Lan Shiru didn’t indulge her talk of talent. “What about your parents?”

“They’re back home in the countryside.” Miao Miao replied. “I called right after everything started—they’re safe. I told them to stay put until I can go back for them. Our village is small, mostly just elderly folks. My parents, in their forties or fifties, are considered young. They lease land to grow fruit trees. If I’d met you sooner sis, I’d have sent you some. Our fruit is huge, sweet, all-natural, and totally healthy!”

Lan Shiru’s brows knitted slightly. “Try calling them again, just in case. If you reach them, tell them to stay inside—some plants, poultry, and livestock have mutated, similar to the corpses. They’ve become aggressive, so they’ll need to be careful. It’s especially dangerous in densely vegetated rural areas.”

Miao Miao’s expression turned serious as she pulled out her phone. She felt a wave of relief when she heard the ringtone.

Lan Shiru overheard the anxious voices on the other end, and a faint smile touched her lips. She’d never had this kind of family bond, and for a moment, she felt a pang of envy. She stepped aside with Jiang Xiang, giving Miao Miao some privacy.

Jiang Xiang nudged her leg, his big eyes radiating comfort.

Lan Shiru wrapped her arms around his neck, ruffling his head. “I’m fine. I have you, I have Le Bao, and someday, Le Bao’s dad. We’ll be a family, always together.”

“Woof.” Jiang Xiang agreed, always together.

Before long, Miao Miao came over. Lan Shiru looked at her in surprise. “Why didn’t you talk longer? You might not get through again. Say everything you need to say while you can.”

Miao Miao shrugged innocently. “Couldn’t reach them anymore, but it’s fine—I told them everything I needed to. I even said I met a real powerhouse. As long as I hold on tight to her leg, I’ll be able to walk through life like a boss.”

Lan Shiru shot her a look, pulling out a gas canister, stove, pot, bowls, and some ingredients. “Cook something simple. We don’t have much time.”

Miao Miao cheered, “Sis, you’re amazing!” She pounded her chest, promising, “Mission accepted!”

Ignoring her theatrics, Lan Shiru took out her little Le Bao, changing his diaper, cleaning him up, and feeding him. The little one was wide awake, calm and content.

Miao Miao’s jaw dropped. “Sis, is that…a doll?”

“No, he’s my son. Biological.”

“Really? Let me see! Oh wow, he looks just like a doll! How did you even keep him hidden? Don’t tell me he’s been stashed in your space this whole time! How old is he?”

Lan Shiru glanced at her. “Only Le Bao, non-humans, and I can enter my space.”

Miao Miao grinned. “Got it, Sis! I know what to ask and what not to. If I ever do anything to harm you—even a bit—I’ll take myself out before you have to. I might not have many virtues, but I’d never betray you, no matter the pressure. You can count on me.”

Lan Shiru said nothing, her gaze shifting back to Le Bao. “He’s a week old.”

Perhaps because he’d spent all his time in the space since birth, little Le Bao was soft, plump, and nothing like the usual wrinkly newborn. If someone guessed he was two weeks old, no one would question it.

“He’s so adorable! Can I hold him, Le Bao, little Le Bao?”

“There’ll be plenty of chances to hold him later. Focus on making the food—we’re in for a long night.”

With a reluctant glance back at Le Bao’s sweet face, Miao Miao finally turned to cook.

Lan Shiru kissed Le Bao’s tiny cheek. It was his first time seeing the outside world, and even though he couldn’t make out much, his eyes were filled with wonder, his little hands waving as he blew bubbles with excitement.

Jiang Xiang rested his big head on his master’s lap, staring curiously at his tiny “little master.” Such a small thing.

Le Bao’s little hand flailed and ended up grabbing a handful of Jiang Xiang’s fur. The dog winced but stayed still, worried about his small master’s grip.

Lan Shiru gently pried open Le Bao’s tiny fist and brushed the fur from his palm. “Le Bao, no pulling Jiang Xiang’s fur, or Mommy will have to spank you.”

“Woof woof.” Jiang Xiang protested, offended. No spanking.

The little one was too small for that!

Lan Shiru gave Jiang Xiang a light flick on the ear. “No spoiling him. Kids need guidance—even if they’re small, they understand more than you’d think.”

Jiang Xiang flicked his ears and looked away, sulking. He didn’t want to argue with his master. No way should the little one be punished.

What’s a bit of fur pulling? He had plenty to spare.

Lan Shiru chuckled and gave the big dog a rub on his head. “You still need some training, too. After all, you’re still a kid yourself.”

“Big Sis, how can you understand Jiang Xiang so well?” Miao Miao asked as she worked, glancing over at the seamless communication between the two. She was genuinely curious.

Lan Shiru smiled slightly. “We don’t need words, just trust. One look is enough to understand each other.”

Miao Miao puffed up her cheeks in thought—it sounded too abstract to her. “Then, from now on, I’ll communicate with you the same way, with my heart!”

Lan Shiru raised an eyebrow, giving her an odd look but saying nothing.

Lost in her own world of imagination, Miao Miao didn’t even notice the silent skepticism.

Soon, the noodles were ready—a quick meal. Each had a bowl, Jiang Xiang included, and surprisingly, Miao Miao really did have a talent for cooking; the taste was genuinely good.

“Sis, how was it? Was I exaggerating?”

“Mm, very good. From now on, cooking’s all yours.” Lan Shiru said, nodding.

“No problem! I’ll make sure to provide three meals a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year, and each one will be different!” Miao Miao replied proudly.

“I’m not that demanding. As long as I’m fed, that’s enough. Pack up and get ready to go.” Lan Shiru said, handing Miao Miao a bucket of water.

Miao Miao stared, surprised once again by how much her “big sister” had to offer. “Sis, what other amazing skills do you have? Show them all now. My heart’s strong, I can handle it.”

“Enough with the talk, hurry up.” Lan Shiru said, rolling her eyes.

“Got it!”

Miao Miao quickly packed up her things. Lan Shiru, meanwhile, gently rocked Little Le Bao to sleep. The baby was only two days old—he spent most of his time eating or sleeping. Lan Shiru placed him in the luxury crib they had collected, whispering softly. “Be good.”

Little Le Bao blew a bubble in response to his mother.

Lan Shiru playfully gave his tiny backside a tap, like a little “Palm of Buddha” gesture. “Little rascal.”

Jiang Xiang followed up with a death glare.

Lan Shiru knew that wasn’t a good sign.

“Sis, I’m ready.”

Miao Miao said, sticking her head over, her curiosity obvious—wondering what they were talking about.

Lan Shiru gave Jiang Xiang’s ear a pinch and then took out three watermelon knives, tying them together. “Miao Miao, you’re strong enough to handle all three knives. When you’re cutting, aim carefully—strike the hard skull or neck bones. The blades can chip easily, and I haven’t collected many. We can’t afford to run out of weapons until we find something better.”

“Got it, Sis! I’m smart, I’ll pick it up right away!” Miao Miao boasted confidently.

Lan Shiru thought Miao Miao’s habit of self-praise was probably something she was born with—it was impossible to change.

With one person, one beast, they set off. It was pitch dark outside. The 4S store had been overrun by more zombies, and in the darkness, they had more advantages than humans—at least they weren’t afraid of the dark and didn’t need to see clearly.

“Sis, I feel really strange right now—scared but excited. Is this some kind of illness?” Miao Miao asked, looking uneasy.

Lan Shiru nodded seriously. “Mm, it’s definitely a serious case.”

Miao Miao chuckled silently. “I knew it, I’m not like ordinary people.”

“Alright, focus. Stay close to Jiang Xiang. In the dark, it’s better at detecting danger than we are.”

“Yes, Sis.”

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