“No, no, not at all! I want to team up with you. Food is the hardest thing to come by in this world, and one person alone can only stockpile so much. Even if you hoard, it’s never enough for a lifetime. But with space powers, it’s a whole different story—you could stock up enough for generations. This is the perfect time to gather supplies. Don’t worry, I won’t just mooch. I’m strong and can work hard—I even awakened a strength ability. I was the one who punched down the mall door.”

Lan Shiru’s expression remained blank. “Why come to me? If you know about abilities, you should know I’m not the only one with space powers. I barely know you, and with your group, you could stockpile enough food yourselves.”

“Because I think you’re a good person.”

“A good person?” Lan Shiru let out a cold, mocking laugh. “There’s no such thing as a good person in this world. Your instincts aren’t all that reliable.”

“No, really, I have a good sense for people. I watched you last night—you didn’t break into any shops where people were still inside, and you didn’t clear out everything from the mall. You might come off as cold and unfeeling, maybe even a little fierce but you’re good to your companion. That tells me you’re a good person. My so-called friends… they aren’t really friends. I only went out with them because I was bored. After what just happened, I can see they’d stab me in the back without hesitation. I don’t feel safe with them. That’s the honest truth. If I’m lying, may I get bitten by a monster as soon as I step outside.”

Lan Shiru glanced at Miao Miao. She had a cute, innocent look with a bob haircut and a slightly childish vibe. Unfortunately, her strength ability made her seem like a tiny powerhouse—a bit like a cutesy version of a tough fighter. Lan Shiru replied flatly, “I just dislike unnecessary trouble; I’m not the ‘good person’ you think I am. And as you said, you were the one who broke down the door. How are you any different from them?”

“I did break it down, but I swear, I thought there were zombies inside. I knocked and called out several times with no answer, so I broke it down. When I saw you, I was honestly thrilled. And yes, I did hope I could follow you to avoid worrying about food and supplies. But I won’t be a freeloader, and I’d never betray my companions. I get it if you don’t trust me, but give me a chance to prove myself. Just take me on as a student. I don’t need a salary—just a bit of food. Teach me how to fight zombies, and once I’ve learned, you can sit back as the boss, and I’ll support you. The way you took down those zombies was seriously cool.”

Lan Shiru said nothing more, simply motioning for Jiang Xiang to continue on.

Jiang Xiang shot Miao Miao a warning glare before turning to follow Lan Shiru.

Miao Miao’s eyes lit up with joy. Was that a yes? She skipped happily to catch up.

“Hey, sis, where are we heading now? By the way, how old are you? Doesn’t matter—whatever your age, you’re my big sis. Just tell me where we’re going, and I’ll lead the way. These little pests are nothing—I’ll take them down so you don’t have to get your hands dirty.”

“To the dealership up ahead. Need to grab some cars.”

Miao Miao froze for a moment. Was that a response?

Delighted, she started clapping and bouncing around. “Sis, I know the way! I’ll go first!”

Lan Shiru stayed calm, making no attempt to stop her, and patted Jiang Xiang on his big head. “Good boy. Having one more person around will be livelier.”

Jiang Xiang shook his fur in resignation. Fine. He’d let her handle his fur care from now on.

Lan Shiru shook her head with an amused smile. This little guy could be quite the diva.

The streets were getting busier with people frantically running about. Some, braver than others had picked up weapons, while others just dashed wildly through the streets, screaming and drawing even more attention from the undead.

In a nearby alley, a middle-aged woman in her fifties was also running and shouting. Her voice was strong, but she was clearly terrified. “Help! Help me, someone, please!” She was sprinting at full speed, and when she spotted Lan Shiru and Jiang Xiang, her face lit up.

“Please, hurry! Help me! Save me!”

The woman suddenly accelerated, rushing over to Lan Shiru, Jiang Xiang, and Miao Miao, yanking Miao Miao behind her as she shouted. “Go, go! Hurry and kill them—they’re zombies!”

Despite her strength, Miao Miao stumbled from the force of the pull, her expression darkening. “Sis, can I hit her?”

Lan Shiru remained expressionless. “However she treats you, treat her the same. That’s my survival rule—take it or leave it.”

Miao Miao grinned. “Of course, I’ll learn it.” Before the woman could process what they meant, Miao Miao shoved her back, sending her sprawling in front of a shambling zombies.

The woman was furious, terrified, and panicked she yelled. “You two heartless brutes! You’re leaving me for dead! Save me, help me!”

Lan Shiru watched her coldly. If she spent less time screaming and tried to get up or even grabbed something nearby to defend herself, she might actually survive. “Let’s go.”

“Yes, sis.” Miao Miao dusted off her hands, showing no sign of fear or regret for taking a life. In fact, there was an odd spark of excitement in her eyes. “Sis, I still have a conscience. I’m not a monster or some bloodthirsty psycho.”

Lan Shiru’s lips curved slightly. “Whoever you are, as long as you don’t turn that on my people, we’re good.”

“Don’t worry, sis. I actually protect my own. Your people are my people now, and nobody messes with my people.” She hopped along beside her, a deceptive innocence in her demeanor.

Lan Shiru couldn’t help but think that this virus had changed more than just people’s physical abilities—it altered their very nature. In this apocalyptic world, she’d learned that lesson all too well.

Lan Shiru checked on the little one within her space. Awake but calm, he was quietly looking around with wide eyes, happily amusing himself.

She returned her focus to the road, encountering several blood-streaked individuals whose hungry stares marked them as predators.

Jiang Xiang bared his teeth, claws flashing. These people quickly averted their gaze.

Miao Miao tried cozying up to Jiang Xiang. “Oh, you’re amazing, Jiang Xiang! I’ll be counting on you from now on.”

Jiang Xiang turned his massive head away, ignoring her completely.

Unbothered, Miao Miao continued determined to make friends.

As they pressed on, robbery and looting grew rampant. Corpses piled up even before the infected arrived—people killing each other over scraps. Humanity, twisted beyond recognition.

The three avoided the chaos, detouring around it. They weren’t saviors; no one could be saved. To survive in this world, strength was everything.

They passed untouched stores, opting to leave them for others to fight over. Consider it a small act of goodwill.

“Hey, sis, why don’t we use bikes? There are public ones around, and I know how to break the locks.”

Lan Shiru glanced around. Everyone nearby was too busy looting and fighting to notice much else. The streets were cluttered with abandoned cars and the infected wandering aimlessly. Bikes would indeed be a good choice. “Alright,” she agreed.

Miao Miao wasted no time, prying off the locks in a quick, forceful motion. She handed Lan Shiru a bike with a grin. “All set, sis.”

“Let’s go.”

Miao Miao led the way with Jiang Xiang following behind at a steady pace. Riding along, Lan Shiru thought that an electric bike or a motorbike would be even better for a journey like this.

“Bang.”

>>>