Chapter Ten: The Eve of the Apocalypse

When Qin Yu awoke the next day, she immediately sensed that something was different. Her mind felt clearer, sharper than ever before. Curious, she reached into her spatial realm to check on her supplies—and was stunned into panic. Where were her provisions? Where was all her food? In their place, looming and unfamiliar, were veins of ore piled high. What madness was this? She couldn’t eat ore… nor did she know how to forge weapons from it. What use was it to her now? Qin Yu nearly burst into tears, helplessly staring at the changes in her space, yet she didn’t withdraw her spiritual sense. That was when she noticed something else—something new.

A warehouse had appeared in the space. It had been hidden behind the mass of ore, which was why she hadn’t seen it at first. Hastily, she checked her stores of food and weapons. Relief flooded her as she realized nothing was missing. Her heart, which had been in her throat, finally settled back into her chest.

For the next ten days, Qin Yu kept busy gathering supplies. With just three days left before the world would end, she decided to return to B City.

Back in B City, the sight of her familiar room filled her with warmth. Xiao Meng was there, fussing over her, asking about her little trip and whether she’d managed to relax. Seeing the worry etched on Xiao Meng’s face, Qin Yu’s heart softened.

“Xiaoyu, guess what? Li Mo, that jerk, came looking for you again, but I threw him out!” Xiao Meng boasted, seeking praise like a child begging for a pat on the head.

Qin Yu couldn’t help but laugh at her, feeling tempted to say she didn’t even recognize this silly girl.

“You did great, Xiao Meng,” she said, ruffling Xiao Meng’s hair. She couldn’t resist rewarding her earnestness.

Xiao Meng grinned foolishly, rubbing her head with delight.

“Xiao Meng, why don’t you quit your job? I’ll take care of you,” Qin Yu suggested. With only three days left, she thought it was time to let Xiao Meng in on some things.

“Alright!” Xiao Meng replied with determination. “I’ve been wanting to quit and be a couch potato anyway. Since you want to support me, I’ll reluctantly agree,” she said coyly, stealing a bashful glance at Qin Yu.

Qin Yu pinched the bridge of her nose and replied, “I mean it, Xiao Meng.”

“So do I, Xiaoyu,” Xiao Meng said, her smile radiant.

Looking at her, Qin Yu was reminded of the first time she saw Xiao Meng, when she had smiled just as brightly. Qin Yu made a silent vow—this time, she would never lose her again.

“By the way, what about that doctor? Xiao Meng, you and…?” The thought of Xia Cheng suddenly crossed Qin Yu’s mind. In her previous life, she’d never encountered him after the apocalypse began.

“Oh, him? He went to S City. Something important came up, I think. But why are you bringing him up?” Xiao Meng’s expression dimmed a little at the mention of Xia Cheng.

“Nothing happened between you two?” Qin Yu eyed her curiously.

“What could’ve happened? Don’t overthink it, Xiaoyu. I… I’m going to write my resignation.” With that, Xiao Meng hurriedly fled the room.

Watching her beat a hasty retreat, Qin Yu couldn’t help but think, “She says nothing happened, but look at her run…”

Still, before she could confess anything to Xiao Meng, the girl had already disappeared. Qin Yu shook her head. In her previous life, B City had suffered the worst wave of zombies. Maybe it would be better to head to S City; the outbreak there hadn’t been as severe, and under military suppression, casualties were minimal. With that in mind, she decided to book a ticket to S City.

Yet, when she called to make a reservation, she was told that all flights to S City had been suspended due to a major incident. No official transport was operating to S City for the next few days.

Qin Yu was momentarily stunned by this turn of events. So much for making plans—fate always had its own ideas.

There was no helping it. She would have to drive there herself. At least she could be thankful for one thing: she’d spent a fortune to have her car specially modified. Because Li Mo was an illegitimate child, trouble often found its way to her, and to prevent mishaps, she’d had her car armored. It was sturdy enough that low-level zombies wouldn’t be able to break through.

She laughed wryly to herself—at least something good had come of Li Mo’s troubles.

After Xiao Meng quit her job, Qin Yu didn’t offer many explanations. She simply told Xiao Meng to withdraw her savings and buy instant noodles, biscuits, and other essentials. Though Xiao Meng was puzzled, she didn’t question her—after all, she trusted her unconditionally.

Qin Yu gazed at the blood-red moon outside the window. She knew that after tonight, everything would be turned upside down.

“Xiaoyu?” Xiao Meng asked sleepily, seeing Qin Yu standing by the window.

“Go to sleep, Xiao Meng. When you wake, the sky will never be the same,” Qin Yu replied softly.

“Mm… Goodnight, Xiaoyu,” Xiao Meng mumbled, thinking Qin Yu was simply reassuring her that tomorrow would be another beautiful day. She was exhausted after days of shopping.

“Goodnight…” Qin Yu’s gentle voice echoed in the silent room.

Outside, something wild and terrible was already beginning to sweep across the earth.