Preparing for the Apocalypse
"Wow! Brother, the cold noodles you made are so beautiful!"
Li Miao'er trotted over with cheerful steps, sitting close to Chen Yi. Her white jade-like calves bounced happily as she wiggled in delight.
"Meow, I'll make two weapons later, and reinforce the doors and windows. Zombies are too strong to fight up close," Chen Yi said, stretching out a hand to straighten her sitting posture. Girls shouldn't be fidgeting after eating.
"Brother… how did you know the end of the world was coming?" Li Miao'er asked suspiciously, holding a Coke.
"I had a nightmare," Chen Yi explained softly, his thin lips pursed. "In the dream, it was exactly like now. Blood rained from the sky. The living would turn into zombies. And the hearts of zombies… could become energy spars. Eat them, and you could become a super soldier."
"Brother… is that true?"
Li Miao'er's lips curved in a faint, doubtful smile. Her beautiful eyes reflected confusion; she still didn't believe him.
"It's true. You'll see soon enough. Stop talking and eat quickly," Chen Yi said, reaching for a tissue to wipe the Coke from her lips.
If I become a super soldier… I'll protect my brother and keep those bad women away! Li Miao'er silently vowed, planting a goal in her heart. She would become the strongest fighter, build a paradise for her and her brother, and make him the happiest man alive.
The vegetables were crisp and refreshing, the noodles firm and springy, coated in the tangy, spicy sauce. Delicious! Chen Yi praised internally, savoring the happiness of eating cold noodles again after so long.
He picked up the bowl, unconcerned with appearances, while Sister Miao watched with her cherry-red lips parted, worried he might have starved himself.
So comfortable…
Chen Yi placed the remaining noodles on the table, deciding not to overeat. He needed to acclimate his body slowly.
"Brother… are you eating enough?"
Li Miao'er's pretty face lit up with excitement, and she hugged him tightly. Her little hand slid under his shirt, gently kneading his warm, smooth skin.
Chen Yi's eyes widened in embarrassment. Memories of his previous life flashed—overwhelmed at his birthday dinner, little Miao had fussed over him until he calmed down.
So soft… so comfortable… feels so good… Li Miao'er thought to herself, marveling at the sensation.
"Hope, help me learn Holy Light of Recovery. Can I increase this attribute further?" Chen Yi asked silently. He lay in Meow Sister's arms, enjoying her gentle care.
"One thousand auxiliary points will slightly increase an attribute. At 100 physical strength, you unlock Hymn of Courage. At 100 charm, you unlock Guardian of Holy Light," Hope explained.
"Huh? Why did my support points jump to 200?" Chen Yi asked suspiciously.
"Your sister is a woman," Hope replied. "Making her happy also grants auxiliary points."
"Ah?" Chen Yi blinked, opening his eyes. He looked at Meow Sister—so gentle, so lovely. She hugged him tightly, her cute face pressed almost completely against his. Her beautiful eyes seemed misted, her soft pink lips slightly parted, warm breath drifting across his face, and her tiny hands continued gently rubbing his abdomen.
"Meow… stop rubbing. It'll be fine soon," Chen Yi said softly, gently taking her hands and pulling her up. Together, they walked toward his adoptive mother's room.
"Elder brother…" Li Miao'er's pink lips quivered, her pretty face still tinged with a mixture of curiosity and longing.
"Hope, how do I use this skill?" Chen Yi asked silently, slightly uneasy. Though she wasn't his real sister, he always felt a certain discomfort.
"The skill activates when mental power reaches 30 and can be used once per week. Increasing mental and physical attributes can reduce cooldown time. Since it's only a healing skill, it's fine if you have it now."
Chen Yi smiled helplessly. It was, after all, just an auxiliary tool.
He found the key hanging by the door and opened the room. Dust covered the furniture, and even the lighting seemed dim from neglect. Chen Yi went straight to the closet, recalling that his adoptive mother had kept weapons there. Sadly, she would never get to use them again.
He unwrapped a heavy steel knife.
Boom.
He flicked the blade, listening to the dull echo. The material was excellent—a solid knife. He examined the sharpened tip; it could easily pierce plastic bottles, perfect for crafting a spear tip.
Two scorpion fighting daggers, an Alter scimitar, and a tiger-style special machete could be remade into two spears for personal defense.
Chen Yi pursed his lips thoughtfully, then returned the knife to its sheath. He pulled out four camouflage uniforms. His adoptive mother's were too big for him or Li Miao'er, but layering clothes inside could increase protection.
He searched several rooms for sticks suitable for spear shafts but came up empty.
"Brother… what are you looking for?" Li Miao'er asked, running over and hugging his delicate arm.
"Meow… I need two strong sticks to make spears for defense," Chen Yi replied, pinching her tender face. So soft… I must pinch it now, before she grows up.
"Well…" Li Miao'er pursed her lips. After a moment, she pushed his hand away and rested her chin on his shoulder. "Brother, there were two old ladies in the community who loved weapons. They even had red-tasseled guns. When they passed… I think they left some on the roof."
"Good. Let's check the roof," Chen Yi said. He gently released her, handed her a dagger, grabbed her little hand, and led her to the door.
Cha-cha.
He pushed open the heavy iron door. The corridor lights activated immediately, and no one appeared.
"Ah! Help!" A sharp cry rang from downstairs.
"Brother… I'm scared," Li Miao'er whispered, gripping his fingers tighter. Her little hands were damp with nervous sweat.
"Don't worry, Meow. Those people are far from us," Chen Yi said, exchanging a protective glance with her.
Wow… my brother's eyes are so beautiful… I want to kiss him, Li Miao'er thought.
Together, they walked cautiously toward the stairs. Outside, the rain pattered heavily, mixing with the distant chaos.
"Meow… it's raining too hard. Let's come back tomorrow morning to search for gun barrels. For now, we should rest and recharge," Chen Yi said calmly. He worried about the blood rain; the umbrella might not protect them, and getting infected could be catastrophic.