It really did seem like their idol was robbing the cradle!

Therefore, when Xie Zheng came out of the Civil Affairs Bureau after receiving the marriage certificate and was reminded by Secretary Li to check the online buzz… he was a bit displeased.

Although he was indeed ten years older than his little lover, isn’t there a saying that love knows no boundaries in height and age? These people who call him their idol were now saying he was robbing the cradle—how disloyal!

Thus, without even going home, Xie Zheng eagerly looked at his little lover beside him, pointing to his own face, “Honey, I want a kiss.”

Fang Ziyang laughed, “What for?”

“To post on Weibo. They can’t guess you’re my partner and are saying I’m robbing the cradle.”

Xie Zheng said, looking serious and aggrieved.

Fang Ziyang’s eyes sparkled with laughter. He satisfied his man’s wish, leaning in for a kiss on the lips, not just the cheek, while his hands wrapped around Xie Zheng’s neck to show his initiative and passion.

Xie Zheng, having perfected the art of selfies, effortlessly captured the perfect angle without even looking, snapping a beautifully romantic photo.

Then.

He posted on Weibo: “Just got our marriage certificate, and my wife couldn’t wait to kiss me. So clingy. [Kissing photo] [Marriage certificate photo]”

As soon as this Weibo post went live, it confirmed everything officially.

The onlooking netizens exploded as if boiling water had been poured into hot oil, flooding the comments section,

“Ahhhh, is this an official announcement??!!”

“Oh my god, it really is Fang Ziyang. I was suspicious but didn’t dare believe it, never expected this!”

“Idol, are you really robbing the cradle? Don’t you feel guilty going after your friend’s younger brother?”

“Doesn’t seem guilty at all. ‘Wife,’ ‘kiss me’… Is this really my idol talking? Did someone possess him?”

“Although it’s hard to believe… don’t you think Fang Ziyang matches our idol quite well?”

“Not just quite well, very well! Can’t believe we never noticed how well their auras match. Even through the screen and photo, I can feel the love between them.”

“Fang Ziyang is so enthusiastic and proactive. Look at his eyes crinkling with happiness…”

“And our idol looks so tender and warm.”

“I can feel the happiness radiating from them. What do I do? I used to think no one was good enough for our idol, but now I’m eating my words.”

“I think I’m turning from a solo fan to a CP fan. They’re so sweet…”

The internet exploded, and fans screamed.

If it were the old Fang Ziyang, Xie Zheng’s announcement wouldn’t have been met with such positive comments.

In the past, Fang Ziyang, apart from being good-looking, didn’t have many redeeming qualities. Even though he was rich, his wealth wasn’t particularly impressive within the elite circles. How could he possibly match up to someone as outstanding as Xie Zheng in terms of family background, capability, and appearance?

But now it was different.

Even without the official announcement of his participation in the International Science and Technology Competition, just his titles as the top scorer in the college entrance exam, Tang Xun’s younger brother, and a young director of Dongsheng Pharmaceutical were enough to silence those picky netizens.

Especially with Fang Ziyang’s strong aura, his confidence and pride were as dazzling as a little sun.

Young, attractive, with a good background and excellent achievements… when listed out, there really weren’t any points to argue against him being a good match for their idol.

Most importantly, in Xie Zheng’s Weibo photo, the happiness and love in their eyes as they kissed were so heartwarming that no one wanted to spoil it.

While the netizens were emotional, the majority were offering blessings and praise.

The envious and critical voices couldn’t make much of an impact.

Besides, Xie Zheng didn’t rely on fans for his livelihood. His marriage to Tang Xun’s brother only solidified the relationship between the two shareholders of New World Technology, which was excellent news for the company.

Fang Ziyang’s Dongsheng Pharmaceutical was a gold mine. Their marriage indicated that New World Technology would have a strong financial backer in the future, better than any business alliance.

While the general public hadn’t thought of this yet, the elite circles quickly realized it, causing a stir.

This wasn’t just a union of love; it was a powerful alliance!

Even employees at New World Technology were in disbelief.

Company executives flooded the WeChat group, seeking confirmation from Xie Zheng about the boss’s marriage.

Executives: Boss, wasn’t our boss’s wife supposed to be a delicate little flower?

Xie Zheng posted a photo… a picture of his wife’s delicate and dainty feet.

Executives: Boss, do you really think it’s appropriate to share pictures of your wife’s feet everywhere?

Xie Zheng posted another photo… of his wife snuggling in his arms like a lamb.

Executives: Boss, isn’t robbing the cradle a bit too much?

Xie Zheng flaunted another photo… of his wife passionately kissing him.

Xie Zheng: Can you feel my wife’s love for me now?

Executives: …

Boss, you’re breaking character again, you know?

xxx

Sandy: feet pic? Seriously?

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When a serious man decides to be flirtatious, it’s truly impressive.

Going to the bank to open a safety deposit box just to store things… only Xie Zheng, with his reserved nature, could think of that!

According to Secretary Li, this wasn’t even the first time he had done such a thing.

Fang Ziyang suddenly realized his husband was… really quite adorable.

Unable to hold back his laughter, Fang Ziyang glanced at the stoically composed Xie Zheng, then leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek before getting into the car with a heart full of happiness and anticipation.

He was about to get married, and he felt a little nervous.

The driver started the car, heading towards the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Although today wasn’t a particularly significant date, it was the weekend, so there were quite a few couples at the Civil Affairs Bureau to get their marriage certificates.

There were no special privileges for anyone at the Civil Affairs Bureau; everyone had to line up. Thus, Fang Ziyang’s group naturally had to queue as well.

But they didn’t mind at all. They appreciated the solemn and sacred feeling of it all, the joy of being recognized and blessed by everyone.

However, apart from Rick, who wasn’t well-known, the other three had all appeared on TV and the internet. Despite not having been in the public eye for over a year, many people quickly recognized them, especially Xie Zheng, whose face often graced finance magazines and news outlets.

As soon as they joined the queue, they drew numerous astonished and delighted glances.

If they weren’t lining up at the Civil Affairs Bureau for marriage certificates, people would have swarmed around them for photos and autographs! Their status was far more compelling than any celebrity!

Although people couldn’t ask for photos or autographs, they could still snap candid shots to post on social media.

…

Just a few minutes after Fang Ziyang and his group arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau, someone posted online: “Guess who I saw while getting my marriage certificate with my hubby today? [Attached Photo]”

Then…

A whirlwind of comments, shares, and discussions ensued.

“Holy crap, that looks like Xie Zheng!”

“The one in the white shirt looks like Tang Xun!”

“I don’t know the blonde guy next to Tang Xun, but he’s so handsome and has such a great aura! Could he be Tang Xun’s rumored boyfriend?”

“Is the one next to Xie Zheng Fang Ziyang?”

“This is the Civil Affairs Bureau, so are they… getting married?”

“No way, my idol is getting married? This can’t be true, I must be dreaming!”

“Where am I? What am I doing? My idol is getting married???”

“I don’t believe it. This must be photoshopped!”

After recognizing who was in the photo, everyone was stunned by the implications.

Xie Zheng getting married? How could that be? There hadn’t been any previous news about this!

While it was apparent that Tang Xun might also be getting married, no one was too surprised because rumors about Tang Xun having a boyfriend had been around for a while, so people were somewhat prepared.

But Xie Zheng was different.

To the public, Xie Zheng was an unattainable figure, a high and aloof flower that no one could pick. People had resigned themselves to the idea that he might remain single forever.

Counting all the potential partners, they couldn’t find anyone who matched Xie Zheng’s aura.

So, even though it’s a bit selfish, they thought it would be better if their idol remained forever unattainable. No ordinary person was worthy of him!

But now, what was happening? Xie Zheng was actually getting married, and the news was so sudden!

Within an hour, the news of Xie Zheng’s impending marriage exploded on Weibo.

Countless netizens and fans flocked to Xie Zheng’s Weibo, seeking answers.

“Is it true, idol? Are you really getting married?”

“Who’s the lucky one marrying you? I need to know who won over my idol!”

“From the photo, it looks like a genuine smile, not a business marriage, right…?”

“I’ve never seen our idol smile like that before. He looks completely smitten…”

“So, who is the one marrying our idol? We’re eagerly waiting for the news.”

Though their reactions were intense, the fans on Weibo were relatively calm. After all, Xie Zheng wasn’t a celebrity, and his followers were there voluntarily. Unlike many celebrities who lose followers when they announce relationships, Xie Zheng’s fans were just curious about who could have captured his heart.

While they were crying and pleading for him not to marry, they were genuinely curious about who had managed to win over their aloof idol.

Judging by the smile on his face in the photo, it was clearly a love match, not a business arrangement.

Of course, people did speculate about who Xie Zheng’s partner might be from the photo.

But those guesses were quickly dismissed.

Firstly, it couldn’t be Tang Xun, who was known to have a boyfriend and wouldn’t be marrying Xie Zheng.

The blond, blue-eyed foreigner next to Tang Xun didn’t fit either, as their auras both suggested they were dominant personalities, making it unlikely for them to be together.

As for Fang Ziyang…

People dismissed that idea immediately. Thanks to Xie Zheng’s well-crafted image of being a protective friend and brother, no one suspected anything more.

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