Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Eccentric Mother and Daughter

Ever since Qin Yu and her group discovered a crystal nucleus inside the head of a mutated dog, they had been hunting down mutated animals along the way, hoping for more. However, to their disappointment, unlike the mutated dogs whose heads almost always contained a crystal nucleus, only a small portion of the other animals they encountered had one. Still, knowing that others had yet to uncover these hidden treasures filled them with joy. They figured, after all, they could trade them for other things.

Qin Yu, though, had spoken little since their return from the small town. She would simply stare off into the distance, lost in thought. Zhao Meng observed her, unable to guess what was on her mind, but she sensed Qin Yu’s mood was far from good and so grew quieter herself.

What, then, had happened to Qin Yu?

Since their return, she had been haunted nightly by the same dream: swathes of blood-red as far as the eye could see. She struggled to escape, but something kept her trapped. It felt as if someone was urging her not to leave, though she could see no one—only the slow, relentless flow of blood toward her, as if intent on swallowing her whole.

These were the moments that would jolt Qin Yu awake. Having survived the apocalypse, she no longer feared the color or scent of blood. Yet in her dream, watching the blood, she felt as though something essential was slipping away from her life. She wanted to shout, to grasp at whatever it was—but there was nothing. All she could touch was the endless sea of crimson.

Qin Yu knew she had lost her memory. Though a few fragments had returned, the vast majority remained buried deep within her mind. She suspected that the blood-red vision was linked to her lost memories. Perhaps, if she retrieved them, she would finally find the answers she sought.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion. Returning to herself, she surveyed the scene before her, feeling her mood sour even further.

A mother and daughter, dressed neatly with smug smiles, were standing boldly in front of their vehicle. Suddenly, the older woman began to wail, “Please, sirs, save us! We haven’t eaten in days. My husband went out to find food and hasn’t returned! You’re traveling in such a luxurious vehicle—surely you have food to spare. Please, give us some!”

Though her words were pleading, her tone was arrogant. Just as Wang Bing was about to refuse, a voice from their group called out, “Sister-in-law?”

It was Li Zong, a member of Wang Bing’s original team—a diligent, honest man, an expert marksman, and highly skilled with mechanics. At the sound of his voice, the woman squinted at him, then feigned sudden recognition. “Little Zong, so you’re here! You don’t know how worried your big brother’s been about you, always talking about you. Since you’re here, hurry up and give us some food! We’re starving!” She started walking toward the car as she spoke.

Zhang Kuang stepped forward, raising his foot to block her path.

The woman grew agitated and began to curse. “What’s wrong with you, boy? Don’t you respect your elders? Move aside! I want to eat! Do you want me to have Little Zong shoot you?”

Zhang Kuang sneered, toying with his gun. “Oh? Are you sure?”

Only then did the woman notice the weapon. She immediately stepped back, shrinking away. She might not have been well educated, but she understood what a gun could do.

At that moment, the younger woman, who had been trying to remain invisible, lifted her head and spoke softly to Zhang Kuang, “Big brother, there’s no need to argue with my mother. We only want a little food. In exchange, I can offer you water—I have water abilities.”

Everyone looked at her—her delicate features, her large, limpid eyes that seemed to hold a world of their own, lips parting in a half-spoken, half-silent allure that invited curiosity. An ordinary person would have been eager to hand over provisions.

Unfortunately for her, she was facing Qin Yu’s group. The two women were unmoved, Xia Cheng had eyes only for his beloved Zhao Meng, and the rest were all professionally trained. Their first lesson had been how to resist the temptation of beauty. Besides, if this woman were truly as fragile as she appeared, how could she have survived the apocalypse?

It was well known that the most terrifying thing in this new world was not the zombies, but people’s hearts.

The young woman, seeing no reaction, bit her lip, her eyes brimming with tears. The older woman’s pupils contracted, her body trembling ever so slightly as she stepped back half a pace.

Zhao Meng shuddered at the display and turned away, saying nothing.

The young woman, apparently surprised by their indifference, gathered herself and addressed Li Zong, “Uncle, my father was thinking of you just a few days ago. He… went missing looking for food for us. If he were here, he’d be so happy to see you. He cherishes me and my mother above all else. Uncle, you…”

Her meaning was clear: if Li Zong didn’t share food with them, he would be ungrateful.

Zhao Meng was furious, ready to speak, but Li Zong turned to Qin Yu. “Boss Qin, could we…”

Li Zong hesitated, knowing that all their food had come from Qin Yu lately. Yet he couldn’t bear to watch his brother’s wife and child starve before his eyes.

“Give them your own share for today,” Qin Yu said coldly.

Li Zong froze, then silently handed over two packs of biscuits, a packet of instant noodles, and two sausages.

The woman’s face darkened at the meager offering and she was about to protest when Qin Yu ordered, “Let’s go!”

The young woman hurried forward. “Could you—”

“No!” Zhao Meng snapped.

“I can—” the woman began.

“Not interested!” Xia Cheng cut her off.

The young woman glared at them, ready to attack, but was startled by a fireball from Zhao Meng.

She could only watch resentfully as the convoy drove off into the distance.

Li Zong sat in silence, feeling dejected, when Wang Bing said, “You went soft.”

“But…”

“Do you really believe those two women are as simple as they seem? Especially the younger one—clean, feigning weakness, yet surviving in this world. Do you really think they’re harmless?” Wang Bing stared at Li Zong.

Li Zong’s expression dimmed. Yes, his heart had wavered. His niece was anything but simple. This time, he would consider it repaying his brother’s kindness. There would not be a next time.

“Thank you, boss,” Li Zong said to Wang Bing.

He then turned to Qin Yu, who sat with eyes closed. “Thank you, Boss Qin.”

Qin Yu’s lips curved faintly, but she said nothing.

For a moment, an unexpected harmony settled over the group.