The Absolute Favorite in the Apocalyptic Rebirth

The group had just emerged from the conference room when a soldier hurried towards them. Stopping before Feng Shaohuang and the others, he saluted and reported, "Sir, the forward scouts report that a zombie horde will arrive in five hours."

Over the past two years, zombie hordes had become frequent, and everyone was mentally prepared. The news, therefore, didn't cause panic.

Feng Shaohuang instructed, "Maintain vigilance. Estimate their route and numbers."

"Yes, sir."

After issuing a series of commands, several high-ranking base leaders departed, leaving Feng Shaohuang to address the strongest ability users from the various bases. With a serious expression, he said, "Everyone, I apologize, but our departure will likely be delayed for a few days."

Upon hearing this, no one objected. Everyone understood that the timing of the horde was too coincidental. Just as humans monitored zombie activity, the intelligent high-rank zombies likely observed human movements as well. The concentration of so many high-rank ability users from China at the Capital Base presented an irresistible temptation for the zombies.

Zombies craved fresh flesh and blood. While they could advance by consuming the crystal cores of their own kind, the cores of high-rank ability users were even more potent. Moreover, the flesh and blood of these powerful individuals were a delicacy. Many intelligent zombies achieved their rapid advancement by consuming them.

Therefore, the Capital Base, now teeming with the nation's strongest ability users, was an incredibly enticing feast for the zombies. The surprising factor was the speed of the approaching horde. Fortunately, over the past year, China's numerous bases had consolidated into five major ones, bolstering their defenses and allowing them to hold their ground against zombie attacks.

In less than four hours, the characteristic stench of decay carried on the wind. The Capital Base's army and ability users stood ready. The army even possessed newly developed thermal weapons specifically designed to combat zombies, their advanced weaponry sparking envy among the other four bases.

However, the sight of the zombie horde, far larger than any seen at other bases, shocked the visiting ability users. The Capital Base truly drew the most zombie ire. It was rumored that each horde attacking the capital was at least double the size of those assaulting other bases, sometimes even larger.

This sight evoked mixed feelings among the other ability users. While the Capital Base had flaunted its superior equipment, the sheer number of zombies surrounding the city provided a sense of balance. Pressure, it seemed, truly fueled innovation. Without such pressure, the Capital Research Institute wouldn't be constantly churning out new zombie-killing weapons.

During this siege, Lou Ling and her group didn't rush to the front lines as they usually did. Instead, they positioned themselves strategically, targeting stray zombies that slipped through the main defenses, preventing them from reaching the base's survivors. The Capital Base's own ability users naturally formed the first line of defense.

Lou Ling directed her mutated vines to create an impenetrable barrier around her immediate area, allowing her more time to observe Feng Shaohuang and the others fighting at the forefront. She recognized several of the ability users fighting alongside Feng Shaohuang, having worked with them on previous research missions.

Her observations startled her. Feng Shaohuang's combat prowess, in particular, suggested that his ability level was far higher than the reported rank six. The pressure emanating from him reminded her of Lou Dian from a year ago—an unfathomable, immovable force.

Lou Ling narrowed her eyes. Her lack of inquiry didn't signify a lack of curiosity. She trusted him, so she remained silent. However, spending every day and night together, how could she not detect something amiss? She didn't wish to pry into Lou Dian's secrets. As long as she knew that he was still the same person, nothing else mattered.

Lou Dian's constant antagonism towards Feng Shaohuang and his deliberate efforts to keep her from interacting with him puzzled her. Feng Shaohuang's changed demeanor and sudden surge in power upon their reunion only deepened her confusion.

Moreover, on several occasions, she'd caught Feng Shaohuang looking at her with a complex mix of emotions—sadness, longing, love, and relief. Initially, she dismissed it as a trick of the light or her own overactive imagination. However, repeated instances confirmed her observations, leaving her feeling awkward. She had to feign obliviousness to avoid triggering Lou Dian's possessive nature.

Feng Shaohuang led his team at the front lines, his movements graceful and captivating. Even Lou Ling, watching his commanding presence from her vantage point, found herself momentarily entranced. However, each time her attention drifted, a poke in her side and a warning glare from Lou Dian quickly brought her back to the present.

Lou Dian, masking his aura, remained by her side, effortlessly handling any stray zombies. His intervention wasn't necessary at this stage; Feng Shaohuang alone was more than capable. Noticing Lou Ling's distraction, he felt a pang of anxiety, relieved that it was merely visual fascination and not genuine interest in the other man.

Observing Feng Shaohuang, he noted the significant changes since his rebirth. The once hesitant and indecisive man had become resolute and courageous, transformed by the harsh lessons of death.

He recalled the Feng Shaohuang of his past life—loyal, courageous, and intelligent, an exceptional leader and teammate. His only flaw, perhaps, was his strong attachment to emotions, which sometimes clouded his judgment. While aware of Qin Ling's animosity towards Lou Ling, he'd mistakenly believed that their sibling bond would temper her hostility. Torn between his sister and the woman he loved, he'd strived for peace between them, failing to grasp the extent of Qin Ling's selfishness.

Even after Lou Ling's death, while enraged, over two decades of familial affection prevented him from truly blaming Qin Ling. Love was important, but family was indispensable. Consumed by regret, he chose to ignore the truth. Only when pressured by Lou Dian's death did he expose Qin Ling's role, revealing a pathetic display of weakness.

It seemed that only after rebirth, after understanding what he'd lost, did Feng Shaohuang shed his naiveté and weakness, embracing strength and responsibility, becoming truly captivating. Had he possessed such resolve in their previous life, had he been more aware of his own feelings, perhaps Lou Ling wouldn't have taken years to reciprocate his affection.

With a self-deprecating smile, he lowered his gaze. What was the point? The Lou Ling who held affection for Feng Shaohuang in their past life had been killed by them. This lifetime's Lou Ling had never interacted with him and wouldn't develop any feelings for him.

Had Lou Ling truly chosen Feng Shaohuang in their past life, he shuddered to think of his own actions. He might have sabotaged their relationship himself, ensuring a miserable outcome for all three of them. Only the devastation of Lou Ling's death had driven him to orchestrate that final act of destruction.

Therefore, he was grateful to have returned before Feng Shaohuang, gaining the upper hand.

That proud Feng Shaohuang, changed by death into the man Lou Ling would admire, was a stark contrast to his own manipulative, self-serving nature. Had such a formidable Feng Shaohuang been a rival from the start, he would have only driven Lou Ling further away.

Lost in thought, he was jolted back to reality by a sharp tug.

"Lou Dian!" Pulling him close, Lou Ling glared. This wasn't the time to be distracted! Even with his quick reflexes, she'd been worried. She couldn't help her worrying nature.

Lou Dian turned, a smile playing on his lips as he casually flicked a spatial blade, eliminating a zombie five meters away. "What's wrong?" he asked sweetly.

Lou Ling grimaced, deciding it was best not to engage with his erratic behavior and focus on the task at hand.

Perhaps triggered by his earlier reflections and Feng Shaohuang's display, a twisted sense of satisfaction and excitement surged through him as he looked at the girl beside him. What could be more gratifying than possessing the treasure he'd desperately craved in his past life, now securely within his grasp? Lou Ling's unwavering loyalty meant that once she chose him, no one could come between them, just as in their past life, when her impending affection for Feng Shaohuang had driven him to desperate measures.

Any zombies approaching their vicinity were swiftly dispatched by spatial blades before they could get close, leaving Lou Ling speechless and wondering about the source of his sudden enthusiasm.

The zombie siege lasted a full day, ending only after all the hidden intelligent zombies were eliminated, with the remaining horde retreating. The Capital Base suffered minimal casualties thanks to the combined strength of the gathered high-rank ability users. This siege became the least costly in history, bringing great relief and joy to the base's leadership and its residents.

Having conserved her energy, Lou Ling felt no fatigue. Leaving the cleanup to lower-rank ability users, everyone returned to their quarters to rest.

"Go take a shower," Lou Dian said, nudging her towards the bathroom with a slight frown.

Lou Ling's lips twitched. He truly was a pampered young master, never willing to endure any discomfort if he could avoid it. She hadn't even been splattered with zombie blood, just sweaty, and he couldn't bear the smell enough to embrace her without first sending her to scrub clean.

Emerging from the shower, she found Lou Dian gone.

Unconcerned, she towel-dried her hair, dressed, and left the room. The villa was nearly empty. Inquiring with the few remaining people, she learned that the others had gone out to explore the Capital Base.

They had the energy to sightsee? It seemed the battle had been too easy, not requiring their full effort. Lou Zhan, the team leader, had apparently been summoned by leaders from other bases, likely to discuss the Capital Base's strategies for their own development. Even Lin Bao and Tan Mo were out exploring, having left a message to that effect.

The Capital Base's advancements clearly piqued everyone's interest. Its advanced infrastructure, management style, and unparalleled safety were noteworthy.

Unsure of Lou Dian's whereabouts, Lou Ling decided to explore as well.

Opening the villa door, she was met with a handsome face, a gentle smile gracing his features, his eyes holding that familiar, unreadable complexity.

Author's Note:

Today's Goals:

Lou Ling's Goal: Unravel the man's secrets!

Lou Dian's Goal: Ensure his beloved sees only him!

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