Chapter 21: The Zombie Onslaught

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Jiang Qiyu gazed at the outrageously handsome youth before her, a trace of doubt stirring in her heart. Could this child possibly be foolish? Asking her to stroke him—what a bizarre request. With a resigned sigh, Jiang Qiyu reached out and gently ran her fingers through his soft hair.

Her fingertips brushed against Lu Yao’s silky strands, smooth and delicate. Despite the harsh conditions of the post-apocalyptic world, his hair retained a lustrous sheen, free of dryness or frizz. As Jiang Qiyu softly massaged his scalp, warmth radiated through her touch, and an indescribable comfort welled up within her.

Feeling the warmth above his head, Lu Yao’s pale golden eyes brightened instantly. A subtle smile played upon his lips, and like a large, contented dog, he nuzzled her palm with satisfaction.

“All right, you can eat now,” Jiang Qiyu withdrew her hand and handed him the steaming self-heating rice meal she had prepared.

Lu Yao looked at the hot rice before him, then back at Jiang Qiyu, bewilderment plain on his face. He extended his slender fingers to poke the container, then glanced at her as if silently asking, How do I eat this?

Jiang Qiyu pressed a hand to her forehead—could he really not even use chopsticks? She picked up a pair and said, “Pick it up, then bring it to your mouth.” She demonstrated once and then passed the chopsticks to him.

Lu Yao clumsily tried several times but could not grasp the rice. Eventually, he gave up, looking at Jiang Qiyu with pitiful eyes.

Helpless, Jiang Qiyu grabbed a spoon, scooped some rice, and brought it to his lips. “Open your mouth.”

Obediently, Lu Yao opened wide and swallowed the rice. He chewed carefully, his pale golden eyes sparkling with satisfaction.

Watching Lu Yao eat with such relish, Jiang Qiyu felt a profound and indescribable contentment. It was as though she had adopted a large dog—watching him eat, sleep, and wag his tail each day brought her joy.

Lu Yao resembled a tamed little beast. Though his chewing was slow and awkward, his innocence was irresistibly endearing.

Jiang Qiyu couldn’t help but reach out to gently wipe the grains from his mouth. Lu Yao paused briefly, then beamed a bright smile at her.

“Delicious?” Jiang Qiyu asked with a smile.

Lu Yao nodded vigorously, then bent his head to continue eating.

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Just as Jiang Qiyu was about to feed him again, Lin Xiaoxiao knocked and poked her head in. “Boss, the late-night snack is ready.”

“Got it, I’ll be right there.” Jiang Qiyu put down the spoon and said to Lu Yao, “You eat by yourself for now; I’ll step out for a bit.”

Lu Yao obediently nodded and watched her leave.

In the dining room, the aroma of food filled the air. Wu Ning and the others were already seated around the table draped in a pristine white cloth, quietly conversing as they patiently awaited Jiang Qiyu to join them.

Wu Ning lifted a rough ceramic cup brimming with steaming ginger tea. His gaze was sincere, his voice full of gratitude. “Boss, tonight’s snack is abundant. Thank you for taking us in.” He paused, recalling darker times, his tone tinged with emotion. “If it weren’t for you, we’d still be wandering, not knowing where to go—maybe already turned into zombies.”

Beside him, Li Qiang raised his cup in agreement, deeply moved. “Yes, Boss, you’re truly a great person. Without you, we might still be exposed to the elements, living each day in constant fear.”

Lin Xiaoxiao blushed, “Boss, following you is truly a blessing! Hot meals every day, and such a warm home—it’s like a dream!”

“Exactly, Boss, you’re our savior!” Wang Dali echoed enthusiastically.

“Boss, here’s to you!” Everyone raised their cups, voices overlapping as they expressed their heartfelt thanks to Jiang Qiyu.

She lifted her cup, gently clinking it against theirs. The crisp sound resonated warmly through the room.

“Let’s all work hard. Our days ahead will only get better,” Jiang Qiyu said calmly but resolutely.

Nods and smiles spread around the table as they emptied their cups of ginger tea, dispelling the night’s chill and warming their hearts. The soft yellow light bathed their faces, illuminating the joy and happiness that radiated from each one. The atmosphere grew cozy and harmonious as cups met with gentle clinks.

After dinner, everyone took it upon themselves to tidy up the dishes and clean the dining room until it gleamed. Watching this, Jiang Qiyu felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It seemed the people she had taken in were quite decent.

Back in her room, Jiang Qiyu found Lu Yao already asleep in bed. He curled up like a lazy cat, breathing evenly and soundly. She tiptoed to his side and carefully pulled the blanket over him.

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Back in the room, Jiang Qiyu saw that Lu Yao was fast asleep, curled into a cozy ball like a languid feline. His breaths were steady and long, his long eyelashes casting faint shadows over his pale face. His soft black hair spilled across the pillow, emphasizing the peacefulness of his rest.

Jiang Qiyu couldn’t help but marvel at how beautiful Lu Yao was—like a delicate porcelain doll.

She moved quietly to the bedside, her steps light as if afraid to disturb his sweet dreams. Leaning over, she studied his sleeping face carefully, then gently took the thin blanket nearby and tucked it over him.

Suddenly, urgent knocking shattered the room’s tranquility.

“Boss, bad news!” It was Zhang Qiang, the lookout for the night, his voice tinged with panic. “A huge horde of the undead is approaching the villa!”

Zhang Qiang’s frantic pounding and fearful tone made Jiang Qiyu’s heart plunge. “The undead?” The thought struck her like lightning—how could it have come so fast?

She hurried to the window and yanked open the heavy curtain. The biting night wind rushed in, and under the faint moonlight, the scene outside the villa was chilling. In the distance, a mass of dark, writhing shapes moved slowly—like a black tide advancing toward the villa. Their staggered steps and broken limbs belied their terrifying numbers, packed closely together like greedy ants, steadily consuming everything in their path.

The stench of decay wafted in on the night breeze, so foul it made one nauseous. The air inside seemed to freeze, thick with the scent of death.

Jiang Qiyu involuntarily held her breath as a cold shiver ran from her feet to her head. The night wind carried the overwhelming stench of rot into the room.

Zhang Qiang’s voice trembled, choking with emotion, “Boss, what do we do? There are just too many of them!”