“Shipping container?” Lan Shiru looked up, appearing on the verge of collapsing. Hearing the mention of shipping containers, her eyes lit up. “Where? Are there many?”

“There are quite a few along the eastern suburbs by the canal, but it’s a bit far. There are also some at our old factory site, not many—only about twenty or thirty. They’ve been there for a while, so I’m not sure if they’re still usable. The old factory is abandoned, no one’s been taking care of it for a year or two.”

“Is it far?”

“Not too far. The factory is about three kilometers south of here. When B City’s industrial zone was planned, that area wasn’t included because the location wasn’t great, so it was abandoned.”

“Alright. I’ll collect them, then find somewhere to rest. We’ll pick up a few more tonight and head straight over. Once I’m rested, we can go to the southern suburbs.”

“Sis, you still want to do this?” Didn’t they already planned to get the containers?

“Yes, just a bit left. It’ll be done soon.”

Well, everyone knew Lan Shiru had a special fondness for steel-frame houses, so they let her have it.

Another ten minutes passed, and though they had been prepared, seeing such a massive structure vanish before their eyes still left them in awe. Honestly, whose space could be this grand?

“Let’s go.” Lan Shiru was a little weak, the aftereffects of overexertion. She motioned for Jiang Xiang to quickly support his master. Standing at just over a meter tall, it was enough to hold her up.

“Woof, woof.” I’ll carry you. Jiang Xiang grumbled.

Lan Shiru laughed and asked. “Are you sure you can do it?”

Jiang Xiang glared in deathly silence. Don’t ask a man if he can handle it; not even a male dog.

“Alright, I was wrong. My Jiang Xiang is the best.” She said without any pretense, as she climbed onto his back. And honestly, the guy’s treasured fur was really nice—so soft.

“Someone’s coming,” He Lian said.

The four of them and the mastiff didn’t hesitate and quickly left.

On the way, they encountered several wandering zombies heading in the direction they had just left. The zombies from the neighboring factory were already halfway here, so the area inside should be safe for now.

They went straight in, found a quiet, clean room, and shut the door and windows to rest.

It wasn’t long before they heard the mindless growls of the wandering zombies next door. There were definitely a lot of them.

“Do you want to wash up?” Lan Shiru asked He Lian.

“Is that okay?” He Lian’s eyes brightened; she hadn’t had a bath in over a month.

“Of course.” Lan Shiru pulled out a bath bucket, filled it with water, then grabbed toiletries and clothes, handing some ingredients and utensils to Miao Miao. “I’m going to rest for a bit. Call me if you need anything.”

“Got it, Sis. Leave the outside to us, you just rest well.”

Lan Shiru left, and He Lian was still in disbelief. “This is what you call living? Shiru’s space is amazing, and it can even hold people? That was water manipulation, right?”

“Sister’s space is indeed incredible, but it only works for her, Le Bao, and non-humans. No one else can enter. And her water powers are powerful too. Most people can only release a small amount, but she can release as much as she wants. My sister has a lot of secrets, and plenty of good things that would make anyone jealous. She’s easygoing, but I’m not. If anyone dares to make a move on her, they’ll have to step over my dead body first.”

Yun Shuiyao calmly combed her hair. “Lan is my lifesaver. I used to be an actress, with thousands of faces, but only one heart—no room for any pretense.”

He Lian wasn’t upset, smiling gracefully. “I understand that trust takes time to build. I used to be a secretary, dealing with documents, proposals, and various bosses. I did pretty well, all thanks to my integrity. Many companies tried to poach me, but my boss showed me great favor, so I turned them all down. Of course, I’m not saying this to brag. I just want to let you know that I’m a person who values gratitude and loyalty. I’ll earn your trust and make sure you feel safe with me. And one more thing—I absolutely hate betrayal. I’ve handled many corporate spies in the past, and I really despise it.”

“Alright, it’s good that we understand each other now. Go wash up, and I’ll make you something to eat. We’ve got meat and veggies, but they’re not great for stir-frying—too strong a smell. How about a stew?”

“Sounds good, thank you. As long as it’s hot, I’m fine with anything.”

In the space, Le Bao was playing with his fingers. Lan Shiru kissed the little one on the cheek, changed his diaper, and fed him. “Sweetheart, how about we nap together for a while?”

Little Le Bao blew a bubble and just woke up, but couldn’t fall back asleep.

Lan Shiru smiled and gently pulled the little one into her arms, falling asleep herself.

Le Bao was very well-behaved, not crying or fussing.

Lan Shiru slept for three hours, restoring her energy. When she woke up, Le Bao had somehow fallen asleep as well, pouting in his sleep. She checked his diaper, found it dry, then quickly freshened up before leaving the space.

Outside, it was already dark. The three of them and the mastiff were pretending to nap. They got up when they heard her.

“Sis, you’re up? Feeling better?” Miao Miao asked, stretching.

“I’m fine. A good rest and I’m good as new.”

“You’re so careless sometimes.” Yun Shuiyao scolded lightly, shooting her a reproachful glance. “You really need to pace yourself better.”

Lan Shiru laughed and nodded in agreement, her expression as carefree as ever.

Jiang Xiang came over and nuzzled her, clearly worried about his master.

Lan Shiru rubbed his big head. “Good boy, I’m fine. I’m sorry for making you worry. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

“Woof.” he growled, not allowing her to lie.

“I’m not lying.”

“Shiru, should we head out now?” He Lian asked. She had never gone outside after dark before, and the night was unsettling.

“Are you hungry? If so, we can eat something before we leave. Don’t worry, we’ve always operated at night. You’ll get used to it.”

He Lian steeled herself, trying to motivate herself. She’d have to get used to it.

“I’m a bit hungry.” Yun Shuiyao said. “Your sister’s been working hard these days and lost some weight. She needs to replenish.”

Miao Miao’s gaze darkened, a hint of frustration in her eyes.

Lan Shiru recognized that they were starting again and quickly pulled out some ingredients. “Let’s make something simple.”

Miao Miao took the fresh vegetables with delight. “Sis, these are so fresh! Are they from your garden?”

“Yep, I harvested another batch. It’s enough for us, so cook a little more.”

“Got it!”

Miao Miao took the lead as the chef, while He Lian and Yun Shuiyao helped out. Lan Shiru brought out Le Bao, and in just that short time, the little one woke up, needing a change, and was fussing a little.

He Lian froze when she saw the little, chubby bundle in Lan Shiru’s arms, her words caught in shock. “Who is he?”

“My son,” Lan Shiru replied, greeting the new aunt with Le Bao in her arms.

Le Bao, well-fed and well-rested was in great spirits. He grinned widely and blew a stream of little bubbles.

He Lian was so charmed she could barely contain herself. “So cute! What’s his name?”

“Le Bao. Didn’t I tell you before?” Miao Miao answered.

He Lian recalled now, she had mentioned it before, but at the time, she hadn’t paid much attention. She hadn’t expected Le Bao to be such a chubby little cutie. “He’s really adorable. Can Auntie hold him?”

The little one didn’t yet recognize people. He was happy to be held by anyone, but whenever a newcomer appeared, he would give them his full attention, staring with his big, dark eyes, as if trying to satisfy his curiosity.

Being stared at like that made everyone feel both charmed and melted by his cuteness, “So sweet… I wonder if I’ll ever have the chance to be a mother in this lifetime. With the way things are these days, it’s so hard.”

“You will.” Lan Shiru said reassuringly. “No matter how tough things get or how the world changes, humanity’s cycle of life will never stop.”

“You’re right. If I can’t find the man to spend my life with, I’ll just find someone with good genes and have a little baby.”

“I feel the same. We could even form a little baby army in the future!” Miao Miao said, getting excited at the thought.

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