A Fake Holy Mother in the Zombie Apocalypse

Bei Nuan and Lu Xingchi followed the eight people from the fishing boat, along with Secretary Li and a few crew members, down to the lower cabins.

Suddenly, someone rushed over from the side.

It was the young boy, Yuanyuan.

Yuanyuan's target was very clear. He silently pounced on a tall, thin man among the group from the fishing boat, kicking and hitting him.

Bei Nuan had already recognized this man.

This was the one she saw through the binoculars last night, the one who, like a mantis stalking a cicada, only to be snatched by an oriole, had lifted someone by their belt and thrown them into the sea.

Yuanyuan's eyes blazed with fury; he looked as if he wanted to bite the man. However, he was small and lacked strength.

The tall, thin man flung Yuanyuan aside with a look of disgust, but refrained from truly hurting him because they were surrounded by people.

Yuanyuan's mother had already caught up, quickly pulling Yuanyuan away while apologizing profusely: "My son's mind isn't quite right. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."

The tall, thin man snorted: "If your child is sick, why don't you get him treated? Letting him run around hitting people?"

Bei Nuan understood immediately. The little boy had recognized the bad guy.

He had said yesterday that in his previous life, he was thrown into the sea by a tall, thin man, presumably this one.

Secretary Li hurriedly led everyone forward, casually explaining: "Don't take it to heart. I know this child. He's not quite right in the head. Many people on the ship have been hit by him. We're used to it."

This was obviously a lie to appease the tall, thin man.

Xing Quan chimed in: "If he's not right in the head, he should be locked up, not left out to harm others."

Secretary Li replied with a smile: "Yes, you're right. He should be locked up."

A sturdy-looking, lean young man who had been following Xing Quan added: "Brother Xing is right. What's the point of keeping a lunatic like that? He'll just be a waste of food when he grows up."

Bei Nuan knew who this person was.

The book mentioned that his name was Wu Yi. He had just been released from prison before boarding the ship. He was skilled in combat, ruthless, and Xing Quan had been trying to recruit him on the ship. The two had a close relationship.

This man was Xing Quan's right-hand man. In the book, Wu Yi played a significant role in the ship hijacking and murders.

None of these eight people were good, and Bei Nuan noticed that Sheng Yi hadn't sent many crew members to follow them, and they weren't carrying any weapons.

She understood after a moment's thought.

Sheng Yi was certain that Xing Quan and his group, having just boarded and still unfamiliar with the ship, wouldn't act rashly. Moreover, with only eight of them, they couldn't cause too much trouble.

Having too many people following them would only arouse their suspicion.

The most harmless-looking among them was Secretary Li.

Secretary Li acted like an affable, good-natured old man, chatting with Xing Quan and the others along the way, inquiring in detail about their experiences adrift on the fishing boat, his tone full of sympathy for their ordeal.

He possessed the characteristic worldliness and thoughtfulness of a seasoned middle-aged man, and he quickly put Xing Quan and the others at ease.

They weren't headed for the passenger cabins, but to the other side of the ship, below deck, seemingly to an area where cargo and crew offices were located.

It had been emptied, thoroughly cleaned, and furnished. There were eight beds, a few sets of tables and chairs, even a sofa, and a small bathroom with a shower.

It was small but complete.

It was clear that Xing Quan and the others were relatively satisfied with the accommodations.

Although it was a bit cramped for eight people, being together made it easier for them to plot.

Secretary Li apologized repeatedly, saying that the cabins above were full, and due to limited space, they would have to make do with this for now.

He sounded so sincere that even Bei Nuan almost believed him.

Everyone was looking around the room when the tall, thin man walked to the bathroom, turned on the tap, bent down, and was about to drink directly from the faucet.

It was an opportunity not to be missed.

Bei Nuan swiftly produced a small bottle of mineral water from her jacket pocket as if by magic.

Bei Nuan said sincerely: "The tap water is filtered seawater. It's a bit bitter and not very pleasant to drink. I have a bottle of mineral water here. I'll give it to you."

Bei Nuan handed over the unopened bottle of water.

The tall, thin man hesitated for a moment, then accepted it.

Bei Nuan quickly glanced at the task list. "A Saint's Forgiveness" had changed to (1/5).

This task was quite easy, not difficult at all.

Encouraged, Bei Nuan excitedly wandered around the room, looking for opportunities to help, making Secretary Li forget about dealing with Xing Quan and stare at her in bewilderment.

Lu Xingchi didn't appear particularly surprised, silently following behind her like her bodyguard.

The eight men had brought bags with them. Now, they each found a bed and threw their bags onto it.

Wu Yi tossed his bag, but it flew over the headboard and landed on the floor.

Bei Nuan, quick as a flash, rushed over, picked up the bag, and placed it back on the bed.

A Saint's Forgiveness (2/5).

Too easy. It was incredibly satisfying.

Seeing Bei Nuan picking up his bag, Wu Yi looked wary. Although he wasn't as fast as Bei Nuan, he still rushed over and pulled the bag she had placed on the bed further inwards, without even saying thank you.

Bei Nuan thought: With your actions and expression, it's obvious you're saying there's a weapon or something in the bag. Could you be any more obvious?

How could Sheng Yi let them bring their bags on board without checking them, knowing there might be something suspicious inside? She didn't understand what he was planning.

Bei Nuan strongly suspected that each of their backpacks contained a knife.

Secretary Li also walked around, muttering to himself, "Bedding, check. Pillow, check. Slippers, check. Towel, check…"

After carefully checking everything, he turned to Xing Quan and the others with a smile: "It seems like everything is here. If you're missing anything, just let me or the captain know. My office is right next to the captain's. You can come find me anytime."

Xing Quan and the others agreed.

Secretary Li rubbed his hands. "Then you can rest for now? I'll have the dining staff send food over shortly. I suggest that after you eat, you can go for a stroll on the deck. There's a nice swimming pool up there."

Secretary Li gestured for Bei Nuan to leave.

Although Bei Nuan wanted to stay there until the task was completed, she reluctantly followed him.

She thought that once she left, she didn't know when she would have another opportunity to complete the task. Perhaps she wouldn't be able to finish it before disembarking.

Bei Nuan's prediction was correct.

Sure enough, after leaving their cabin and walking a short distance down the outer corridor, they exited the door at the end of the corridor, and the good-natured expression on Secretary Li's face vanished in an instant.

He immediately had the wooden door inside locked, the outer iron gate locked, and an additional huge chain lock added.

He was a completely different person from the one who had been with Xing Quan and the others just moments ago.

Ginger gets spicier with age. This man was the real actor. Bei Nuan secretly took notes.

The eight people were locked up, completely oblivious to their situation, still waiting for Secretary Li to send someone with food.

Xing Quan had been right. People who weren't right in the head should be locked up, lest they be let out to harm others.

Back on deck, Secretary Li reported the situation to Sheng Yi.

Sheng Yi nodded without saying a word.

Lu Xingchi and the others bid farewell to Sheng Yi, saying they were returning to their cabins.

After only a few steps, Bei Nuan, with her sharp ears, overheard Sheng Yi quietly instructing Secretary Li.

"Go over there in a moment and tell them, through the door, that the ship's owner has said that under the current circumstances, with limited food supplies on board, we can't afford to waste anything."

Bei Nuan almost laughed. The excuse of not wasting food in the apocalypse was the reason Xing Quan and his group used in the book to justify throwing passengers into the sea. Now, Sheng Yi was using it on them.

Sheng Yi continued: "Only the strongest deserve to live. Only four of the eight can remain, and those four can become crew members on this ship."

Sheng Yi is at it again, fostering internal conflict, Bei Nuan thought.

The idea of choosing four out of eight to become crew members sounded unreliable.

However, no matter how unreliable it sounded, someone would believe it. As long as one idiot started the fight, others would have to join in for self-preservation.

No wonder Sheng Yi didn't confiscate the weapons in their bags. It turned out he intended to lock them up together and let them kill each other.

The space inside was so small that there was nowhere to escape.

Lu Xingchi clearly heard Sheng Yi's words as well. He paused slightly but showed no expression on his face.

Bei Nuan pondered. The target number for the "A Saint's Forgiveness" task was about to be halved.

What a pity.

It was best to complete the task while these people were still "fresh," so she wouldn't have to search for vicious criminals after disembarking.

The ship served two meals a day. Upon returning to their cabin, the staff delivered a combined breakfast and lunch.

This time, it was the familiar rice and stir-fried dishes that Bei Nuan knew, smelling delicious.

There was a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, with a portion of beef with oyster sauce and a plate of slippery mushrooms for each person. She didn't know what kind they were.

The kitchen staff's skills were excellent; the food was very tasty.

Bei Nuan picked up a mushroom and asked Jiang Fei: "What is this? It's so good."

"It's shredded king oyster mushroom," Jiang Fei replied.

Bei Nuan: "…"

Bei Nuan ate her rice with the beef. Du Ruo noticed something was off.

He was a little puzzled. "Bei Nuan, why aren't you eating the mushrooms? Didn't you say they were delicious?"

Bei Nuan calmly replied: "It seems like they added too much salt. It's too salty."

Lu Xingchi silently pushed his portion towards her. "Mine is fine. Here you go."

"Thanks, but no need."

Bei Nuan declined. Although she tried to control her expression, she still felt her facial muscles twitching.

Du Ruo and the others chatted about the fishing boat while eating.

"I read about an ethical dilemma before," Du Ruo said. "It's called the lifeboat dilemma."

"It's about a lifeboat that can hold a maximum of sixty people. There are currently fifty people on board, and another hundred are floating in the sea nearby. What should be done?"

"Trying to save all one hundred people is impossible. The lifeboat can't carry that many; it would sink immediately, and everyone would perish."

"Not saving anyone is the safest and most secure option for those on board, but they would have to constantly push away those trying to climb onto the boat. They'd have to overcome their conscience first."

"Or they could save only ten. After saving ten, the lifeboat would be full, not as safe, but still manageable. The problem is, there are a hundred people in the sea. How do you decide who to save and who not to save? Who has the right to make that decision?"

Tang Tang answered without hesitation: "That's easy. If you're a man, get off the boat. Let the women and children on board, and we'll push the boat forward as we swim."

Jiang Fei burst out laughing. "Tang Tang, it's a miracle your genes haven't gone extinct."

Bei Nuan said vaguely, while chewing on the beef: "In the future, I must do my best to help Tang Tang find a girlfriend and pass on these genes, so his descendants will be endless. Humanity might have some hope then, and achieve world peace sooner."

Du Ruo nudged Jiang Fei: "What about you?"

Jiang Fei thought for a moment. "I'd probably save ten. First, I'd see if there are any friends or acquaintances among those in the sea."

That was very Jiang Fei. He was always loyal to his friends.

Du Ruo then nudged Bei Nuan.

Bei Nuan swallowed the beef. "I would pick ten children from the sea to save."

"Why?" Du Ruo asked. "Do you think children are the hope of the future? Are children more innocent, not as bad as adults?"

"Neither," Bei Nuan shook her head, saying seriously: "Because children are weaker. If, after saving them, they turn against me and try to steal my boat, I can still throw them back into the sea."

"That's too pessimistic, Bei Nuan!" Everyone at the table laughed.

Lu Xingchi didn't laugh, his eyes fixed on Bei Nuan's face.

Bei Nuan calmly continued eating, thinking that Lu Xingchi probably didn't understand.

The book described Sheng Yi rescuing people from the fishing boat, only to have them turn against him and steal the ship. But none of that had happened yet.

The eight people from the fishing boat were safely locked away in the cargo hold.

He probably didn't understand that Bei Nuan's words were from the heart.

After lunch, Bei Nuan, thinking about the eight task targets locked below, excused herself, saying she wanted to take a nap, and returned to her cabin.

Bei Nuan's plan was to sneak over while the eight were still on board and see if there were any opportunities to complete the task.

To go there, of course, she first needed to turn invisible.

Bei Nuan closed the door, opened the task list, prayed in her heart, "A, A, A, it must be A," and then silently chanted: "Invisible, intangible."

Her hands and sleeves slowly disappeared together.

Great! She didn't have to strip naked and run around this time.

Bei Nuan cheered up, preparing to open the door and go out.

But when her eyes glanced at the task list, she suddenly noticed that the small letter on it wasn't "A," but "D."

What did that mean?

Bei Nuan looked down at herself again and was startled.

On her chest, where her heart should be, was a blue butterfly.

It was the most beautiful butterfly Bei Nuan had ever seen.

The butterfly's body was small and entirely black, but its wings were large. One pair of wings was ocean blue, edged with black, shimmering with captivating luster as the light changed.

Bei Nuan lowered her head and touched it, but she couldn't feel it.

What she could feel was still her own body. The butterfly seemed more like a phantom.

And it was alive, constantly fluttering its wings as if in flight.

This method of invisibility was quite peculiar, but it didn't affect anything. Compared to "A" type invisibility, it was almost the same, except for the addition of a butterfly.

Bei Nuan opened the door and went out into the corridor, walking while admiring her butterfly.

It looked like a butterfly flapping its beautiful wings as it flew forward.

She ran into a cabin attendant.

The attendant watched in surprise as Bei Nuan passed by him. Bei Nuan heard him exclaim: "There's actually a butterfly on the ship? How beautiful."

Bei Nuan, having been complimented, felt pleased.

Bei Nuan went down to the first floor and happened to see the young couple from yesterday. The girl immediately noticed the butterfly. "Look! What a beautiful blue butterfly!"

The boy saw it too and immediately asked: "Do you want it? I'll catch it for you!"

The boy immediately received a knock on the head. The girl said: "It's flying so freely. Why catch it?"

Bei Nuan breathed a sigh of relief, thinking: What a nice young lady. I hope you two can safely watch the crew's baby grow up.

However, the girl immediately raised a question: "This butterfly is a bit strange. Why is it always flying forward at the same height?"

She had a good point.

Bei Nuan immediately and discreetly bent her knees as she walked forward, squatting down, then standing up, squatting down again, repeatedly creating the effect of the butterfly rising and falling, making it look much more natural.

Walking like this was a bit tiring, but otherwise fine.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, and there were quite a few people on deck. Many were playing by the pool. Bei Nuan tried to stay near the edge as she walked towards the cargo hold where the people were being held.

She hadn't gone far when a shout came from behind: "Look! A big butterfly!!"

Bei Nuan turned around and saw a large group of children running towards her.

"Catch it!!"

With the lead child's command, the little ones, like a pack of puppies, excitedly charged towards Bei Nuan.

Bei Nuan was frightened and ran.

The children weren't slow either, shouting as they ran: "Hurry up! We won't be able to catch it once it flies higher!"

Bei Nuan wanted to cry but had no tears: You're overthinking it. This butterfly really can't fly any higher.

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