Chapter 1: Rebirth in the Apocalypse

“Mu Jiu, that’s your half-brother! Blood is thicker than water!

He’s just transferring his household registration to your address to attend elementary school. How can you even hesitate?!”

The familiar voice ringing in her ears made Mu Jiu’s pupils contract sharply as she stared in disbelief at the group in front of her.

In the spacious living room stood her father and the son he had with his second wife.

Alongside them were her grandparents, uncle, and aunt, all seated on the sofa, watching her…

This all-too-familiar scene—wasn’t this exactly what happened a month before the apocalypse, when her father brought his entire extended family to seize her home?

But she clearly remembered being consumed in the explosion of the nuclear reactor at the joint base…

“Now that your mom and grandparents are gone, you’re all alone.

If anything happens in the future, you’ll have to rely on your younger brother.

Stop pretending to be dumb, it’s really immature,” her grandmother said with clear displeasure.

“Mom, don’t upset yourself!

Xiao Jiu is a sensible and good girl. Her father and I aren’t trying to take advantage of her.

It’s just that the school district this apartment falls under is the best in the city.

It would be a waste not to use the spot. It’s just convenient for Xuanxuan to register here for school,” her stepmother chimed in hypocritically.

“Exactly! A single girl living alone in a 200-square-meter apartment—what a waste!

Go clean up a big room for your little brother. He’ll need a place to live while studying.

Education is important!

Your room is the biggest and faces the sun—clear it out for your brother so he can focus on studying.

But the decoration is too girly—not suitable for a boy.

Didn’t you get a big compensation when your grandfather’s house was demolished?

Use that money to renovate not just your brother’s room—redo the whole apartment!

Your dad and stepmom will move in to accompany his studies, and of course, we’ll all come help take care of Xuanxuan.

That way, all three bedrooms will be used. It’ll add some life to the place.

You can sleep in the study—then if you want to play on your phone or computer late at night, you won’t disturb anyone.

But this white furniture and paint job looks like a funeral parlor—I refuse to live in it!” her grandmother ordered, surveying the apartment.

Sitting on a single couch, Mu Jiu suddenly burst out laughing.

Transfer the child of the mistress onto her household record, move the whole family in, and force her to pay for renovations according to their preferences…

They were practically slapping her with their abacus beads while still claiming they didn’t want anything from her!

Mu Jiu looked at the pile of luggage filling half the living room.

Clearly, they had no intention of asking for her consent. They just planned to take over her home outright.

This wasn’t just about taking her house—it was about claiming her inheritance!

In her past life, Mu Jiu had chosen to call the police and tried to force them out.

But the officers said it was a domestic dispute and not their business.

She was even lectured about filial piety and told that it was her duty to support her parents and live harmoniously!

To hell with that!

Six years ago, this same family had forcibly kicked out her and her mother to welcome the mistress.

And after the apocalypse began, they took over her house, mooched off her, and then ganged up to kick her out!

They were blood-sucking demons, with no right to be called “family.”

This time, she had to kick them out early. Since brute force wouldn’t work in a lawful society, she’d use her brains.

“What are you laughing at?” Grandma snapped, annoyed by her reaction.

Mu Jiu glanced at the crowd, then softened her tone and smiled:

“You all came such a long way—I bet you haven’t had lunch yet!

I’ll treat everyone to a meal at the finest restaurant in South City. Let’s eat and talk there!”

At her words, the Liu family collectively relaxed.

See? That little brat had always been weak. Of course she’d agree!

Soon, the whole group marched out of Mu Jiu’s home and took taxis to a restaurant outside the Third Ring Road.

Once inside, the luxurious decor and attentive service melted away the last of their suspicions.

Mu Jiu requested the most expensive private room—just the room fee was 8,000 yuan.

When the menu arrived and they saw dishes costing thousands, their eyes lit up.

They assumed Mu Jiu was paying, so of course they planned to feast.

“Grilled Dalian abalone with Dragon Well tea, Royal Curry Crab, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, dried scallops with fish maw—order them all!”

“Grandma, I want lobster!”

“Of course! My grandson wants lobster—let’s get ten! My eldest grandson deserves a good meal!”

“Add braised lion’s head, Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Five-Snake Soup, shredded shark fin…”

“Australian veal, steamed coral trout, crispy twin squab…”

“Sir, you’ve ordered quite a bit already. Maybe wait to see if it’s enough?” the waiter tried to interject, worried there wouldn’t be room on the table.

“It’s rare for family to visit—we’re here to enjoy ourselves! Don’t worry, we’ll pack up what’s left!” Mu Jiu reassured them with a smile.

Encouraged by her attitude, they ordered even more without restraint.

Mu Jiu stood up and said, “I’m heading to the restroom. Order whatever you like—today’s on me!”

Just as she was leaving, her aunt grabbed her. “You’re not planning to run off, are you?”

Mu Jiu smiled faintly and pointed to her designer handbag on the seat. “How could I, Auntie? My bag is right there. You know how much it’s worth, right?”

Satisfied, her aunt let go. “Alright then, don’t take too long. We’ll wait for you!”

As Mu Jiu exited the room, she heard her father whispering to the waiter, “Can we get some wine… that… what’s it called… oh right, Lafite!”

Mu Jiu smiled in satisfaction. This little feast would cost at least tens of thousands.

Perfect. She was very pleased!

While the whole Liu family was still basking in the glow of Mu Jiu’s generosity, she had already slipped out the restaurant’s back door and hailed a taxi.

On the ride home, she was bombarded with WeChat messages from the family.

Mu Jiu kept them calm while urging the driver to take a shortcut.

To complete the performance, she had even left behind her cheap fake designer bag—worth only 200 yuan, a gift from an ex.

It contained nothing but two packs of tissues.

Once back at her community, she contacted building management and enlisted the janitor.

Together, they hauled all the suitcases dumped in her living room and moved them to the building’s service center.

She paid for the moving service and told them someone would soon pick them up.

Her only request: do it fast.

While Mu Jiu was busy “taking out the trash,” the group at the fancy restaurant was finally finishing their feast…

Then they realized—Mu Jiu had ditched them and left the bill!

They were trapped. The food had been too delicious and luxurious—they’d gorged themselves without a second thought.

When the waiter brought the check—80,000 yuan—they collectively freaked out.

Yes, they had eaten the food, but only because that little tramp Mu Jiu had said she was treating them!

Who would order so much otherwise?

They scrambled to message and call her—only to find that every single one of them had been blocked by Mu Jiu.