Neet life in the apocalypse

Neet life in the apocalypse

The leaves had finished changing colors and were now falling down in waves, splashing the floor with reds, oranges, and auburn yellows. It had been a month since Rose became a part of their entourage. At first, everyone was awkward around it. Rose was also extremely introverted, only clinging onto Wang Cheng.

Every morning, Song Yu could see Rose sit outside the porch steps, waiting patiently to be let in by Wang Cheng. Now, it had integrated well into the base.

Rose turned out to be extremely talented in the harvesting and the planting of winter vegetables. His long and sharp-thorned vines easily turned the soil and planted a row faster than anyone else. Song Yu did not take him for granted and was able to prepare a nice sun bed for him to soak up pure soil. Rose seemed to like that, and when he was on break, he would just sunbathe naked in the backyard.

Wang Cheng took to helping Rose learn more about humans and how to interact with them. From learning to write, to watching educational channels, the rose seemed completely content and happy. It was like the mole-eating rose monster was just a thing of the past.

There was still a shadow of doubt and awareness of Rose, but it was better to have it as an ally than an opponent. Lan Zhou even took it upon himself to show Rose how to strategize and use his vines to maximize its effectiveness.

Song Yu became even more of a salted fish, as more and more chores were taken from him. Everyone was both content and happy with everything. What Song Yu was most worried about, was that he still hadn’t told the rest that he was the pure ability user.

He didn’t mean to keep it for this long, but with the debacle of Rose and the planting for winter, he kept pushing the thought aside, procrastinating by himself and knowing he hadn’t come up with the courage to confess.

It wasn’t until he was under Lan Zhou, grinding his hips upwards that he had the resolve to tell everyone. Panting with pleasure, he lightly kicked Lan Zhou after their lovemaking session and downed a bottle of water, his mood still lust crazed, but otherwise sober.

Lan Zhou could sense Song Yu’s hesitance and immediately thought of Article #13 of Cos*o Issue—How to pacify your lover.

Sometimes, silence was better.

Song Yu rubbed his head next to Lan Zhou’s and sighed out pitifully, “Its time I tell everyone right?”

Lan Zhou just kept holding him. To fill the silence, Song Yu thought aloud.

“If I tell everyone, do you think things will change? I like how we are now. I like the fact that everyone treats me well, and works hard to make this place a home…but…” Song Yu turned to peck Lan Zhou’s lips,

“I know it will come out sooner or later…and I want to help Xiao Zi in making a cure or vaccine.”

Lan Zhou nodded and kissed Song Yu’s forehead delicately. His eyes were filled with so much love and gentleness, Song Yu’s previous somber mood lightened.

“There is pressure in not having pressure or a deadline. If I say that it’s all up to you, you will be even more confused and anxious. I want you to tell everyone. I want you to proudly come out of your shell and show the world that you exist. You are no longer the tired Paradise Base Leader anymore. You don’t have to bow down to anyone anymore.”

Lan Zhou’s sweet deep voice echoed in Song Yu’s ears, nursing his wounded heart.

“You are completely…and utterly free.”

You are free, so be free with me.

The next day, they were going to check the new winter sprouts before laying the tarps to keep the soil regulated. Song Yu checked to see if there were any zombified plants, and was quite pleased that the seeds they collected were still viable.

Lu Jingxiu and Rose were on the outskirts, watering the next batch. Rose stared unblinkingly as his plant friends grew up. Song Yu thought it was quite cute that a plant was taking care of other plants, but then thought of Squinty and Derpy who herded the other animals.

Eventually, the day ended with everything being meticulously cared for. Song Yu dragged Lan Zhou to take a shower before going downstairs for a meal. Wu Ding and Yu Ci were responsible for dinner tonight. Wu Ding who had been a bartender, a server and even a patisserie, was quite adept in the kitchen. Yu Ci was just a brooding helper, who handed things to Wu Ding when needed.

Tonight’s food was a fusion feast of different countries. Wu Ding liked to mix and match with different aesthetics. One dish from Country M was sweet, sour and spicy, while in the western countries of Country W and K, there was only tender meat sprinkled with sauce. Wu Ding didn’t want to make beef brisket because of sanitation reasons, but instead, BBQ’d pork strips, dripping with oil and fat.

Wu Ding was assured by Song Yu that they could eat more meat. Song Yu’s stockpile from 2 years ago had depleted significantly since the arrival of everyone, but there were already a few calved bulls and heifers that would grow up into good moving meat.

Some of the original cows, pigs, goats and sheep were still living and breeding, with the exception of one or two that Song Yu had to kill because it was contaminated with the zombie virus, while a few were killed to feed the animals during winter last year.

They would kill a cow and a goat in the next coming days to make sustenance for winter.

Song Yu and Lan Zhou were graced with a table filled with sumptuous food. Song Yu’s stomach growled as he stared at the crispy pork skin, pork fat and fresh vegetables to make into wraps. ON the side was kimchi, red sauce and spicy oil.

Next to that was a hot plate of stir-fried vegetables reminiscent of D Country’s cuisine, filled with flakes of chili. Each seat had a staple of light yellowish rice, that puffed out steam from its bowl. Song Yu wanted to thank the heavens. Wu Ding was just placing a cold soup on the side, when everyone barreled in and took their seats.

Song Yu, at the head always took the first bite.

Clinks of glasses of smooth wine ( which Song Yu will have to make sooner or later), and the sound of forks and spoons scraping the plates, everyone talked to everyone about interesting things and facts.

Song Yu listened carefully to everyone’s conversation, seeing their happy expressions. There wasn’t many arguments, usually small tiffs that rectified easily. Everyone surprisingly was on the same page in terms of this home.

Lu Jingxiu grumbled that he still hasn’t gone on a dating outing with Xiao Zi and was looking forward to 2 weeks of just themselves. Song Yu gladly took the reins of the conversation and detailed some interesting sights he saw outside of the path.

Wu Ding and Wang Cheng were discussing a bit about the plants they would need for winter, while Xiao Zi talked with Rose about some of the interesting things he found in his blood. Rose seemingly understood, but pressed himself a little bit closer to Wang Cheng.

Yu Ci and Lan Zhou talked more about the generator and how they would be able to power the entire house with the solar panels during the winter months. They seemed to be quite concerned about winter, because it was getting colder too fast for comfort.

Song Yu’s eyes passed by Lan Zhou’s and the feeling of content overcame him. This was the time.

Song Yu did not clink his glass with a utensil like in the movies. It was just him standing up and smiling brightly. Lan Zhou coughed a little to get everyone’s attention, making the conversation dwindle down a bit.

Song Yu brought up his wine glass, his voice light with happiness.

“Thank you everyone for today’s work. We will continue to monitor the vegetables until the next month before harvesting them, but for now the big work is finished!” Everyone cheered happily. Song Yu continued,

“We will get two rest days as well!”

“Open bar tonight!”

“I’m the pure ability user!”

Wang Cheng cheered happily, ready for the next happy cheer. Dancing happily in his chair, he looked to see everyone’s eyes glued to Song Yu. The information he just heard was hard to seep through his brain, but it came eventually.

Everyone open mouthed stared at Song Yu who was still smiling brilliantly. Song Yu held nothing back. Heart pumping wildly, he could only show his ability.

Unlike the times where his bright blue aura surfaced for his spatial blade, a soft swirl of shimmering blue emanated out of Song Yu. Song Yu opened his space to the widest it could, absorbing the surroundings in his aura.

Like a deity sent from the heavens, Song Yu glowed like a brilliant star, shining with it brightness, captivating everything in its sight. Song Yu took a flower from the table’s centerpiece, its leaves and petals drooping. He clasped it in his palm, making it disappear in his space before opening his palms open.

Everyone stared in rapture as the once dead flower, shone brightly before transforming back into its original state. The droopy flower was vibrant again. Even more so than before, a small blue aura shimmering in its petals making it even more gorgeous.

“Hello everyone, I am the pure ability user from B Base. I was reborn three months before the apocalypse and have lived in this paradise for two years. Thank you for taking care of me all of this time.”

Neet life in the apocalypse

This chapter may be deleted in the near future or stand as a warning.

It has come to my attention that some sites, mainly:

have NOT asked to use my work in their sites. I know in this vague world of the internet, getting books is a dime a dozen. But picture this. I do NOT get ANY money for writing this. I don’t get ad money, no sponsors, no deals, nada from writing on scribble hub. I humbly put this story out there for people to read. For enjoyment.

But I do not condone stealing.

You might be thinking, «translations bring more traction to a work.» It does when the author willingly lets people do it. But if I have to find out that my story is out in the world through a mere google search and see someone else’s name and people who do not even know that the author wrote it primarily in English, then there is a problem.

Translations almost never get the ‘okay’ from authors about translating their novels, because usually, they don’t get any monetary value besides site ads. If they had just asked, I might have said yes or no. That is within my jurisdiction since this is MY story. MY writing, and the thought of every single word that comes out of these chapter.

Especially https://tl.rulate.ru/book/60958. I have put by Bocchan13 in every chapter I have. In their translations, it has mysteriously disappeared. I wonder why.

I will continue to write, but I do expect apologies from these people. I will contact them separately and privately, but do note that I have worked hard to bring this book into the world, with nothing to gain but the enjoyment of writing. Remember the authors that write your books. I like reading the comments on my chapters, but it is not worth the sadness I felt when I saw these sites using my novel and getting money off of my hard earned words.

That’s right stand up and make it plain. STEALING is wrong g.

I want to report it and it does not let me this bothers me since you try hard and it takes the credits 😠😠😠😠😠😠😠

Om gosh. feel sorry for author-san. Don’t sad . We will be with you.. We’re gonna stand by ur side.

I’m glad you’ll still be writing. I’ve fallen in love with this story and can’t wait to see where you take us next. Thank you for all of your hard work and I’m so sorry to see that others are trying to profit off of your creativity and hard work.

https://tl.rulate.ru/book/60958 is acting like they are the one that write it and taking credit for it, i hate ppl like that The site is saying Access is denied
To enter the translation of NEET life in the Apocalypse, you need to receive an invitation from the owner (Hildegard) or moderators.

Don’t worry author-san, were by your side we gonna fight with words and hopefully they do stop stealing your works

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa that’s ducking terrible omg

Готовый перевод [BL] NEET life in the Apocalypse / [BL] Ни-ни жизнь в Апокалипсисе: Глава 17

На своей большой вилле Сон Ю спрыгнул с беговой дорожки и тяжело вздохнул. Прошел месяц после падения метеорита. Как он и обещалось, записи появились на телевидении. Он не знал, к каким результатам привели его действия, но если они спасли хотя бы одну жизнь, то все не зря.

Он устало прикоснулся к волосам, покрытым испариной, и осмотрел свое тело в зеркале с ног до головы. Ничто не сравнится с молодостью. Его похожая на доску фигура теперь выглядела подтянутой и стройной. Хотя он все еще был худым, можно было увидеть рельеф и силу мышц.

Это было хорошо и для него, так как тренировало его способности. На Райской базе он делал это раз в год, затем дважды в год. К моменту смерти он очищал воду раз в неделю. Это изнуряло его тело, и он обычно впадал в кому.

Жизнь на базе была как в тумане. Чрезмерно используя свои силы, пытаясь делегировать задачи и в целом пытаясь поддерживать базу в режиме выживания, он делал все, что мог.

Но теперь, когда он освободился, его духовные силы вышли из берегов. Словно и не было той жизни, давившей его каменной плитой, поток его духовного пространства стал чище, прозрачнее и в целом легче. Он знал, что озеро будет оставаться чистым еще долгое время.

Сон Ю пошел мыться, он был слишком липким от пота. Запрыгнув в ванную, он рассмеялся, глядя, как от пара запотевает все вокруг. Ахххх! Он будет принимать горячий душ до конца своих дней!

После душа Сон Ю полез в шкаф и достал оттуда охотничье снаряжение. Да. Он уже давно готовился к вылазке.

Он признался, что черпал вдохновение из M**tal Komb*t, поэтому многие из его «вдохновленных» охотничьих одежд были похожи как по внешнему виду, так и по функциональности. Он осмотрел себя в зеркале и полюбовался своим стройным телом в доспехах.

Аххх. Если бы только рядом был горячий красавчик, чтобы мог любоваться мной вот так!

В его духовном пространстве были вода и закуски, а также спальный мешок для тех случаев, когда он дремал в машине. Его целью был западный регион, где были местные деревни. Основное место для тренировок. Зомби было не так много, и они были достаточно разбросаны, чтобы не напрягать его.

Сон Ю был немного взволнован. Это была ужасная мысль, но ему было слишком душно сидеть дома последние две недели, а поездка куда-нибудь раззадоривала его жажду странствий. Он вышел из комнаты и встретился взглядом с Косоглазым.

Заметить превращение животных было очень легко. У зомби были молочно-белые глаза, бледная кожа, а их кровь имела фиолетово-зеленоватый оттенок. Дойная корова загнала и съела поросенка, перекусив бедного малыша. Сон Ю зарезал его на месте и сжег останки. Он убрал загон, убедившись, что животные не слизали кровь зомби.

Проверив это, он потратил два дня на пересадку овощей.

Овощи-зомби были ярких цветов, таких как красный и фуксия, иногда выделяли дразнящие запахи и были склонны корчиться под поверхностью почвы, как личинки. Он также сжигал их, следя за тем, чтобы корни не проникли в окружающие саженцы.

Дерпи и Косоглазый не превратились в зомби, и, возможно, через несколько недель у них проявятся способности.

«Я ухожу на ночь, позаботьтесь за меня о животных, хорошо?» Косоглазый радостно залаял и начал нарезать круги вокруг Сон Ю. Тот взъерошил шерстку щенка и отправился в гараж.

Он купил внедорожник у военных, но кое-что изменил, например, шины и двери. Двери были одновременно и другом, и врагом. Двери, особенно на машинах, было трудно открыть, спасаясь от зомби, а если открыть дверь во время езды, то зомби может вырвать ее с корнем, тогда машина становится бесполезной с точки зрения защиты.

Поэтому он сделал раздвижные двери, которые открывались при нажатии на кнопку. Конечно, кнопка находилась у него под рукой, поэтому даже во время вождения он мог безопасно открывать и закрывать дверь. Механизм открытия и закрытия можно было настроить на определенную скорость, и даже если зомби пытались вырвать дверь, титановый пресс продолжал закрывать дверь, разрубая мертвую плоть.

Сон Ю радостно улыбнулся, садясь в машину. Машина глянцево-корчневого цвета, незаметного в темноте и уместного днем; он завел двигатель и выехал из своего комплекса. Он взял с собой датчик, который обнаруживал движение по периметру, если зомби добирались до него. Он был готов.

Он нажал на кнопку, открыв ворота. Убедившись, что ничего страшного не произошло, он молча выехал, наблюдая, как ворота бесшумно закрываются за ним. Он вздохнул с облегчением и уехал.

Путь на запад был долгим. Ему пришлось ехать очень далеко, чтобы всего несколько часов поубивать зомби, спать, а потом возвращаться, но это была мера предосторожности, которую он должен был соблюдать. Он нажал на кнопку радио и увеличил громкость, услышав резкие отклики, после чего раздался низкий радиосигнал.

Сон Ю не стал обращать внимания на радио и вместо этого выбрал несколько песен из своего телефона через шнур. Он подпевал песням и наблюдал, как лес сменяется горами и равнинами.

Несколько раз он останавливался, чтобы сходить в туалет, и продолжал свой веселый путь. На картах было несколько небольших деревень, расположенных поблизости. Ближайшая деревня находилась в 8 с лишним часах езды от его базы. Он намеревался очистить эту территорию и создать для себя более широкую безопасную зону.

Восемь часов езды утомили Сон Ю, поэтому он съехал с дороги и достал свой спальный мешок. Судя по датчику движения на экране, зомби были еще далеко, двадцатиминутного сна будет достаточно. Он припарковался за деревом в теньке.

Сон Ю закрыл глаза и погрузился в легкий сон. Его разум все еще бодрствовал, а духовное чувство было в состоянии повышенной готовности. Когда 20 минут истекли, Сон Ю размял шею и размял затекшие мышцы, после чего продолжил путь.

Сон Ю знал, что в деревне много стариков и детей. Он ждал целый месяц; все, кто еще был жив, должны были сбежать. По крайней мере, он на это надеялся. Он не хотел тратить время на спасение людей. Сон Ю молча припарковался у деревни. Он проверил экран и подсчитал, что в непосредственной близости от него находится всего дюжина человек. Отлично.

Зомби сейчас были еще медлительны.

Он вышел из машины и сразу же успокоил дыхание. Его сердцебиение замедлилось, а тело вернулось в зону концентрации. Глаза сфокусированы, разум ясен. Его руки не дрожали, но были целенаправленны, когда он достал свой маленький кинжал. Его глаза медленно обежали окружающую обстановку.

Затем он заметил зомби.

Это была пожилая женщина; ее сгорбленная спина была разорвана, залитая фиолетовой кровью и с зеленоватыми костями. Ее кожа была обвисшей и отваливалась от плоти. Ее ноги ходили рывками, а руки были такими, которые Сон Ю помнил.

Сон Ю почувствовал рвотный позыв. Увидев ее снова. он почувствовал, как спокойствие исчезло, а руки задрожали. Он с трудом поднялся и побежал обратно в машину. Дыхание перестало быть спокойным, он задыхался, будто его душили.

Он вспотел насквозь и уткнулся головой в руль.

Его кожа все еще леденела от страха, когда воспоминание о том, что его съедят заживо, вернулось. Он не хотел быть съеденным. Он не хотел умирать.

Он не хотел умирать!

Он услышал легкое поскребывание по бокам машины. Сон Ю замер, повернулся и увидел нового зомби, который давил своими почерневшими ногтями на поверхность тонированного стекла.

Neet life in the apocalypse

After living in the zombie apocalypse for more than 20 years, Song Yu is once again dragged back to the very beginning. As a once leader of a small base, getting tricked by his comrades and dying in a pit of zombies, Song Yu just wants to live a normal life in the apocalypse away from people in general.
So when he comes back to three months prior to the apocalypse, he sells his home, says sayonara to his tricky family and leaves to the lush forests, hundreds of miles away from civilization, buying all of the necessities to living a stable home.
That is until one day, several people move next door with a mysterious air around them who want to get to know Song Yu.
The group of people consists of 5 people, all ranging in abilities, who end up living in this wonderland, not wanting to leave.
Song Yu: I just want a stable life!! Get out of my yard!
Everyone else: Boss! Let us stay, we will garden for you!

Updates every Friday JST (maybe some in between hehe)
Please buy me a coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/bocchan132

To anyone who wants to translate my series: Please get my permission at: [email protected] Thank You very much.

Готовый перевод [BL] NEET life in the Apocalypse / [BL] Ни-ни жизнь в Апокалипсисе: Глава 1

Жара стояла невыносимая. Сон Ю открыл глаза и уставился на вентилятор, нагнетавший горячий воздух в маленькую комнату. Он растерянно моргнул и медленно встал. Убедившись, что двигается бесшумно, он внимательно осмотрелся. Его нервные окончания были в состоянии повышенной готовности ко всему, даже сердце слегка билось с тишиной в унисон.

Странно. Все выглядело знакомым. Кровать, на которой он спал, выглядела нетронутой. Простыни на ней были не фабричные уродливо-жёлто-серые, а ароматные и взбитые. Пахло солнцем и лавандой. Сон Ю был всё еще озадачен, он навострил уши, чтобы услышать, нет ли опасности, но единственным звуком в комнате было жужжание вентилятора.

Внезапное чувство ностальгии нахлынуло на него, когда он рассматривал потрёпанный стол, книги по фермерству, ботанике и сельскому хозяйству. Те самые предметы, которые он изучал в университете. Руки его задрожали, когда он открыл страницы одной из книг и увидел свои хаотичные записи, разбросанные по полям. Сердце сжалось, в ушах зазвенело, ему показалось, что его сейчас вырвет.

Он взглянул на руки: не было привычных шрамов и мозолей, кожа была гладкая, ровная, с тонкими венами. Он коснулся своего лица. Оно больше не было обветренным от времени и лишений, но было пухлым и нежным. Он кинулся через всю маленькую квартирку к зеркалу и уставился на себя.

Он вернулся. Вернулся! Его глаза в зеркале расширились, пока он ощупывал свое худое тело. Казалось, он вернулся в самое начало. Во времена, когда он был полным энергии и жизни юнцом, заканчивающим университет.

Он неловко взял свой телефон с прикроватной тумбочки, будто пальцы отвыкли от этого движения. Открыв экран, он прочитал: Воскресенье, 13 марта ХХХХ

Сон Ю разразился хохотом, и ему потребовалось все его самообладание, чтобы вскинуть руки вверх и воскликнуть «Аллилуйя!» Таких бурных эмоций он не испытывал уже давно!

Не сдерживая своего счастья, он бросился на кровать и стал кататься по простыням. О, блаженство! Пушистая подушка! Пружинистая кровать! Электричество! Он бросился на поиски кондиционера и включил его на полную мощность! Раньше он страдал от жары из-за расходов на кондиционер, но сейчас он праздновал! Агрегат натужно пожужжал после простоя, но вскоре из вентиляторов хлынул холодный воздух. Сон Ю с радостью залез под них и почувствовал странный запах, но ему было все равно! Это был кондиционер!

Вдруг слезы затуманили его зрение, и Сон Ю дал волю рыданиям. У него заложило нос от волны эмоций, захлестнувших его. Облегчение от того, что он вернулся. Счастье, что он все еще жив. Он плакал под кондиционером, холодный ветерок касался его влажного лица. Сон Ю плакал, смеясь, плакал, улыбаясь.

Он. действительно вернулся к началу.

13 июня ХХХХ года наступит конец света. В тот день небольшой метеор упал с неба, принеся с собой ужасный вирус. У людей вблизи зоны падения вскоре начали проявляться симптомы вялости, голода и жара. Зной, вызванный глобальным потеплением, стал выгребной ямой для вирусной инфекции, которая процветала в этой жаре. Падение метеорита сделало жару нестерпимой. И люди начали умирать. Уже через 3 дня вирус распространился в воздухе, из-за чего небо стало темно-красным.

И вдруг те, кто погиб от зноя, начали возвращаться к жизни. Но они уже не были собой, а стали плотоядными монстрами.

Зомби нападали небольшими волнами, уничтожая все на своем пути. Число смертей росло, правительство стало бесполезным в первый же месяц. А Сон Ю, студент университета, делал всё возможное, чтобы выжить.

Вначале Сон Ю был таким же, как и все остальные, изо всех сил старался укрыться от ужасных монстров. Его семья из трёх человек боролась за выживание. Он боролся с монстрами, помогал младшей сестре и матери, добывал провизию. Начавшийся хаос был неописуем. Несмотря на то, что зомби разгуливали на свободе, Сон Ю пугали именно люди. Междоусобицы, обман, убийства. и все это ради пачки крекеров.

Люди, с которыми они столкнулись, были похожи на голодных волков, делающих все ради выживания, даже если для этого приходилось топтать других. Не смотря ни на что, Сон Ю и его семья нашли убежище на базе «Б», на юге города. В первые три месяца Сон Ю выходил за пределы базы в качестве мусорщика, приносил припасы, получая некоторый «доход» от правительства.

Но внезапно у людей стали проявляться странные способности, это стало шоком и неожиданностью. Вирус, превративший людей в зомби, заразил и живых. Он изменил их, дав им огромную силу. Будто бы Бог бросил камень.

Он рассказал матери о своих опасениях, и она, будучи прагматиком, сказала, что все будет хорошо. Но буквально на следующий день родственники сдали его. База «Б» была одной из первых баз, куда привозили выживших, там концентрировали много вещей, припасов и прочего. Именно на базе «Б» находилась научно-исследовательская группа, прибывшая с места падения метеорита.

Когда начали появляться способности, это стало и благословением и одновременно проклятием. Ученые развернули исследования, пытаясь понять, почему люди смогли получить эти способности, в какой степени они могли их контролировать и как использовать их для борьбы с зомби. Сон Ю стал важным обладателем космических способностей. К нему относились с особым вниманием, а его семья получила полный склад еды.

Но вскоре с ним начали делать ужасные вещи. Исследователи приковали его к кровати и вскрыли. Они взяли его кровь, плоть, вскрыли его мозг. Они проводили испытания в суровых и опасных условиях, помещали зомби в его пространство, чтобы выяснить, «очищает» ли его способность заражённых от вируса. Если бы Сон Ю все еще был человеком, он бы умер.

Они не убивали его, но убийство было бы лучше пыток.

Сон Ю старался изо всех сил, пытаясь вернуть общество к привычному укладу. Создавались заводы, открывались магазины, была организована борьба с преступностью и создана собственная ассоциация лидеров. Двадцать лет безостановочной работы. Несмотря ни на что, он стремился к миру, полному спокойствия и счастья.

В один момент все это пошло прахом. Он не подозревал, что был лишь рабочей лошадкой, просто рабом, проливающим свою кровь, пот и слезы ради создания базы выживших. К сожалению, людей рано или поздно охватывает жадность. Не прошло и нескольких часов после его 45-го дня рождения, как группа верных друзей выманила его с вечеринки, схватила и бросила в яму с зомби.

Он все еще чувствовал, как его плоть разрывают на части. Он видел их оскалившиеся пасти, черные зубы, сочащиеся вирусом, вонзающиеся в его кожу. Он помнил, как легко это происходило. Плоть медленно сдиралась с его костей. Кровь пропитывала одежду, наполняла его рот, заставляя захлёбываться. И боль. ужасная боль.

Последнее, что увидел Сон Ю, были те самые товарищи, которые бежали вместе с ним. те, кто был рядом с ним 20 лет… их холодные, горькие глаза…Они просто смотрели, как его тело разрывают на куски.

Когда его вены будто наполнились ледяной водой, ему оставалось только клясть небеса. А потом он очнулся за 23 года до своей смерти. За 3 месяца до апокалипсиса. Вернулся в то время, когда всё началось.

Наконец, слёзы прекратились. В голове появилась решимость. Он больше не пойдет по этому пути. Он не может снова довериться людям.

Нельзя до конца узнать человека, и даже Сон Ю так и не смог понять, почему его друзья так поступили с ним. Видимо он стал бесполезен, да и мир уже был обеспечен. На первый план вышла политика и борьба за власть.

Сон Ю вытер слезы и нахмурился. У него было еще 3 месяца, чтобы всё исправить. Но сначала он должен был поесть. На часах было только десять утра, и Сон Ю открыл окна и посмотрел на оживлённую улицу, по которой шли люди. Небо было голубым, пели птицы. Он сразу же оделся, почувствовав запах стирального порошка.

О! Запах! Привыкший к запаху пыли и крови, он вдыхал этот мягкий аромат, который щекотал его чувства. Мелочи. Именно этих мелочей ему так не хватало. Он достал бумажник и проверил, сколько у него денег, прежде чем спускаться.

На торговых улицах он мог только смотреть туда-сюда, и, глядя на людей, чувство удушья возвращалось снова. Даже когда он восстановил мир, люди апокалипсиса не были такими, как сейчас. Беззаботными. Смеющимися. Счастливыми.

Люди в апокалипсисе вскоре превратились в прагматичных пользователей способностей. Слабые и сильные. Они стали более жёсткими, более бдительными. Они никому не доверяли. Ими руководил хаос беззакония. Так что наблюдать за тем, как мать смотрит на срок годности мяса, или за тем, как тётушки весело торгуются с продавцами, было очень забавно. Даже за пьяницами, набившимися в круглосуточные бары.

Все это было действительно чудесно.

Сон Ю сжал кулаки. Он не мог спасти этих людей. В своей прошлой жизни он спас сотни тысяч, убивая себя каждый день в течение 20 лет. и все ради того, чтобы просто умереть. Даже если бы Сон Ю снова захотел всех спасти, забыв о себе, то не смог бы вернуться в то время. Не смог бы сделать это снова. Достаточно. Он строил империю 20 лет.

Он уже сделал всё, что мог. И теперь он собирался жить для себя.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 21—Level 6 zombie

Song Yu did a little sashay and dance before retrieving his arrows, making sure to ‘double tap’ so that the zombies were for sure dead. The pit wasn’t far, so Song Yu dragged all three zombies and saw that there were at least five other zombies in the pit already, all looking like children huddled in the naughty corner.

Perceiving human life, they started groaning, reaching their nasty claws from the pit. Song Yu didn’t spare them a glance and just threw the three zombies inside. The zombies rushed to feed, but seeing the decayed corpse, they ignored the bodies and reached for Song Yu again.

Song Yu went around the surrounding areas and killed off another two zombies before setting fire to the pit. A small dab of oil, a match, and some good ole wind, Song Yu watched as the very flammable zombies burst into flames. He could hear the roaring sounds and didn’t pay it any mind. Cleaning the dagger, he holstered it back on his thigh and got on Derpy to the next location.

Their journey was a repetition between killing, resting, finding shelter, and sleeping. It was one week into it when Song Yu felt something was off…The area was too quiet. They had it made it northward from their base, which was where the most populated area for zombies were. It was close to the cities in A Country as well as the hottest.

Last month, he had topped his overall score with almost 700 zombies in the north, so he was thinking that there weren’t going to be any more. Derpy also sensed the astringent air and flicked his ears, trying to hear any approaching threats.

Song Yu rode Derpy to another open field, with high overgrown weeds. Song Yu’s senses tingled as he heard the zombie groans. A LOT of them. At the same time. Before he could blink, he saw a giant blue fireball erupt from the location where the sounds were, he heard squealing tires, loud shouting…and gunfire.

Song Yu shrunk back into the trees, keeping Derpy hidden. His heart pounded in his chest erratically.

Song Yu did not want to see them.

“Fuck! Wang Cheng! Eight o’clock!” The three jeeps swerved right as a Level 6 zombie roared intensely, its voice echoing, causing the other zombies to go into a frenzy. There were over 100 zombies following their car, the hoard running crazily like they were drugged with steroids.

Wang Cheng drifted his jeep, hitting several zombies in the crossfire, stretching his hand to the walkie talkie.

“Old Lan! The ammo is gone! They bit through the trunk!”

Lan Zhou was on top of one of the jeeps, his light eyes piercing with coldness. He threw small blue fireballs into the zombie hoard, causing some to light up and inflict fire on others. But this Level 6 zombie was smart. It instantly recalled it’s ‘troops’ and the remaining zombies herded away from the flames.

They had been journeying for almost a year, making their way to each and every base trying to find the pure ability user. Lan Zhou knew that something wasn’t right when two years ago they had set out to B Base and hadn’t found him.

They had spent 6 months in that base, interviewing civilians and officials alike. No dice. It was as if the pure ability user never existed. They spent another six months in the Army Base and set out a year ago. They had made it all the way to A Country, their supplies depleting.

They wanted to at least search the southward region, but were subdued by the zombie hoard in front of them. 100 zombies weren’t a big deal. But 100 zombies controlled by a Level 6 zombie was a different matter.

This Level 6 had hidden too well, and by the time they realized it, they were already caught in its trap. Lan Zhou gritted his teeth as he exhausted his ability, sweat trailing down his cheeks. Several blue fireballs the size of golf balls flew from his hands, erupting into gigantic bombs upon contact.

They had reduced the numbers somewhat, but the jeeps were on the verge of collapse, and there were no buildings in sight. Lan Zhou saw that there was a forest after the prairie.

“Lose them in the trees!”

On cue, all three jeeps followed one another into a gap into the tree line, leaving dust trails. The Level 6 zombie hurriedly sounded another command, making the other zombies run in a frenzy.

Yu Ci was in the backseat, and couldn’t help but sigh in infuriation.

“We can’t use anymore ammo, let’s fight.”

Lu Jingxiu had ice abilities and was itching to use them. Lan Zhou had depleted his abilities after several hours and had no choice but to make the command.

“Yu Ci, let Wang Cheng brake and get out. You lead several to the east, and break down the trees. Lu Jingxiu, head back to the prairie. Don’t overexert yourself. Wang Cheng, take out the flash grenades and assist Yu Ci. Xiao Zi, I need you to heal when necessary!

Everyone heard the commands and followed.

Everyone split up, following their commander to a tee. Wang Cheng found a break in the trees and stopped the car, letting Yu Ci come out. Yu Ci wore an anti-zombie body suit and wasn’t afraid of getting hurt. His strength ability was quite high, so timbering trees was no problem. Several zombies came after him, but were deterred by the giant trees falling. Yu Ci punched several zombies, their heads exploding in a firework show of brains and skull fragments.

Wang Cheng took out the flash grenades and shot them whenever Yu Ci was in a tough spot. Taking out a cross bow, he started shooting any strays. Lu Jingxiu was alone in one car, so he veered to the right, circling back to the prairie. Opening the windows, he sprayed the ground in ice, causing the zombies to fall.

He laughed as they topped like dominoes. Forming several spears, he created a barrier of ice for his jeep and got on top, spraying oncoming zombies, aiming small needles straight through their heads.

Xiao Zi drove another jeep and sent heals to Lan Zhou, helping him regain from his tiredness. Lan Zhou protected the jeep and threw balls of fire left and right, igniting the zombies into dancing blue.

In an instant, they didn’t look helpless anymore, fighting in unison as various zombies bulldozed towards them. 70 zombies became 50, and 50 became 30, dwindling down like matches. Lan Zhou didn’t use fire anymore for fear of making a forest fire, so used fisticuffs to deal with the stragglers, while eyeing the Level 6 zombie.

Level 6 zombies were leaps more educated than level 5. Each level doubled in capabilities. So a level 4 could learn about strategy, level 5 could learn how to call groups, and level 6 could learn how to make soldiers. He had met a level 10 zombie, who was on the cusp of becoming a zombie king, and had killed it using almost 3,000 lives in sacrifice.

Lan Zhou carefully traced the zombie, but it was too smart, as it had 5 zombies trailing after him, being bodyguards. Yu Ci had also seen the Level 6 zombie, and fought his way over to it. They were burning out, even Xiao Zi was tired. They had spent the entire day fighting off the hoard.

“Wang Cheng, take Xiao Zi for recovery! Lu Jiangxi, follow me. We’re going in!”

Lan Zhou sprinted towards the Level 6 zombie, letting Lu Jiangxi take his flank and beat off the stragglers. In less than 2 minutes, they reached the group. Yu Ci went to protect Wang Cheng while Xiao Zi went into Wang Cheng’s space.

The Level 6 zombie glared at them and went on the offensive. Its muscles under the dry fresh contracted, as he slunk low to the floor, looking like a spider. The zombie looked freakish as its head rotated, its straggly hair making it look ugly and terror inducing. It jolted upwards and landed on the branches of the trees. It slipped left and right, using the boughs to travel.

It wanted to escape.

“Fuck, that’s terrifying.”

Lan Zhou nodded in agreement, and emitted a blue glow. A long, gorgeous sword made of blue flames appeared on his palm. The Level 6 zombie felt the lethality and scurried even faster, its body a blur. Lan Zhou ran up a tree and used the leverage to follow the zombie.

Lu Jingxiu followed on the ground, propelling the ice faster. The level 6 zombie felt the oncoming pursuit come even closer and raised his face to shout for more zombies. Lan Zhou took this chance to cut.

The sword didn’t have to touch flesh to hit. The swords swoosh created a large flame wave, cutting down the trees, igniting it in blue. The cut curved, making a surrounding circle of fire, trapping the zombie inside.

Готовый перевод [BL] NEET life in the Apocalypse / [BL] Ни-ни жизнь в Апокалипсисе: Глава 1

Жара стояла невыносимая. Сон Ю открыл глаза и уставился на вентилятор, нагнетавший горячий воздух в маленькую комнату. Он растерянно моргнул и медленно встал. Убедившись, что двигается бесшумно, он внимательно осмотрелся. Его нервные окончания были в состоянии повышенной готовности ко всему, даже сердце слегка билось с тишиной в унисон.

Странно. Все выглядело знакомым. Кровать, на которой он спал, выглядела нетронутой. Простыни на ней были не фабричные уродливо-жёлто-серые, а ароматные и взбитые. Пахло солнцем и лавандой. Сон Ю был всё еще озадачен, он навострил уши, чтобы услышать, нет ли опасности, но единственным звуком в комнате было жужжание вентилятора.

Внезапное чувство ностальгии нахлынуло на него, когда он рассматривал потрёпанный стол, книги по фермерству, ботанике и сельскому хозяйству. Те самые предметы, которые он изучал в университете. Руки его задрожали, когда он открыл страницы одной из книг и увидел свои хаотичные записи, разбросанные по полям. Сердце сжалось, в ушах зазвенело, ему показалось, что его сейчас вырвет.

Он взглянул на руки: не было привычных шрамов и мозолей, кожа была гладкая, ровная, с тонкими венами. Он коснулся своего лица. Оно больше не было обветренным от времени и лишений, но было пухлым и нежным. Он кинулся через всю маленькую квартирку к зеркалу и уставился на себя.

Он вернулся. Вернулся! Его глаза в зеркале расширились, пока он ощупывал свое худое тело. Казалось, он вернулся в самое начало. Во времена, когда он был полным энергии и жизни юнцом, заканчивающим университет.

Он неловко взял свой телефон с прикроватной тумбочки, будто пальцы отвыкли от этого движения. Открыв экран, он прочитал: Воскресенье, 13 марта ХХХХ

Сон Ю разразился хохотом, и ему потребовалось все его самообладание, чтобы вскинуть руки вверх и воскликнуть «Аллилуйя!» Таких бурных эмоций он не испытывал уже давно!

Не сдерживая своего счастья, он бросился на кровать и стал кататься по простыням. О, блаженство! Пушистая подушка! Пружинистая кровать! Электричество! Он бросился на поиски кондиционера и включил его на полную мощность! Раньше он страдал от жары из-за расходов на кондиционер, но сейчас он праздновал! Агрегат натужно пожужжал после простоя, но вскоре из вентиляторов хлынул холодный воздух. Сон Ю с радостью залез под них и почувствовал странный запах, но ему было все равно! Это был кондиционер!

Вдруг слезы затуманили его зрение, и Сон Ю дал волю рыданиям. У него заложило нос от волны эмоций, захлестнувших его. Облегчение от того, что он вернулся. Счастье, что он все еще жив. Он плакал под кондиционером, холодный ветерок касался его влажного лица. Сон Ю плакал, смеясь, плакал, улыбаясь.

Он. действительно вернулся к началу.

13 июня ХХХХ года наступит конец света. В тот день небольшой метеор упал с неба, принеся с собой ужасный вирус. У людей вблизи зоны падения вскоре начали проявляться симптомы вялости, голода и жара. Зной, вызванный глобальным потеплением, стал выгребной ямой для вирусной инфекции, которая процветала в этой жаре. Падение метеорита сделало жару нестерпимой. И люди начали умирать. Уже через 3 дня вирус распространился в воздухе, из-за чего небо стало темно-красным.

И вдруг те, кто погиб от зноя, начали возвращаться к жизни. Но они уже не были собой, а стали плотоядными монстрами.

Зомби нападали небольшими волнами, уничтожая все на своем пути. Число смертей росло, правительство стало бесполезным в первый же месяц. А Сон Ю, студент университета, делал всё возможное, чтобы выжить.

Вначале Сон Ю был таким же, как и все остальные, изо всех сил старался укрыться от ужасных монстров. Его семья из трёх человек боролась за выживание. Он боролся с монстрами, помогал младшей сестре и матери, добывал провизию. Начавшийся хаос был неописуем. Несмотря на то, что зомби разгуливали на свободе, Сон Ю пугали именно люди. Междоусобицы, обман, убийства. и все это ради пачки крекеров.

Люди, с которыми они столкнулись, были похожи на голодных волков, делающих все ради выживания, даже если для этого приходилось топтать других. Не смотря ни на что, Сон Ю и его семья нашли убежище на базе «Б», на юге города. В первые три месяца Сон Ю выходил за пределы базы в качестве мусорщика, приносил припасы, получая некоторый «доход» от правительства.

Но внезапно у людей стали проявляться странные способности, это стало шоком и неожиданностью. Вирус, превративший людей в зомби, заразил и живых. Он изменил их, дав им огромную силу. Будто бы Бог бросил камень.

Он рассказал матери о своих опасениях, и она, будучи прагматиком, сказала, что все будет хорошо. Но буквально на следующий день родственники сдали его. База «Б» была одной из первых баз, куда привозили выживших, там концентрировали много вещей, припасов и прочего. Именно на базе «Б» находилась научно-исследовательская группа, прибывшая с места падения метеорита.

Когда начали появляться способности, это стало и благословением и одновременно проклятием. Ученые развернули исследования, пытаясь понять, почему люди смогли получить эти способности, в какой степени они могли их контролировать и как использовать их для борьбы с зомби. Сон Ю стал важным обладателем космических способностей. К нему относились с особым вниманием, а его семья получила полный склад еды.

Но вскоре с ним начали делать ужасные вещи. Исследователи приковали его к кровати и вскрыли. Они взяли его кровь, плоть, вскрыли его мозг. Они проводили испытания в суровых и опасных условиях, помещали зомби в его пространство, чтобы выяснить, «очищает» ли его способность заражённых от вируса. Если бы Сон Ю все еще был человеком, он бы умер.

Они не убивали его, но убийство было бы лучше пыток.

Сон Ю старался изо всех сил, пытаясь вернуть общество к привычному укладу. Создавались заводы, открывались магазины, была организована борьба с преступностью и создана собственная ассоциация лидеров. Двадцать лет безостановочной работы. Несмотря ни на что, он стремился к миру, полному спокойствия и счастья.

В один момент все это пошло прахом. Он не подозревал, что был лишь рабочей лошадкой, просто рабом, проливающим свою кровь, пот и слезы ради создания базы выживших. К сожалению, людей рано или поздно охватывает жадность. Не прошло и нескольких часов после его 45-го дня рождения, как группа верных друзей выманила его с вечеринки, схватила и бросила в яму с зомби.

Он все еще чувствовал, как его плоть разрывают на части. Он видел их оскалившиеся пасти, черные зубы, сочащиеся вирусом, вонзающиеся в его кожу. Он помнил, как легко это происходило. Плоть медленно сдиралась с его костей. Кровь пропитывала одежду, наполняла его рот, заставляя захлёбываться. И боль. ужасная боль.

Последнее, что увидел Сон Ю, были те самые товарищи, которые бежали вместе с ним. те, кто был рядом с ним 20 лет… их холодные, горькие глаза…Они просто смотрели, как его тело разрывают на куски.

Когда его вены будто наполнились ледяной водой, ему оставалось только клясть небеса. А потом он очнулся за 23 года до своей смерти. За 3 месяца до апокалипсиса. Вернулся в то время, когда всё началось.

Наконец, слёзы прекратились. В голове появилась решимость. Он больше не пойдет по этому пути. Он не может снова довериться людям.

Нельзя до конца узнать человека, и даже Сон Ю так и не смог понять, почему его друзья так поступили с ним. Видимо он стал бесполезен, да и мир уже был обеспечен. На первый план вышла политика и борьба за власть.

Сон Ю вытер слезы и нахмурился. У него было еще 3 месяца, чтобы всё исправить. Но сначала он должен был поесть. На часах было только десять утра, и Сон Ю открыл окна и посмотрел на оживлённую улицу, по которой шли люди. Небо было голубым, пели птицы. Он сразу же оделся, почувствовав запах стирального порошка.

О! Запах! Привыкший к запаху пыли и крови, он вдыхал этот мягкий аромат, который щекотал его чувства. Мелочи. Именно этих мелочей ему так не хватало. Он достал бумажник и проверил, сколько у него денег, прежде чем спускаться.

На торговых улицах он мог только смотреть туда-сюда, и, глядя на людей, чувство удушья возвращалось снова. Даже когда он восстановил мир, люди апокалипсиса не были такими, как сейчас. Беззаботными. Смеющимися. Счастливыми.

Люди в апокалипсисе вскоре превратились в прагматичных пользователей способностей. Слабые и сильные. Они стали более жёсткими, более бдительными. Они никому не доверяли. Ими руководил хаос беззакония. Так что наблюдать за тем, как мать смотрит на срок годности мяса, или за тем, как тётушки весело торгуются с продавцами, было очень забавно. Даже за пьяницами, набившимися в круглосуточные бары.

Все это было действительно чудесно.

Сон Ю сжал кулаки. Он не мог спасти этих людей. В своей прошлой жизни он спас сотни тысяч, убивая себя каждый день в течение 20 лет. и все ради того, чтобы просто умереть. Даже если бы Сон Ю снова захотел всех спасти, забыв о себе, то не смог бы вернуться в то время. Не смог бы сделать это снова. Достаточно. Он строил империю 20 лет.

Он уже сделал всё, что мог. И теперь он собирался жить для себя.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Addendum: No more screen shots! Hahahahahahah!!

On the other side, Song Yu blew a raspberry at the ugly form Wang Cheng and Yu Ci had. They held their shovels and hoes awkwardly and didn’t know the correct postures for farming. He tsked.

“Your back is gonna get sore if you keep up that posture. Put more of your weight in your legs; use less of your waist and more of your core. You will get better results that way.”

Wang Cheng threw the shovel on the ground and cried out, “I’m so tired! How did you manage to do this field all by yourself. It’s criminal!”

Song Yu rolled his eyes and continued to watch as Yu Ci and Wang Cheng made a fool out of themselves. It had been only two days since they left the gym and into Song Yu’s mansion. Song Yu’s vigilance was still up, so he designated a time for them to stay in their quarters. They couldn’t leave their rooms at night, and during the day could only be in the common rooms.

Song Yu watched their reactions as they surveyed the villa. Although, they looked quite relieved and thankful, there was no sense of greed or slimy passive aggressiveness. Song Yu still didn’t want to chance it, so he had Squinty Eyes guarding the doors to the stockpiled basement. Several ducks also followed.

With the added security of the spirit stone in Song Yu’s pocket, the first day was…for a lack of a better word: awkward. Song Yu was mainly an introvert, with zero conversational skills.

He didn’t think that a group of grown men would adhere to his ‘teenage curfew’, but surprisingly, they all obliged. He didn’t know what was going on in their heads, but ultimately gave up. He separated everyone into different rooms, Xiao Zi and Lu Jingxiu taking one bedroom, and Wang Cheng and Yu Ci getting their own bedrooms opposite each other.

Song Yu didn’t have the backbone to let Lan Zhou stay in his room, so he brought him to the secondary master bedroom right next to his. Both rooms led to the veranda and could be accessed through it, so it wasn’t like he was trying to seduce him!

That night, he prepared some pork bone soup, grilled fish, and an assorted vegetable stir fry with sweet and sour pork. Everyone mouths were drooling in happiness at this array of food. They all looked like eager dogs, tails wagging behind.

When Song Yu gave them the okay, Wang Cheng and Yu Ci soared around the table, taking in the large amounts of food. Lu Jingxiu was slower, but his chopstick game was no joke, as he swooped in whenever the tornadoes left to pick the best pieces and placing them in Xiao Zi’s bowl. Xiao Zi looked at Song Yu in embarrassment.

“Excuse these idiots; we haven’t had a good meal in a while. You shouldn’t have made all of this, we still have some rations.”

Song Yu shook his head.

“It’s okay. This is what I usually eat anyways, just slightly bigger for you guys. If you want to repay me, then you can.”

“What can we do?” Xiao Zi’s and the rest of their eyes brightened. They felt extremely uncomfortable taking Song Yu’s things. He gave them nice rooms with fresh water, some clothes (albeit a bit small), and delicious food. They really wanted to repay Song Yu. Their most treasured thing was Lan Zhou’s spirit stone that could detonate an entire city.

After that, they had no value. With Lan Zhou out of commission, Song Yu would not throw them out, but they didn’t expect him to give them anything. Not because he wasn’t a good host, but because anyone wouldn’t give free handouts, especially in the apocalypse.

Song Yu was thinking what things these four people could do. Xiao Zi was awake, but his spiritual power had been hit hard. He could barely heal a cut let alone Lan Zhou’s injuries. But he could abate the fever that ravaged him.

He was responsible to stay close to Lan Zhou and nurse him.

Yu Ci, Wang Cheng and Lu Jingxiu all had good and strong figures. Their uniforms were a little dusty, but still alright to wear, but they needed breathable cloth to work in the sun. Song Yu could only use his small sewing machine and make them crude shirts, using the pattern of the ones he purchased before the apocalypse.

They would not fit into his frame, especially Yu Ci, whose figure was similar to ‘The R*ck’. So he spent the better part of the night cutting and sewing new shirts and trousers for them. Although it was hastily made, it would still bear the farming they would do outdoors.

Song Yu absentmindedly cursed himself.

If you hadn’t brought them in here, then you wouldn’t have to sew a shit ton of shirts. Serves you right!

Shut up me! They won’t be here forever. When Xiao Zi is fully healed and can heal Lan Zhou, they will leave. They’re searching for their own home, not mine.

You really think they won’t want to stay? It’s crazy to think they will want to leave, even for a second. Once you taste the good life, you’re as good as gone.

Well, they have no choice but to leave! Lan Zhou will probably not put me in that position…he will leave if I tell him to.

Song Yu argued with himself all through the night, pitching his ears out to hear if anyone had left their rooms. The rooms were sound proof, so any noise inside could not be heard. Squinty was guarding the basement, and he had Lan Zhou’s spirit stone.

Anyone who did anything would be a colossal idiot.

The second day, everyone gathered up early for breakfast. Song Yu made some rice porridge with chicken strips, layered with scallions. Everyone ate it heartily. Looking out the windows, Song Yu approached the subject.

“Every day I work outside in the fields, either picking, digging, or cultivating the soil for the next batch. My vegetables don’t get contaminated and are safe to eat. I would probably need Wang Cheng, Lu Jingxiu and Yu Ci to help with the outdoors. Xiao Zi, you are in charge of taking care of Lan Zhou. You also need to recuperate and not move around too much. You can stay in his room or in the side room. You can bring any of the books or the laptop with you.”

All of them nodded their head appreciatively. They were used to taking orders in the military, and responded well to authority. Song Yu had a similar aura to Lan Zhou, and despite Lu Jingxiu not respecting him in the beginning, after what Song Yu had done he was now thankful.

“Don’t worry Boss. Anything you need; let us help you.”

Song Yu nodded his head and proceeded to give them the clothes.

“I made these last night. I took a guess at your sizes, the sun will be hot today and I have spare straw hats. We will most likely finish in time for lunch.”

Yu Ci picked up the clothes and almost cried. Song Yu was so nice!

The trio got dressed and followed Song Yu to the equipment shed. Their eyes couldn’t analyze everything, but it felt like the apocalypse had not touched this land. Everything outside was shades of brown, gray, and red. But here…tall grass floating gently in the breeze, wildflowers scattered around, animals grazing in the field, and crystal clear lake with an abundance of aquatic animals.

This was simply…paradise.

Wang Cheng saw Derpy and waved at him, but the horse neighed and ignored him.

“How…how can this happen? Everything from the soil to the air, it feels like it had been purified.” Lu Jingxiu watched as a non-mutated butterfly flew past them. Song Yu’s heart jolted when he heard ‘purified’ but he otherwise shook his head.

“I don’t know. I was lucky. After my father kicked me out, I settled in A Country for a bit. When the zombie apocalypse happened, I followed my tour guide here. Apparently, he was a doomsday prepper. He was kind enough to shelter me, but got bitten when we went out looking for others.”

Lu Jingxiu nodded his head, but there was this niggling feeling that Song Yu wasn’t telling the entire truth. He wouldn’t probe him, and let Song Yu tell when he was ready.

They walked 10 minutes to the fields. Each field was 1 mu, each corresponding to a different agricultural yield. The rice paddy was on the farther end, so it wouldn’t flood into the next field. Song Yu had one mu of rice fields, and two for vegetables of various types.

Each harvest was in different stages, so when one was done, he could plant a new vegetable after setting the soil. He didn’t have much because his field was adhered to only himself and his animals, but he now had five new mouths to feed.

The first day, the trio was exuberant and didn’t let Song Yu do anything but watch. However the next day, their backs ached, fingers blistered, and their noses were sunburned. They couldn’t get up until almost midday, leaving Song Yu to work by himself.

On the third day, Lu Jingxiu said he would pick the ripe fruits and hurriedly made his escape, leaving Wang Cheng and Yu Ci to go along with Song Yu.

They weren’t lazy mind you, but they couldn’t understand how Song Yu could work so quickly and effectively, causing their morale to drop.

Wang Cheng toweled his face and sighed heavily.

“Song Yu, I got mad respect for you. Not to mention the other fields, you did all this by yourself. I wouldn’t have been able to do this!” Song Yu also wiped his sweat-soaked face.

“It just takes practice. You guys have actually done a good job halving my share. Tonight, we can have some good pickled radishes.”

Yu Ci whooped and continued to hoe and turn the soil. They had been working on a new patch, readying it for the next seeds.

“Tomorrow, we will start planting. The hard work is over, so now we just plant it, fertilize and water it.”

All of a sudden, Song Yu felt a gaze on him. Looking in the direction, he spied someone’s piercing gaze.

Heart beating quickly, Song Yu kept his eyes on the figure on the veranda, a small creeping feeling of happiness enveloping him.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 40—You cannot live here!

The rest of the gang also felt that familiar presence and looked up to see Lan Zhou’s small figure on the veranda.

“Old Lan! You’re awake!” Yu Ci’s bellowing voice carried out, echoing through the vast space. The birds stopped chirping, the bees stopped buzzing, and the only sound was the continuous stream of water in the nearby lake.

Lu Jingxiu smacked the back of Yu Ci’s head.

“Idiot! Just because we are staying here, doesn’t mean that zombies can’t find this place!” Yu Ci rubbed his head, embarrassment flushing his face.

“Lan Zhou’s awake. Let’s head back and see how he’s doing.” Song Yu and the trio hurriedly finished their work and headed back to the villa. Squinty ran outside and barked happily at Song Yu.

“Aren’t you supposed be somewhere else?”

“The duckies are there!”

Song Yu rolled his eyes but un-hesitantly rubbed Squinty’s head. Wang Cheng looked at Squinty, his eyes growing bigger in happiness.

“Ah! It’s that dog! The one that thinks I’m stupid!”

Squinty panted happily as he pranced around Wang Cheng.

“Ah! It’s the stupid human who doesn’t know how to close his mouth!”

Wang Cheng pointed to him, his expression hurtful.

“You see! You see! I know he’s saying shit about me!”

Song Yu wanted to laugh, but kept it down. Squinty eyes had only been a small puppy when he was brought in, and had not seen humans in a long time. The first two nights he had been the basement guard, but on the third night, he unexpectedly arrived at Song Yu’s door, holding onto Yu Ci’s backpack.

Song Yu couldn’t comprehend why, until he saw Squinty disappear through the walls.

Holy shit, my dog can bend space.

Song Yu was ecstatic that Squinty had conjured an ability, he was now 10x safer.

“Put it back, and apologize tomorrow.”

Cut to now, Squinty eyes was twirling around Wang Cheng and barking erratically.

“I’m sorry for taking your ugly cloth. I thought it should have gone into the trash because of the smell. Next time, I’ll just take the nice smelling stuff!”

Squinty that’s the wrong guy…and that’s not even an apology!

In the villa, Xiao Zi had just opened the doors to Lan Zhou’s suite. His ribs were still extremely sore, the bruising still a shade of dark purple and raspberries. He could move around the villa and help around the house, but was still unable to help with the gardening and farming outside. He spent the last few days cleaning and helping Song Yu, and picking the zombified mushrooms in the dark room. This morning, he woke up from his midday nap to see Lan Zhou awake and on the veranda.

Lan Zhou’s face was still pale from blood loss and the fever, but he was still otherwise imposing.

Xiao Zi helplessly shrugged.

“You were so stupid that you didn’t even know you had a cut on your leg. Luckily, Song Yu figured it out, or else you would have been an amputee.”

“And you? Are you okay?”

Xiao Zi puffed up his chest,

“Of course! Just some bruises here and there. My healing ability is slowly trying to help my body heal before it can heal others. Huh, 20 something years in the apocalypse and I still have something new to learn.

“That’s because you were always in the lab and never on the front lines like us. Your healing ability probably only works if you yourself are healthy, so others can’t take advantage of your abilities. It’s most likely a passive skill.”

Xiao Zi rubbed his chin.

“Specialty skills like you and Song Yu are indeed a rarity. I wonder if a variant ability is stronger.” Lan Zhou turned to Xiao Zi.

“You know about Song Yu’s ability?”

“Isn’t it a space ability? He put his things inside his space back in the cave, and made a space blade using the distortion of the fabric of space and air molecules. It must have taken a while to get it to such a degree that he can literally rip into a new dimension. Quite scary.”

Lan Zhou wanted to boast that that was his boyfriend, but he saw the group coming in from the fields.

“Go downstairs and inform them. I can’t go down cause of my legs. Song Yu especially. I haven’t said thank you yet.”

“Yeah…about that…we sorta…gave Song Yu your spirit stone.”

Lan Zhou blinked once. Again.

Lan Zhou wanted to crawl into a dark room and kill himself!!

He shuffled around anxiously, trying his best to calm down. But he can’t calm down!

Unbeknownst to Song Yu who never left Paradise Base in his last life; Spirit stones were not just only a manifestation of spiritual powers. You couldn’t make a spirit stone unless you had a certain feeling. Anger, greed, hatred…those types of emotions could create different effects…but the one spirit stone that was the strongest was…love and affection.

Spirit stones using these emotions were given to spouses for safety. The purer the emotion, the stronger the spirit stone. Lan Zhou had been forming this particular spirit stone for close to a year. His desperation, fear and overall encompassing passion to find Song Yu was embedded in every facet of the spirit stone.

This way of thinking though, would not be made up until eight years in the apocalypse, dubbed by a powerful water ability user in D Country. So what Song Yu thought was just a particularly strong spirit stone, it was the accumulation of Lan Zhou’s deep feelings for him.

He knocked his head against a wall in shame!

“L-lan Zhou? Are you okay?” Xiao Zi patted his shoulder.

“Leave me to die! The spirit stone wasn’t ready yet! It still needed refining! How could you do this to me? I thought we were friends!”

“You were going to give it to him anyways! You can still take it back for refining after you settle your relationship.”

Xiao Zi rolled his eyes and helped Lan Zhou sit down on the sofa, lifting his leg onto a small foot stool and arranging a small blanket on his bare body. Hearing the sound of the door opening downstairs, Xiao Zi went to the top of the stairs, seeing the gang taking off their mud-laden boots.

“Lan Zhou’s awake. His leg is still hurting, so he can’t come down. Song Yu, he wants to talk to you!”

Song Yu took a deep breath before going up, the rest going to take a shower in their rooms. Hesitantly opening the door, his eyes met with Lan Zhou’s. Even sitting down on the sofa, he exuded such masculine ferocity, his penetrating gaze roving over his sweat ridden body.

Wiping his neck nervously, he walked to Lan Zhou.

“Your wound…does it hurt?”

Lan Zhou’s heart melted. How was Song Yu so cute? He restrained his smile and nodded perfunctory.

“It hurts a bit, but I’ve had worse. Don’t worry.”

Song Yu awkwardly laughed. “That’s good. That’s really good. When your wounds heal and Xiao Zi gets better, I can help you go back to your base. Yu Ci told me that your original base was in B Country, so the best I can do is help you is out of the mountains.”

Lan Zhou nodded, taking the words in. Song Yu was still denying him.

Baby steps. Everything needed baby steps.

“I understand. Thank you for hosting us. I know it was very hard for you to do that.” Song Yu felt guilty as well, but pushed that lump from his throat.

“No problem. You really worried everyone. It’s the least I can do.”

There was another awkward pause. Lan Zhou shifted a little bit, letting the blanket drop a little lower. Song Yu gulped down saliva when he saw the gorgeous pecs and abs. 2 years ago, Lan Zhou was the kind of slender strong, but now the muscles have blossomed into a strong body.

The white skin had turned a few shades darker, but it didn’t deter the beauty that was his body. Multiple wounds crisscrossed from his arms, legs and body. This must have been because Xiao Zi hadn’t upgraded his abilities at the time, leaving small scars everywhere.

Lan Zhou subconsciously flexed his muscles, showing off his best features. Song Yu didn’t notice, but continued his small observation. The blanket settle nicely over Lan Zhou’s…crotch area, disguising the most intimate part of himself.

“Uhhh…I’m gonna…I’m gonna make lunch.” Lan Zhou smiled nicely.

Song Yu turned around, ready to leave but heard Lan Zhou call him.

“Song Yu, is this your room?”

Blinking, Song Yu’s cheek blossomed red.

“No…I’m next door.” Lan Zhou’s let out a small laugh.

Song Yu left the room in a daze and went to make lunch.

Lan Zhou quickly got up, not caring for his disabled leg and edged to the door that led next door. It was locked. Not to be deterred, he hobbled out of the veranda and saw another door leading next door. Patting the door handle, it wasn’t locked. Lan Zhou chuckled lightly and opened the doors.

Peeking in, he saw a similar bed, with a white canopy, but the room looked more lived in. The bed was unmade, pillows galore, a pile of clothes in a corner, and a snack tray with various nuts and fruits. Lan Zhou knew what he was doing wasn’t right, but he was a man on a mission.

Looking in various spots, he tried finding the spirit stone to no avail. He was worried if he tried calling it, Song Yu would notice him in here.

It was an unfinished, unpolished spirit stone! He would have to nurture that stone for a while longer before he could give it to Song Yu. If he knew where its hiding place was, he could secretly do that, so when Song Yu kept it, it would be like Lan Zhou was with him.

Fiddling around the closet, he stumbled around a box that looked like it had important stuff inside. Opening the box, he found a blue…vibrator. A deep blush stained his cheeks when he realized what it was. Not only that, he found various sizes, lube and…it was too embarrassing!! Covering his face in shame, he closed the box and set it back where he found it.

Running out of the closet, he tripped and landed on the bed. Before he could get up, the door opened and Song Yu, who was supposed to be downstairs, came in.

Lan Zhou bit his lip as more embarrassment reddened his face.

In Song Yu’s perspective, Lan Zhou who only sported black underwear was laying conspicuously on his bed in a devastatingly seductive manner. Silence pervaded the room as both of them reddened like cooked lobsters.

“Y-y-y-you…what are you doing here. ” Song Yu covered (but not covered) his eyes, large peepholes between his fingers

Lan Zhou didn’t have a good comeback as the fall pained his wounded leg.

“I….uh…I wanted to live with you here.” An arrow shot right through Song Yu’s heart at those words. Lan Zhou wants to sleep in my room. He wants to live with him. What was he gonna do to him in this room.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 81—Past experiences

WARNING: Mentions of suicide

It was the calm before the storm.

The only ones who weren’t freaking out were Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi who had a hunch before. Since it was confirmed now, Xiao Zi silently sighed in relief, the giant weight on his shoulders he didn’t know he was carrying, suddenly lift.

He was always anxious in his previous life about the cure. There was no end to human greed, and with greed came suffering. He did not remember the many instances where his division was shut down in favor of a faster, quicker and cheaper way. Humans were uniquely the only ones who targeted their own kind. At the best of times, there was a singular solidarity, but at the worse…well…Xiao Zi had seen that worse.

In the labs of B City when the human experimentalists begged to be kept alive, rather than acknowledging the murder of many ability users.

The Military Base with the doctors and healers who kept getting greedier and greedier, until they idled away their talent, only working for the top dogs of the pyramid.

The horrendous scientists responsible for making a cure, making a vaccine, making people live…just continue their arrogant ways of manipulating genes in order to satisfy the big bosses.

And even when Xiao Zi died at the hands of Paradise Base. He witnessed on the large walls surrounding the base, a figure in black with oozing yellow eyes look down at him and Lan Zhou like they were ants in his path. A wave of his hands and a collective force of dead-eyed people took out their weapons and aimed it at them like they were zombies.

This feeling of helplessness…devoid of hope or sanctuary. was now being extinguished by Song Yu’s confession.

Xiao Zi’s hope in humanity was resurfacing after being stagnant for almost 10 years.

Yu Ci was the first to react, his eyes blinked in confusion and then acceptance before he stood up and saluted. He thought their mission was over, and that all he had left was to live in this wonderful heaven. But now, with this piece of information…the hope of humanity came once more.

Lu Jingxiu had mixed feelings. He knew that Song Yu did this to protect himself, but the lingering feeling of their previous life; how Xiao Zi died, and how they suffered…it was hard to swallow. His deep thoughts would never be brought to the surface though despite him wanting to yell at Song Yu.

Wang Cheng was the most shocked and the one who loudly spoke out,

“Holy hell! You’re the pure ability user!?” Wang Cheng confusedly looked at everyone’s stiff faces before smiling brightly,

“My god! We’ve been looking everywhere for you! Do you know what this mean? Do you? We’re gonna save the world!”

Song Yu wanted to cry. Tears pooled out of Song Yu’s eyes as he looked at those innocent ones. He turned to see the faces of his comrades, who looked at him with acceptance and hope.

Lan Zhou gently grabbed Song Yu from Wang Cheng and discreetly wiped his tears.

“Yep, Song Yu is gonna save the world.”

The conversation went deep into the night. Song Yu relayed his time in the previous timeline, sometimes going over bits and pieces of the hard parts, but the way he skipped over these periods were left to their imaginations making them come up with even weirder conclusions. Everyone listened in rapture and the very different life Song Yu lived from theirs.

Song Yu started from the very beginning, when he was just a young university student studying agriculture. Relaying this made Song Yu miss those youthful experiences in a way, reminding him of his past.

“My father never really liked me. I didn’t meet his expectations in any way. Neither getting exemplary scores nor making strong social connections. That made me go more and more into my shell and made my both my mother and father want to ‘delete’ myself from their existence.

They wanted me to experience living ‘a life without money’, so they cut me off for two years. I studied as well as had a small part-time job. It wasn’t the best, but it also wasn’t the worst either.”

Lan Zhou patted Song Yu’s hands, his own trembling with rage. Song Yu had already told Lan Zhou this and more, but he was still just as angry. So cute.

Song Yu went into how he was sold to the B Base experimentalist group. It was advertised as a ‘study’, so Song Yu who felt like he was important, gladly endured the pain. But day after day of such torture, and the extreme way it escalated, the noble pursuit of a cure long passed, leaving Song Yu in a pit filled with ravenous extremists, eagerly chewing on ‘education’ and ‘research’.

“I didn’t really meet Wu Ding, but vaguely saw him. I was almost delirious from the experiments that I was hauled off on Ye Zhou’s back. I thought you had also escaped,” Song Yu bowed deeply to Wu Ding.

“I’m sorry. The person you were probably in contact with was my former friend Ye Zhou.”

Wu Ding felt complicated for a bit. He was naïve to trust that man in the first place, but he had no choice at the time. Song Yu was unintentionally involved in the escape, and Wu Ding did his part in opening up the building. Facts were facts. Wu Ding shouldn’t be mad at Song Yu. He should be mad at himself and the situation.

Song Yu continued to tell them how his group of friends travelled to different areas, before finally going up north and established Paradise Base. At first, it was difficult. There were around 12 of them in the beginning. They had left in the midst of fall, and the first winter of the apocalypse was approaching.

Song Yu was still in a dead-like state and had just stayed there, hoping to die. A warm cup of water entered his vision as Ye Zhou sat down next to him. They had just found this abandoned town and killed off the straggler zombies. Song Yu was taken to a cottage room with a dirty sleeping bag. A fire ability user had found broken tree branches and built a small fire pit inside.

Although Song Yu was still dazed, he had heard the complaints from the other ability users.

“He was dead weight there, and he’s dead weight now! Let’s just sell him off!” This was a water ability user who had only been in the B Base experiments building for a week. He had almost no connections to the rest of the team.

An earth ability user shook his head, “You’re too naïve. Song Yu has been in that place for a very long time. The ability users before him had all died, and he’s the only one left besides Ye Zhou.”

“Ye Zhou, c’mon man. We all followed you so you could make us have a better life. Song Yu is dead weight.”

Lu Jingxiu remembered when he first met Song Yu. Song Yu came across as unfeeling, stiff, and cold. His careless voice when confronted with the injured Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi,

“They’re just dead weight.”

Lu Jingxiu at the time was enraged, but now he could see that Song Yu was really testing if Lu Jingxiu was trustworthy.

Song Yu had just escaped from the extremists with colleagues who experienced torture, death, and defilement. Now, listening to these people who also experienced this…be so cruel. It made Song Yu want to kill himself.

Song Yu got out of his sleeping bag, the small burning fire looking quite good right now. His hands were still trembling from being confined, his wrists looking wretched. He was about to put his entire hand in the flames when he heard a loud thud and someone falling to the floor.

“You don’t get to say that about him! Do you KNOW what he’s been through?”

Ye Zhou had punched the ability user who slandered Song Yu. Song Yu listened carefully a bit more as Ye Zhou’s voice amplified.

“He is not just dead weight. If he wasn’t there, many of us would have been dead by now. Do you know that every time we came back wounded, it was Song Yu who took care of you? Yu Hong, who was it that held your hand after every experiment? How about you Liam? Who gave you extra food and snacks?”

Song Yu could imagine Ye Zhou’s passionate gaze on them as his voice became hoarse with emotion. “It was Song Yu. It has always been Song Yu.”

The group quieted down, the silence eerie. Song Yu’s hand was still outstretched to the fire. He was eavesdropping so much that his hand accidentally went in.

“Hsss…” Song Yu retrieved his hand and saw it reddening. The pain radiated all over, but it wasn’t as painful as Song Yu thought. He was still looking at his burned hand when the door opened and Ye Zhou saw him holding it.

“Song Yu! What are you doing??”

Ye Zhou’s shout made everyone come look inside. Song Yu’s eyes were sunken deep, scar marks marring his wrists, arms and ankles. He was still garbed in a hospital gown with pants they fished out from somewhere. To everyone, Song Yu already looked dead.

Song Yu gazed at these people, tears dripping down his face.

“I…don’t…want…to live.” Through watery eyes, Song Yu beseeched Ye Zhou, ignoring his burned hands and clutching on Ye Zhou’s shirt.

“Please…just kill me. Please.”

Ye Zhou’s eyes reddened as he dropped down on the floor and hugged Song Yu tight, anxiety written on his face.

“No no no no no no. Song Yu. Please don’t go away. We need you. I need you so much. We can get through this together. I’ll take care of you! I won’t let what happened, ever happen again! I promise!”

Ye Zhou glared at the members, his yellow eyes burning with impact, “If I hear anything bad about Song Yu come out of your mouths one more time, it will be the last time you speak.”

A week later, they found a small vacant town and settled there. Two weeks after that and Ye Zhou proposed to Song Yu about becoming the leader of the base.

Song Yu who had just been lying around like a salted fish refused profusely.

“You’re the one who staged the escape, you’re the one who found this place, and you’re the one who put everything in order. I’m not leader material.”

Song Yu refused for three days, being worn down day and night by Ye Zhou to the point where he threw the newly acquired spatial blades at him. Ye Zhou was relentless though.

“The Base leader is just someone who makes the final decision on things. I will help you in any way I can! Please! We need you. Your ability is far too precious to not use! Instead of dying, live for us!”

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 18—Everyone must die

WARNING: Blood/gore/R*pe/Cannibalism

If you guys do not want to read it, there is a TL;DR for you at the bottom of the chapter. You have been warned.

Song Yu pulled back in fear. The zombie looked freshly bitten, its milky white eyes staring unceasingly into the distance. Zombie functions were different to humans. They didn’t exert any needed muscles, and blinking was one of them.

The sharp black nails scraped the window but didn’t leave even a scratch. It must have smelled him when he panicked. Song Yu’s blood ran cold as the zombie butted its head on the car, before walking away. He heaved a sigh of relief when the zombie lost his scent.

How pathetic was he?

Song Yu grimaced as he felt along his body armour. All available parts of his body were covered with anti-zombie material. He shouldn’t have any more fear.

He repeated a positive mantra until his heartbeat went back down to a normal rhythm. He was too hasty. Too excited. He needed practice. That’s why he was here.

Song Yu needed to do baby steps once again. Instead of going out of his car, he stayed inside for a few hours and watched as several zombies went past his car. He tried to get used to the look and the feel, especially the hands. They were just hands.

When he was ready, Song Yu hesitantly got out of the car. Right now, the zombies had migrated farther away from his car, except for the granny. He inhaled deeply and lowered his heart rate. Step by step, he inched towards the granny. His footsteps were light, eliciting no sounds, so when he came within striking distance, the granny had no time to react when he enabled his spiritual blade.

A bright blue light pulsed his palms as he flicked his hand in the granny’s direction. Manipulating the movement, the spiritual blade curved diagonally as it made impact with the granny’s neck. No more than a second later, and the granny’s body fell to the floor.

Song Yu exhaled.

He didn’t have much time, so Song Yu lightly jogged back to the car. In his peripherals he could see the other zombies approaching, probably from the sound of the granny’s body hitting the ground. Song Yu safely made it back inside, his panicked state a few shades lighter.

He counted the other zombies and felt like he could fight two for now. He waited for a while more as the zombies once again wandered around. He got out quickly and approached another zombie. The zombie was quicker than the granny, jerking his distorted head. Song Yu avoided eye contact as he took out his dagger.

The point of all of this was to practice his hand-to hand combat. He couldn’t rely on his spiritual blade forever. He needed to be physically able as well. The dagger was a little bit bigger than others, spanning 12 inches. Its thickness was normal, except for the bottom that curved delicately into a fine point.

His breathing lowered as he moved into an offensive stance. All parts of his body revolved perfectly as the sinews of his muscles contracted and relaxed. The zombie could smell fresh meat and hurried to the lingering scent on Song Yu’s body.

Song Yu didn’t hesitate when he slashed his dagger, his body moving in perfect harmony. The accuracy was on point as he felt the metal contact rotting flesh. The slash wasn’t deep but it did offset the zombies head. The zombie’s did not feel pain, so they didn’t care that their head was almost falling off. Song Yu avoided the zombie’s hands as he whirled around, his gloved hands touching the zombies rotting hair. With a small exertion, the head twisted off cleanly.

Before he could relax, he heard a groaning sound close to him, so he used the momentum of his hand with the head to smash the oncoming zombie. The head hit the zombie’s chest, making it stagger and lose its balance. Song Yu took his dagger and waited for it to get up. The zombies were still level 1, so they weren’t as fast. He watched as the zombie took its time to get up.

When the zombie finally got up, it was immediately beheaded by Song Yu’s blade. There were still zombies in the vicinity, but not near Song Yu. Song Yu went back into the car and stared at his gloves that still had pieces of hair and head. He opened his space and threw the gloves inside. Taking stock of the rest of his body, it was still fairly clean.

His hands were trembling from the encounter, but his fear of zombies were much better now. He clenched his fists and fist pumped the air.

Song Yu: 1 point!

The sun was descending, and Song Yu was still tired from his drive. He put a low alarm on, to alert him of oncoming zombies, and snuggled in his sleeping bag. Outside it was still hot, but inside the car was slightly cool. Song Yu smiled as he went to sleep, awaiting the next day’s activities.

Song Yu heard something in the middle of the night. He didn’t open the lights, but heightened his listening. Ability user’s bodies were quite different in terms of normal people. They could heal faster, endure from eating and drinking for longer periods of times, hear from far distances and smell even the smallest of scents.

Song Yu did not cultivate his body in his past life, so these perks were sadly not ‘upgraded’. Now, however, he had been exercising his spiritual sense so his hearing was much better. He heard several footsteps surrounding the village. His car was obscured from view unless people turned the corner, but otherwise, he was invisible.

He counted the steps and concluded there were at least four people.

Not zombies…but people. Song Yu silently got out of his car and followed the group. Most people would have already left this area in search for food. Now there were four individuals doing nightly activities. It was too suspicious.

Song Yu watched as the four people went to a large manufacturing building. Song Yu could hear more people inside. They might have just made camp and would leave for the morning. He was about to head back to his car when he heard several muffled voices.

He recalled those.

For people who couldn’t control their voices, their screams would call zombies so they muffled their voices using clothing or ropes. But it also signified something else. People being detained. Song Yu closed his eyes but couldn’t leave. He needed to know.

He crept through a small opening on the side of the building where they didn’t check. The manufacturing building was quite large with steel beams and gigantic machinery with assembly lines. This looked like a cannery. He heard small conversations and the muffled voices groaning.

Song Yu trembled as he got closer. The group of 4 was now a group of 10. The four were a collection of an elderly man in his 50’s with a robust look and a menacing aura, a youth looking similar to him and could only be his son, a woman in her mid-thirties and a business suit with cardboard cutouts that had several bite marks on them, and a man with glasses and a smiling demeanor. The other three were all robust men ranging in ages between 25-30.

WARNING: Read at your own discretion

Song Yu could smell that fishy and bitter cum which he saw ooze out of all of them. They have been assaulted repeatedly by the smell of blood and semen in that area. Even the boy wasn’t spared.

Song Yu could see their far-off eyes as their gone limbs pussed with infection, the skin surrounding the guts were red. Song Yu could smell that one of them were on the verge of zombification. They might have eaten or drank something polluted.

The other 7 were surrounding a fire pit and on the spit was probably the boy’s leg.

He heard some nice quiet conversation.

“We heard from someone that there is a safe house somewhere around the mountains, we are thinking of going there. Apparently, a few months ago, a billionaire hoarder moved in. If we can find the place, we can take the supplies.” The elderly 50 year old sighed.

“I’ve been around these parts, and there’s nothing for several hundred miles. The car would not last the journey. If there were gas stops, we would have already gone.”

The three thugs nodded, thinking deep.

“Our supplies are running out, I think we should head to the closest town and pose as towners. The government is apparently issuing housing for the civilians. If we can hijack a few more people, we can make it.”

The woman’s voice was vicious, like she hadn’t proposed to kill people for their things. Glasses guy pushed up his glasses and sidelined to the three ‘food sources’.

“Then we should finish our leftovers before heading out.”

Song Yu’s body slowly calmed down. His breathing lowered as the vision in his eyes shifted. These weren’t people anymore. Song Yu waited until all of them ate the leg, seeing them guzzle the meat, wiping their oil-stained mouths on their clothes. Song Yu kept watching unblinking, watching this scene of horror as if he watched the news. One of the thugs smacked his lips and went for seconds, not forgetting to rip off the toenails from the toes.

The 7 members all looked to have eaten well this past month. They didn’t look disgusted when eating human flesh, so they had been doing this for a while. A human could go without food for 2 weeks. Song Yu glimpsed at the boy whose faraway gaze was now alert as he watched as one by one the 7 members ate his body, a slow twitch itching at the corner of his lips.

When they finished the meat off the femur bone, they all complimented the glasses guy for cooking the leg very well. The Glasses guy re-positioned his glasses and shrugged.

«It’s no problem. It’s surprisingly easy because the calf meet is similar to beef.»

All of a sudden, the young man started laughing through his gag. All seven looked towards him.

The young man cackled as he looked at the bones strewn on the floor as well as the leftover meat on the spit over the campfire.

The thug holding the young boy threw him far back and tried to vomit the food out.

Everyone was hunched over, trying to spill out their guts. Several succeeded, but others couldn’t and looked at their skin to see if they would change.

«We don’t know if he’s lying or not. Let’s wait if he becomes a zombie.» The middle-aged woman was one that puked everything out. She was certain that even if she had ingested the meat, it wouldn’t affect her. Thug #3 punched the young boy over and over again. Teeth spew everywhere and the boy collapsed.

«Fuck!» Glasses guy looked and saw the elder stare at his skin that wriggled.

«NO! I’m not a zombie! Hey! I’m not a zombie!»

The young boy laughed again.

«I ate a plant last night and you fucked me this morning. You’ve been infected for a while. HAHAHHA!»

The elder man’s skin pussed as he looked down at his pants. He ripped his pants down and saw his cock had turned that purplish hue. He screamed and tried to get to the boy, but everyone raised their weapons at the elderly man.

«Dad. you’ve been infected. You should just die, okay?» The man’s son was looking at his father as if he was a stranger, his eyes blinking chaotically.

The old man ran to his son, his eyes turning visibly white as his mouth sank on his sons calf.

«Arghh!» The son tried to pry his fathers clenched mouth off his leg, but like a dog, the now zombie crunched hard.

«Fuck! Get this off me!»

Everyone was now panicked and didn’t dare approach. The three thugs were several shades darker as they also opened their pants. Two were fine, but one was just like the old man, who had a penis pussing purple.

While everyone was in a frenzy, Song Yu dropped down from a machine.

The perfect time to step in. Song Yu, like a death reaper appeared from the shadows. His body suit was black, so hid in the darkness perfectly, only the top of his face glowing white. Glasses guy looked up and almost screamed. Pointing in Song Yu’s direction, everyone watched as Song Yu came through.

Song Yu didn’t say a word, but everyone could see the blue light emanating from his eyes. Eyes that chilled everyone to the bone. The elderly man stood up and shuffled behind the young woman who shoved him away.

The young woman screamed while Glasses guy tried to run. He only ran a few steps before he felt coolness on his neck and then blankness. The glasses slid a few feet from his head, it’s pretty frames, now thick with blood.

Song Yu did not hesitate to kill the rest of the people. Swiftly and accurately, he had reduced them to body pieces. No blood spilt on him. It ended in an instant. When everything was silent, Song Yu retreated his spiritual blade and gently kneeled in front of the three prisoners. The young man smiled in happiness while the two young women waited for him to speak.

Song Yu just silently stared at them, his ferocious eyes becoming gentle with an engulfing sadness. His beseeching eyes spoke volumes to what he had to do.

All three of them nodded their heads.

“Please make our journey as painless as possible.” The young man bowed his head, his ravaged body showing the last vestiges of humanity. That strong back had traveled with his sisters for less than two weeks when they were captured. After all the suffered, the only thing the young man could do was this small thing, so the young man had eaten a red plant when no one was looking. He could feel his body changing, and waited for the people to eat his body.

“Your name?” The young boy raised his head to see that Song Yu had taken off his mask. A beautiful face looked at him, a gentle smile lighting him in a beautiful glow. The rising sun gently poured into the building, cascading a warm halo around Song Yu.

The young man teared up as he said,

“Jin Wang and these are my younger sisters, Jin Xue and Jin Hua.” Song Yu saw that both sisters had their tongues cut out. He lightly stroked each of their heads in comfort. Like baby chicks, they pushed their heads into his warm palms, trying to find a vestige of relief and safety. His strokes became more gentle as the siblings gathered, moving their broken bodies so they could be together.

“I’ll make graves for you somewhere beautiful.” Tears dripped down Jin Wang’s face as he thanked Song Yu over and over again. Song Yu patted his head, his strong voice filled with resignation and respect.

«Please put us side by side.»

“Close your eyes…”

The three siblings hugged each other; all had happy looks of gratitude, their eyes crying tears while their lips stretched into a smile.

Like Song Yu promised, all they felt were gentle winds before their world went black.

TL;DR: Song Yu overcomes his fears of zombie killing and regains some confidence. At night, Song Yu follows a group of cannibals who enslaved 3 siblings, eating them bit by bit. Song Yu kills everyone and euthanizes the siblings.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 73—Life goes on

It took Song Yu a few days to muster up the courage to tell Lan Zhou. Every night he lay awake in bed, trying to find the right words to explain to him that:

All of the points all led to the fact that Song Yu was kinda scummy. His reasons were sound in his head, but putting them into perspective; it just made it seem like Lan Zhou was an enemy. Song Yu fumbled with his conscience but ultimately went to bed each night exhausted.

Lan Zhou noticed this too. Song Yu averted his eyes too much and always seems to be dazed. But Lan Zhou was patient. He felt that Song Yu was collecting his thoughts in order to tell him about his past. Day after day of this behavior was also noticed by the rest of the group. Lu Jingxiu set Lan Zhou aside with a questioning look.

“Did anything happen between you guys? He’s so absentminded.” Lan Zhou could only shrug his shoulder,

“Beats me. I think he’s just tired.”

Lu Jingxiu rolled his eyes and slapped his shoulder, “Don’t tire him too out in the bedroom!”

Song Yu and Wang Cheng decided to see Rose a few days after they came back. Instead of riding the car, they wanted to do a long bike ride to the location. It served as a way to show the route as well as monitor the surrounding forest for unsuspecting zombies.

Song Yu draped a UV protector jacket and wore a baseball hat, strapping two daggers to his thighs and his bow and arrow on his back. Wang Cheng sported a poncho and a backpack containing things Rose might like. Song Yu glanced at the tablet and popcorn packet, and stayed silent.

They rode their bikes past the strawberry field, the bamboo area and into the lower valley. The lake Song Yu purified trickled in a small stream to the lake where Rose was rooted at. Once they saw the familiar landmarks, they slowed down.

The hot afternoon sun beat down on them, so they took a break and tried to find Rose. Song Yu vaguely saw the track marks left by their car and the trodden grass close to the lakeshore.

Wang Cheng ecstatically bounced around, his smiling face alight with excitement and happiness. Song Yu smiled and followed Wang Cheng.

The closer they got to the place, the closer Wang Cheng’s happy mood seem to dissipate. In a quick flash, Wang Cheng was now running.

Wang Cheng pointed to a semi-shady and sunny spot before turning back to Song Yu.

“What?” Song Yu looked at the spot and saw that dirt had been tossed, creating a hole 6 inches deep.

“Rose! Rose!” Wang Cheng yelled, but before he could yell again; Song Yu clamped his hand over Wang Cheng’s mouth.

“Are you crazy? You want to bring zombies within a mile radius to come?”

Wang Cheng had forgotten about that, but nodded his head. Song Yu let go and stooped to see the dirt.

“It’s not recent, the tossed dirt is dried. Rose probably uprooted himself the moment we left. You said that it likes to hide in your space. Check it again. If he’s not there, he might be at the villa. Don’t worry, we will find Rose.”

Wang Cheng nodded and quickly disappeared. Not a few seconds later before he came back out and shook his head.

“No, not there. What do I do? It must be so angry with me for leaving and doesn’t want me anymore.” Wang Cheng could feel his chest tighten, thinking of how he might never see Rose again.

They returned back to the villa hastily, Wang Cheng going to places where Rose might be. The rest of the group heard that Rose had disappeared and also helped in aiding their search. Song Yu watched as Wang Cheng mindlessly worried, trying his best to figure out where Rose was.

This image also echoed into what it might have looked like when Lan Zhou woke up in the hotel room that morning. Like a mirror into Lan Zhou’s soul, he could see how much Lan Zhou tried to find him. The photo at the hairdresser’s was proof of his search.

The next few days, everyone was working hard working in the fields. Song Yu took out the large threshing machine and took to dealing with the grain while everyone worked on separate fields. Wang Cheng had stopped looking for Rose, but the little frown lines creased his brow more than it ever had.

After another day of back-breaking work, everyone wanted to take a day off to relax. Song Yu wanted to set a team to go out to for the 2 week long expedition, taking care of the zombies at the border. Since it was still harvesting season, he couldn’t go, instead having everyone familiarize themselves with Derpy and Squinty who would act as both guide and guard.

Unsurprisingly, Wang Cheng volunteered to go. He wanted to see if Rose was still out there.

In order to prepare them for the trip, Song Yu spent long hours into the night talking about the various areas. Showing his maps and zombie pits, he also gave them tips and tricks to handling situations when almost encountering outsiders. Just in case, Wu Ding took out his radio and changed the frequency to an offline channel. Hooking it up to a system in Song Yu’s home, they would be able to hear each other from far away.

It was concluded that Wang Cheng, Yu Ci and Wu Ding would go. If they were quick about it, they would finish their route in a week and a half.

The day of their departure arrived. Song Yu knew that Derpy and Squinty would keep them safe, but he was still worried. All three of them were cloaked in rubber infused body suits, masks and hats. They were the epitome of apocalyptic fashion.

They all carried weapons, but their backpacks and foods were stored with Wang Cheng. Early in the morning, they set out in the car and drove off. Song Yu and Lan Zhou watched them from the door, like parents seeing their kids off to college. Lan Zhou kissed Song Yu’s cheek and rubbed his waist.

“They’re going to be okay. Not to mention 2 weeks, if they left for 2 months I wouldn’t be surprised.” Song Yu pushed Lan Zhou and smacked his butt.

Laughing, Lan Zhou took the lead to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The days were getting colder, so Song Yu wore a sweater over his cotton shirt and headed to the barn to tend to the animals before going for breakfast.

When he was done, he took a short trip to the lake to see if it needed purification. Song Yu could tell that there were some impurities, but it wouldn’t harm anything as of yet. Just to make sure, Song Yu would do it tonight while everyone was sleeping.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 28—Meeting you again

The fighting was intense, with the remaining Sun Base doing everything they could to fight. Lan Zhou was at a disadvantage because he didn’t want to cause a forest fire, so with every wave of his hand, flames bloomed from his fingertips creating an afterimage of a fan.

The metal ability user was adamant that he was stronger, so each hit of the flames melted his shield but it regenerated causing it to mold and change. Another burst of the flame boiled his skin instantly. Crying out in pain, the metal ability user clutched his melted shoulder and retreated, while Lan Zhou went on the offensive.

Lu Jingxiu made large ice spears, penetrating them deep into the ground, barricading the oncoming ability users from Xiao Zi. Another ice ability user tried to manipulate the ice to no avail. A level 4 could not compete with a level 7.

Wang Cheng was not entirely helpless. His space ability was akin to a black hole, since he could manipulate space; he made rifts in the air that doubled as teleports. The people getting caught were sent into an abyss of darkness; a space only Wang Cheng could control.

Yu Ci fought head-on, plowing his enormous body into the reverie like a rhino, bulldozing everyone in his path. His strength ability had synthesized into both physical strength and strengthening objects. The blade he carried made several people fly off into the distance.

“Quick! It’s here again!”

The vine zombie that used to be lethargic with a food coma now wriggled its ugly vines, vying for more meat. Song Yu could see that the vines were slightly longer. The 15 meter safe zone was now 20 meters. The melee was getting closer and closer to the vine zombie.

Song Yu had to act fast. He hid behind the trees, surrounding the prairie, hoping the vine zombie wouldn’t smell him. His breathing slowed, his heartbeat thudding slower and slower. Concentrated…focused.

The more you panic, the more you fumble.

Song Yu could vaguely see the body inside the jeep. It appeared to be that the body was under the jeep, but it made a hole into the cabin, filling its entire space. If he wanted to kill it, it would have to be fast. Song Yu saw a few fingers travelling under the body’s skin, likely people scratching inside, trying to get out. It was futile to save them; they were most likely half acid now.

Song Yu took out his bow and arrow. The ones he used for hunting zombies were nothing on this one. Traditional and regal, its bow string powerful and tight. A normal person would not be able to stretch the string, and an ability user would still have trouble.

A single arrow was taken out. Song Yu nocked the arrow, positioning himself in direct line to the head.

Stretching the arrow back, a small echo of the arrow brushing against the string was heard. The vine zombie, sensing the impending danger could not move, but could shield its head with its vines.

The sound of the arrow flying through was like a jet flying in the sky. People thought they were hearing the sounds of bombs falling and Lan Zhou turned his head just in time to see the cosplayer in black shoot an arrow directly at the vine zombie’s body.

“Come here! Come here! Here! Psst! Save me! Your family is here!” The vine zombie’s ‘voices’ echoed as the arrow directly hit through its mouth. One arrow would not deter it, so Song Yu took out an entire quiver of arrows.

Seeing this, the Sun Base were now scared. A death reaper had just appeared in the forest, not one of their own and was probably helping Lan Zhou’s team. Seeing their comrades scared, the metal ability user had no choice but to grit his teeth in anguish as he shouted,

The Sun Base decided to retreat and regroup at a later date, so they stopped fighting and ran off into the dark forest, northward towards their base. They had taken Lan Zhou’s two jeeps whilst the other was now the feeding ground for the vine zombie. Lan Zhou’s group would have no choice but to find another vehicle or suffer the journey back on foot.

Since the Sun Base was the only one for miles, they were sure that Lan Zhou and his team would have no choice but to come back.

After the vine zombie, there were only 6 or 7 people left from the Sun Base. Rounding everyone up, they ran to their vehicles, leaving Lan Zhou and co. behind. Lan Zhou wiped the sweat off his brows and looked as the cosplayer shot arrow after arrow, hitting the mark well.

The vine zombie did not like this in the least, its tentacles grabbing everything within its vicinity. Wooden branches and dirt were strung towards Song Yu, as well as the ground trembling like a 6.0 earthquake. Song Yu did not care as more and more arrows were shot. When Song Yu was about to shoot the finishing blow, the vine zombie roared.

Not the roar of the humans it had eaten, but like the dinosaur roar of an ancient monster. More than the trembling, everyone including Song Yu wanted to cover their ears. Its roar was vicious, causing the jeep to jerk around, the tires rolling off the rims.

The vine zombie did something completely unexpected. Opening its jaws, a putrid smell escaped and…an acid-ridden torso was thrown up. The person was dead, but not completely…its eyes still blinking.

The vine zombie threw the torso at Song Yu, who had just nocked another arrow, therefore could not defend himself. A ball of blue suddenly lit up the torso as it disintegrated before creating a small wind, catching the hood of Song Yu’s cloak.

Song Yu had not put on his mask after dinner, so his face was glowing white in the forest, his cold unwavering eyes staring at the vine zombie like prey. His wavy black hair fanned his face, caressing his cheeks as he dipped low to the ground. Song Yu took the opportunity to dip the arrow in the blue fire, catching it instantly.

The blue flames on the arrow were then shot, point blank into the vine zombie’s mouth. Screams were heard. Some feminine, some masculine, and the roar of the real zombie’s voice creating a cacophony of death. The vine monster was already injured by the previous arrows, but the arrow coming was engulfed in flames. It tried to avoid it, using its vines to deter the impact, but upon touching it, the vines burst into flames.

The screams of the vine zombie continued on and on, whilst Song Yu and the others watched. Song Yu did not know that his hood had been blown off, so when he turned around, he was in direct sight of Lan Zhou who sported a face of wonderment, awe, confusion, and embarrassment.

Lan Zhou’s eyes widened his mouth opening and closing, his gaze taking every inch of Song Yu’s. That familiar face, those luscious eyes, upturned nose and delicate lips. That face he recalled late at night in his dreams for the past two years was now right in front of him.

He shifted his body, embarrassment taking over. He rubbed off the blood from his body suit and tried to comb back his hair in a nicer manner.

Song Yu took a step back, thinking if it was a good chance to run. Before anyone could do anything, Lan Zhou threw himself on Song Yu, his big body engulfing Song Yu in a giant hug.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 30—Finding Home

Song Yu stood there as Lan Zhou generously provided the pillow to his blanket, and even added an additional blanket, this one more fluffier.

Song Yu really wanted to fight Lan Zhou! But the guilt and embarrassment was still there. He DID owe Lan Zhou an apology and an explanation. They spent a wonderful spring night together only for Song Yu to disappear into thin air. And even if they both considered it a one night stand, it still didn’t reason why Song Yu was now cold to him.

Song Yu could only sigh and sit down on the blanket, his body language showing resignation. Lan Zhou smiled at the corner of his lips and sidled up to him, not touching. Song Yu could smell a smoky scent from Lan Zhou. It was clean and fresh with a bit of smoke and earth. He hadn’t been near another person the last two years, so the feeling of someone by your side was now foreign to him.

The group was still around the camp fire, making dinner. Yu Ci looked at Song Yu whose body language was a far cry from his cold persona he was used to. And it sort of bothered him somewhat. That small bittersweet feeling encumbered him so much that his black hole stomach shriveled and the smell of tasty beef jerky dipped in potato tasted like sawdust.

“Hey, if you don’t want it, save it for later. We don’t know when we can reach another base since they took the jeeps.”

Xiao Zi and Lu Jingxiu had to stop eating as they all discussed their next course of action. Seeing the conversation getting nowhere, Wang Cheng yelled out,

“Yo! Old Lan! Stop flirting and come over here. We need your input on what we should do next. Song Yu if you want to join, please do!”

Zero tact. Song Yu blushed crimson when he heard the word ‘flirting’. Lan Zhou who was about to touch Song Yu’s hand glared at Wang Cheng, his menacing aura a total contradiction to his cool and somewhat puppy like persona towards Song Yu.

Lan Zhou reluctantly put on his shoes and strode towards the campfire, leaving Song Yu to himself. Song Yu could hear Lan Zhou’s husky voice as they exchanged opinions for their next destination.

“The Sun base is the farthest base until we get to O Country. I don’t think the ability user would have gone this far to begin with. He might be with an independent nomadic team that get supplies here and there.”

Lan Zhou opened the map and looked at the locations they had been at before.

“Do you think he might have crossed the glacial mountains?”

“That’s not even an option. He was born in B Country, what kind of idiot goes to the coldest country who doesn’t know the slightest things about its climates? I’m sure that A country is the farthest he would have gone to.”

“Xiao Zi, do you think you can still make it without him?”

Xiao Zi could only shake his head.

“Even if I had started before the zombie apocalypse, the materials I need require a base form that exceed the standard of scientific discovery we have on hand. I can make a vaccine, but not a cure.”

Song Yu listened with one ear, his brain putting everything together. The pretty man was a biochemist, and looking for someone that could aid in his search for a vaccine. He flipped through his memories but did not recall anyone finalizing a vaccine in his last life.

There were many quacks who claimed they had, but it had all ended in disaster. He did recall that someone in the Military B base was the closest to finding a cure, but that was 20+ years more in the future.

Song Yu furrowed his brows. So…Lan Zhou was protecting him because he was an important figure? The scene where Lan Zhou pushed in front of Xiao Zi when they met at the prairie danced in his brain.

So he wasn’t in another relationship? Is he truly how he was 2 years ago? Does he still like me?

Wait? I’m still not speaking to Lan Zhou! I can’t give him hope! What if he wants me to go with him? I don’t want to leave my paradise!

The scale with Lan Zhou and his paradise was at a teetering unsteadiness in his heart. He didn’t want to realize this growing pit of love towards Lan Zhou, yet he couldn’t stop the pitter patter of his treacherous heart. On the other hand, he still didn’t trust Lan Zhou with his paradise he spent so long and hard to protect.

His safe haven was his alone. If he brought people into his haven and got abandoned again…

His thoughts swirled into a mass of confusion and self-reflection. He heard the conversation pick up at the fireplace.

“The Military base still doesn’t have the proper tools for my research. Since the B Base stole all of the equipment and doctors, we have to find an alternative lab as well. Why didn’t we just raze it to the ground like last time?”

Lan Zhou looked behind him to see Song Yu’s slender back facing away from them. He knew that Song Yu was eavesdropping on their conversation, but didn’t care. He had to earn Song Yu’s trust one way or another. He spoke a little louder.

“The B base didn’t do anything wrong this time around. We stopped it from happening, so we don’t have a motive to go after them. Back then, we had the support of the people, but if we just killed everyone now, the Military base would be seen as corrupt.”

Xiao Zi nodded in agreement whilst Wang Cheng scoffed.

“Well now we don’t even have the right equipment for Xiao Zi. Even if we managed to find the ability user, we would have to search for a base that has everything. Do you really want to co-operate with B Base in this case?”

Lu Jingxiu raised his hand.

“I propose we stop this, Old Lan. It’s been two years. We still hadn’t found him and Xiao Zi won’t be able to make a cure without the right equipment not to mention the other factors. B Base is breathing down out backs and the Military Base can’t support us forever. This time around, we don’t have any accolades, fame or glory.”

Song Yu could hear their frustrations. They really did look hopeless. But…like why where they dropping these bombs of information on Song Yu? Did they think he was sleeping? Hell no! They were all ability users, and understood that an ability user had great hearing.

Then Song Yu realized that maybe that was the case since…he hasn’t shown them his ability. And listening to them, Song Yu thought that one of them must have a future prediction ability or probability ability.

Lan Zhou peered back at Song Yu again. He found who he was looking for…and the expedition to find the pure ability user was fruitless. Should they abandon this reckless journey? He promised his team that they wouldn’t kill themselves helping other people anymore. That they would do their best and live instead of survive. These past two years they had been on the road trying to find one person in a sea of millions.

The hope of humanity was a powerful responsibility…and a burden. A noble cause…but at the cost of what? Lan Zhou had felt guilty for coming back, and in trying to ‘do it right’ it may have cost the teams life.

What kind of leader was he if he didn’t know when to retreat?

The campfire was silent as the flickering wood cast shadows over everyone.

“It’s not my decision alone. Let’s put it to a vote.”

Lan Zhou’s solemn voice echoed through the small cave as he raised his hand.

“Who wants to stop the expedition and make our own base?”

It was a unanimous decision as everyone raised their hand, the conviction in their hearts clear. The guilt of giving up this mission was echoed in their eyes, a decision they might regret later in life. But…they wanted to live a life. They had all come back from the fires of death.

They had cheated it once; they weren’t going to waste this second life. Lan Zhou raised his hand, his heart clear for the first time in a while. Sensing a gaze on his back, Lan Zhou straightened up and nodded his head.

“By morning light, let’s go find our home.”

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 79—The decision

“Uwaaahh!!” The large man started crying loudly, bursting into tears which were quickly washed away by the rain. Everyone was still in shock as the red head buried its head in Wang Cheng’s shoulders. Wang Cheng was quite tall too, similar in size to Song Yu at 180cm, but this guys could compete with Yu Ci in terms of size. Seeing this behemoth-like man crying utterly at Wang Cheng made everyone feel awkward.

Lan Zhou’s Blue Sun was still glowing, getting bigger and bigger. Lan Zhou looked at Song Yu with worried eyes, “Are you okay? Did that bastard hurt you?”

Song Yu just looked at the collar of his shirt which had torn by the force of the vines. Other than a sore butt he was fine. He shook his head, “He didn’t hurt me.”

Wang Cheng was extremely flustered as he tried to console the rose as well as reassure the group.

“Lan Zhou, stop! He’s not trying to hurt you guys!” Turning to the big man he helplessly rubbed the man’s back, “Shhh, there there. I didn’t mean it! I—I was out of my mind! Yes! I was just scared that you changed a little too much.”

The rose lifted his head, his tear-stained amber eyes growing even sadder.

“You said that we could be together after I became human. I’m scary?! Waaahhhhh. ”

The rose was indeed too hysterical to console. Wang Cheng pleadingly looked at the rest of the group, who had taken several steps back.

“Wang Cheng. What’s going on? This…person is rose?”

Wang Cheng could only helpless shrug. “I don’t know! I’m just as confused as you guys!” The man’s arms surrounded Wang Cheng’s waist tightly causing him to grunt in pain.

“Gently! Gently!” Rose immediately loosened his arms, but still kept them circling Wang Cheng. Lan Zhou sighed and rubbed his temples.

“For now, let’s get out of the rain. He’s not going to hurt us now. But we need to interrogate it…him.” The group vigilantly led the way back to the villa, keeping an eye on the man still holding Wang Cheng. They entered the villa and turned on the brightness settings, seeing the man in the light for the first time.

The man’s nakedness showed large pecs, chiseled abs, pubic hair trailing down to a large…aherm. His entire body was pale white tinted with a light green. The dark red hair resembled the color of the rose, the wet strands trailing down his back to his butt.

Those amber eyes had a hint of green in it as well. The man looked to be in his early 20’s with wide set shoulders and a tall frame. Yu Ci was tall, but this man was slightly taller. His aura seemed to be dangerous, but he was crying like a baby. If it wasn’t for that deadly aura, it would look like any other college student bursting with energy.

The contradictions were too much!

Big tears plopped off Roses face, as he practically burrowed himself in Wang Cheng’s embrace. Wang Cheng was still too speechless about this being his rose.

What happened to his cute rose form?

The group led them to a small parlor room that was only used for setting up storage. It was on the outermost area of the house and would not affect the structure if the rose decided to wreak havoc. Song Yu was still shivering from the experience with the vines.

They had moved faster than he could blink and could have easily shredded him to pieces. Luckily, the only thing it grabbed onto was his collar, but if he had moved even slightly faster or slower, there might have been a different outcome.

Song Yu stared at the rose as it clung to Wang Cheng. It looked to be extremely dangerous, but he glanced at the gentleness of his fingers as they trapped Wang Cheng into its embrace.

He didn’t expect this outcome.

The rose was definitely a dangerous entity, but somehow after seeing it, you could only see the pureness in its eyes. Wang Cheng along with the sticky rose was dragged to a chair in the center where a hanging light bulb stood.

Wang Cheng was easily anxious as he watched his friends faces stare at him and rose like they were the enemy. Gulping down fear, he pinched the roses arm to make him stop crying. The rose, detecting this touch thought it was a game and pinched right back.

Wang Cheng glared at the now smiling plant and shoved him away.

“Wang Cheng, we need his co-operation. Can you help us?” Lan Zhou spoke evenly, but there was still an edge of coldness to it. Wang Cheng easily nodded his head.

Lan Zhou turned to the rose, speaking slowly and precisely,

“How long have you had this form?”

The rose looked at Wang Cheng’s pleading gaze and could only sit down obediently. “Time. I don’t understand. I felt the sun come up many times until the leaf change, then I was asleep. I woke up and try find Wang Cheng.”

Lan Zhou deducted from his broken speech that he was copying words he had heard as a plant. Forming complex sentences might have to be taught.

“That means you weren’t like this when you saved us from the mole.” The rose nodded.

“I want to change. So I go.”

“How did you change? Did you kill someone?”

The rose sensed this question to be the defining moment for him. He didn’t know that this was a trick question from Lan Zhou, only that it had a semblance of ‘meaning’.

“I eat the person after their body sleeps. I smelled fresh blood and followed it to him. He died and I take him in my body. When I sleep, I change.”

Lan Zhou and the rest were dumbfounded. A sentient plant was able to create a human form by absorbing a person before zombification. Xiao Zi was equally as stunned. The evolution of sentient plants and animals did not reach to this extent even in their previous life.

Unless…these sentient plants and animals were extremely rare, learned from humans and did not approach them for fear of death. This was very plausible. If so, there might have been an evolution of human-zombie hybrids living in isolation somewhere.

There was an endless amount of opportunity! If this was so, they might be able to cohesively transform the virus!

However, no one was celebrating as Lan Zhou asked it more questions, “Do you have a taste for eating people?”

The rose was confused. As a sentient plant, it only gained consciousnesses thanks to the virus. It changed his DNA, not overtook it like the virus did. So it did not feed. There were sentient plants that did, but that was only because its consciousness stopped evolving after its instinctual nature.

The rose was leaps and bounds higher in evolution than those other plants. He slowly shook his head and nuzzled closer to Wang Cheng.

“I don’t eat. I only eat the sun.”

This gave everyone a huge sigh of relief. Song Yu was the one to ask something next, “Will you hurt us? If someone is mean to Wang Cheng, will you kill them?”

Rose pursed his lips. He HAD done something akin to that, but that was because Wang Cheng was in extreme danger. If he hadn’t done it, Wang Cheng would have died.

“Will you hurt Wang Cheng? If you do…might.”

Song Yu could easily see the extreme trust the rose had for Wang Cheng. He wasn’t sure if they could teach the plant empathy or ethics.

All of a sudden, Squinty came barreling through the door, his tongue lolling from his open mouth. He was wet from the rain. He must have run to see if the animals were doing okay.

Wow! It’s the smelly plant! It looks like everyone!? Can I play with him?

Song Yu sighed. A sentient animal wasn’t even on par to a sentient rose. Hearing his little distorted dialogue made him feel slightly better. Squinty did not see the plant as such a threat.

Song Yu had to give props to that. Squinty might evolve at a slower rate, but his love for him would not diminish in the slightest.

Does that mean that sentient animals and plants have the ability to change to humans?

It was both plausible and implausible at the same time. Animals did not have a body useful for absorption. Unlike a plants genetic makeup, an animal is probably more likely to evolve into things akin to beasts like werewolves.

The future…was indeed going to change.

The interrogation lasted another hour, and Xiao Zi, under the super careful supervision of Lu Jingxiu, extracted three vials of Roses blood for scientific research.

In the end, the rose was able to stay, but was relegated to the gym for further observation until they were more comfortable with it. The rose didn’t mind, but was extremely sad that Wang Cheng slept in the shiny house.

Everyone’s sleep was a bit distorted, but soon went off into dreamland.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 47—The photograph

Lan Zhou didn’t want to miss even one second with Song Yu. The desperation in his situation was laughable but oh so bittersweet. Lan Zhou felt that this morning, he really would never see Song Yu again. The impeding time was pounding into his very bones. As he held Song Yu tightly in his grasp, he couldn’t help but tremble.

“Let me stay with you. Let me be with you forever. I’ll take care of you. Wash your dishes, clean your house…but please don’t throw me away…”

All of the words he could never voice out came out in small whispers too quiet for human ears. Lan Zhou spoke sweet nothings to Song Yu’s sleeping body, his hands trembling as it tried to burn every surface of Song Yu’s; trying to remember this feeling.

By the time he finished, La Zhou knew that he would recognize Song Yu for the rest of his life. Even when he wore the clothes that hid his beautiful face, or under the cover of darkness, Lan Zhou would recognize him by his touch or presence.

If Song Yu died and all he had was bones, Lan Zhou would still recognize him. This man…Song Yu would never know the pain of being forgotten. As Lan Zhou vowed for forever, when morning came and he had to leave…Song Yu would be in his heart forever.

Lan Zhou had cried many times in his life, however this bitter sourness was a feeling he never knew existed. A small pool of tears cascaded down his cheek onto the pillow. Lan Zhou was fearful as the sky brightened and the sun ascended. He got up and looked down at Song Yu’s tired face. He leaned down and kissed him before getting up and changing clothes.

Slowly and carefully, he left the room.

“Do you think he would let us stay?”

Lan Zhou swerved around and locked gazes with the team. Everyone had on their rubber body suits and hunting gear. Each holding a backpack filled with food. Squinty was beside them, wagging his tail. Lan Zhou smiled bitterly and shook his head.

No one was disappointed. As the apocalypse goes, Song Yu’s charity was more than they could pay in a lifetime. A week of happiness and warmth was worth it. Lu Jingxiu patted Lan Zhou on his back.

“At the very least, you know that Song Yu will be happy and safe here. That’s all that matters.”

Lan Zhou nodded, but his response was quiet,

“What can I do to make him love me? Love me enough to stay by his side?”

The entire group hugged Lan Zhou, trying to comfort this man.

“Song Yu loves you. Maybe in another few years, Song Yu will feel safe enough to let you in.”

Lan Zhou was not comforted by this. The apocalypse was an unpredictable thing. Even if he knew about certain events and lived for more than 2 decades, it still didn’t mean he would be lucky a second time. He could die tomorrow.

Lan Zhou shook his head sadly.

“We will wait for Song Yu to wake up. I’m not mean enough to leave while he’s sleeping. I want to say goodbye to his face.”

Everyone nodded and agreed. Squinty yipped a little bit and scurried to the basement to get them a basket for breakfast. They all removed the new backpacks and sat around the island talking quietly about their new direction, waiting for Song Yu to wake up.

Song Yu had heard everything. He woke up when Lan Zhou got up to get changed. He wanted to speak, but his voice choked in his chest. Lying on the bed, he rubbed his temples and sighed.

When he heard those heartbreaking words, Song Yu sobbed.

Why can’t I let him in? Why can’t I love him enough to stay?

Because the last time you did, you died by yourself; forever betrayed by those people you gave your heart to.

Can’t I try again? Can’t I love again?

You can…you can…but I don’t want you to.

Because you’re going to get him killed again.

Because we are a parasite on others; we don’t deserve his love. We will kill him one day.

I don’t understand.

You will one day. Let him go.

I’m not letting you remember.

Song Yu felt the frustration in his very bones. His mind had forgotten something very important. It didn’t want him to see. Didn’t want him to understand.

It was saving him from something. But what?

Song Yu got up eventually, his eyes haggard and bleak. He looked at himself in the mirror again and the face overlapped with his 45 year old self. What happened to him?

Song Yu’s head hurt.

He finally got dressed and went downstairs to see everyone. Lu Jingxiu was in the kitchen preparing eggs whilst Wang Cheng had drizzled syrup on a 12 stack pancake. Lan Zhou was drinking coffee on the side and his eyes lit up when he looked at Song Yu.

“You’re up early. You could sleep for a little bit longer.”

Song Yu gave a small smile, his pale lips tightening. Lan Zhou looked at him, worry creasing his features. He immediately went to Song Yu and helped him on a seat.

“Did we…do it too much last night?” Lan Zhou whispered lightly in his ears.

Song Yu blushed a bright red and wanted to smack him, but refrained when he saw the rest of the crew looking at him with worried eyes.

“I’m just a little tired…nothing is wrong.”

Still blushing, he sat on the stool and watched as the rest of the breakfast was being made. Lu Jingxiu had cooked two eggs per person whilst Wang Cheng made another 12 stack of pancakes. Xiao Zi and Yu Ci poured milk and orange juice in cups whilst Lan Zhou prepped coffee.

Song Yu looked at this bustling scene and once again felt warmth. He didn’t mind that they used his food. Squinty who had given them the portions was as stingy as Song Yu. They didn’t complain about the set meal they were given and always praised Song Yu for his hospitality.

Song Yu rubbed his forehead again. He wanted them to stay, but like the voice of reason said…he was not allowed to. Song Yu could feel the last wall collapsing in his heart, but his voice choked again before he could utter another word.

Song Yu…stop. This is for your own good.

No it’s not. If it was, you would let me do this.

I don’t want us to suffer anymore, please.

Song Yu shivered as his mind traversed through his memories. Ye Xin and his friends all laughing one minute, then throwing him in the pit the next…the feeling of coughing up blood as he overused his abilities, the mindless days in his bunker, trying to recuperate for weeks on end…his heart beat sporadically as his brain went into overdrive.

Song Yu huffed, a trail of sweat gliding down his back. He was back in the kitchen. Lan Zhou worriedly put his hand on his forehead.

“You have a mild fever.”

Squinty heard the word fever and ran to get some medicine. Xiao Zi also washed his hands and approached Song Yu, checking his pulse and temperature.

“It’s mild, but you should go to bed and get some rest.”

Song Yu shook his head.

“This is your last day. I want to see you before you go,” he whispered gently. Lan Zhou cupped his chin with both hands and pecked his pale lips.

“I know. We are leaving in an hour, so let’s just enjoy each other’s company.”

And they did just that. The breakfast was delicious and Song Yu took a fever reliever pill. They cleaned up and got dressed. Song Yu saw them get their backpacks. Squinty had put in enough food to last them a few weeks.

Song Yu stood silently as they finished preparations. When everything was done, all six slowly made their way to the gate. Lan Zhou and Song Yu didn’t speak, but held hands. Lan Zhou especially grabbed on tightly, taking everything in one last time.

Simply engraving Song Yu’s appearance. He willingly, without sound or words, without regrets or complaints to live life with freedom. That’s all he ever wanted Song Yu to have…even if his life didn’t involve him in it.

Lan Zhou hated that the world was so unpredictable, and hated himself for being powerless to return to that time. Lan Zhou smiled as they reached the gate. Everyone filed out of the gate and gave the two some time to talk. Lan Zhou slowly grabbed both hands, each finger interlocking with each other’s.

“What if I told you that I don’t care about this place? If you tell me to leave, I will leave. But I’m taking you with me?”

A small tilt to his chin, Song Yu tried desperately not to look, but Lan Zhou was adamant. Finally, Song Yu stared at Lan Zhou. Deep eyes that spoke more than the words Lan Zhou just spoke. Eyes filled with sadness.

Filled with sorrow.

Lan Zhou…meant that.

Song Yu felt the walls surrounding his heart crush to dust. Lan Zhou’s conviction was true. Lan Zhou…really does like him.

Lan Zhou observed Song Yu’s reaction before he chuckled lightly,

Lan Zhou fiddled with his breast pocket and took out a crumpled up photo. Song Yu saw it was taken at the hairdressers place. Streaked with dirt, creases and maybe some blood, it looked pitiful beyond belief.

“I carried this with me through every trial, every battle, and every argument. I showed this to every leader, every citizen, and every child. I don’t want anything from you Song Yu. I just wanted to know if you were alive and okay. Seeing you now, I can leave with a peace of mind.”

Song Yu eyes misted over when he saw that the picture had gone through so many trials. More than what he experienced in this life. This photo accompanied Lan Zhou when it should have been him.

Song Yu, who trusted no one, could feel that wall chisel away with every word Lan Zhou spoke. Lan Zhou’s voice carried resignation and hardship. But it was still filled with hope. A hope Song Yu did not have.

Song Yu realized that Lan Zhou did not change with the zombie apocalypse; he was still the man who gently held his hand after lovemaking, twining their fingers together with a small smile lighting the corner of his lips.

No. The one who changed was him.

I’ve made a terrible mistake.

Song Yu now wanted to rewind back to that time. If he had known. If only he had known how much this man felt for him.

If only they had met in their first life.

Those 20 years of bitter loneliness would have been bearable with Lan Zhou by his side.

And what’s stopping him from having that happy ever after?

It was himself who threw him away.

Song Yu let him go.

Listen to me, Song Yu!

I’m not going to listen anymore. I need Lan Zhou. I love him.

Stop Song Yu! You don’t know! Please!

Song Yu trembled as he touched the photo. Lan Zhou was his forever home. His safe shore. Why was he worried about the future, when he had none without Lan Zhou?

Lan Zhou pressed the photograph in his palms, before gradually letting his own slip from his fingertips. Lan Zhou walked slowly away, his back trembling with every step. Song Yu knew what he had to do.

His voice cracked as his eyes misted with tears.

Lan Zhou looked up in shock as Song Yu’s cried in front of him. Tears flowed down freely, Song Yu spoke once more, louder.

Lan Zhou smiled, his nose souring. He grabbed Song Yu tightly and kissed him.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 42—I might…like Song Yu

Song Yu was glad he was an ability user. If he wasn’t he would have been recuperating in bed for a few days rather than the few hours it took him to get better. Peering outside, the sun had just gone down and Lan Zhou was sleeping right next to him.

Looking at that dastardly good face, Song Yu stared at Lan Zhou with pensive thoughts.

I slept with him.

What should I do now?

Oh, so now you wanna listen to me? Screw you!

This is so weird. How can I let this guy go?

You can take him to your little black room and tell the other light bulbs to scram.

They’ve been with Lan Zhou this entire time. He trusts them.

But YOU don’t. Remember, this is just a temporary solution. Lan Zhou’s wound would most definitely heal in two or three days. Even Xiao Zi’s internal injuries are mending fast.

Song Yu sighed as he listened to his own argument. He sometimes wished that he didn’t have such a rational conscious. He felt a hand hold his waist tighter. Lan Zhou shifted his position so they were even closer together. Nuzzling his neck, his hot breath tickled his skin.

He really had to pee.

Lan Zhou held on tighter, his barely awoken state going back to dreamland.

Lan Zhou woke up slightly and patted Song Yu’s back, trying to coax him to sleep. Song Yu blushed as the hand unconsciously slid down his back to his butt.

Gentleness wasn’t going to wake up with bear.

Song Yu karate chopped the hand on his waist.

Song Yu sighed in relief as he got up and scrambled to the bathroom. Lan Zhou rubbed his red hand, and chuckled slightly. He had woken up when Song Yu did.

Call it a trauma, but he hadn’t slept lightly ever since Song Yu left him at the hotel. He didn’t want to remember that lonely feeling when he was left behind. So when Song Yu stirred just now, he woke up instantly. The rest was just a ruse. He was about to tease him some more when Song Yu hurt him.

He heard the toilet flush and went back to faking sleep. Hearing footsteps coming towards the bed, he evened his breathing.

“I know you’re awake. Get up!” Lan Zhou laughed and opened his eyes happily. Reaching out, he tugged Song Yu back onto the bed.

“Wah!!” Song Yu’s waist was once again held prisoner, Lan Zhou’s large arms encompassing him completely.

“Good evening.” Lan Zhou pecked his chin and cheeks. Song Yu was still uncomfortable with so much skin ship, but didn’t want to leave Lan Zhou’s embrace.

“You aren’t sleeping in this bed tonight. Move to the next room.”

Lan Zhou furrowed his brow in dejection but didn’t argue. They got dressed (Lan Zhou wore a new tunic shirt and lounge pants Song Yu had made) and went downstairs.

Lan Zhou’s leg seemed to be healing at an alarming rate. Including the fact that he had just ‘exercised’ and cleaned everything up, he should have been as bedridden as Song Yu. But he could now walk with a limp downstairs.

He hadn’t seen the house in its entirety, but seeing the rooms and space, he could guess how big it actually was. Lan Zhou didn’t look in awe or amazement, but he did note every place they passed. He didn’t want his lover to think he was coveting his things.

Song Yu also checked Lan Zhou’s expression. Either he hid it well or not, he was wary. Song Yu helped him down the stairs and into the living space with the large TV. Hearing the sounds of talking; the rest of the gang was in there.

“Hey! The lovebirds have finally woken—Ouch!” Wang Cheng rubbed the back of his head, his teary eyes glaring daggers at Lu Jiangxi.

Lu Jiangxi ignored Wang Cheng and turned to Lan Zhou and Song Yu.

“We could only make a few things from the parcel Squinty gave us, but there is remaining rice and side dishes on the counter. Or do you want to wait until dinner? It won’t be for another hour or so.”

Song Yu didn’t want to eat leftovers and decided against eating, but Lan Zhou was worried about Song Yu’s appetite.

“You should at least eat a little something before dinner. We—cough, cough—uh…you should get your strength back up.”

Song Yu remembered when Lan Zhou told him to stop drinking. That deep voice was filled with concern but subtle awkwardness; it made him very cute in Song Yu’s eyes. Reminded by that, he relented.

“I’ll take you to the kitchen.”

Yu Ci watched as the couple left. That itchy feeling came back again. He was a little disappointed and…envious. Xiao Zi patted Yu Ci on his back, consoling the big guy.

“Xiao Zi…I think I might like Song Yu.”

“Not to sound negative, but you have zero chance. They met before the apocalypse, and you know how long Lan Zhou had been searching for him.”

Yu Ci nodded, “I know all of that. But…I can’t control how I feel. Even though we didn’t talk much during those two days…he was the first one to make my heart skip a beat. I’ve never felt that before.”

Lu Jingxiu sat next to Xiao Zi his hand unconsciously holding each other’s. Yu Ci stared at those entwined fingers and couldn’t help but feel bad. Lan Zhou was a brilliant leader, charismatic and kind. If he hadn’t had low EQ, he would have snatched lovers left and right.

For Lan Zhou, finding the love of his life in the apocalypse was a one in a billion chance. But he did it. Like the protagonist in a movie, Lan Zhou was able to find the string of fate back to Song Yu.

Yu Ci’s previous life was harsh. Born in a military family, he as the youngest child, enlisted since he was 12 years old. He didn’t know about many things, including how to live in the normal world. It used to be barracks and gun, and now…high school? When he was forced into high school, it was the first time he made friends.

And it was Lan Zhou beating him in jousting that got him to open up. He couldn’t have imagined having friends for so long. Most people entered and exited each other’s lives like bright fireworks. Fleeting. But these people stayed by his side, urging him to succeed. His first everything’s happened with these four people.

In their past life, Yu Ci’s strength ability in the front lines was gloried, leaving people in the dust. He amassed hundreds of people’s approval, and his battalion death count was almost non-existent. But like most people in the apocalypse…people got lonely.

So after eight years in the apocalypse, Yu Ci was at the age where he started thinking about family. Women were extremely scarce, but not overly so. He had gone out with some women and some men, hoping to get the spark he heard from in Lan Zhou’s magazines.

However, Yu Ci was forced to marry a girl from an affluent military family. Yu Ci tried to be happy, but every night when he went to bed, he felt that the person sleeping next to him was not ‘the one’. That didn’t stop him from treating her as carefully and gently as a behemoth-like man could.

Over time, she grew on him and they eventually tried to have a child.

With no luck, Yu Ci tried his best to take care of her still. Until that autumn day when he came back and saw his wife in the embrace of someone else. What startled Yu Ci wasn’t his wife in bed, naked with an equally naked man. What startled Yu Ci was that…he wasn’t torn over this.

Seeing her crying face as she tried to explain, Yu Ci felt nothing. His wife of two years was nothing to him. Leaving her was the easiest thing he had ever done.

Yu Ci felt that he didn’t have the necessary properties to love someone. But when he saw Song Yu for the first time…he felt it. That tingle in your toes, that heart pumping in your chest, the electricity boiling your blood.

Yu Ci felt alive.

Or rather, he felt like he could love Song Yu.

Sitting in the living room, Xiao Zi tried to comfort Yu Ci some more, but Yu Ci closed his eyes and sighed deeply. Lan Zhou was his friend, the truest friend a person could have. He would not hurt his friend like this.

Even if it meant hiding his love forever…he could do it.

He wished that one day, someone would come along and that spark he felt in the bamboo forest that day would come true once again.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 61—A familiar face

Yu Ci and Wang Cheng armed themselves, the guns gleaming in the night. They had heard the shuffling of feet sometimes ago, but just thought it was a passing zombie. However, the closer the sound got, the more it confirmed that the deliberate footsteps belonged to an individual person.

Wang Cheng raised the muzzle of his gun to the outside, his hearing sharp.

“Why would a single person be out in the middle of nowhere at night?”

Yu Ci and Wang Cheng heard a twig snap, and under the light of the fire, a lone figure stopped in front of them. The man was tall, his arms and legs incased in what seemed like a uniform. There didn’t seem to be any wounds indicating zombification however there was dried blood on the front of and on the man’s hands.

The man came closer to the fire light, showing deep amber eyes. Raising his hands in the air, he posed no harm to them.

“Stop right there.” Yu Ci hissed. The man stopped, before slumping on the floor. In an instant, the person was knocked out cold. Only a few seconds later, they could hear the man snore.

Yu Ci did not slacken his gun. Taking cautious steps, he used his toe to jab the man’s stomach. The man snorted and grumbled before resuming his sleep. Yu Ci hit harder, making the man flip to his back. In the firelight, you could see the man’s strong jawline and roguish features. His size was comparable to Lan Zhou’s with sinewy muscles under his guard uniform.

Wang Cheng kept his aim on the man as Yu Ci went through the man’s pockets. A map filled with red circles, indistinguishable markings, a compass, a small satellite radio, a bottle of almost empty water and what seemed to be the leftovers of a potato.

“Let’s call Lan Zhou and Song Yu.”

Song Yu was woken up quickly afterwards. Still groggy, he yawned and squinted his eyes. When information processed, his eyes widened into saucers…

T-this man! The ice ability user!

Song Yu remembered this man from the club. In the previous life, the man used to be a guard for B Base and was the key factor in their escape. He never knew what happened to him, and the man never came to Paradise Base, so his fate was unknown till the very end. When Song Yu met him again at the club, he was glad that he could interact with him, but then he was distracted by Lan Zhou…

Lan Zhou saw the awe and happiness in Song Yu’s expression. Looking disdainly at the sleeping figure, he motioned to him.

“Do you know him?”

“Ah! Yes…um…before, he helped me in a bad situation. I thought he had died before. Looking at him now, I think he was deserted by his team…or something.”

Lan Zhou nodded his head thoughtfully. He too, recognized the man as the bartender of the club where they met. It had been fleeting and two years ago, but Lan Zhou didn’t forget a memorable face. And the man sleeping like the dead was considered classically handsome.

“Wake up Lu Jingxiu and douse him with ice water. We don’t know if he’s here as a scout or just wants to leech off of us.”

Wang Cheng went to go do that, while Yu Ci propped the man up. Lolling his head, the unconscious man leaned forward and pressed his dirty forehead on Yu Ci’s shoulder. Yu Ci paused before gently helping the man, righting his position up, all the while tying ropes on his hands and feet.

Lu Jingxiu didn’t like being woken up, especially when he was in the arms of his beloved. But when he heard that there was an intruder at the camp, he diligently came out to investigate.

Seeing the man, he cocked his head to the side. Unlike Wang Cheng and Lan Zhou who had been abroad before the apocalypse, Lu Jingxiu was an avid club-goer, who went for business to get more info out of drunk people. So, he knew this person personally.

“Hey guys, this guy used to be a bartender at the club. His name’s Wu Ding.”

Lan Zhou didn’t primarily care, but Song Yu and Lu Jingxiu both knew him, so that gave way for less caution. However, it was still the end of the second year of the apocalypse—people could change.

“Wake him up and let us see first.”

Lu Jingxiu took out an ice block and had Yu Ci crush it on top of the sleeping man. The crushed ice instantly melted in the palm of Yu Ci’s hand and dripped cold water on Wu Ding. The ice trickled down his neck into the collar of his shirt, making Wu Ding widen his eyes.

“EEYAAHH! Get away from me! I’m gonna punch you!” Wu Ding wanted to punch whatever was closest to him, but then realized his hands were tied.

“Kyaaaah!! I’m tied up! Shi—“ Wu Ding realized they were outside and had to shut up. His outburst might have gotten the attention of zombies.

Pursing his lips, Wu Ding took in this circle of people. He didn’t remember what had happened. He was completely tired, not sleeping for the past three days trying to find shelter. His confused and disarrayed face was clear to everyone’s eyes.

Lan Zhou waved his hand. “You’re awake. Wonderful. Now tell me…,” Lan Zhou’s smiled turned deadly in an instant.

“…why did you come here?”

Wu Ding gulped. He wanted to feign sleep or fainting, but knew he would be woken up again.

“Ummm…I didn’t know it was your area. I thought this was no-man’s land. I didn’t think there was a base here. I’m sorry.”

Lan Zhou knelt down until they were face to face.

“How’d you get to no-man’s land all by yourself?”

Wu Ding couldn’t really explain.

One minute, he was minding his own business when he had a horrible dream a day before the apocalypse. In the dream, he got ice ability powers. However, he was tipped off that B City was recruiting ability users for experimentation. When he found out, he hid his abilities and worked as a lowly guard in the epicenter of the city.

The best hiding place is one in plain sight.

His secret was soon found out by one of the experiments named Ye Xin. Instead of blackmailing him, Ye Xin told Wu Ding that they were going to escape, and that if Wu Ding helped them, they would take him with them.

Wu Ding knew that he couldn’t let this opportunity pass by. So, on the day of the break-out, Wu Ding left his post and stole the keys to the facility, aiding their escape. As a Level 1 ice ability user, he wasn’t used to using his powers, but for the desperation of freedom, he did what he could.

The plan was going smoothly until he was caught and the other ability-users escaped. This led Wu Ding down the path of pain. As punishment for helping them escape, he was tortured, used as an experiment and was brutally tormented by the main doctors, causing him mental anguish and PTSD.

It wasn’t until six months later that a group of vigilantes set ablaze B City and set Wu Ding free from the nightmare. Wu Ding spent much of his time shivering in fear and hiding away from people in the labs, and didn’t understand that B Base was being evacuated. He didn’t comprehend it as doctors, scientists, nurses, and aid staffs were flittering around, taking equipment and talking furiously. Wu Ding could only stay in his little cubicle and watch, dead-eyed.

He never left B Base, even when it was on fire. Using his ice ability, he sheltered a few people and endured. Once the embers turned to ash, Wu Ding continued to stay in the burnt city.

Everyone left except for him. Wu Ding was too scared to leave and stayed in the small cubicle of his torture chamber which had surprisingly not been burnt during the catastrophe. Wu Ding stayed there until his death two years later, still unable to leave the cage he endured so much pain from.

When Wu Ding woke up from the dream, he had been crying and curling into a fetal position, as if self-soothing himself. He spent the next 12 hours trying to comfort himself that it was just a dream.

Until, the meteor shower hit and everyone became zombies.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 76—Slice of Life

A week had passed after that. They had finally finished harvesting and was preparing for winter. Song Yu wanted to plant a few winter vegetables, so they started off doing parsnips, beets, and cabbage before delving into the pool of seeds they found in N City, raking in kale and even cauliflower. These didn’t have deep roots and would not interfere with each other during the seeding.

Song Yu ecstatically watched as their group wore their farming clothes, boots and shovels and dropped seeds into the turned dirt. They would mature just as there would be frost to cover the land, making the vegetables taste sweeter.

Song Yu had also planned to kill a cow to make beef jerky in the winter, but that would have to be done in late fall. The winters in the mountains were much colder than in the flatlands. Song Yu spent the first winter inside a kotatsu with three layers of clothes.

The farm animals were fed by Squinty who didn’t mind the cold one bit, and the fields had been covered in almost 7 feet of snow. The entirety of the villa will be blanketed, rendering the outside useless. During the peak coldness, Song Yu took this time to hone crafts using the manuals he downloaded before.

Cooking, sewing, tanning, drying, chemistry, and renovating.

Song Yu’s only problems about the winter was that the energy levels dropped. Song Yu was entirely dependent on solar energy. There was an entire field in the back of the villa containing more than 20 flat solar panels that moved in accordance to the sun.

In winter, the sun was shrouded in clouds, rain, and snow. Song Yu had to scrape off the snow from the solar panels every three days, sometimes even once a day in order to get them to work. Song Yu had a heater using fuel and gas, but that would not last an entire winter.

Luckily, this winter they had a fresh flow of gasoline from Du Win, and Song Yu planned to create a solar generator that kept the energy for longer.

Song Yu approached this to Lu Jingxiu, and he got to work thinking of how to make it happen.

On the other hand, after telling Lan Zhou about his abilities, nothing had changed. Lan Zhou was still stupidly in love with him, spouting love poems at night, and sharing long glances during the day. Lan Zhou had asked when Song Yu would tell the rest of the group; making Song Yu hesitate a bit.

“Xiao Zi…might already know that I’m the pure ability user. We talked a little bit about the experiments. I think he’s just waiting for me to tell him.”

Lan Zhou nodded, “He is very observant. If you are okay with helping him that’s fine. But I don’t want you to feel obliged to do so.”

“You can take your time to tell everyone else. Wang Cheng and the rest haven’t come back yet. If you want to tell them then that’s also fine too.”

That did make Song Yu feel better. He was willing to tell everyone. So as the days passed, the 2 weeks of the group’s journey had lengthened to another week. They wanted to do it more leisurely, as they found the spots to be scenic and warming.

Yu Ci continued to update the group on their activities, but Song Yu thinks they really enjoyed this leisurely field trip. They only had to kill a few zombies, scan the perimeters for stragglers and monitor any hoards or strange zombie behaviors.

With the three of them, it was a breeze.

Song Yu could feel their fighting spirit, and didn’t want to curb their independence. So two weeks turned to three.

Summer had finally finished and fall was descending the mountains. The leaves gradually changed colors, making the greenery turn into ambers, reds, and oranges. The new vegetables had sprouted and there were no apparent zombification.

Song Yu was also getting a bit lazier. He had a few more hands to take care of the house and the planting, leaving him with a bit more time.

So, Song Yu decided to create winter jackets for everyone. The cotton seeds would have to be planted next year, but there were still the unused mattresses and clothes from N City. Song Yu tore through the springs and took out the mattress stuffing. Finding waterproof materials, he got to work, creating a pattern for a long puffer jacket.

Taking inspiration from a few TV shows, he finished the first coat after three days of continuous editing. Finally, the coat was finished. There was a large weighted hood that wouldn’t budge with the wind, lined with fur from N City. The puffer jacket was lined with heat tech inside as well as a replaceable inner jacket if they were too hot. The mattress stuffing inlaid the puffer jacket material, those bumps a little bit uneven but otherwise functional.

Song Yu added large pockets on the outside and three on the inside for emergency things like snacks, flashlights, and the occasional dagger.

The first guinea pig was Xiao Zi. Song Yu and Xiao Zi had similar builds, so when Song Yu finished, he casually asked Xiao Zi for his opinion. Xiao Zi was all too happy to try it on.

The puffer jacket went down to his shins, the sleeves a little bit shorter for gloves. Immediately, Xiao Zi could feel the intense heat radiating outwards. Like his body warmth was trapped. After 5 minutes, he had to take it off because it was too hot.

Song Yu was happy, as it was aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. During the day, they checked and watered the plants, checked the storage, and husked the grains using machines. In the afternoon, Song Yu continued to make more coats for everyone.

Lan Zhou complained that Song Yu didn’t have any time for him. He wriggled in Song Yu’s embrace, causing Song Yu’s hand to slip stabbing the needle somewhere else.

With no choice, Song Yu threw a pillow at him.

Lan Zhou was heartbroken and had to sleep in the next room for the night, but was let in early in the morning to a horny Song Yu.

Lan Zhou was also busy. He helped Song Yu with the planting and was also helping with the solar panel problems with Lu Jingxiu. Hearing how harsh the winters were here, Lan Zhou wanted to create something similar to windshield wipers to wipe the snow off so they wouldn’t have to.

Lu Jingxiu wasn’t an engineer or mechanic, so they had to look through the manuals Song Yu had to get an idea of what to do.

Eventually, they settled on both the generator and wipers, leaving other projects for later dates. Lu Jingxiu easily understood these kinds of things, so he was the head of this project.

The house was greatly insulated and didn’t need any modifications, but the storage basement downstairs had to be re-organized. The fresh produce and cold foods like meats were okay, but they had to put the seasonal items into further storage so it wouldn’t be contaminated by the cold.

Lan Zhou later came to the realization that all of the foods were expired, but since Song Yu periodically put them in the space, they retained their shelf life.

Xiao Zi was also busy. After being hinted at, that Song Yu was the pure ability user, he got to work right away, trying to get the results of the vaccine that he had in his last life. Although, the missing ingredient was right in front of him, he wouldn’t approach unless Song Yu was willing.

These initial tests were crucial and did not need Song Yu’s interference anyways. Xiao Zi was happy that he had all of the tools at his disposal. Song Yu had even given him a few computers that would compute the molecular data, to which he was grateful.

These days were so lax and happy, Song Yu forgot that this was the apocalypse…and anything can happen.

Neet life in the apocalypse

The main character of NEET life in the Apocalypse.

The MC of this story and is reborn before the apocalypse and commits himself to live a life doing whatever he wants.

Spouse: Lan Zhou

The main lead of NEET life in the apocalypse

Fire ability (main)—> Blue fire (variant) Level A

The ML of this story and has the low EQ. Finds love to be the most powerful ability.

Spouse: Lan Zhou

Water ability (main)—> ice ability (variant) Level 8

A very skeptical individual and highly intuitive but has a tsundere side to him

Healing ability (main) Level 8

A biochemist before the apocalypse and is the oldest in the team and responsible for making the cure.

Spouse: Lu Jingxiu

Space ability (main) Level 6

Currently single and is the only character with a diagnosed disorder (ADHD) and will find a lover soon!

Strength ability (main)—> hardening ability (variant) Level 7

Is in love with Song Yu but never confesses. Has a gentle heart and just wants to be loved. He finds solace and comfort with Wu Ding, an Ice ability user.

Mind ability (main)—> reflection (variant) level 10

A person in Song Yu’s past who used Song Yu and was the main instigator to his death.

He is the Zombie King

Water ability (main)—> ice ability (variant) Level 4

A bartender before the end of the world, saved Song Yu in his first life. He has also experienced being reborn in the form of a dream. Now a part of the group living in Song Yu’s base.

Blind from birth, he is one of the strongest water ability users. Has a wife named Lu Na who is a plant ability user.

He is the creator of spirit stones, has his own base that will be absorbed into Song Yu’s. Very kind, intelligent and trusts people easily (due to his sixth sense).

Earth ability—-> (main) Level 7

A fiery and temperamental powerhouse. She was an office worker before the zombie apocalypse, so understands the ins and outs of office politics. Became a leader after being betrayed by co-workers and is a general under Lan Zhou’s squadron.

In his previous life, he didn’t like Song Yu because of his weakness as a Base leader. Over time, his hatred cooled into stoic disassociation. He was there when Song Yu died, but only as a bystander watching.

In the new life, he is a base leader of his own, who takes over the base for Song Yu and Lan Zhou when they decide to go into isolation.

Marble-like stones that are made of abilities condensed together. Only active abilities like fire, water, earth, air, and active variants can make these stones. Passive abilities like healing, space and purity cannot be condensed.

Each stone varies in power, as the person who makes them has to infuse an emotional response. Hatred and fear can be powerful, yet love and protection has a higher overall effect on the spiritual stones output.

Levels also play a role in this aspect, as a Level 10 can make one faster and infuse more ability whereas a Level 4 will take longer.

These stones can be bought and sold as currency.

Levels are similar to video games where they rank people into different categories. At the start of the apocalypse, people were ranked at Level 0-1 depending on how you can control your ability.

The more you can control your ability, and the more variant your abilities become, the higher your level goes. It cannot be measured by humans, but by yourself as you get inklings every time you level up.

So far, the highest ability is Level A to which only two people are.

Variant abilities are people who have active/passive abilities that change from its original ability to a specialized one. In the beginning, people would only have mains (fire, water, earth, air, space, heal, lightning, etc;) that transforms when a persons potential reaches a certain level in a situation.

Example: Lan Zhou is a fire ability user, but his variant is cold blue flames that have a higher temperature than red flames. This variant occurred when he needed to melt something and his brain response to the situation, leveled up his ability and granted his wish.

Variants only happen to people who have the potential to reach Level 10 or higher.

First time making a review on a novel online, but this is like just so good. I’ll be a cow, horse, or any domesticated animal when I reincarnate on the next life, so I can repay the author for posting their novel online.

The main character, Song Yu, worshipping this man to heavens. I am simply worshipping this man’s character, and the author’s writing to create such a lovable strong sweety. I also like Lan Zhou, the main lead, he’s so in love with Song Yu, but he’s still sensable while being in love. Both Song Yu and Lan Zhou are really my likes, rating them to hell and heaven with cutesy fillings that has muscles.

To be frank, I’ve read a lot of apocalypse BL novels, and compared to those, I like this more, so like hella looking forward to the life of our neet and his husband (also along with their friends).

Luv author so much Read More

I usually don’t read ongoing stories but I decided to give Chapter 1 a try and it was enough to get me hooked. It’s a wonderfully well written apocalypse themed novel. The motivations of each of the characters are laid out clearly, you actually know where it’s coming from and not just a plot device to move the story foward.

Both the MC and ML are on the powerful side and understandably so, and yet they do not come off as an overpowered mary sue. The side characters are well fleshed out and I am definitely looking forward in seeing more of the side couple/s.

It’s a really good apocalyptic story! The phase and progress is good that I hope author please continue the quality and don’t be like other apocalyptic stories that goes down hill after the climax up to the end. TvT

Everyone is endearing and fun characters with their own personality. Plus they do what they actually meant, like seclusion and just living on their own base away from corrupt bases.

I hoping to see more amazing things as a the story progresses. ❤

Honestly, this book captivated me by the 1st chapter. I am just so in love with this book, the characters really brought this book to life for me. It was interesting and fast going, which really kept my interest in the plot. I loved the internal struggle these characters face, and the battle scenes were just so interesting.

I can’t wait for the author to finish it so I could read it all over again.

100% recommend for people looking for a fast-paced, bl, zombie apocalypse, with slight angst novel!!

This is a nice story with a kind and lovable translator. Nothing more, nothing less. 10/10 would recommend!

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 38—The Promised Land of myths and legends

Xiao Zi did not have much strength, but he had been a biochemist and pharmacist. Seeing the jagged scar on Lan Zhou’s leg, he knew that if it hadn’t been treated early, it could become septic leading to shock and blood poisoning.

“You’re doing a good job cutting the dead skin. Make sure you don’t cut the muscle. Feel it with your finger, the layers. Cut as closely as you can.”

Song Yu nodded and continued to cut the sides of the wound. His skills were rudimentary, but passable. Wang Cheng had only been gone three or four minutes before rushing back in.

“I got it! Song Yu! I got it! Here!” Wang Cheng took the medicine out of his breast pocket, his face filled with glee.

“Feed him two tablets and wash it down with water. I’m still working on the leg.”

Yu Ci and Lu Jingxiu had little to no knowledge other than military first aid. They watched silently as the other three worked on Lan Zhou. Xiao Zi was still in the wheelchair, and his bruised ribs didn’t let him lift his arms. But he was deeply knowledgeable in medicine, so counseled Song Yu in handling it.

Song Yu was breathing heavily, sweat pouring everywhere. Like he did yesterday, he stitched the newly cleansed wound together. He had cut quite a bit, so the skin was very taut. Song Yu diligently sewed 37 stitches, drizzling the cleaning agent on top, and wrapped Lan Zhou’s leg himself.

The sun was now high in the sky, and everyone was dead tired. Lan Zhou’s fever still hadn’t broken, but his temperature went down a notch.

Song Yu was washing his hands when he heard it. Turning around, he saw 4 men bowing deeply to him. Their reverence and respect was evident in every aspect of their bearings. His breath caught. Lu Jingxiu came up to him and put something in his hands. Opening it, he saw a spirit stone.

Spirit stones were a manifestation of someone’s spiritual resonance. When the apocalypse occurred and people started getting abilities, someone managed to condense their ability into a stone. Because it took so much effort, time and energy, the stones in itself held massive power. They could be used to help in upgrading the spiritual level, or used in combat against zombies.

The smaller the stone, the bigger the input. This became comparable to gold. Used as currency, those who had higher levels could create even purer stones that resembled marbles.

However, the biggest drawback was that spiritual stones could only be made using active abilities. Things like fire, water, ice, earth, lightning, wind, and others were applicable. For Song Yu’s and Wang Cheng’s space ability and Xiao Zi’s healing ability being passive, they could not input a spiritual resonance.

Song Yu blankly stared at the marble-like stone. It glowed a vibrant blue, swirling inside like a galaxy. It held a small depth of warmth. Song Yu knew that this was a very powerful spirit stone. The last one Song Yu saw in his previous life was one just like this, used for…Song Yu forgot?

But looking at the stone, with little to no impurities; Song Yu realized that the stone was probably their last trump card. With both Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi out of commission, they could have used this spirit stone to kill him.

But they didn’t. Instead, they gave him their last weapon. Holding the marble, with its beautiful blue sheen, the ability user was most likely Lan Zhou’s blue flames. They trusted him with this. They were willing to die just to thank Song Yu.

The humble feeling of being validated. The glow of pride when someone compliments you on a job well done or the brief pat on the back when the day is over; it was something he hadn’t felt in a long…long time.

Those lonely days fighting with his colleagues about Paradise Base, those subordinates that wouldn’t listen to him, or the levels of hostility when he was out of commission because he exhausted his spiritual powers…his entire past life was like a joke.

All he ever wanted was a ‘You can rest now. You did well.’

And unexpectedly, it came in the form of four awkward men, and one unconscious man huddled in the medic room, with eyes filled with veneration and courtesy. Song Yu laughed bitterly to himself. Was that all it took to get his defenses down?

But it truly was. Song Yu realized that he wouldn’t have minded to have these people around him. But that was a thought he would think on later. Cradling the spirit stone he nodded in acknowledgement.

“You guys must be hungry and tired. Wang Cheng, move Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi into your space. I’ll take you guys somewhere more comfortable. Get you a shower and a change of clothes.”

Minds made up, Wang Cheng did as instructed; Song Yu leading them, they left the medic room, out of the gym and into the sunlight.

Lan Zhou felt clammy. There was pain in his torso, but a burning sensation on his leg. It felt like someone took a hot poker and slid it across his skin. But more than that, he felt dizzy and nauseous. The discomfort made him wake up. Opening his eyes to slits, his blurry eyes took in the view. Up above his head was a cascading canopy of white, enveloping him. Sniffing the air, he smelled sunshine and…washing detergent.

There was so much confusion. He cracked his head to the side and saw a gigantic window that opened to a large roof veranda. On the veranda was a table with an umbrella on top. Scattered around it was books and magazines blowing pages in the sunny afternoon.

Did…I get reborn again?

He struggled to get up and winced when he put pressure on his abdomen. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and his bodysuit had been taken off, only leaving a pair of briefs. He saw on his leg a very large bandage that looked to have been freshly applied. He didn’t even know that his leg was hurt.

His head was still dizzy, but his mind was overall clear. Looking around the room, he saw a comfortable low table and sofa with a few throw pillows and blankets on it. To the left was a door leading to the bathroom and another to the closet. On the walls hung pictures of various maps and agricultural study texts; peering in closer, there were red dots and markings showing locations of various cities and villages in the area.

Lan Zhou leaned off the side, his barefoot touching soft carpet.

He hobbled out of the room to the veranda. The veranda was sizeable, almost spanning the entire roof. Not only was there the table, but a hot tub and foot bath. It looked like a summer villa for the extreme elite. Lan Zhou peered over the veranda to the view outside and was stunned. Beautiful mountains, forests and a stunning blue lake were in his sights. A paradise of nature, the afternoon sun shining the vibrant colors of green, blue, and reds spanning as far as the eyes could see.

Now Lan Zhou knew he was in heaven.

He heard some light laughter. Looking down from two stories, his eyes widened once again. Down below, he saw Wang Cheng, Yu Ci and Lu Jingxiu wearing straw hats, gloves and mud boots, holding…gardening equipment? They laughed mildly as they continued walking. Lan Zhou saw that to the south, there was a large vegetable patch, filled with luscious harvest.

They still sported weapons on their bodies like knives, but their overall aura was one of contentment and. happiness.

Lan Zhou quickly left the veranda, his hobbled steps trying to find the exit. His eyes were searching around this seemingly expansive villa. Every room he walked past felt like times when the zombie apocalypse didn’t happen. He could see light bulbs shining brightly, water dripping from the sinks, and the unmistakable smell of grilled meats and rice.

Like this place had been frozen in time two years prior. All of this was a painstaking effort to keep that simple life. Lan Zhou now understood Song Yu’s hesitance in bringing them here. If it was anyone else, they would have killed him and taken over his land, corrupted it and transformed it.

Although his eyes looked at these treasures, all he felt was relief and happiness for Song Yu. Song Yu had done well despite the apocalypse.

Lan Zhou felt relief. Relief that Song Yu didn’t struggle after the apocalypse. Relief that every day, Song Yu had a full belly of food, fine companionship, a solid stable life and the only worry of what he would do the next day.

He saw the long flights of stairs and couldn’t help but sigh. His leg was still aching, and his struggle to get downstairs could inevitably make him fall. He hobbled back into the room where he was staying at and left to the veranda once again.

The view was simply extraordinary.

But the thing that got his eyes to widen even further was the tall, lithe man tilling the fields already. The straw hat sheltered his face from his view, but he would recognize that back anywhere. The person took off their gloves and wiped their face with the towel around his neck, showing white delicate skin. A gleam of sweat dripped down, travelling down his shirt.

The head suddenly jerked to his direction. Eyes meeting eyes, Lan Zhou gulped; heart palpitating. Once again, he was struck by how much Song Yu affected him.

But funnily enough, he didn’t mind it one damn bit.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 26—Meeting Point

The night was uneventful, but Yu Ci and Song Yu did several shifts to keep watch for zombies. As someone who knew that the forest was completely safe, he still kept guard for other zombified creatures. Song Yu looked at the time and didn’t bother waking Yu Ci up for the next shift.

The sun was coming up soon, so another hour wouldn’t kill him. He ignited the dying fire and took out some stir fried vegetables he had made a while ago from his space. Adding some red peppers to the mix, he polished it off with the remaining rice.

Yu Ci woke up from the smell, just in time to see Song Yu eat the finishing bite.

“Master, is there anything else you would like to trade with me for?”

Song Yu ignored him and started cleaning up much to Yu Ci’s regret.

Yu Ci took out the last of his jerky and gnawed on it with distaste. Although he spent all of yesterday walking, he wasn’t sore or extremely fatigued. He stretched his arms wide and couldn’t help but thank the heavens that he didn’t get a strained back. By the time they were ready to leave, the sun had just crested the mountainous horizon.

Derpy had his fill of purified water and hay from last night, so his body wasn’t tired in the least. Song Yu straddled him and waited for Yu Ci to follow behind.

As uneventful as their journey was, Song Yu was impressed with Yu Ci’s stamina. Despite being a chatterbox, he never once complained, and never asked him for anything besides the meal which was a transaction of equal (not really) value.

Song Yu had met a lot of people in his previous life. Those coquettish beauties who relied on big backers when he was a second generation and those white eyed wolves during the apocalypse. There was a never-ending stream of people who were excessively entitled.

He recalled a man in the beginning of the apocalypse that he had saved. They spent 2 days together, Song Yu sharing all of his food and medicine. When the coast was finally cleared they set out to find their families. When Song Yu found something it was shared, but whenever the man found something, he said he had to save it for his family.

When they reunited with their families, under the cover of darkness, the man and his family had stolen their things and ran away. By the time Song Yu noticed it, it was too late.

He didn’t remember the man’s name or face anymore, but thinking on it now, Song Yu didn’t have the foresight in finding good quality people. Maybe it was his EQ or his innocent nature, but he had forgiven the man in his heart, thinking he stole from them for a reason.

How insanely naïve was he then?

But Yu Ci didn’t do any of that. He knew what his boundaries were, didn’t ask to borrow tools or even a sip of his water, knowing that the things Yu Ci kept precious were also things Song Yu would keep precious. And you never asked for someone’s precious things unless you trusted them from the bottom of your heart. Song Yu had to applaud Yu Ci for that. At least he was a man of principles.

Song Yu turned around to see Yu Ci playing around, picking up a stick and tapping it on the ground. Song Yu realized that Yu Ci might have left behind markings or remembered the route. It gave him another pang in his heart that he was still so careless.

He’s an idiot anyways. If he was trying to make markings or make a mental route, then when I come back, I’ll erase them.

Song Yu nodded his head, and tried his best to stay positive. If all else failed, he would kill the entire group. At least that’s the thought that comforted Song Yu, as they reached the meeting point at nightfall.

Sweat-soaked and tired, Yu Ci trailed farther and farther behind Song Yu. He wanted to rest for the night and continue tomorrow, but it seemed that the forest fairy didn’t want to be in his presence any longer. He could only move his tired legs and sway back and forth. At midday, the forest fairy had given him his own precious water, which had given Yu Ci the strength to carry on, however it wasn’t enough.

Declining to ask for more, Yu Ci wanted to leave a good impression on this man, so he denied another drink when it was offered. He didn’t know how much the forest fairy had left, and would rather not have his death on his conscious if he went back to his secret base and have no water.

Yu Ci smiled when they reached the meeting point.

Likely there would be no one there for the time being. It had been 5 days since he had last seen his friends, so they wouldn’t be in full view of the meeting point, but come during the night time when the zombies were more or less inactive.

Song Yu on the other hand, had a weird feeling come through him. They hadn’t come across any zombies throughout the entire journey. Despite the walking speed, they were in the range where at least one or two popped up. Maybe it was taken care of by Lan Zhou’s group?

But he also felt something…gross. He couldn’t pinpoint it, but he decided to keep more vigilance. Derpy also sensed the tension and grew cautious, slowing down significantly.

There in the spot was the familiar jeep. Yu Ci was about to go there, but Song Yu blocked him with Derpy, his eyes narrowing on the jeep.

Yu Ci, after thinking about it also concluded it was as well. His eyes narrowed as he searched the surrounding foliage, looking for a marker. Lan Zhou wouldn’t have abandoned the jeep unless they had no choice to.

Song Yu shivered, feeling predatory eyes prey over him.

“We need to leave. We can find your friends later. For now let’s—“

The ground started rumbling. Song Yu got off Derpy and tightly clung his reigns as the dirt below them crumbled. Before anyone could blink, a large vine shredded through the dirt, enshrouding the car in seconds, not feeling any sign of life before going back under, its tentacle-like vines curling back in, viscous fluid down the sides of the car.

Both Song Yu and Yu Ci gulped as the terrifying zombie plant went back to wait for its new victims.

“Fuck, that’s as big as a bus.”

The range of the zombie plant was not long. Although its tentacles reached 6 meters, it wouldn’t grow nor regenerate. At least…not yet. Its body hidden in the dirt could not move. So they were relatively safe if they kept a 15 meter distance from the car.

“Do you think your friends got eaten?” Song Yu couldn’t see signs of a person, so the zombie plant most likely had acidic spit.

Yu Ci shook his head, “I think they drove here and the zombie plant attacked them, taking their car. I’m sure they will come here tonight. For now, let’s camp here and you can go back home in the morning.”

Song Yu nodded and walked Derpy to a small patch of grass and took out a brush from his backpack. Unsaddling him and brushing him down was done in less than 10 minutes, so Song Yu went to prepare dinner.

Yu Ci on the other hand kept watch over the zombie plant, trying to feel for the zombie’s body. Should he kill it? But, Lan Zhou and the gang didn’t kill it, instead leaving the jeep. What was so special about the plant?

Song Yu thought the same thing and couldn’t help but scan the jeep as well. It had gotten quite dark, so Song Yu and Yu Ci built a fire. After dinner, Yu Ci kept first watch whilst Song Yu took a nap. In the night, he could hear the sounds of cicadas and fireflies. Turning his body against the fire, his slightly closed eyes rested on the jeep again.

Song Yu’s hackles rose. There were no people in the vicinity besides Yu Ci. He would have heard the group coming…and the voice wasn’t connected to anyone he had heard from in the group.

“Psst…come here, your family is waiting for you.”

That small whisper felt like it was directly in his ear. Song Yu flipped his blanket only to find a small vine, very thin and long, its veiny body leading all the way from the jeep. That…had a mouth attached to the end.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 25—To kill or not to kill

In an instant, Song Yu took the time that the man was stunned to cut down the tree, angling it in a way that separated them from each other. Song Yu would not show any of his ability, instead reaching for his lethal dagger.

“Leave.” He didn’t care if it was a human or zombie. Anyone encroaching on his mountain was better off dead. He would give them a chance, but if they were looking for a hero, they came to the wrong place.

“D-do you remember me? We met a few weeks ago in the prairie? You helped my friend.”

Song did recall him fighting with his strength ability and lessened his killing intent but still held the dagger in front of him, its blade pointing to Yu Ci.

“If you don’t leave in 1 minute…I will kill you.” Yu Ci’s wariness went into overdrive as he felt a shiver overcome him. As a strength ability user, he wasn’t necessarily afraid of others because of his level and ability to strengthen not only his body but objects. But strong only relinquished to the strong. And he felt that despite his pretty face and lithe figure, this person was potentially as deadly as his boss.

“I don’t mean any harm. I just need directions out of the forest. I have a walkie talkie with me; my friends will find me soon.”

Hearing that the group had split up made Song Yu frown. Any number of them could find his hideout, and if he killed him they were sure to look for him. Death didn’t make problems go away.

Song Yu debated whether to help him. But if he was reunited with his friends…would they find his hideout? He couldn’t trust Lan Zhou at this point. Even if he liked him, his safe haven was at stake.

Many rash decisions raced in his mind. Kill him or not? Let him go and let them just wander into his home? No chance. The more he thought, the longer he was silent, allowing Yu Ci to get a full view of the person. Yu Ci’s heart beat quickened as he helplessly glimpsed at this warrior forest fairy.

“I’ll escort you out. You should not be here.”

Song Yu’s thought was, have him reunite with his friends and watch as they left the area. That would keep his paradise a secret give him peace of mind that they were really gone if he saw it with his own eyes.

Yu Ci’s ears perked up as he grinned.

“Really?” Song Yu nodded as he sheathed his dagger. Acting as if there was a backpack next to the trees, Song Yu took out his hunting gear from his space. A large black cloak covered his European riding suit, and placed the face mask on, covering his beauty. In no time, the black cosplayer was back.

Song Yu kept a wide berth from Yu Ci and walked towards Derpy and Squinty.

“Go back and take care of the other kids, daddy will be back soon.”

Squinty was still in feral defense mode, but hearing Song Yu he glared dangerously at Yu Ci before running full speed. Song Yu saw as Squinty went into the wrong direction so Yu Ci wouldn’t know the direction and had to applaud that his spiritual beast was very smart.

Song Yu got on Derpy and trotted in the general direction out of the forest. Yu Ci seeing Song Yu leave, he followed. They kept a 3 meter distance, but Song Yu could still see that Yu Ci wasn’t in good condition. This would slow them down significantly. Derpy would definitely not let him ride him, and he wasn’t inclined to help him either. After an hour, Song Yu called for a small break, allowing Yu Ci to rest.

The resting area was next to a small stream. The waters had been polluted for a while, so they didn’t take any chance drinking it. Song Yu’s ‘backpack’ had clean water, while Yu Ci’s backpack had a Ziploc bag filled with water, most likely melted ice from the ice ability user. There was only a serving glass of water in the bag, so Yu Ci had no choice but to drink small sips, his parched lips chapping.

“So…you live around here?”

Song Yu continued to be silent as he took off his mask, taking a swig of his purified water. He didn’t notice Yu Ci’s deep gaze at him, nor the blush creeping on his cheeks. After a 10 minute rest, they continued to ride/walk in the location Yu Ci said was on the walkie talkie.

Song Yu might have thought it was a trap, but if it was, then Yu Ci was a brilliant A Star actor. He babbled here and there, looking around the lush forest like a child at a museum. He was curious and thoughtless as he wanted to touch every single thing.

How did this big guy endure these 2 years without dying or getting seriously injured? They kept this one sided conversation until night fell. Song Yu silently built a fire while Yu Ci went to relieve himself. Seeing him go, Song Yu took this time to take out several types of food from his space and put it into his backpack and small blanket. The backpack was under his cloak, so even if it grew a bit, Yu Ci wouldn’t have noticed the difference in bulge.

The small fire illuminated the small clearing, letting Song Yu see the map where Yu Ci had crossed as the meeting point. He was so off course, it was sad. He trailed the path with his finger and knew the area pretty well. At the pace they were going, they weren’t going to make it until nightfall tomorrow.

Sighing, Song Yu rested a bit. A snap of a twig made Song Yu open his eyes and reach for the dagger, his vigilance fierce. Yu Ci had come back and was trying to sit next to him. Much too close for comfort. Seeing Song Yu reach for his dagger, Yu Ci raised his hands in the air, trying to calm the situation.

“You’re next to my backpack.” Song Yu turned to the side and sure enough, the backpack was innocently sitting next to a rock. Song Yu reached for the backpack and threw it at Yu Ci.

Catching it easily, Yu Ci showed a slight sad face, but otherwise kept the three meter distance, sitting on the other side of the fire. Yu Ci took out the last bits of beef jerky that he had chewed and spit out yesterday. It wouldn’t fill him, but it would satisfy the hungry demon in his belly. Yu Ci watched as Song Yu took out a small pot from his backpack, cilantro, green onion, a wrinkled radish…and miso powder. Song Yu ignored the hungry eyes staring at his food as he mixed the vegetables in the small broth, and gently poured the miso packet when it was boiling, letting the fragrance travel to Yu Ci. Drool pooled as Yu Ci watched this magical site as miso soup was made. Song Yu took a sip, letting the liquid warm his body.

Thinking it needed something else; Song Yu took out a small container that had leftover rice. Opening the container and seeing rice, Yu Ci’s eyes widened even more as the urge to bow down to this master for a single grain overtook him.

“M-master, would you like to trade me for food? I have some good stuff we can exchange.” Song Yu slowly turned to Yu Ci, eyeing his clothes that was dirt streaked and smelly, then at the ragtag backpack. He liked being called master, so he nodded his head.

Like a puppy, Yu Ci tore open his backpack and took out some of his ‘valuables’. Playing cards, an old cellphone out of battery, a packet of cigarettes, and a cold brew can that would expire in a month. Yu Ci confidently looked at Song Yu with these things.

Song Yu didn’t want any of this crap. But this gave him a good excuse to give him some purified water. Their long walk tomorrow would be faster with him more energized. Song Yu pointed towards the cold brew and gave Yu Ci half of the miso soup and 1/3 of his rice.

Seeing Yu Ci happily eating his food made Song Yu conflicted, but he took the cold brew and put it in his back pack. Maybe after all of this he could put it somewhere, and maybe remind him that he had helped someone once upon a time.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 13—Settling down

Lan Zhou threw a paper back at his subordinate and coldly joked.

“If this is what you call a proposal, then you’re being paid too much.” The subordinate nodded gravely and left the office. He rubbed his eyes in frustration as he leaned back on his leather chair. The pursuit of his love was going terribly.

Firstly, finding out that he was the eldest son of the Song Family, an affluent infrastructure tycoon was startling. Next, he found out that he was disowned by his father for coming out. And he left on a plane bought by his father to who knows where.

Lan Zhou didn’t want to continue work so called his assistant and canceled all appointments. He took his jacket off his chair and left his office building. Settling down in this city was difficult. He had to apply for patents and find loopholes in development. The restrictions were tight and he didn’t believe in bribery. He loosened his necktie as he walked through the street.

This area was known for high-so clients, so he established his company in the thick of it. He walked past several shops and paused at a hair salon. His eyes widened as he raced towards it. Opening the doors, several staff members greeted him, but he walked past them like air.

On one of the walls were pictures of people who had their hair done. Celebrities, affluent young masters…and Song Yu. His hands were shaking as he caressed that beautiful face, his eyes watering. Where was he?

He turned to a staff member, his eyes glowing red.

“When did he come here?”

“Um, sir. I’m sorry, I wasn’t in the shop when this client came in, let me check to see who it was!” The staff member asked around and came back to him.

“He came in around 2 months ago. Yu Meng here can tell you the details.”

Lan Zhou looked at the young hairdresser, who sported a small brace on his wrist. “You know Song Yu?”

Yu Meng was fidgety as he recalled any details about Song Yu. He showed his brace and chuckled softly.

“He was so kind, and felt sorry about hurting me, the next day I got 1000$ for medical fees transferred to my account.”

Lan Zhou’s empirical mood softened at Yu Meng’s description. That did sound like Song Yu. He thanked the young boy and asked the staff member to take the photograph. Seeing the high priced suit and cold demeanor, the staff member gave it away with no questions asked. Lan Zhou left the salon and decided to head back to the office.

His mood brightened as he sauntered. He walked a crosswalk when a sudden pain enveloped his brain. He winced as waves of pain slowly rotated in his body. Beads of sweat dripped down the side of his face as he felt a whirling sensation in his head…like his brain was being stirred.

Just as it abruptly came, it abruptly left; leaving Lan Zhou is a numb state. A beeping noise brought him back as he remembered he was still on the cross walk. He ran off and gasped as the remaining dredges of pain released from his body. Somehow, he felt…lighter. The aches in his body were gone and his mind was clearer. He could feel…something in his brain. Something alive…trying its best to show him something.

He quickly went back to his office and laid down on the sofa.

Lan Zhou nimbly took out his cellphone and saw several messages from his friends.

Wangchengisbest: Bro! I just got the worst headache in the world! I almost died in a car accident!

BROCON1010: You did as well? Me too! I got a horrible headache for like 10 sec and it was gone!

Musclemadness: Did the entire world get a headache at the same time? Lol. I thought it was a bad hangover. Maybe we all are dying.

XiaoZiLaozu: I didn’t get a headache?? Bro’s u guys good?

Lan Zhou watched as they discussed this weird phenomenon. He felt that small presence circle around his brain. He closed his eyes as he concentrated on it.

Song Yu laughed as he showered the dog with the hose. The plants were coming in nicely. He had purified the seeds before planting them, causing them to germinate faster. He could already see cute buds! The puppy chased its tail and barked happily. Song Yu was almost finished with everything. He spent two days buying pharmaceuticals in bulk.

Pills, gauze, bandages, anesthetics, shots, rubbing alcohol, scalpel, needles, dressing, everything a person could need if they had a mild fever or a large wound. He was taking no chances. Even if there were no zombies around, the animals that changed wouldn’t care if they trespassed.

One of the last things on Song Yu’s list was downloading every book, movie, series, and games that he could get his hands on. He was a veritable otaku, so everything between western comedy specials, to KDrama’s were in his scope of downloading.

Song Yu smiled gleefully as the download finished. He had several TB of content! Books galore, he bought fantasy, fiction, comics, cookbooks, the Dummies series, how-to’s, and everything he could think of.

He resolved that to ration all of this, he would do things bit by bit. He wasn’t in a hurry. This trusty computer would help him with the boredom.

There was also a special download that he was waiting on.

Yes, the controversial (yet not controversial) form for pleasure. In the apocalypse, he used his trusty right hand to help him alleviate his sexual desires, rather than his other comrades who sought pleasure with random men and women. There were a lot of STD’s that went around the bases. The ability users were immune to such things, but many people died because of no treatments.

He chuckled as several downloads were loaded onto his computer.

He smiled gleefully as another TB was filled. He quickly docked a new storage unit and continued.

The last remaining days before the apocalypse, the air was sweltering. To take care of the animals, he used several solar panels to create a climate control system that monitored the conditions inside. It would always be set at a good temperature.

This was also used inside, but only in the important rooms. Song Yu would do a daily check of each room every day to see the shaded plants and see if the food has gone bad. In this large villa home there were many rooms. His main bedroom had basics, including clothes that he bought online. His wardrobe had boxes upon boxes of good quality basics like underwear and t-shirts. He also bought several hundred pairs of shoes ranging in flip flops to army combat boots.

In the kitchen, there was stainless steel pots, pans, cutlery, and cups with spares in the storage closet. The sink and all plumbing was connected to his own water supply that he would replenish with the pond water after purification. The living room was tasteful with comfortable sofas and bean bags. The TV was a stellar 180 inch. He had a PlayStation, Wii, XBOX, DVD player, and everything in between. He also had a popcorn maker and second hand arcade games set up. The living room has soundproof walls, and no lights. Since it was made in the middle of the lst floor, there were several open doors that led to other rooms.

The dining room was the least used space. Since he was going to live by himself, he saw no reason to have a large table and chairs. What made Song Yu happiest was the karaoke room. Equipped with everything he could need, the karaoke room had hundreds of songs in different languages that he could sing to his heart’s content. Like the living room, it had sound proof doors, so he could sing and yell and vent any time he liked.

The vegetable room was ventilated and highly monitored. Grains in the apocalypse could turn bad by the virus in the air, so he had to check if all of the grains were good for consumption. There were a total of 5 vegetable rooms, all with different seeds and germination times. This ensured that Song Yu would always be busy.

Next was the basement. The basement spanned almost half of the house underground. It had everything that he needed in terms of foods. It wasn’t damp and had minimal light, the cooling system was better here. Foods that included perishables and non-perishables were placed in rows like a grocery store. Song Yu had customized everything so that foods that were about to be expired first would be eaten. Ramen noodles, no matter what age still tasted the best. And don’t forget the alcohol. A whole wine rack, beer kegs, and tequila bottles lined some rows.

It truly was a supermarket.

On one side of the walls were close to twenty freezers and refrigerators. All containing meat!

Song Yu spent two days setting up this system in order to eat the best and take care of his dietary needs. And in the barns, he purchased all of the animals that could be eaten, raised, and bred so he had a flow of fresh meat, milk and labor. Win-win.

Song Yu looked at the last room which was closest to his bedroom. The armory. He opened the door and peered at the light blue light shining on rows and rows of guns. The military guns he purchased were just the tip of the iceberg. He bought hundreds of guns in the underground. Bow and arrows, spears, whips, swords…everything he could think of that could kill. The armory looked like it was prepared for a hundred men rather than one. Just like how he liked it.

He purchased the tools to make bullets as well as sharpening stones and scrap steel in case something broke. He caressed a beautiful guandao, its beautiful gleam shining in his hand.

The last stop was one of the most important to Song Yu. The training room. A separate building that the main house, but no less impressive. Its ceiling was 3 stories high; the floors had a separate area for combat and mats for martial arts training. Several machines were set up and a large mirror with a weight station was on the side. Another side had all of his medical equipment and machines.

This training room would give him the tools to fight back.

He set this up because he needed training. He was no sitting duck. Just because he was going to live by himself in luxury, didn’t mean that people wouldn’t want to come to him, especially if they knew how much he horded. He was isolated hundreds of miles away in the forest. And with the array over his land, there were still people going to come. And he would kill anyone who would try to take away his paradise.

People were much worse than zombies. He learned that the hard way.

YASSS. We got our boy Lan Zhou. My son is indeed best husbando material

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 50—House Rules (2)

Song Yu was making rice porridge, shredding white meat chicken strips into the gurgling pot. He heard the rooms upstairs make noise and didn’t turn around as Lu Jingxiu and Xiao Zi came in. Yawning, they sleepily greeted him and helped him prepare the coffee. Song Yu checked the leftover inventory of the coffee and deduced that he would need to learn how to make coffee beans.

“It’s okay. If we’re running out, we can drink normal water. It’s no big deal.” Xiao Zi read Song Yu’s mind, leaving him a little baffled.

“N-no, it’s not that. It can last us another few years or so. I just want to know if I can plant them.”

Xiao Zi and Song Yu pondered on the cultivation of coffee beans, whilst Wang Cheng came in. His bed head was apparent, and his eyes spoke volumes that he didn’t sleep well.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I don’t know. I had a weird dream that kept me up all night. I heard a voice telling me to meet them.”

“Tell me about it.”

They finished prepping the breakfast and had Lu Jingxiu call Lan Zhou and Yu Ci back. Song Yu could see that the invisible wall was gone as the two of them smiled coming in. Lan Zhou sat next to Song Yu and waited until everyone was seated before they dug in.

“We will have a meeting in a bit to discuss about what the house rules are. There is room for compromise, but note that Song Yu has the ultimate decision-making power, okay?”

Everyone agreed over porridge and continued to talk little tidbits here and there before cleaning up. Song Yu went upstairs and took the papers he needed before heading to the formal dining room. Instead of the uneasiness from their first meeting, everyone was more relaxed and comfortable.

Song Yu took the helm once more and sat down eagerly. He took out his notes before clearing his voice.

“Okay, everyone. Now that we are going to be living together, I do have some rules and agenda’s everyone has to follow. If you have any questions, you can ask at the very end. Let’s get started.”

“I’ve categorized everything into a daily aspect, weekly aspect, monthly, and yearly aspect. Starting with daily, as you can see, this place is very different from the outside. The lake behind the villa has purity properties and flows throughout the property. But that doesn’t mean the virus can’t enter. Please observe every food we grow for the virus.

“Another thing to note is that you can’t ask me any questions about this place. It’s kept under wraps mainly for security reasons. The only thing you should know that if you share this place to the outside world, it will cease to exist.”

Lan Zhou and the rest agreed. It was a given. Song Yu sighed belatedly.

“Daily chores consists of waking up early, feeding the animals twice a day, cleaning the stalls, gardening, picking fruits, cleaning the house, and cooking for everyone. This will be done in rotation so everyone can get rest after 3pm to which you can do whatever you want.

“Any food taken must be recorded in the account book, anything broken please let me know, or if there is a need like supplies make sure you say so. That concludes daily chores. Weekly, we will check the mushrooms in the dark room and have exercise in the common gym area. I have several types of weaponry that you can choose. If you would like to exercise daily, you can do so as long as you clean up afterwards.”

Everyone got excited when Song Yu said this. Albeit liking the gardening slice of life world they stumbled upon, they were still soldiers and needed the exercise to keep in shape. Song Yu’s gym was the perfect place.

“You need to keep in shape for the monthly job. I used to do a monthly check of the surrounding areas. As you know, I made zombie pits in a 5 hour perimeter of this place. Every month I would hunt them down so that they wouldn’t spawn or mob in the vicinity. Since there are 6 of us now, I want groups of 2 to go every month and do this job. I’ll personally lead all five of you first so you know where the trail is, but after that, I expect you to fulfill this.”

“Yes! Zombie killing! I felt like I was in an alternate universe, so seeing zombies again can re-ignite my blood!” Wang Cheng and Yu Ci high-fived each other, smiling.

Song Yu smiled and looked down at his paper.

“This trail takes roughly a week, and Derpy knows the route and rest stops. It will be easy. If there is any change in zombie behavior, don’t hesitate to abandon the trail and come back. Your safety is always the priority.”

“For now, we won’t have to worry about food and water. What we need most is—cough—uh…clothes for you guys. I used the last of my cotton material to make your shirts. During the trip, we can detour to find some.”

Everyone nodded eagerly.

Song Yu talked more about the place, even taking them to each room and showing them how everything was done. Song Yu was extremely transparent on all of the tasks. Cleaning the solar panels, fruit picking, window cleaning, gate maintenance, it was as if this was one giant machine that blended with each other.

The group were in awe at how long term Song Yu’s plans had been. This place wasn’t just a well-oiled machine, but an ecosystem where everything complimented together. Song Yu had his lazy days and his productive days, so even if he didn’t do work for a couple of weeks, the flow of tasks wouldn’t stutter.

With the addition of Derpy and Squinty, everything fell into place. Song Yu had led everyone outside to the gate that spanned the entire place. Lan Zhou touched the gate and felt that the interior must have been infused with rubber. This was another point that Song Yu was reborn.

Rubber was a zombie deterrent, but it wasn’t common knowledge until 8 years into apocalypse. Song Yu led the group to the lake. It had vibrant crystal blue water. Everyone looked inside to see fish swimming inside as well as aquatic ferns and logs.

“This is the lake. You can fish here, but after dark you are not allowed here. This is a rule I will not bend on. If I see anyone of you at the lake during nighttime, you are to leave. Am I clear?”

Song Yu turned to everyone, his eyes darkening with coldness. Wang Cheng gulped and nodded his head, Xiao Zi and Yu Ci also agreed. Lu Jingxiu wanted to ask, but remembered Song Yu’s warning about asking too many questions about this place. He could only agree for now but investigate it later.

He trusted Song Yu, but if Song Yu was hiding something akin to B Bases experiments, then he had cause to worry. He didn’t know what the lake properties were, if Song Yu did something to it or not.

Lan Zhou who knew Song Yu was the purifying ability user understood that at night was probably the time Song Yu would purify the lake and didn’t want the others to know.

“We agree. The lake seems to be extremely pure. I’m sure it’s doing its best to stay clean.”

Article 12—Make sure to compliment your love interest in their endeavors

Lan Zhou patted himself on the back whilst Song Yu scoffed.

The lake did nothing, it was all me. Song Yu thought bitterly.

By the time Song Yu was done explaining the ins and outs of the place, everyone was tired from the overload of information. Feeling sheepish, Song Yu let them have the rest of the day to rest and went off to help Squinty herd the animals back to their paddocks. Lan Zhou wasn’t as fatigued and learned how to do so.

Lan Zhou watched as Squinty expertly led the pigs and chickens to their respective places. Song Yu was using a rudimentary herding stick and was leading the cows from the grazing pasture. Lan Zhou also led a few goats and their babies to the stalls. Lan Zhou was still amazed that Song Yu had a full farm of non-zombified animals.

Every space of this place was filled with purified water, air and soil. Song Yu himself was purity in a can. He exudes it like a holy being. Combined with his warmth and soft presence, it was no wonder Paradise Base was called the holy land of the apocalypse.

But even paradise had to fall one day. Lan Zhou could recall all of the rumors surrounding it. That Paradise Base was built on the suffering of other bases. That the price of their purifications was astronomical, causing the suffering of everyone near it. It absorbed other bases into its claws and didn’t let go.

Lan Zhou knew that Song Yu might not have been responsible for this, but it wasn’t too far of a stretch to say that Song Yu was a participant. There was ruthlessness in each person of the apocalypse. Lan Zhou wondered what category Song Yu put himself in.

But seeing Song Yu now; peaceful, smiling, and exuding happiness, Lan Zhou was affected. The Song Yu in front of him was the one he believed in. He had killed comrades and innocent people as well, yet Song Yu still liked him. A relationship was a two way street, and despite walking a little further than Song Yu, they would still meet in the middle.

Song Yu had finished putting the cows away when he saw Lan Zhou watch him with soft gentle eyes. Song Yu’s heart warmed up and a blush settled in his cheeks. Walking to him and putting his hand in his, they shyly took a leisurely walk.

They talked in soft voices about what they wanted to do, improvements on the place and just nonsensical things in general. It was like a small date. Song Yu could feel Lan Zhou’s care in every aspect. This made him extremely happy.

Song Yu had never felt this happy in his entire life. Lan Zhou made all of the bad parts of his past disappear. One day, Song Yu would have the strength to tell Lan Zhou about his past. For now, he still had to piece his missing memories together and come to terms to what happened in his past life.

He still had nightmares, but they were gradually going away.

It was the will to overcome this trauma that made Song Yu strong.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 33—Injuries can bring people closer

Lu Jingxiu was the first to react, his ice flying in the air, freezing zombies left and right to the rocks in hopes of grabbing either of them. Song Yu also took out the harness and dove first through the cliff, his legs touching the rock for only a millisecond before projectiling him forward.

Breath quickening with worry, he used his spatial blade to slice anything that came in his way. He couldn’t control his inertia, so his steps teetered as he grabbed for purchase, finally clenching a thick vine.

The zombies had all been cleared by the cliff, so Song Yu’s view was wide open. Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi seemed to have fallen to their deaths. He heard a sound from above him and saw Lu Jingxiu with tears streaming his eyes. A long piece of ice flowed down to Song Yu, the white in stark contrast to the brown rocks.

“Keep looking. Wang Cheng and Yu Ci already left to look at the bottom.” Song Yu nodded and nimbly climbed on the ice ladder. His arms were sore and numb from holding his body weight for too long. Lu Jingxiu spread a lattice of ice all over, his face pale and sweat built up.

He was overusing his ability.

Song Yu mapped the trajectory of their fall and followed Lu Jingxiu down the cliff. The view was clearer to the bottom, the bodies of the zombies piled up high like meat sacks on the surface level floor. But no Lan Zhou or Xiao Zi.

However…there was a tree branch. A single tree branch that had grown through the rocks, embedding its existence into the framework of the cliff side. Taking a closer look, Song Yu could see through the leaves, a lump shape…and a boot.

Xiao Zi and Lan Zhou were there, both bloodied and marred with gaping wounds from their fall. Song Yu immediately climbed faster. Lu Jingxiu seeing them as well did not climb down, but skate towards them on a slide of ice. Reaching them, he checked their breathing, and sighing in relief. But no celebrations were to be had. Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi were very injured.

Xiao Zi was a healer, but he couldn’t heal himself. He looked to have broken a few ribs and his entire body has scrape burns including his calves and legs, exposing interior skin. Lan Zhou was no better. Not only was there a branch imbedded in his abdomen, he also had a large cut on his forehead.

With the healer out of commission, he couldn’t heal Lan Zhou. They were in the large mountainous forests of A country, little medical equipment…and no safe place to hide from the zombies with two people unconscious. Their situation got direr every second.

Song Yu finally climbed down to see Lan Zhou and Xiao Zi. Both were unconscious for now, and the wounds weren’t too grave. Grave for someone who needed to run from zombies every day, but if treated correctly, it wouldn’t be life threatening.

Song Yu gulped down his panic and calmed down his trembling hands. He didn’t know what else was broken and was afraid to touch them. Looking to Lu Jingxiu, he uttered,

“Can your friend take people in his space?” Song Yu reached out and felt the blood on Lan Zhou’s face. The stickiness was more evident by the sap of the tree it might have hit.

“Yes, Wang Cheng can. We don’t have medical equipment though. We can only cauterize the wounds.” Song Yu turned towards Lu Jingxiu who had already brought Xiao Zi into his embrace. He squinted his eyes to observe Lu Jingxiu’s face.

Does he want to let them die? Will he abandon them? The worry on his face doesn’t look fake…but they don’t have any other option than to carry them out of here…they will all die. What will this person choose?

Song Yu probed a little bit, his unnerving stare penetrating Lu Jingxiu’s concerned ones,

“Even if you cauterize the wound, you would have to carry them. The level 7 zombie is still out there and you guys won’t make it.”

Lu Jingxiu’s lips pursed as the situation became clearer and clearer to him. Song Yu went even further, his appearance looking nonchalant and cold.

“Don’t you want to leave them?”

Lu Jingxiu paused his movements and slowly turned to Song Yu. Taking this as a sign, Song Yu dealt the final blow.

“They’re dead weight anyways.”

Lu Jingxiu’s gaze turned fierce instantly, eyes blazing at Song Yu. He savagely spit out,

“We are family, and family never leaves each other behind.”

Song Yu shrugged, his appearance even more indifferent.

“Even families can kill each other for just a second of life. What makes you guys different?”

Lu Jingxiu couldn’t retort, because he knew Song Yu was right. And he hated that he was right. Gritting his teeth, Lu Jingxiu pushed Song Yu aside and dealt with Lan Zhou’s wounds, sealing the edge with frost so he wouldn’t bleed more. Song Yu just stared at Lu Jingxiu.

Will he do it? Or not?

Song Yu could only awkwardly stand by as Lu Jingxiu took out the walkie-talkie. Clicking a button, he spoke.

“Wang Cheng, I’m bringing them down. Make sure you have cots ready for them.” The other end of the line responded back immediately.

“Affirmative. Yu Ci scouted the area and killed off the remaining stragglers. Send them down. How’s their condition?”

“Xiao Zi has broken ribs and maybe a punctured lung. Small and large abrasions on his legs and arms. Lan Zhou hit his head pretty hard and left a large gash. Suspected concussion. A tree branch poked through his lower abdomen, passing all vitals. We need to cauterize their wounds.”

“We do what we can.”

Ending the conversation, Lu Jingxiu looked at Song Yu, his eyes not so welcoming anymore.

“To answer your question, no I’m not going to leave them behind. If I have to drag their dead bodies back to base for them to have a proper burial, then that is what I will do. You, who cannot even empathize have no say in what we feel.” His eyes slitted with obvious disgust,

“I don’t know what you experienced in these two years, but if your go-to response to having someone as ‘dead weight’ then I suggest you leave. I don’t trust someone who can’t even empathize with others, even if Lan Zhou says you’re a good person.”

Lu Jingxiu made a small tourniquet and gently brought both of them down from the branch. It was still 20 meters to the floor. Song Yu’s eyes were unfocused throughout; his entire being feeling like it was dying from lack of oxygen.

That barb stung.

Song Yu silently followed Lu Jingxiu down the cliff, and met with Wang Cheng and Yu Ci. Derpy had at some point followed them out and was on the bottom, his saddle taken off for optimum speed. It was likely in Wang Cheng’s space.

Wang Cheng had both of their sleeping bags on the floor, ready for the procedure. Lu Jingxiu first took Xiao Zi to one, Wang Cheng immediately looking over the wounds. The ever so goofy man had now turned extremely serious as he looked over all of their wounds. He had to shake his head in anger, looking at their battered bodies.

“Bandaging them can only stop the bleeding; cauterizing the wounds will most likely lead to infection, especially Lan Zhou. I can do all that I can, but…he might not survive.”

Lan Zhou’s eyes fluttered as he groaned with pain. Wang Cheng moved a backpack under his neck for better support and opened a water bottle. Lan Zhou sipped a little bit before leaning back. Lan Zhou’s trembling hands touched his abdomen that still had the branch inside.

“Cauterize it. I’ll be fine.” His low raspy voice was filled with pain, but everyone understood that he was willing to do this. Lu Jingxiu closed his eyes before nodding. Wang Cheng looked into his space and came out with a dagger.

“Are you sure?” Lan Zhou nodded.

Yu Ci made a small fire using flint and immediately put the dagger in the flames in. They waited patiently for it to get hot enough. Lan Zhou turned his head at Song Yu, his eyes blazing in happiness.

“You didn’t get hit right? That’s good.”

Song Yu felt like had gulped down a large egg. His flitting smile was the only response. Lu Jingxiu, who already had a bad impression of Song Yu, now had a worse impression. Lan Zhou raised his hand and lightly touched Song Yu’s cloak.

“Don’t watch. It’s not going to be good.” Song Yu pursed his lips as more and more guilt occupied his head. More so than ever before.

Should he help them?

Will Lan Zhou die?

Song Yu watched as the dagger turned bright red and smoky. Yu Ci took the dagger out and walked towards Lan Zhou. Song Yu fidgeted on the side as Lan Zhou eyed the dagger. Wang Cheng had the steadiest hand, so the dagger was handed to him.

“Are you ready?” Lan Zhou hesitated before nodding.

“Bite this.” Lu Jingxiu took out a leather strap. Lan Zhou grudgingly bit it. Wang Cheng took a deep breath and positioned himself in front of Lan Zhou. Lu Jingxiu was also besides Lan Zhou, holding the end of the branch, ready to pull it out.

Lan Zhou’s breathing was getting heavier as he felt the slight pressure of the branch imbedded in his flesh. He didn’t know if there were smaller branches or thorns inside. But, if they were going to do this as quickly as possible, they had to pull it out fast.

Song Yu’s breath got even quicker, as he saw the branch squelch out of his body, showing just how deep it was inside him. Dark red blood oozed out as Lu Jingxiu tried to pry the branch out, testing the motion.

“Okay, keep as still as possible.”

Lu Jingxiu was in a steadier position to rip out the branch, Wang Cheng close by to close the wound. Song Yu watched as their preparations were finally done. All that was left was the action.

Lan Zhou had sweat streak down the side of his face, his lips pale on the strap. All of a sudden, Song Yu felt a hand wrap itself around his own. Looking down, his hand was covered with a bigger one, his knuckles showing white.

Eyes met eyes. Song Yu could feel that pit in his throat grow bigger. He squeezed, a small comfort.

Come on. Why won’t you say anything? Say something! Say something!

Song Yu’s vision was now alight with Lu Jingxiu about to pull. He could see everything in slow motion as the sinews in his shoulder contracted with muscle, readying for the strength.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 49—House Rules (1)

Wang Cheng came back with the beers, to which everyone cheered. They weren’t concerned about zombies…in fact, they had hardly thought of zombies since coming to Song Yu’s home. Uninhibited, they started drinking. Song Yu was unconcerned, because they were going to discuss the basic rules the next day.

Song Yu served up multiple steaks, and everyone took plates and just ate them barehanded. Restaurants would frown at these horrid table manners, but everyone agreed that just gnawing on the steak tasted much better than tiny tidbits of pre-cut meat.

Yu Ci and Xiao Zi were partial to barbeque sauce, whilst the rest opted to just eat it as is. Song Yu had made a few extras in case they wanted it. Looking at Squinty, he also gave him a portion.

Song Yu sighed loudly as he drank a can of beer and hoisted his foot into the Jacuzzi; its jets massaging and soothing his legs. Everyone else was in the Jacuzzi as well, taking into this peaceful like experience.

“So this is paradise, huh? I feel like I can sleep like a baby tonight.” Xiao Zi leaned on Lu Jingxiu’s shoulders.

Lan Zhou cuddled next to Song Yu, his happy expression turning serious.

“This can only happen sometimes. I expect everyone to be bright and early tomorrow morning for a meeting. Are we clear?”

“Yes!” Wang Cheng mocked saluted and continued to eat the steak.

Lan Zhou diligently wiped Song Yu’s mouth every time he got steak sauce. Song Yu felt utterly pampered and a little bit shy, but continued to let Lan Zhou do it.

Their little dinner party lasted for another hour before they cleaned up. Like a well-oiled machine, everyone did their part. Lan Zhou and Yu Ci took the plates downstairs, while Lu Jingxiu took out the coals and cleaned the grill. Wang Cheng turned off the Jacuzzi and put the top on and Xiao Zi swept the floor that had scattered coal bits and dust.

Leaving Song Yu…to do absolutely nothing.

“Umm…is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, no. We got it. Just sit tight and take care of yourself. We will finish up and head off to bed. Get some rest.” Xiao Zi diligently sent Song Yu off.

Song Yu wandered around his bedroom until the sounds on the veranda quieted. Feeling kind of lonely, Song Yu sat down on the desk and took out a sheet of paper. He wrote down all of the points he wanted to cover at the meeting tomorrow. He wanted to be fair and on equal terms with everyone, so the house rules he devised would benefit everyone in the long run.

Just as he finished the outline, he heard a knock on the door. Song Yu paused before smiling, opening the door to see Lan Zhou with his backpack.

“The bed is too big in that room. I’m more comfortable holding something.”

“Another article?” Song Yu led Lan Zhou into the room.

Lan Zhou dropped his backpack on the sofa before wrapping his arms around Song Yu.

“Article #12: Always take advantage of your situation. If you can become closer to your love interest, then do it!”

“I’ve got to see these magazines you use.”

“They’re all gone. I’ve got most of them memorized anyways.”

Lan Zhou squirreled Song Yu into the shower where they spent 30 minutes inside. Song Yu could never get tired of how much pleasure Lan Zhou could give him. They didn’t go all of the way, but Lan Zhou personally got him ready for nightly activities. By the time they got out, Song Yu was a messy puddle of goo, waiting to be ravaged.

Lan Zhou was quick to take advantage of him and before long, moaning sounds and the squeaking of the bed could be heard.

Bright and early the next day, Song Yu woke up feeling sticky. They had done it way too much last night. Ability user’s libido was truly a sight to behold. They had done every position known to man, and had room to spare. They finished just as the sun came up.

Song Yu’s biological clock still woke him up only a few hours later. Song Yu glared at the peacefully sleeping man next to him and hobbled to the bathroom where he cleaned up the dried mess on his butt. Scrubbing and cursing, he finally didn’t feel so bad and got out, just in time to see Lan Zhou get up.

“Everyone is still probably sleeping, so I’m going to check the indoor mushroom garden. Go take a shower.”

Lan Zhou nodded and drew Song Yu towards him, smelling his lemon scented soap. He inhaled deeply and kissed his shoulders before making his way into the bathroom. Song Yu noted down that Lan Zhou wasn’t a morning person and chuckled lightly.

Putting on the usual casual wear clothing, he went downstairs to the mushroom room. Mushrooms grew in dark, damp, and humid growing environments, while others grew in cooler ones. Song Yu had devised different temperature rooms for several types of mushrooms. Enoki mushrooms were some of his favorites so he made an abundance of it. Another one was pig-ear mushrooms which grew in the soil. So not only does he have two separate rooms, they were also categorized towards either wood growth or soil growth. The only hard part was that due to its fungal state, the zombie virus could latch onto them better. Song Yu had to be extremely sure that what he touched wasn’t anything bad.

If a batch had the virus, he had to fire the entire pit. Luckily, this rarely happened as Song Yu had used purified water to mist the area. Putting on a rubber suit and gloves, Song Yu made his way into the dark room and surveyed the mushrooms.

Many had already matured, so Song Yu picked them, making sure the roots were upended and put them in a basket. He had already finished a batch when he heard the door open slightly.

“Yep! Don’t come in unless you have the suit on! Its handing on the door!” Song Yu yelled back, still picking the mushrooms. He heard a shuffle and a few curses before he saw Lan Zhou come in. The suit was baggy on Song Yu, but was extremely tight on Lan Zhou. The feet were a problem as his toes were scrunched tight.

“You look like a gremlin kneeling down on the ground. What are you doing?” Song Yu grabbed his hand and tugged him down.

“C’mere. Let me show you how to do this.”

Lan Zhou patiently watched as Song Yu explained how to pick and nurture the mushrooms.

“The temperature is already set, but you have to watch out for several aspects of their growth. If they….”

Song Yu went on a long tangent, letting Lan Zhou experiment with taking care of it. He watched tenderly as Lan Zhou obediently picked the mature mushrooms and put it in the basket.

“We can have a vegetable hotpot tonight with the mushrooms and the vegetables we picked up a few days ago. I have the seasonal ingredients to make the soup as well. I haven’t touched them since the apocalypse happened because hotpot is usually supposed to be a group meal.”

Song Yu smiled happily as he took more mushrooms. Lan Zhou silently took all of this in, his eyes extremely gentle.

“Okay. We can have a hot pot dinner. Let us help you cook it, okay?”

They finished up both rooms and headed to the kitchen. Song Yu got to the sink and washed the mushrooms before patting them on a towel and laid them out to dry. Squinty materialized through the wall and wagged his tail.

Any food for me? The other guys are starving!

Song Yu checked the time and saw that the animals needed to be let out of their pens.

“Okay.” Turning to Lan Zhou, he gave a small nudge.

“I gotta feed the animals. Can you make breakfast?”

Yu Ci came in yawning. His black t-shirt stretched over his bulging muscles as he stretched his arms over his head.

“Just take care of breakfast; I already know how to feed the animals.”

“Yeah, it’s no big deal.” Yu Ci smiled at the two of them before following Squinty out. Song Yu thanked him and got ready to make breakfast. Lan Zhou watched Yu Ci’s mannerisms before moving towards the door.

“I’ll help him. It will be quicker.”

“Okay…?” Song Yu tilted his head as Lan Zhou left as well.

Lan Zhou caught up with Yu Ci, his hand tapping his shoulders.

Yu Ci paused a little before smiling a little. “Okay.”

They headed to the animal paddock and opened the doors to the pig pens and chicken coops. Lan Zhou took out the feed and opened the gates. The pigs were orderly as they lined up in a row, ready for the food.

“I want to talk to you.” Lan Zhou softly said as he fed the pigs. Yu Ci was next to him, leaning on the fence. Yu Ci had an inkling of what he wanted.

“You know, right?” Yu Ci bitterly lowered his head. “You know I like Song Yu.”

Yu Ci sighed a little before meeting eyes with Lan Zhou.

“Why do you have to be sorry? Song Yu is an amazing person.” Lan Zhou patted Yu Ci on his back.

“You never have to be sorry for falling in love.” Yu Ci grimaced while smiling.

“Don’t you hate me? I harbor feelings for your lover. That alone can be grounds for fighting. What if I don’t know my boundaries and try to steal him away from you. What then?”

Lan Zhou was silent before responding.

“You and I both know you are not like this. I can’t say that I’m not jealous and resentful, but I love you just as much as I love Song Yu. We have been through so many hardships together, so much pain and hurt. I can’t let go of neither Song Yu nor the friendship we have accumulated over 2 lifetimes…If the time comes where we have to separate as friends, I hope that we part with the willingness to reconcile one day.”

Yu Ci teared up a little at this. He knew he was the third wheel. Song Yu doesn’t love him and Lan Zhou would never give him up. Yu Ci was playing this game by himself.

“You are my friend and my brother for life. I can’t let go just yet. Please give me some time.”

Lan Zhou hugged Yu Ci.

Yu Ci hugged back, the weight letting up slightly. He might like Song Yu today, but over time, he knew that this decision was for the best. He couldn’t hurt his best friend any more than this.

This entanglement of twisted yarn between the three would unravel with only him tied up. It was better to let go and hope that one day he could find someone who loved him as wholeheartedly as Lan Zhou to Song Yu do.

Lan Zhou and Yu Ci finished feeding the animals and let out Derpy to graze. Yu Ci and Lan Zhou talked about little nothings, like their previous conversation didn’t exist. Yu Ci did not harbor any more guilt when talking to him.

His feelings had been opened, and all was given was absolute acceptance. He would need to move forward one day. But the kind words of Lan Zhou made it absolutely certain that he would be given all of the compassion and understanding a person could ask for.

If that wasn’t true friendship, then what the hell is?

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 62—Past lifer’s need to stick together

Wu Ding resolved to never be like his past life. So the night of the zombie apocalypse, Wu Ding left B City as quickly as he could and settled up in C City, making his way to A Country whenever he could. He didn’t stay with any base for fear of having been experimented on.

Even after six months into the apocalypse, Wu Ding trusted no one and only took jobs where he knew he could rely on himself. After a time and ability users had a better reputation, did Wu Ding start using his powers. Level 1 became Level 2 and Level 2 skyrocketed to Level 5. Wu Ding finally made it to A Country with the help of a few small bases and side jobs collecting things.

The reason he was going to A Country? Wu Ding had heard a broadcast in the first two weeks of the apocalypse. It was only broadcast for that short period of time, and anyone who didn’t listen to the radio wouldn’t have heard it, but Wu Ding whose best friend was a radio in his previous life, listened to it attentively every day.

The broadcast was about how to survive the apocalypse. Tips and tricks Wu Ding had known in his ‘previous’ life. That meant that there was another person who was reborn. Wu Ding had figured out that the transmission was from A Country.

Wu Ding didn’t want to be alone anymore, and figured that the only person who was kind enough to help people during the start of the apocalypse was someone who could understand his struggles of being reborn.

Past-lifers needed to stick together. Wu Ding’s mindset wasn’t an overbearing hero complex; he didn’t have a giant agenda of saving the world. No. He just didn’t want to be alone and sad anymore. These past two years, he didn’t have the strength to let people in; only moving forward and trying his best.

He had recently been stiffed on a collection job and lost his only means of transportation. Smack-dab in the middle of nowhere, Wu Ding thought he was going to die in the barren wasteland. Luckily, he didn’t see many zombies around and was able to evade robbers.

It had been three days since then, and on the night of total exhaustion, he saw a small fire in the distant and bet his last vestige of life to go there for sanctuary.

Wu Ding couldn’t tell him that!

“Uhh…I was working for R Base as a collector; they stiffed me on payment and stole my bike. I’ve been walking around the past three days until I saw the fire. I probably fell asleep when I figured out I was safe.”

Wu Ding wanted to scratch his head, but the rope ties impeded his habit. Glancing beseechingly at the crew, he couldn’t resist staring at the nice dry beef Wang Cheng had been eating. A growl echoed before fizzling out making Wu Ding even more ashamed.

Lan Zhou could tell that Wu Ding said the truth when his things were stolen. What made Lan Zhou the most cautious was why this seemingly innocent ice ability user was now two countries away from B Base.

Most people stayed in their countries, where it was safer and the language was easier. Those who ventured farther were either looking for something or hiding. Wu Ding fell in the former category.

“What are you looking for?”

Wu Ding paused. Suddenly, he felt a feverish heat in front of him. Lan Zhou had opened his palms creating a small blue sphere of fire. Its glow radiated outwards, reflecting through Wu Ding’s eyes.

Wu Ding froze in fright, wanting to release from his bindings, he tried to distance himself from Lan Zhou and the horrible fire. A block met his back and Wu Ding turned to see the immovable Yu Ci. With pleading eyes, he blinked as if he was the most innocent thing in the world.

“Please, I’ll get out of your hair. I don’t have a group or a base. I won’t tell anyone where you are, okay?”

Lan Zhou lifted the fireball and it floated perilously closer to Wu Ding’s thick hair.

“I—I—Please don’t! I’m looking for someone! I’m looking for someone. ”

Lan Zhou retrieved the ball and let it fizzle out. Wu Ding sighed in relief and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

Song Yu had been analyzing Wu Ding’s reactions, seeing if Wu Ding was anything dangerous. Recognizing that besides Wu Ding being far from B Base, his overall personality was the same as his previous life. Song Yu tugged on Lan Zhou’s sleeve, shaking his head.

Lan Zhou understood and retreated even more. He was too overprotective. No one knew who Song Yu was in this life. Wu Ding was probably not looking for him.

“I’m looking for the person who radioed at the very beginning of the apocalypse. He included a lot of information that I need. I wanted to find him and talk to him…”

Lan Zhou did not understand.

“What radioed message?”

“Um…an hour after the apocalypse happened, there was an online frequency broadcast on radio, TV, and the internet blog sites. It only lasted for 10 minutes detailing a lot of things. This sporadic message came on every day for the next 2 weeks but at that point no one was listening because the internet was down and the TV had no signal. The only message that survived was on the radio. Since not many people listen to the radio, it also didn’t spread out too far.”

Lan Zhou and the rest (except for Song Yu) were now wary. Was there another person reborn?

“Do you have a recording?”

“Y-yes! It’s on my radio!” Wu Ding gestured to his deserted backpack, a small compact radio inside. Yu Ci and Wang Cheng had checked the items and placed them back in the backpack when Wu Ding was unconscious, so getting it was easy. Lan Zhou gave it a brief inspection and handed it over to Wu Ding.

“Uh…can you untie me please?”

Wu Ding awkwardly turned on his little radio. The radio was an old one that a grandpa would probably own. Albeit ancient looking, it was still well cared for and worked perfectly. On the back was a cassette player that recorded up to a few minutes. Wu Ding had to rewind the cassette with a fitted pen.

It took a minute or so, but the cassette was rewound enough to play. Song Yu really, REALLY wanted to smash that thing to the ground. He had distorted his voice somewhat, but you could still hear it was him. Especially to Lan Zhou.

Can I just accidentally step on it?

That ice user is holding it. What, you magically can fly now?

Lan Zhou will hear that it’s me!

Serves you right!

Song Yu was anxious as Wu Ding pressed play…

“Uh, it will take a while. Wait for it!” Wu Ding raised it, as if willing it to work.

Everyone looked at the radio again.

“It really works!”

“Shut it!” Lan Zhou smacked Wu Ding’s head. Feeling aggrieved, Wu Ding whimpered. When Lan Zhou was just about to give him a beating, the recording started:

“This is a warning to everyone and anyone who will listen. The meteor that hit will release a toxic virus and cause horrific damages to you and your loved ones…

“..abilities will manifest in the coming weeks of the apocalypse. If you can protect yourselves from researchers and bases that do human experimentation,

“…Water will be polluted, in order to prevent this, only take sources from water or ice ability users. If you don’t have one, then pay for them according to the bases government standard…”

“…laws are no longer the status quo. If you think you are in danger, please eliminate whether it be human or not…”

“…make sure your blind spots are covered as you group. If you’re a group of more than 5, have someone delegate as a leader and control your breathing. If you are going out on raids, there are definite routes at these co-ordinates…”

More and more information in this small 10 minute sequence was being fired out like a list. So fast it was going, that you would hear one thing and not realize the next thing being said. It was certain that this person was saying it as fast as he could in the shortest allotted time.

“….and please…everyone…stay alive.”

Everyone was silent as the last words played.

Song Yu was secretly looking at each member. His voice was distorted with the recording as well, masking it but he didn’t want to take any chances. If they found out that he was reborn too…he wondered what they would do to him.

Xiao Zi adjusted his glasses, “There is another person reborn?”

Yu Ci and Wang Cheng nodded their heads in tandem,

“This is not a coincidental broadcast. This person was probably reborn before the apocalypse wanted to help people so sent this broadcast when people were panicking.” Lu Jingxiu wanted to study the radio. Before he could touch it, the radio dropped and Wu Ding had grasped Lu Jingxiu’s hand.

Lu Jingxiu felt the offending hand and spread his ice ability. Wu Ding nullified the ability and stopped its trajectory, creating ice dust.

“Y-you…you just said reborn?”

Wu Ding was getting restless as he dug his fingers in deeper to Lu Jingxiu’s wrist.

“You know about reborn people? There are more than just one??”

Everyone looked at Wu Ding with astonished eyes.

“No way…is he?” Wang Cheng pointed at Wu Ding.

Wu Ding all of a sudden dropped Lu Jingxiu’s hands and bent forward, kowtowing frantically.

Neet life in the apocalypse

First time making a review on a novel online, but this is like just so good. I’ll be a cow, horse, or any domesticated animal when I reincarnate on the next life, so I can repay the author for posting their novel online.

The main character, Song Yu, worshipping this man to heavens. I am simply worshipping this man’s character, and the author’s writing to create such a lovable strong sweety. I also like Lan Zhou, the main lead, he’s so in love with Song Yu, but he’s still sensable while being in love. Both Song Yu and Lan Zhou are really my likes, rating them to hell and heaven with cutesy fillings that has muscles.

To be frank, I’ve read a lot of apocalypse BL novels, and compared to those, I like this more, so like hella looking forward to the life of our neet and his husband (also along with their friends).

Luv author so much Read More

I usually don’t read ongoing stories but I decided to give Chapter 1 a try and it was enough to get me hooked. It’s a wonderfully well written apocalypse themed novel. The motivations of each of the characters are laid out clearly, you actually know where it’s coming from and not just a plot device to move the story foward.

Both the MC and ML are on the powerful side and understandably so, and yet they do not come off as an overpowered mary sue. The side characters are well fleshed out and I am definitely looking forward in seeing more of the side couple/s.

It’s a really good apocalyptic story! The phase and progress is good that I hope author please continue the quality and don’t be like other apocalyptic stories that goes down hill after the climax up to the end. TvT

Everyone is endearing and fun characters with their own personality. Plus they do what they actually meant, like seclusion and just living on their own base away from corrupt bases.

I hoping to see more amazing things as a the story progresses. ❤

Honestly, this book captivated me by the 1st chapter. I am just so in love with this book, the characters really brought this book to life for me. It was interesting and fast going, which really kept my interest in the plot. I loved the internal struggle these characters face, and the battle scenes were just so interesting.

I can’t wait for the author to finish it so I could read it all over again.

100% recommend for people looking for a fast-paced, bl, zombie apocalypse, with slight angst novel!!

This is a nice story with a kind and lovable translator. Nothing more, nothing less. 10/10 would recommend!

Neet life in the apocalypse

Both of them were face-cons, so it didn’t take long for them to grow attached to each other. Most of the conversation was on Song Yu’s side, with blunt inserts here and there from Lan Zhou. The more they conversed, the more they realized how much they had in common.

Lan Zhou’s company was in pharmaceuticals and bio-chemistry, whereas Song Yu was studying agriculture and horticulture. In the name of science, they had a coherent conversation about their respective fields without having to explain the deep processes that went with it.

Song Yu was especially happy, because whenever he started talking about plants, it usually put people to sleep, but Lan Zhou was eager to understand his perspective in agriculture and farming, even going so far as to show a video about the various advantages of bio-degradable fertilizer.

Song Yu glanced at Lan Zhou, whose cold gaze looked lovingly at the video. Song Yu smiled alongside him, as they watched the beta testing for the fertilizer.

“My friends are from various fields. One is Xiao Zi, who is currently working for the biggest pharmaceutical company in this city. He deals more with pathogens and disease, but I’ve recruited him to my company for his innate sense of bio-chemicals. He is a true genius.

Song Yu heard pathogens and disease, and couldn’t help but pause. The world would soon be plundered into chaos through an airborne virus. If he warned beforehand…maybe there would be a cure. Song Yu did recall that someone from the north was developing a vaccine. Not a cure, but a vaccine that could potentially enable humans to be immune to zombie bites and water contamination.

Even after 20 years, they were still in developmental stages. Song Yu’s thoughts trailed off, his gaze looking far into the past life.

Lan Zhou watched curiously at this young man. Before, he only approached because the man was extremely good-looking, but after talking with him about his field of work, he had this sudden urge to convince him to come to his company. Although his company didn’t deal with agriculture, the study behind farming, fertilizer, and pesticides were in line with Lan Corporations future.

“When you graduate, I hope that the first company you apply to is mine.” His mental thoughts were carried through his lips, and his thoughtful tone made it seem so coquettish. A blush once again resurfaced.

Song Yu glanced at his male god and couldn’t help but smile sadly. He never graduated, because the world ended before he could. But that thoughtful tone and perusing stare condemned him to reply as honestly as he could.

“When I graduate, I definitely will.” That small promise, oh how he wished that would come true. His own soft tone made Lan Zhou’s inside scramble happily, but his cool façade continued with just a slight nod.

The air suddenly surged with an intimate aura. Song Yu had not realized that they were leaning into each other, so close. He was now vastly aware of how close Lan Zhou’s mouth was to his ear. The soft wind carried from his exhales, to tickle his ears like a melodic symphony.

Song Yu gulped down saliva, as the man’s aura intensified. Unlike before, when he was on alert, this aura surrounded him in safe comfort, like an impenetrable iron wall.

Song Yu looked down at Lan Zhou’s lips that had a perfect shape set in a constant neutral frown. He didn’t know if it was the atmosphere, or the music, or even the lights…but Song Yu felt the stirrings of desire enter his system fully. His breath halted as his eyes trailed Lan Zhou’s face. A hairs breadth away.

Cold lips touched his. Song Yu waited for that burst of passion like in those cnovels he read, but there was nothing.

Don’t tell me that I don’t feel desire for this man??

Lan Zhou also felt that the joining of lips were not up to standard. This was both of their first kiss, so they just stuck their lips together like fish.

On the other side of the club, Wang Cheng was laughing uproariously.

“Did you see that? Hahahahah! He just slapped his face with his own! Hoohohohoho” Xiao Zi slapped Wang Cheng’s head.

“Stop it! Can’t you see that it’s his first time? Didn’t your girlfriend in middle school break up with you because you slobbered?”

Wang Cheng continued his laughter, as well as Lu Jingxiu. His chuckling wasn’t as big, but the humor in the situation was indeed laughable.
“Ugh, poor boy. To be targeted by Old Lan, only to be met with disappointment. Tch.”

“Don’t worry about Old Lan, what he lacks in experience, he makes up for it with diligent experimentation.»

That was indeed the case. Lan Zhou realized his mistake. Instead of just joining lips, he gently cupped the back of Song Yu’s head and tilted his head, applying more pressure. The feeling was there. It just needed coaxing. The soft velvet lips under him slightly parted.

The heat from his breath caused Lan Zhou to grip tighter, as both mouths opened. Hot breath mixed together and that feeling suddenly burst forth. Like fireworks sprouting through their minds, their lips entangled.

His first kiss almost killed him.

“Breathe.” Song Yu couldn’t understand and continued his breathless pants. Zhou Lan ended the kiss, pecking his closed lips once more. A small stream of saliva had escaped Song Yu’s mouth at the corner, and the breathlessness made his face red and eyes pool with unshed tears.

Lan Zhou watched this spectacle and his eyes darkened in deep unrestrained desire. His blunt attitude was always a hindrance to him, but at this point in time, it was his saving grace.

“Yes or no? Do you want to leave with me? You can only pick one.”

Song Yu stared at Lan Zhou’s eyes, its coldness entirely gone replaced with unconcealed possessive desire. He shuddered as his gaze traveled down to the giant tent in Lan Zhou’s pants.

What’s the point of living if it was for in the now? This moment, for 45 years he was waiting. And he wasn’t going to mess it up. His breathing had settled down somewhat, so all he could muster from his broken lips was,

In that single second, everything was quiet. Lan Zhou immediately took his hand, threw a bunch of bills at the bartender, as dragged him to the exit. Song Yu was tall at 180cm, but Lan Zhou was taller. His big strides were almost two of his, as they power walked.

Song Yu could feel the gazes of the party-goers, some with envy and some with knowing glances. Song Yu lowered his head as the blush that was ever so present, further deepened. His hands were gently clasped in Lan Zhou’s, and although he was almost being dragged, the nervousness and self-doubt disappeared only to be replaced by excitement and…expectation.

The outside was cold, so Lan Zhou helped Song Yu into his jacket. Puffs of air escaped their lips as Lan Zhou continued to lead Song Yu to the hotel across the street. It was a high class five star hotel. Its brightly lit foyer and impeccably dressed staff awaited his arrival like he had made an appointment. Bypassing them, Lan Zhou’s hands clung even tighter, as if afraid Song Yu was going to leave.

Song Yu also clasped tighter, his white knuckles exposing how much he was willing. Lan Zhou’s heart pitter-pattered in such euphoric happiness. He had many crushes in his life…but this one moment was something else entirely.

When he heard that yes, it wasn’t just for tonight. But maybe…even more. Lan Zhou brought Song Yu into the elevator, and as the doors closed, he pushed Song Yu to the corner, his blazing eyes full of intense passion.

Song Yu also felt that need for connection, as his arms circled around Lan Zhou’s neck. Their faces approached frantically, as another kiss was sought. The feeling of blooming fireworks once again resurfaced with a vengeance, as loud panting sounds emanated from their pre-occupied lips.

This urgency for contact was unlike anything the both of them had experienced. They ravaged each other’s lips, not caring if anyone saw. The elevator doors dinged, ending their kiss. Lan Zhou was even in a more urgent state as they almost ran to the room. Song Yu didn’t even have time to look around the suite before he was backed against the wall and his lips were once again roughly taken.

“You taste so good.” Lan Zhou’s deep baritone voice penetrated his mind, causing Song Yu to moan in pleasure. Hands roamed, touching and pressing. Song Yu shuddered when the curve of his back was gently caressed. Lan Zhou had read from somewhere that everyone had erogenous zones. Song Yu’s was the back.

Lan Zhou tried to remember everything that went into lovemaking, but the constant passionate gaze in his vision impeded his rationality. He just went by feel. Softly nibbling on Song Yu’s mouth, he traveled his kisses to the neck, which undoing Song Yu’s shirt buttons. Seeing the exposed flesh, he lightly bit the skin.

Song Yu felt the teeth on his skin, and the memory of the zombie’s mouth eating his flesh engulfed him. His body automatically shrunk in fear.

“S-stop!” Lan Zhou felt the trembling and fear in the body in his embrace, so he stopped immediately, looking up to gaze at Song Yu.

Song Yu expected him to look in irritation or at least on wonderment, but Lan Zhou gazed at him with worry.

“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do.” Lan Zhou gently held Song Yu’s hand. As his taut body went from fear to slow relaxation, Song Yu softly nodded.

“Don’t bite me.” His small voice sounded so broken and sad, it made Lan Zhou’s heart ache. He gently picked Song Yu up and walked into the bedroom. The brilliant King size bed was ready-made for lovemaking. The sheets were pressed, and rose petals dotted the floor. Song Yu, held in a princess carry, leaned into Lan Zhou’s body, his head resting on his neck.

“We can stop if you want.”

Song Yu heard the concerning tone, and felt bad. They were in a passionate state just a few moments ago, but now that passion has cooled down.

Song Yu got this one chance! If he didn’t do it now with male god, he probably would never do it for the rest of his life!

Song Yu heard a laugh from above, so he glanced up to see that Lan Zhou didn’t look angry. Instead, he looked quite happy. Lan Zhou kissed Song Yu’s forehead as he gently placed him on the bed.

“I was afraid I scared you. But it feels like you really like me.”

What a NEET Does When The Apocalypse arrives WNDWWA

Fantasy 69 Chapters 1.3M Views

Author: godadi

Read In Library Add to Library

Synopsis

Mikhail is breaking up with his girlfriend.

Out of heartbreak, he brought all games and food in the store and swore to not coming out of his room until he finished all the games.

After one year, he finished all the games but after he coming out what he found the world is already on its end.

«Ahahaha, you must be kidding with me right? This must be a dream!»

Unfortunately no Mikhail this is not.

Follow Mikhail on his journey with his grimoire!

Note:
(NEET- Not in Education, Employment or Training aka Unemployed)

Daily updates 1 chapter/day for sure!
if I am busy and don’t have a time to update today then tomorrow I will updates 2 chapters!

If you’d like to support this story, considering buying the author a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/godadi
Or support me at : https://www.patreon.com/godadi

500 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter on weekend
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1000 Power Stones = 5 Bonus Chapters on weekend

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 74—The life of lies has shattered

The rest of the day went by a little slower.

Song Yu felt the lack of presence from the ever so comical Wang Cheng and the steadfastness of Yu Ci. Even Wu Ding who had only stayed for a short period of time left an indelible mark on the home. Song Yu had been alone the past few years, taking the entirety of the upkeep on himself.

Now that there were more people, the backbreaking work was reduced significantly. It even made Song Yu laugh that in order to become a salted fish, he had to employ more people.

With the three of them gone, the house was also a lot quieter.

Song Yu finished a field and drove the big massive machine back into the garage. The grains were already separated and would only need to be dried in the sun. That work could be done tomorrow.

Lu Jingxiu was currently putting the new inventory into the house, separating all of the games Wang Cheng had found. Song Yu slumped on the sofa and watched as the tower of DVD’s leaned dangerously as it continued going higher and higher.

“C’mon! Why the hell would Wang Cheng get all of these? It’s not compatible with the PS***!! Should we just toss it?”

Lu Jingxiu threw the unusable games towards a pile and grumbled some more.

“If their trek diverts, they can go to Y City for a bit and exchange for the game console. Y City is currently owned by a gangster though.” Shaking his head, Lu Jingxiu just mumbled some more.

“No, if they go they might get kidnapped.”

Song Yu quietly laughed to himself at his antics but did not touch on the matter. Xiao Zi was in the kitchen prepping for dinner. During their time in N City, Xiao Zi had also stopped at a bookstore. Since Lu Jingxiu was the one carrying it, he couldn’t take much. Some of what he brought back included very niche foods from other countries, which was something Song Yu forgot about when he downloaded loads of PDF’s.

The four of them ate dinner and cleaned up quickly. Xiao Zi and Song Yu wanted to play a few games in the arcade room, so Lu Jingxiu and Lan Zhou decided on a small sparring match outside the gym and work out.

The entire day passed in comfort, and they would start harvesting the rest of the vegetables tomorrow. They would also go bamboo cutting, where Song Yu would teach them how to weave the net for the zombie pits.

The more everyone learned, the more Song Yu could continue to be a salted fish. When it came around 6pm, the radio in Song Yu’s workroom whizzed and whirred, sending a coded message. Lan Zhou was the one to pick it up first.

Right on track. At Point B on the ridge. No signs of abnormalities. No swarm. Confirmed zombie kills: 23.

Lan Zhou wrote down the message before sending a code back.

Message received. Noted 6pm.

Lan Zhou told Song Yu about the message giving him relief. They quickly got ready for bed and slept in each other’s arms.

When it was deep into the night, Song Yu gently pried Lan Zhou’s arm off his waist and got dressed, ready to go out for another night of purifying. He quietly exited the house and walked barefoot to the lake. It was pitch black with nary a star in the sky and the moon seemed to have disappeared for the night. Song Yu could only use his senses to reach the familiar path.

He once again didn’t sense another figure silently following behind him. Song Yu reached the lake and slowly walked into the shallow depths. The mud under the lake turned to gravel before stone. Song Yu breathed deeply at how cold it was before opening up his space.

The blue light shimmered in the night, dancing across the surface like bioluminescence. Song Yu dunked his head in the water and expended his space to let water filter in. More and more of the water furled around Song Yu as purified glowing water extended outward.

Song Yu didn’t mind purifying the lake. In his last life, despite how much it made him hurt, he always felt at peace just beneath the surface of the water. Song Yu soaked in the water for an hour. By this time, the water was shimmering like blue silk.

Unexpectedly, he heard a shark snap. Instantly opening his eyes, they immediately narrowed in on the sound. Song Yu dropped his feet to the lake floor, spatial blades opening in his palms. Its reflection looked like demonic wings coming out of the water.

The same blue lit up his eyes, as he inhaled deeper and deeper, keeping his heart calm.

A shadow separated itself from the trees and approached Song Yu. Song Yu’s heart clenched. Who was it?

The moon that seemed to have disappeared made its way past the black cloud, shining directly into the lake. The shadow’s movements were the all too familiar gait of his lover. Song Yu anxiously looked at himself drenched in the lake with shining blue water emanating from him body.

What did he look like now?

He tried to breathe deeply but the air was stuck in his throat as the familiar face of Lan Zhou calmly walked through the trees to the shoreline. Song Yu avoided his gaze, hugging himself, the spatial blades disintegrating. He had nowhere to run to. He was already caught.

Song Yu grit his teeth and closed his eyes as he felt those eyes penetrate his body. He heard the sound of footsteps stop, before the slosh of water. Song Yu lifted his head to see Lan Zhou wading in the shallow water towards him. The purified water swirled around Lan Zhou, but Lan Zhou didn’t seem to care about the water properties, his eyes still fixed on Song Yu.

When he reached, Song Yu opened his mouth to speak, to once again close not knowing what to say. Lan Zhou reached out a hand. Seeing it, Song Yu flinched. What did he want to do?

Lan Zhou’s hand stopped before regaining confidence. A small trail of his face, Lan Zhou pressed Song Yu’s head into his chest. Feeling the familiar embrace, Song Yu was shocked numb.

“You’re going to get a cold.”

Lan Zhou held him so lovingly. So preciously. Tears brimmed his eyes and the clogged throat once again found its voice.

“I’m sorry for not telling you.”

Song Yu hugged Lan Zhou tightly, his tears pressing into Lan Zhou’s chest.

“I’m the pure ability user.”

“You were supposed to be a one night stand. I just wanted to be loved for one night.”

“I wanted to tell you so many times.”

Song Yu spilt everything into the wide chest of his lover, each word coming out lessening the burden in his heart. Song Yu was incoherent as each confession overwhelmed him. Lan Zhou was silent as he listened to the hurt Song Yu suffered, the silence he endured, and the vivacious tenacity of his will to survive.

Song Yu’s voice dwindled down to nothing as he gasped and cried. Lan Zhou could only hold his dear one and watch as the shimmering blue water circle around them.

“Song Yu.” Song Yu hiccupped and looked up to see the most beautiful gaze he had ever seen fall on him. Such…deep encompassing compassion, love and understanding.

“Song Yu. I love you.”

Song Yu gripped Lan Zhou’s shirt tight as those words struck deeper than they ever had before. Lan Zhou loved him unconditionally to the point of madness and sanity.

Song Yu could only reply with his heart.

“I love you too. Lan Zhou, I love you too.”

His mouth opened, spilling honeyed words; each syllable prolonged and deep.

This was the sound that Lan Zhou had wanted to hear since the very beginning of his life.

This was the first time Song Yu had ever said those words to Lan Zhou. The evasion of those three little words spilled forth, opening his heart bare and defenseless.

It was the most a person could ever feel in their life.

Song Yu gasped as Lan Zhou kissed his wet lips, licking the salt from his tears. Song Yu let him consume him, wrapping his arms tightly around Lan Zhou’s neck. Their kiss was unlike any before it. It was sweeter than the sweetest candy, softer than the softest pillow, kinder than a saint.

Through their mouths, they repeated that phrase over and over and over again.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 9—Finding the workforce

Song Yu sneezed as he got off the plane. He didn’t know that in a certain city, a man was on a wild goose chase looking for him. A country in the summer was supposed to be slightly colder than B city, but the overwhelming heat made him sweat instantly. He immediately got in a taxi and went to the dealership. Song Yu was wearing a graphic tee with ripped jeans and white sneakers, so although he was in casual wear, he stood out amongst the sellers in their stiff suits. The sellers were sweating in the shop, even though the AC was on. The intense heat was remarkable this year.

Song Yu looked around the store; ignoring the fancy Lamborghini’s and looked at the jeeps. The jeeps weren’t up to par as well. He wanted something with endurance.

“May I help you customer?”

“Yes, if you can I would like to know if your distributor has anything…military grade.”

“Yes.”
“Um, sir. Military grade is only under the jurisdiction of the government.” Song Yu sighed.

“Take me to your department manager.”

Song Yu spoke with the manager and made an appointment with the head honcho of the military base the next day. As long as you threw money, you didn’t need to go through proper channels. After that discussion, Song Yu had to stay in the city for a bit before heading to the villa.

He inspected the internet for the best company to build the wall. He chose a fairly good reviewed manufacturing company that also did installation. Perfect. Getting the materials would be fairly easy since Song Yu knew which materials worked best against the zombies. The zombies were extremely strong, and when they also started to evolve, it got harder to kill them. But one thing that zombies couldn’t plough through was rubber.

Rubber was soft and pliable, bendable but also thick and hard to go through. He remembered the rubber shortage, and how in one year there was a zombie siege, the zombies were like ants trying to bite humans. It was hard to chew through. Using rubber ingrained with the steelwork inside the cement was something one of the people in Paradise base made up. And after building that wall, it withstood over 15 years of zombie sieges.

The only thing he had to make sure of was the rubber not expanding in the walls. So he talked with the developers and they came up with a crafty solution. He talked with the developers for the entire day and didn’t even have time to sleep before heading to the military base.

The military in A country was known for its weaponry and not its vehicles. But staring at the monstrous sized jeep with steel bars and anti-wear wheels made Song Yu happy he decided on this place. He did not have a good memory, so he jotted down how to maintain the vehicle, what to look out for and how much mileage it could go for.

All in all, all aspects were up to his standards. He purchased the car on the spot and bought another roadside vehicle. After only three days in A country, Song Yu used almost half of his money.

But with the vehicle out of the way, and the fence being talked about, the heavier things were out of the way. Before leaving the city, he talked with the developers once again and gave them the acreage of the land he wanted closed off. The rush order as well as the workforce spanning 100 people took a sizeable amount of money.

He also (under the table) bought several guns and weapons ranging in rifles and handguns, to a few smoke bombs and hundreds of thousands of ammo. Although he was closing himself off from the world, that didn’t mean he shouldn’t have the means to defend yourself. He was tempted to buy a machine gun, but thought against it, since the noise was too loud.

He also bought a steel and carbon bow and arrow with extra arrow tips and a sharpening rock. By the end of his trip with the military advisor, he looked as if he himself was going to war.

“Why do you need all of this anyways? Are you forting down for a zombie apocalypse?” The head honcho guffawed when he saw Song Yu’s scrawny arms holding the large bow. Song Yu smiled cheekily and responded with fanfare.

“Of course! You can never be too careful!”

Song Yu did not have much room in his space, so he had people transfer the goods to his villa. The people looking at his address could only cry. It was hours away from civilization. A few hundred bucks shut them up. Song Yu travelled from city to city, buying various things. He went to buy extremely large solar panels that he would use on his roof and on the prairie and decided to buy refrigerators and freezers, asking the seller how to maintain them.

Once understanding, Song Yu bought a PC and downloaded many tutorials, maps, and maintenance manuals. Even though he could just pop the broken tool in his space, he had to really understand the mechanics that went into making, using and producing the product. Call it curiosity.

One week after coming to A country, was when Song Yu decided to visit the villa. He took the off-road vehicle and drove the 8 hours into the deep mountains and forests. It was a straightforward ride for 3 hours, but when you got into the forests, the road was not properly maintained. It took a long time for even Song Yu to get to the villa.

Finally, he broke through to a small clearing. The villa was extremely large. It had three stories, built in the previous dynasty, then revamped over time. Some of the existing architecture from decades past still remained. The new additions had more a more western style with a large porch overlooking the lake in the back, and several columns.

Song Yu huffed in sadness. He needed to reinforce the house as well. Going inside, the entire villa was awash with white cloths over the furniture. He nimbly took everything off and walked around, taking inventory. Several rooms could be converted into a small greenhouse for shaded plants like bean sprouts and mushrooms, and the basement would be for the meats and storage. One can be made into his den and other recreational activities.

Song Yu, after a week of running around, slumped on the sofa and took a long nap. The next day, Song Yu set up camera’s all over the forest. In the trees, in the dirt and next to the road. They were cheap but strong, and only needed changing every two years. The feed would go back to his PC which he bought alongside the laptop. The work took all day and by the time night fell, Song Yu was panting, sweaty, and ready to drown himself in the pool.

There was a pool, a hot tub and a large bath in the main bedroom, so the cool down was satisfactory. He dived into the pool with all of his clothes and floated whilst looking at the sun going down. He sighed as the exhaustion overflowed. There was still so much to do with so little time. 3 months had turned into 2, and the list he had had not finished even a quarter. When the sun finally set, he got out and headed to his bedroom.

The bed was extremely large with four posts and white canopies cascading down them. He took off his clothes and threw then in a dirty heap on the floor. This reminded him that he needed to buy either a washing machine or a basin for washing clothes.

He went into a fitful sleep, the dark circles under his eyes dissipating only for a short period. In his dreams he was 34 and working for Paradise Base. It had just reached the 11 th year of the apocalypse, and he was watching as the watch tower was being made. He had his chin resting on his hand as he watched how the construction workers were busy. He stared at those bulging muscles and couldn’t help but admire it. He looked at his own physique and couldn’t help but sigh.

“What are you looking at with so much enthusiasm?”

Song Yu turned to see someone with a blurred face, but his smiling mouth was in high definition. He tried to rub his eyes, but he couldn’t and just laughed.

“I’m thinking that when this base is truly finished, I can sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor.” The man laughed and slapped his back, causing Song Yu to cough.

‘Of course! No one should be getting a rest more than you. I heard that some representatives of C Base want to come and ask you to purify their water source. I heard they’re willing to pay three years’ worth of grains.”

“Yeah, I heard that too. I’m willing to help them out though. They didn’t ask for repayment when the zombie hoard came through our area and we fled to their base. It should be reciprocal.”

“Song Yu, you are just too good. We need that grain, though and they are willing to pay it. It’s a win-win situation.”

“I know, but kindness is something I find is more needed than most now.” Song Yu sounded wistful as he recalled those times of laughter. He looked down at the construction zone once again. The faces of these men and women looked dead. Like robots moving, constantly in a state of nothingness. The only thing was wariness.

Song Yu felt someone push him, he jolted as he tried grasping for leverage, but it was as if he was on a cliff. His eyes widened as he stared into the jaws of the construction workers who turned into zombies. He felt pain as he landed, and vicious hands reached at him, clinging to his skin, their ugly black nails piercing into his flesh. He looked up to see the man with the smiling mouth as the fog disappeared and his face resurfaced.

Song Yu cried out bitterly as he jolted awake. His heart was beating crazily in his body and sweat poured over his eyes, stinging them. He clutched his skin and felt the smoothness of them; he curled up in the fetal position as he tried to control his breathing. Looking up, he saw that in his sleep he had made an aura blade. It had slashed the wall in front of him, gouging it to see the insides.

He wiped the sweat off his brow and turned on the AC. The moon was still high in the sky, but he kept his eyes wide open, waiting for morning to come. He recalled that time so vividly.

After purifying their water source, two years later that C Base would crumble. The survivors scattered and some came to Paradise Base. Song Yu was out of commission for some time, overusing his space ability and getting into coma’s that could last a week. When he woke up, he heard that C Base fell. But he didn’t know that not only did Paradise Base not let the survivors in, they made a sport of them, making them fight to the death. The only survivor was a stocky 30 year old man who was placed in the lower echelons of the patrol/scouting group and died only a few days later.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 36—The Fridge

*sorry for the late chapter!!*

Lan Zhou could hear that Song Yu did not leave. He heard rustling and thumping on the other side of the door, but didn’t have someone go investigate. He gently touched his abdomen with the gauzed wound aching slightly. The numbing agent had already dissipated, so he took another dose of painkillers.

“Send me to the bed and have Xiao Zi put in the next room. Lu Jingxiu, stay with him until he wakes up. Wang Cheng as well, take the cots and lay them down in the room. Yu Ci and I will stay outside. My wounds aren’t that serious anymore, Yu Ci can sleep on the sofa.”

The group got to work. Inside the rest area, the bed was big enough for only one person. Seeing that Xiao Zi was injured, he got it. Wang Cheng set down two cots, one close to the bed and one near the wall. Yu Ci lifted Lan Zhou onto the bed used for X-rays and set him down comfortably, all the while Lan Zhou taking inventory of where they were.

Judging by the echo in the room and the sounds outside, they were in an isolated area of a big building. It could be a manufacturing plant or a storage unit. He thought deeply, but didn’t think that there were any in the vicinity.

Wang Cheng had said that the horse was faster than a car and it took 2 hours northward. They were…definitely close to the border of A country. Lan Zhou was curious, but he didn’t want his curiosity to make Song Yu defensive. He will tell him when he was ready.

At least…that’s what he hopes.

“The waters clean. Song Yu wouldn’t have made you wash your hands otherwise. I’ll ask Song Yu if we can fill water bottles in later.”

Yu Ci also observed the surroundings, his eyes landing on a mini fridge. Opening it, he expected it to be off. Not only that, there were…soft drinks, drip coffees, energy drinks and even a packet of snacks. Yu Ci’s eyes widened, his mouth gaping like a fish.

Gently closing the fridge, he opened it again. Yep. Still there. He did it again, this time faster. They’re still there. One more time. My God!

“B-boss. Check the fridge! There are drinks inside.” Lan Zhou turned his head and saw the filled mini-fridge.

“Don’t drink anything. Song Yu didn’t say we can. We shouldn’t covet someone else’s things.”

“Yes, boss! Can I just stare at them for a bit?”

Lan Zhou rolled his eyes, “Go for it.”

Yu Ci’s eyes sparkled as he gently took stock of the beautiful drinks in front of him! Lan Zhou heard some more rustling outside, it sounded like…mats?

The door opened and Song Yu entered once again. Once he entered, the smell of meaty stir-fry pervaded the space. Wang Cheng from the other room scurried out and watched in awe as Song Yu set down a large plate of stir-fry and a gigantic bowl of rice.

Song Yu awkwardly turned to Lan Zhou.

“You can drink the stuff inside the fridge. I made dinner. If it’s not enough, let me know.”

Out of nowhere, Song Yu had several spoons in his hands and dipped them in the gigantic bowl of rice, running out as soon as he entered. Everyone excluding Xiao Zi had their hungry eyes on the two big servings.

“Um. boss? Can I now drink the C*la?”

Lan Zhou nodded.

“Yes!” Wang Cheng and Yu Ci hurried to the mini fridge and took out several soft drinks. Setting them on the small counter, they huddled together, ready for Lan Zhou’s orders to eat. Lan Zhou sighed and waved his hand.

Like children at a daycare, they cleanly divided the portions and placed them on metal trays on the side of the counter. Yu Ci generously heaped rice, his smiling face euphoric and excited. Lan Zhou got his share and couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.

Does this count as a love bento?

Dipping his spoon into the fluffy rice, he inhaled the first bite. The standard for good food had dropped way too much, but even if there wasn’t an apocalypse, the food felt like the homemade love of a mother to her child.

The room was silent save for the clacking of metals and slurping noises. The wondrous meal was finished all too soon, not even a single grain of rice was spared. Lan Zhou and the group sighed happily.

“To be honest, I don’t care if I have to live the rest of my life in here if we get this kind of food.” Yu Ci massaged his full belly in contentment.

Wang Cheng had to agree as well. Lu Jingxiu was otherwise pre-occupied with finishing his meal and checking Xiao Zi’s IV. The drip would finish in less than 2 hours, so he had to prep another one.

After finishing his meal, Lu Jingxiu took a small basin and wet a clean white towel inside the other room. Seeing that Xiao Zi was sleeping, he gently placed the basin down and stared at his lover’s face. Despite his hurt body, Xiao Zi still looked extremely beautiful.

Unlike the others who were all bosom buddies in high school, Lu Jingxiu didn’t enter their group until they were freshman’s in university. So when he met Xiao Zi, it was at the most opportune time of rebellion, fun, carelessness and a downright path to adulthood. He could clearly remember the day he saw Xiao Zi walking next to Lan Zhou, his golden rimmed glasses slipping down the slope of his nose, and his pale white skin crisp against the dark black t-shirt.

Lu Jingxiu had fallen in love at first sight. As he embedded himself into the group seamlessly, felt the camaraderie of friends and understood that his sexuality was different than others, the only thing he could do was hide from his desires and keep that cool distance between friends. Years and years spent longing for him, to one day find out that Xiao Zi had died, caused Lu Jingxiu’s heart to break. So, their second chance at life began, he vowed to love and cherish every moment he had with Xiao Zi.

Rubbing his tired eyes, Lu Jingxiu prepared to scrub Xiao Zi down. Opening Xiao Zi’s shirt, he couldn’t help but squeeze his hands tightly at the sight.

Despite not having broken ribs, the discoloration of the bruising was truly terrifying. Purple and blue blotches spanned his entire chest, and there were several raised bumps as those skin vessels clotted. He lightly tapped the bruised areas with the warm cloth, trying to massage the skin.

“Are you trying to take advantage of me?”

Lu Jingxiu looked up and saw that Xiao Zi was awake. Dropping the wash cloth, Lu Jingxiu dove straight to Xiao Zi’s face and clenched it in his hands. Tears pooled down his cheeks as he nuzzled his forehead with Xiao Zi’s.

“I thought you weren’t going to wake up.” His whispered words penetrated deeply through Xiao Zi. He shakily put his hand on Lu Jingxiu’s head and stroked his sweat-soaked hair, a small smile grazing his lips. He kissed Lu Jingxiu’s cheeks as they settled in a more comfortable position. Lu Jingxiu laid down, careful not to jostle Xiao Zi.

When they were fully embraced, Xiao Zi tried his best to comfort, patting Lu Jingxiu’s back like a child.

“I’m okay. I’m okay. We’re okay.”

“We’re gonna stop. We’re gonna find a nice place to stay and live a good life with each other. I don’t care about the mission anymore. I want us to just be happy.”

“I know. I know. I trust you, and I trust Lan Zhou. We will definitely find a new home…”

Behind them, Wang Cheng slowly closed the door for privacy.

“Xiao Zi looks like he’s going to be fine. I reckon after he gets better, we can go.”

Lan Zhou nodded his head. He still felt Song Yu’s presence here, so he didn’t want to expose what his plans to stay was.

“Get some rest. We can discuss how to thank Song Yu tomorrow. For now, we can sleep. No need for patrol or night duty.”

Wang Cheng nodded and tactfully dragged his other cot from the lover’s room and settled it next to Yu Ci’s, who went to sleep after cleaning up. Lan Zhou closed his eyes, but his vigilance was still up.

On the other side of the door, Song Yu was still there…he worried that Song Yu would catch a cold or not fall asleep tonight. He didn’t want him to be guarded against him…how could he show Song Yu that the only thing he coveted was Song Yu himself? More than any food, electricity, or safety, Song Yu mattered the most.

As henpecked as he was, Lan Zhou did realize that the feelings he harbored towards Song Yu didn’t make sense. But the aching in his heart and the feeling of wanting to hold Song Yu forever was like a deeply embedded fissure in his soul.

He needed Song Yu.

Now that they had reunited, like a sirens song, he wanted to move towards him.

A small headache formed, causing Lan Zhou to rub his head lightly. The slash on his forehead had been cleaned, but there definitely would be a scar. Absently rubbing the bandage, he couldn’t help but analyze his thoughts.

Lan Zhou had a sense that he had forgotten something.

Neet life in the apocalypse

Chapter 78—Roses escapades in the wild

The rose nimbly crept through the mountains. Eating when it could, moving when it could, and killing when it could. The past few days, the rose had been trying to find that something. He knew that if he found it, he could level up to heights surpassing its little yellow flower pot.

It was instinctual. It knew that his form right now was not its final one. That if he could find the perfect ‘something’, he would change. Its innocence in believing this was what set its actions apart from other beings. They weren’t as intelligent to listen to the whispers of ‘thought’ and ‘consciousness’, rather succumbing to its basic instinct and feeding.

The leaves had started to change colors; the rose could only continue its searching. The sun had risen eight times already, and the rose still hadn’t found ‘it’. This is the longest it had ever been away from Wang Cheng as was starting to miss him terribly.

The rose didn’t know when it reached ‘consciousnesses’, only which it had stayed with Wang Cheng for a very long time. Its sentience could only be described as miraculous. This only happened when its owner had died, and the things in his space pooled out into the open world.

The rose had sensed the loss of its owner. Greedy people had pilfered the goods, leaving it alone with its little yellow pot in the center of desert. The rose was going to die.

However, the rose had felt an immense power flowing inside him. It felt so familiar to him; as it had the same scent as its owner. No sooner had the rose felt it, the space that it used to live in was now its. The owner was gone, but the rose was still there. The rose stayed inside the space, waiting for its owner.

It tried to leave the space but it couldn’t; so it could only patiently wait. A rose does not have a concept of time. The space was bright with light and it never got dark. It just waited and waited.

Gradually, it had a ‘thought’: Where can I find him? Where can I find Wang Cheng?

The rose wanted to leave and find Wang Cheng. It wanted to move. Wanted to see. Wanted to feel. It spent a long time in the space trying to do things. Eventually, it could. The vines grew to long lengths, its petals could fold, and its leaves waved in excitement.

It wanted to show all of these things to Wang Cheng. Wang Cheng who spoke with vivacity, happiness and sometimes loneliness would be happy if it saw the rose wave at it.

It was one day when the rose felt the space open. Its control over the space had lessened. Not that it didn’t have its power…but was now sharing it. The rose could feel something come inside—trying to find something.

The rose felt that familiar aura. That face. That smile.

Wang Cheng had come back.

The rose had learned quickly what had happened. It’s ‘thought process’ was much faster than it was before. It absorbed the world with Wang Cheng; it never wanted Wang Cheng to leave. So it taught Wang Cheng things by observing the ‘enemies’, helping him when he should. It would slaughter all things that hurt Wang Cheng.

It felt that it had to be hidden, since it knew there wasn’t another plant like it. It remembered the ‘comrades’ of Wang Cheng. It still recalled their introduction from long ago. So it didn’t mind their closeness as long as it was the closest.

Wang Cheng would continue to talk to it, stroking its petals, making it ‘feel’ things. The rose could no longer deny how much Wang Cheng affected it. And when the ugly monster wanted to hurt Wang Cheng, the rose could only destroy it.

Now, it was searching.

Thankfully, after the 12 th rising sun, the rose stumbled on something. It had tasted zombie blood; with its putrid green color, rotten flesh and the ‘bad things’ inside it. So this new scent was…fresh. It had never tasted flesh of someone fresh before. The rose used its vines to travel from tree to tree until it reached a small cliff leading to a lazy river.

It could still smell the ‘thing’ so the rose continued to follow the trail. It unexpectedly reached a tree where the blood was thickest. The rose opened its petals and tasted the red liquid on the branches.

Red. Human. Blood.

This is what it was searching for.

The rose followed the trail of blood, reaching a small cave, its only entrance, a crevice you had to be flexible to enter through. Blood had smeared the walls entrance, looking enticing. Inside, it heard the sound of labored breathing, groaning, and the gasp of life being snuffed out.

The rose heard everything and knew that if it didn’t strike soon, the body would turn to the ugly green and rotten base it was familiar with. Not only that, but the zombie animals would feed off of the flesh too.

The rose silently moved into the cave, making no noise as it attached itself to the rocky surface, watching the person. The man inside was quite big with green eyes and dark brown hair. There was a dying fire in the corner, and a small blanket next to it.

The rose could see the gruesome cut on the man’s abdomen, mostly done by a bad fall. It wasn’t done by a zombie so zombification hadn’t occurred, but it wouldn’t be too long. The man was lying back onto the rock, his slow labored breathing going quieter and quieter. The man knew he was dying.

“I don’t want to die here! I’m not finished yet! I haven’t lived yet!”

The man was cursing the small cave as each word spurt out more blood from his abdomen. Tears escaped the man’s eyes, its emerald hue so beautifully sad. “I have to find them! I have to see them again.”

Gradually, night fell. The man stopped speaking a while ago…and the breathing ultimately stopped. The rose’s vines gently got down from the ceiling and touched the man. There was still a bit of warmth in the body. But it would soon zombify.

The rose opened its petals, gradually getting bigger and bigger, the vines thickening, the petals expanding until it engulfed the entire cave. The rose instinctually moved the dead man into its petals, making sure to retract its sharp teeth.

Instead of chopping it to pieces, the rose secreted a liquid from its petals, wringing its perfume into the center, enveloping the body inside. Since the body had just died, it needed to be healed. The rose understood that it would take a lot of ‘time’.

The rose blocked the entrance to the cave with more rocks, secretly licking the blood on the walls. It sloshed the body inside it until it curled up comfortable in its center. The rose gradually fell asleep, lulling the body inside like a tender child before succumbing itself to the depth of unconsciousness.

The rose felt like it had been asleep for a while. When it awoke, the rose felt that the body had already started merging with its own. He could feel the vines penetrate the man’s limbs, integrating with the nerves, veins and muscles. It was as if it was slowly being absorbed. The rose gingerly felt the arms, trying to control the fingers.

It took time and effort, but he could put his hands into fists. Ultimately, the rose had to go back to sleep, and did so.

This time, the rose ‘opened its eyes’. Feeling the fluttering of the eyelashes touch his face, the rose shakily moves his hands. He could no longer be considered an ‘it’ but a ‘he’. He checked the body, seeing that the wound on his stomach had disappeared while he was in stasis and left no marks. The clothes the man had worn were completely gone.

The rose exercised his fists again, but noticed dark red strands coming from his head. He remembered that humans had something called ‘hair’. He touched his wet strands and liked them, since they were the color of his petals.

It took a while to move. Feeling things by hands and feet rather than vine and petal. The rose could sense that his vines were still inside him. Instantly, as he willed it; vines jutted from his hands, similar in color and shape when he was in rose form.

This made the rose want to jerk his lips. This subconscious feeling was something called a ‘smile’. The rose used his vines to unblock the cave, letting sunlight reach him. Unlike humans, the rose was still able to get energy from the sun.

It walked instead of crawled, bared its teeth at predators, and tried its best to find words to introduce himself to Wang Cheng. Excitement tore through him. Would Wang Cheng be happy?

Since he was human now, Wang Cheng must be happy!

It took rose a few days to find familiar surroundings. At long last, when it reached nighttime, the rose saw the familiar gates. Unexpectedly, the rose saw the familiar people coming to the gate. The rose waited patiently for them to come.

He was being greeted!

The rose searched for that familiar face and finally saw Wang Cheng. Too excited, the rose flew through the gates, just stopping in front of them. In his excitement, he didn’t see the blood thirsty looks from the members.

He saw a flash of blue, as the human ‘Song Yu’ tried to slash his throat. Immediately, the rose opened his palms and vines flew behind Song Yu jerking him back. While his vines were doing this, the man next to Song Yu was ‘Lan Zhou’ whose bright blue flames parried, causing a cut to appear on the rose’s cheek.

The rose felt pain. He stared stupidly as the mark healed itself. But the rose’s enthusiasm was extinguished.

Instead, the rose felt sadness.

Why are they trying to hurt me?

The safest place was indeed next to Wang Cheng! The rose moved to Wang Cheng, gently holding him in his embrace. It always used to curve its leaves to hold a single finger, but now he was able to envelop Wang Cheng in a humans embrace.

The rose sensed the space distort and disallowed it to move any further. He knew that Wang Cheng was trying to leave. But why.

The rose didn’t listen to anyone but Wang Cheng. His eyes looked at every aspect of Wang Cheng, seeing his every emotion. All of a sudden, he saw the barrel of a gun as it touched his forehead. Eyes widening, the rose’s heart was shattered just as much as his head was when the gun’s trigger was pulled.

The rose didn’t let go though. It wasn’t like a human or a zombie who would die like that. The head was just another body part. The rose’s eyes were regenerated, but the tongue and mouth connected to the brain was still out of tune.

The rose opened its mouth but no words could escape him. He could only spread his pheromones in hopes that Wang Cheng could at least understand who he was.

The rose saw the familiar eyes staring at him, two hands clutching his face as Wang Cheng fixated on his appearance.

The rose’s emotions fell forth, no longer hiding how much hurt Wang Cheng caused him. Something called ‘tears’ escaped his eyes. The first words he ever spoke,