CHAPTER 7: UNEXPECTED VISITORS
After 2 weeks of intense preparation, the Feng family's warehouse brimmed with supplies—enough to last for years. Feng Weiguo and Xinyue had worked tirelessly to ensure daily necessities would not be a problem once the apocalypse came. With their physical strength steadily improving through training, confidence replaced fear in their hearts.
Reborn with memories of her tragic past, Xinyue focused on training and cutting ties with the people who had once destroyed her. Zhou Han and Liu Yaqing's numbers were blocked, their messages ignored. Weiguo even went to school to apply for a leave of absence for his daughters, citing family matters.
But silence was not something Zhou Han or Liu Yaqing could tolerate. Her sudden disappearance gnawed at them, their pride unable to accept being cast aside. Calls, texts, and pleading went unanswered—until Zhou Han finally decided to appear in person, dragging Yaqing with him.
"Miss, someone is looking for you," Auntie Mei, the housekeeper, interrupted Xinyue's courtyard training.
Xinyue's brows furrowed. "Who is it, Auntie Mei?"
Auntie Mei hesitated. "Young Master Zhou Han and Miss Liu Yaqing."
At their names, irritation surged through Xinyue. Her chest tightened, her eyes narrowing into sharp slits. Feng Weiguo, quietly monitoring her training, noticed the shift in her expression and set aside the training weights. His own face darkened.
Exhaling slowly, Xinyue forced her emotions under control. She hadn't sought them out—but since they had the audacity to appear at her doorstep, she would give them an answer.
She walked toward the villa gates with measured steps, every movement radiating calm dominance.
The moment she appeared, Liu Yaqing's pitiful voice rang out, deliberately loud enough for the entire villa district to hear.
"Yue'er, you haven't been picking our calls or replying to our messages. And at the restaurant, you really hurt us when you slapped Cousin Feng Qin. You shouldn't be so unreasonable. As your close sister, if I don't care about you, who will?" Her voice trembled as though she were the victim of some great injustice.
"Girl, don't be so strong-headed," Grandma Wang, the nosy old woman who always despised the Feng family, cackled from the side. "To have a good friend like Qing'er, you must have accumulated three past lives of blessings!"
The neighbors nodded, their judgmental stares cutting toward Xinyue.
Xinyue's lips curled into a cold smile. "Three past lives of blessings? More like three past lives of misfortune. Grandma Wang, anyone listening would think Liu Yaqing is your illegitimate granddaughter with how much you dote on her."
The crowd gasped. A few muffled laughs escaped before quickly being stifled.
"You—!" Grandma Wang's face flushed scarlet.
"Xinyue, you shouldn't disrespect Grandma. She's your elder," Liu Yaqing said softly, lowering her eyes like a virtuous maiden.
"Why can't you be more like Qing'er?" Zhou Han stepped forward, glaring at Xinyue with open disgust. "She's kind, gentle, and understanding… not spoiled and arrogant like you."
"Brother Han, don't blame Yue'er," Liu Yaqing interjected quickly, her voice dripping with false concern. "She must be under stress since she hasn't been at school."
The neighbors murmured approvingly.
"That Liu girl is so kind."
"She's truly understanding, unlike Feng Xinyue."
Basking in the praise, Liu Yaqing's lips twitched with a hidden smile.
But Xinyue only looked at them with icy disdain. "Finished with your little play? Good. Then get out. I don't waste words on animals."
"You insolent girl!" Grandma Wang barked. "Your ancestors must be rolling in their graves!"
"Wait, Sister—" Yaqing suddenly staggered forward, theatrically falling to the ground. Her knee scraped against the pavement, bleeding just enough to tug at heartstrings.
"Qing'er!" Zhou Han rushed to her side, lifting her into his arms. His face twisted with fury as he glared at Xinyue.
"Feng Xinyue, you vicious witch! I must have been blind to ever love you! Apologize to Qing'er right now or we're done!"
"Han ge, don't force her…" Yaqing said weakly, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm fine… just a small injury. She didn't mean it…"
The crowd sighed pityfully, their sympathetic glances falling on Yaqing.
"Even now, she's defending that ungrateful Feng girl."
"She really is kind-hearted."
"Qing'er, stop defending her!" Zhou Han snapped. "She's not worth it! Xinyue, if you have a shred of dignity, apologize immediately!"
A cold laugh slipped from Xinyue's lips. "First of all, Liu Yaqing, open your dog ears. I have only one sister—Feng Lan. Only blood can call me that. Unless you plan to be someone's concubine, stop sticking that word onto me."
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
"And you, Zhou Han…" Her eyes glittered with contempt. "Apologize? Is your brain filled with water? If you're looking for an apology, dig it out of the trash."
"You—!" Zhou Han's face reddened in rage.
"You what?" Xinyue tilted her head, smirk deepening. "We're done. Get that into your dog brain."
Zhou Han trembled, fists clenched so tightly his veins bulged. "Fine! You'll regret this!" he spat, storming off with Liu Yaqing in his arms.
The villa gates slammed shut behind them.
For the first time, Feng Xinyue felt a sharp satisfaction watching Zhou Han's face twist with humiliation and fury.
CHAPTER 7: UNEXPECTED VISITORS
After a month of intense preparation, the Feng family's warehouse brimmed with supplies—enough to last for years. Feng Weiguo and Xinyue had worked tirelessly to ensure daily necessities would not be a problem once the apocalypse came. With their physical strength steadily improving through training, confidence replaced fear in their hearts.
Reborn with memories of her tragic past, Xinyue focused on training and cutting ties with the people who had once destroyed her. Zhou Han and Liu Yaqing's numbers were blocked, their messages ignored. Weiguo even went to school to apply for a leave of absence for his daughters, citing family matters.
But silence was not something Zhou Han or Liu Yaqing could tolerate. Her sudden disappearance gnawed at them, their pride unable to accept being cast aside. Calls, texts, and pleading went unanswered—until Zhou Han finally decided to appear in person, dragging Yaqing with him.
"Miss, someone is looking for you," Auntie Mei, the housekeeper, interrupted Xinyue's courtyard training.
Xinyue's brows furrowed. "Who is it, Auntie Mei?"
Auntie Mei hesitated. "Young Master Zhou Han and Miss Liu Yaqing."
At their names, irritation surged through Xinyue. Her chest tightened, her eyes narrowing into sharp slits. Feng Weiguo, quietly monitoring her training, noticed the shift in her expression and set aside the training weights. His own face darkened.
Exhaling slowly, Xinyue forced her emotions under control. She hadn't sought them out—but since they had the audacity to appear at her doorstep, she would give them an answer.
She walked toward the villa gates with measured steps, every movement radiating calm dominance.
The moment she appeared, Liu Yaqing's pitiful voice rang out, deliberately loud enough for the entire villa district to hear.
"Yue'er, you haven't been picking our calls or replying to our messages. And at the restaurant, you really hurt us when you slapped Cousin Feng Qin. You shouldn't be so unreasonable. As your close sister, if I don't care about you, who will?" Her voice trembled as though she were the victim of some great injustice.
"Girl, don't be so strong-headed," Grandma Wang, the nosy old woman who always despised the Feng family, cackled from the side. "To have a good friend like Qing'er, you must have accumulated three past lives of blessings!"
The neighbors nodded, their judgmental stares cutting toward Xinyue.
Xinyue's lips curled into a cold smile. "Three past lives of blessings? More like three past lives of misfortune. Grandma Wang, anyone listening would think Liu Yaqing is your illegitimate granddaughter with how much you dote on her."
The crowd gasped. A few muffled laughs escaped before quickly being stifled.
"You—!" Grandma Wang's face flushed scarlet.
"Xinyue, you shouldn't disrespect Grandma. She's your elder," Liu Yaqing said softly, lowering her eyes like a virtuous maiden.
"Why can't you be more like Qing'er?" Zhou Han stepped forward, glaring at Xinyue with open disgust. "She's kind, gentle, and understanding… not spoiled and arrogant like you."
"Brother Han, don't blame Yue'er," Liu Yaqing interjected quickly, her voice dripping with false concern. "She must be under stress since she hasn't been at school."
The neighbors murmured approvingly.
"That Liu girl is so kind."
"She's truly understanding, unlike Feng Xinyue."
Basking in the praise, Liu Yaqing's lips twitched with a hidden smile.
But Xinyue only looked at them with icy disdain. "Finished with your little play? Good. Then get out. I don't waste words on animals."
"You insolent girl!" Grandma Wang barked. "Your ancestors must be rolling in their graves!"
"Wait, Sister—" Yaqing suddenly staggered forward, theatrically falling to the ground. Her knee scraped against the pavement, bleeding just enough to tug at heartstrings.
"Qing'er!" Zhou Han rushed to her side, lifting her into his arms. His face twisted with fury as he glared at Xinyue.
"Feng Xinyue, you vicious witch! I must have been blind to ever love you! Apologize to Qing'er right now or we're done!"
"Han ge, don't force her…" Yaqing said weakly, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm fine… just a small injury. She didn't mean it…"
The crowd sighed pityfully, their sympathetic glances falling on Yaqing.
"Even now, she's defending that ungrateful Feng girl."
"She really is kind-hearted."
"Qing'er, stop defending her!" Zhou Han snapped. "She's not worth it! Xinyue, if you have a shred of dignity, apologize immediately!"
A cold laugh slipped from Xinyue's lips. "First of all, Liu Yaqing, open your dog ears. I have only one sister—Feng Lan. Only blood can call me that. Unless you plan to be someone's concubine, stop sticking that word onto me."
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
"And you, Zhou Han…" Her eyes glittered with contempt. "Apologize? Is your brain filled with water? If you're looking for an apology, dig it out of the trash."
"You—!" Zhou Han's face reddened in rage.
"You what?" Xinyue tilted her head, smirk deepening. "We're done. Get that into your dog brain."
Zhou Han trembled, fists clenched so tightly his veins bulged. "Fine! You'll regret this!" he spat, storming off with Liu Yaqing in his arms.
The villa gates slammed shut behind them.
For the first time, Feng Xinyue felt a sharp satisfaction watching Zhou Han's face twist with humiliation and fury.
Auntie Mei and the rest of the Feng family stood silently by. Her hands were folded neatly in front of her, but her eyes gleamed with quiet approval as Zhou Han and Yaqing stormed out of Sunset Villa. She had watched Xinyue grow up, and seeing the young miss finally stand tall, unshaken and resolute, filled her with pride.
After the whole ordeal, Xinyue quietly returned inside the villa.
"Sister, you were so strong out there," Feng Lan said, her eyes sparkling as she clung to her arm. Then she added with a cheeky grin, "If I were the one, I would've fainted from anger before even saying a word."
Everyone chuckled, the tension dissolving.
"Dad, I'm fine," Xinyue said with a small smile, though her chest still carried the weight of her emotions.
"Good. That's my Yue'er," Feng Weiguo said with a proud nod.
"Alright, go freshen up," Li Hua urged gently, her smile warm and comforting.
"Okay, Mom."
As Xinyue stepped into the bathroom, the water running over her skin, her mind replayed the scene again and again. The faces of Zhou Han and Liu Yaqing burned in her memory.
I was truly blind… falling in love with Zhou Han, thinking Liu Yaqing was my sister. In the end, they killed me in my past life.
Her fists clenched under the flowing water.
This life, I will live my best life, protect my family, and take my revenge.
Meanwhile, at the Zhou family villa…
"Zhou Han!" A furious roar thundered from the study.
Zhou Han's body trembled as he stepped inside. He had never seen his father so enraged.
"Father…" he said cautiously.
"Kneel!" Zhou Guoliang barked, his face livid.
Zhou Han dropped to his knees instantly.
"Do you know what you've done?" Guoliang's voice was ice. "Because of your foolishness, the Feng family has cut all connections with us. Several companies have already withdrawn their collaborations. And I suspect the Fengs are preparing for something big—there are whispers of them buying massive amounts of goods lately."
"Father, I was wrong," Zhou Han stammered, sweat dripping down his back. "But she harmed Yaqing—I couldn't just stand by."
"Harm?" Guoliang slammed the desk with his palm. "Even if she slapped that girl, you should have continued deceiving her! At least until we got what we needed."
"Han'er, don't be stupid," his mother, Lin Meiling, interjected coldly from the side. "You've let emotions cloud your head. You think with anger, not strategy."
Zhou Han's face burned with shame. "It is this son who failed to see clearly."
"You will apologize to Feng Xinyue," Guoliang ordered, his voice cold as steel. "Gain back her trust, and more importantly, find out what the Feng family is hiding."
"Yes, Father." Zhou Han lowered his head, resentment flashing in his eyes.
Guoliang stood, his gaze sharp. "I'll contact Feng Qiang. If the Feng family dares prepare in secret, we'll make sure their assets fall into our hands instead."
In the dimly lit study, the Zhou family began plotting in silence, their greed and ambition pushing them further down a dark path.
Zhou Guoliang's face was still twisted with anger as he picked up the phone, his fingers drumming impatiently on the table before dialing a number.
On the other end, a calm yet calculating voice answered, "Brother-in-law, what a surprise. Why are you calling so late at night?"
Guoliang's tone was sharp. "It's about the Fengs. Your younger brother has been acting strangely. Buying goods in bulk, hoarding things in secret… Tell me, Qiang, do you know what he's up to?"
Feng Qiang, elder brother of Feng Weiguo, paused for a moment. His eyes flickered with unease, but his lips curved into a cold smile. "He hasn't told me much, but I did hear whispers. Something about building a safe place outside the city. Hmph—always so secretive, as if we're outsiders."
Guoliang narrowed his eyes. "Outsiders? You're his own elder brother, yet he hides things from you? That doesn't sound right. Perhaps he doesn't trust you either."
The words cut deep. Qiang's grip on the phone tightened until his knuckles turned white. For years, his younger brother Feng Weiguo had stood as the pillar of the Feng family—respected, decisive, untouchable. And him? Cast aside, left to manage scraps and watch from the shadows.
"You're right," Qiang said bitterly, his voice laced with resentment. "He's always had that superior attitude. Treats me like I'm incapable."
Guoliang's tone softened, dripping with poison. "Then why not prove him wrong? If the Fengs are hiding something—wealth, resources, or secrets—we can share it. Between us, not him."
Feng Qiang leaned back in his chair, the flickering light of his cigarette casting shadows across his hardened face. His eyes glinted with greed and jealousy. "Brother-in-law, perhaps we can help each other. After all, blood ties only matter when they bring benefits."
"Good." Guoliang's voice was smooth with satisfaction. "Then let's watch the Fengs closely. When the time comes, we'll strike together."
The line went dead.
Feng Qiang sat in silence, the smoke curling from his lips into the dark room. A cold sneer tugged at the corner of his mouth, but beneath it, resentment festered like a wound that would never heal.
Weiguo… Since you don't trust me, don't blame me for betraying you.
Feng Qiang's hand trembled slightly as he crushed the half-burned cigarette into the ashtray. The echo of Zhou Guoliang's poisonous words lingered in his ears, stoking the fire of resentment in his chest.
"Husband," a soft, curious voice broke through his thoughts. Chen Rong had been watching him closely, her silk robe sliding off one shoulder, exposing pale skin under the dim light. Her eyes were sharp, probing. "Was that cousin you were speaking to?"
Qiang's jaw tightened, his knuckles whitening as he clenched the armrest of the chair. "Yes, wife," he growled, his voice low and heavy. "Weiguo is plotting something… something big. He's hoarding supplies, hiding secrets even from me. We can't sit still any longer. What do you suggest we do?"
Chen Rong leaned forward, her slender fingers brushing against his tense hand. The gesture was tender, yet her eyes gleamed with calculation. "Then listen to me. Visit the Feng villa. Go as a brother, speak with warmth, but let your questions pry. If he slips, you'll know what he's hiding. As for me…" Her lips curved into a cold smile. "I'll reach out to our spies in Sunset Villa. The servants see everything—every cart that enters, every box that leaves. Soon, we'll know what he guards so fiercely."
Qiang's chest rose and fell heavily, his breathing ragged as he stared at the woman before him. A storm of bitterness churned in his heart, but Chen Rong's words were like oil poured on his smoldering anger. His grip loosened, sliding from the chair to her waist, pulling her tightly against him.
"Wife," he murmured hoarsely, pressing his forehead against hers, his eyes bloodshot with suppressed rage. "I know I can only rely on you. Only you understand me… only you stand with me."
Chen Rong's lips curved into a dangerous smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Then let's make sure your brother regrets ever looking down on you."
The blanket slipped from the bed, pooling onto the floor. Their breaths grew heavier, mingling in the silence of the night, as plotting and desire tangled together beneath the dim glow of the lamp.
Back at the Feng family villa, the warm glow of dusk streamed in through the carved windows, yet the atmosphere inside was far from calm. Shadows stretched across the floor like silent watchers, and every word spoken carried the weight of caution.
"Dad," Xinyue stepped into the study, her face composed but her tone serious. "Third Uncle has already transported the medicine to the warehouse. He told us to pick it up as soon as possible."
Feng Weiguo set down the ledger he had been reviewing, his sharp gaze instantly locking onto his daughter. He rose slowly, his tall frame casting a shadow across the desk. "Yue'er, do you still have space left in your ability? You've been storing too much lately." His brows knitted together, worry written all over his face. "Tell me the truth. It's not harming your body, is it?"
For a moment, Xinyue felt her father's concern press against her heart. She drew in a deep breath and forced her lips into a faint smile. "Father, I know my limits. My body can handle it. Please don't worry."
Weiguo's jaw tightened, his hand clenching at his side before he finally reached out, resting it firmly on her shoulder. The warmth of his palm carried both trust and unspoken fear. "You must not overstrain yourself. We can only survive together if you stay strong."
"Dad," Xinyue continued, her tone dropping into something sharper, more determined, "how is the base construction going? The project we disguised as real estate—has there been any trouble?"
Weiguo's expression shifted into quiet pride. "Everything is progressing smoothly. Your First Uncle, Li Ming, is overseeing it personally. If no unforeseen delays happen, the safe base will be completed in two weeks."
"That fast?" Feng Lan gasped, her eyes widening in delight. She clasped her hands together, her voice bubbling with excitement. "And it's close to the place Sister predicted! We're so lucky—"
"Lan'er!" Li Hua cut her off sharply, her eyes narrowing as she tilted her head toward the corridor. Her heart skipped a beat—two maids had paused in their sweeping, their ears tilted ever so slightly toward the study. When Li Hua's sharp gaze met theirs, the women flinched, their faces paling before they lowered their heads and scurried away too quickly.
The tension in the air thickened instantly.
"Walls have ears," Li Hua whispered, her voice laced with steel. Her fingers curled tightly around the edge of her sleeve, her body taut with unease.
Weiguo's face darkened as he laid a heavy hand on Lan's head, his tone stern but protective. "Your mother is right. Even in our own home, we must be careful. Speak cautiously. Always."
Lan bit her lip, her eyes glistening with guilt as she lowered her head. "I understand, Father…"
Weiguo softened slightly, his gaze moving between his daughters. His large hands rested on both their heads, a gesture of both reassurance and authority. "Listen carefully. When the apocalypse begins, we will not stay here. The Feng and Li families will move together toward the safe base. We'll make the villa our shield until the outbreak is confirmed, then evacuate in one strike. Strength lies in unity."
Xinyue's heart surged with determination. She nodded firmly, her eyes burning with fierce resolve. "This time, Father, we won't repeat the mistakes of the past. I will protect everyone. I'll protect our family… no matter what it costs."
The villa's study grew quieter after the maids slipped away, but the unease they left behind lingered like a shadow. The flicker of the chandelier light reflected in Feng Weiguo's eyes, hardening his expression as he slowly turned back to his family.
"We cannot afford to let our enemies know even a sliver of our plans," he said in a low, deliberate tone. "Not Qiang, not Guoliang, not anyone. Only the Fengs and the Lis move together."
Li Hua's lips pressed into a thin line. "You're right. If word spreads, they'll sabotage us before the end even begins. We must keep everything airtight."
Xinyue clenched her fists at her side, the memory of betrayal from her past life flashing before her eyes. She raised her chin, voice steady but laced with cold resolve. "This time, we move together with Uncle Li Ming and the Li family. No one gets left behind. Once the first outbreak starts, we'll secure the villa, regroup with the Lis, then move as one convoy to the safe base."
Her words seemed to ignite something in the room.
Weiguo nodded, his voice rumbling with authority. "Exactly. The villa will serve as our shield. We'll reinforce it, hold out until the worst passes, then retreat to the base before chaos swallows the city. The Lis are already in agreement. Li Ming and I have coordinated—he'll handle the logistics, we'll handle the defense."
Lan's eyes widened as she listened, a spark of nervous excitement dancing across her face. "So when it starts… we'll all leave together? Uncle, Aunt, our cousins too?"
"Yes," Weiguo confirmed, his gaze softening just a fraction as he looked at his younger daughter. "The Feng and Li families will survive or fall together. That is the pact."
Li Hua exhaled, tension leaving her shoulders as she gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "Good. At least with my brothers by our side, there will be no regret. The Feng name will not be snuffed out so easily."
Xinyue's chest tightened at her mother's words. For the first time since her rebirth, she felt the faint glimmer of hope—not just for survival, but for redemption.
"I swear," she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else, "this time, I'll make sure our families reach that base alive."
The room fell into a deep, heavy silence. Outside, the night wind rattled the villa's windows, as if echoing the storm that was to come.
Meanwhile, in another villa across the city, Chen Rong hung up the phone, her brows furrowed as she turned to her husband.
"Darling, our intel has confirmed something unusual," she said, her voice low but filled with urgency. "The maids in Sunset Villa overheard discussions about medicines and medical equipment being moved secretly. They didn't catch the full details, but they were certain it involved bulk purchases. And there's more—" she paused deliberately, watching Qiang's expression darken, "—Qin'er told me she hasn't seen her cousins, Xinyue and Lan, at school in weeks. They've completely vanished from their classes."
Feng Qiang's face twisted with fury, his hand slamming down on the armrest of his chair. "Weiguo! He dares to keep things from me again! Does he think because he's the elder brother, he can treat me like a fool?!" His chest rose and fell heavily, resentment burning in his eyes.
Chen Rong leaned closer, her voice dripping with poison. "Husband, don't blame yourself. It's not you who's at fault—it's them, for shutting us out. If the Feng family is really hiding something so significant, then we must find out before it's too late. Otherwise, when the time comes, all the benefits will be theirs alone."
Qiang gritted his teeth, veins bulging in his temple as his fingers clenched around his phone. "Enough! I'll call Weiguo right now. If he thinks he can keep me in the dark, then he underestimates me too much."
His thumb hovered over the call button, rage boiling beneath his calm facade. "Big Brother… since you refuse to trust me, don't blame me for tearing the truth out of you."
Feng Qiang's hand trembled with suppressed anger as he pressed the call button. The line rang twice before a steady, authoritative voice answered.
"Qiang? It's late. What's the matter?" Feng Weiguo's tone was calm, but there was an edge to it—alert, measured, as if he already expected trouble.
Qiang forced a strained laugh, though his grip on the phone was so tight his knuckles whitened. "Big Brother, I just wanted to check in. Word around the city is that you've been buying up large quantities of supplies. Medicines, equipment… even livestock. People are starting to whisper. Shouldn't you explain it to your own brother?"
There was a pause on the other end. Then Weiguo's voice came, deep and deliberate. "Since when do I need to report every business deal to you? The Feng family has expanded into many ventures. Stocking goods in bulk is not unusual for us."
Qiang's brows furrowed, his free hand clenching into a fist. "Not unusual? Don't treat me like a child, Weiguo. I've heard too many things lately—strange movements, hidden warehouses, even the girls missing from school. Do you take me for a fool?!"
Silence.
For a long moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the line. Finally, Weiguo spoke again, his tone colder this time. "Qiang, some things are beyond your understanding. I'll give you this advice as your elder brother—focus on managing your own household. Don't meddle in affairs that don't concern you. Otherwise, when the storm comes, you won't be able to withstand it."
The line went dead.
Qiang's face flushed red with humiliation. His hand shook so violently he nearly dropped the phone. "Beyond my understanding?!" He spat the words like venom, his chest heaving.
Chen Rong, who had been watching closely, stepped forward and placed a hand on his arm, her smile calm but eyes glinting with malice. "See? He really is hiding something. He doesn't even bother to cover it up anymore."
Qiang's eyes darkened, his voice trembling with fury. "Fine, Weiguo. If you won't tell me willingly, then I'll tear the truth from you myself. Don't blame me for being ruthless."
At the Feng family's Sunset Villa, the atmosphere was thick with caution.
Feng Weiguo slowly set his phone down, his brows knitted together, a shadow passing through his usually composed features. The call with his younger brother replayed in his mind—each word laced with resentment and suspicion.
Li Hua, who had been watching him closely, immediately noticed. "Husband, was it Qiang again?" she asked softly, concern clouding her gentle eyes.
Weiguo nodded, his expression heavy. "He's restless. He's been sniffing around, asking questions he shouldn't. I warned him to stay out of it, but…" His voice trailed off, the weight of betrayal pressing against his chest.
Feng Xinyue, who had been quietly organizing a list of supplies, raised her head. Her eyes were calm but sharp. "Dad, Uncle is not someone who can be easily appeased. If he suspects too much, he might act against us before the time comes."
Her younger sister, Feng Lan, slammed her small fist against the table. "Then let him come! With Sister's foresight and our preparations, what can he do to us?"
"Lan'er, hush." Li Hua's voice was firm but gentle, and she reached out to smooth her daughter's hair. "Walls have ears. Recklessness will only bring danger upon us."
Weiguo let out a long sigh and patted Lan's head as well. His gaze shifted to Xinyue. "Yue'er, once the apocalypse begins, we'll leave for the base immediately with the Li family. That will be the safest time to move. Until then, we must maintain the appearance of normalcy. Even the slightest misstep could bring ruin."
Xinyue nodded firmly, her heart steady. "I understand, Father. Our family's survival depends on this. I won't let anything slip."
Just then, a faint rustle came from the hallway. One of the maids passed by a little too quickly, her head bowed lower than usual.
Li Hua's sharp eyes followed the movement, her lips pressing into a thin line. "They're listening again," she whispered.
The room fell silent, tension coiling like a drawn bow.
Weiguo's gaze hardened. "From this moment on, no unnecessary words. Every move, every conversation, must be guarded. If Qiang and his wife have planted ears in this villa… we cannot afford to give them anything."
Xinyue's hand curled into a tight fist at her side. Her eyes blazed with quiet determination.
"Let them try. When the end arrives, they'll realize too late that betrayal carries a price."