The Absolute Favorite in the Apocalyptic Rebirth

A sudden rumble in the distance startled the group, still on edge after the recent battle. Their nerves were frayed, and any disturbance, let alone an explosion, sent shivers down their spines.

Everyone turned towards the source of the noise. Dust and debris billowed into the air, revealing a hole blasted in a distant building. A figure emerged from the gap, glanced briefly in their direction, then nimbly hopped onto the roof and disappeared behind the building.

“Was that a person?” someone stammered. Judging by the figure's silhouette and neat clothing, their first impression was indeed that of a human.

“If it was a person, why did they run?”

This pointed question left everyone speechless. If it were a human, there would be no reason to flee. After all, during the previous perilous encounter, humanity's only hope of survival lay in unity. Even though the immediate danger had passed, unknown threats still lurked, and staying together as a group seemed safer. The figure's hasty retreat raised suspicions.

Since the figure didn't reappear, the others, despite their lingering questions, decided to move on and quickly left the factory.

Once on the main road, Lou Ling inquired about their destinations. Learning they were headed to a nearby county, the opposite direction from her own, she felt a twinge of disappointment. They, in turn, were equally disheartened to hear that Lou Ling and Lou Dian were going to C County. While they yearned for the protection of the powerful duo, an instinctive fear of strength prevented them from voicing their request.

“C County is overcrowded. Why don't you come with us to Liuchuan County? I heard its base was established by a peak fourth-tier ability user,” Lai Xiaoyu said, looking at Lou Dian. “It's dangerous out here. You saw it yourself earlier. With just us, we might not reach our destination safely! Why don't we travel together? Pretty please~~”

As Lai Xiaoyu clung to Lou Dian, the others exchanged glances but remained silent.

Lou Ling, slightly exasperated, nudged the unresponsive man with her elbow. Seeing his indifference, she spoke up, “Sorry, our destination is C County.”

Lai Xiaoyu shot her an annoyed glare but responded in a saccharine voice, “Sister, I wasn't asking you. I was asking this gege.”

“My answer is his answer,” Lou Ling stated with unwavering firmness.

Lai Xiaoyu's face twitched. Observing Lou Dian’s gentle gaze fixed solely on Lou Ling, completely ignoring her own efforts, she felt a surge of irritation. However, she knew her only weapon against men was her appearance. If even that failed to sway him, she shouldn't resort to petulance. Without a protector, it was crucial to recognize one's own limitations. This understanding was precisely why she had fared better than other women in the apocalypse.

Seeing Lai Xiaoyu fall silent, the others followed suit.

Lou Ling waved goodbye to the group, and the two departed.

They had barely taken a few steps when a shout echoed from behind. A young man caught up to them, calling out, “Wait! I’ll go with you to C County.”

As he spoke, the others’ faces visibly relaxed. They quickly hurried over, trailing behind Lou Ling and Lou Dian, all declaring their intention to return to C County and abandon their plans for Liuchuan County.

Seeing Lou Ling’s surprised expression, a few of the more self-conscious individuals averted their gazes. The young man with the cheerful smile said casually, “Liuchuan County is too far. Who knows what dangers we might encounter on the way? It's better to return to C County first.” Without waiting for Lou Ling to respond, he continued, “We heard that Liuchuan County is thriving. Any ability user who goes there is highly valued and receives ten jin of food, with a monthly food allowance. That's why we wanted to go there.”

Lou Ling’s gaze swept over the group. There were about twenty of them, their abilities ranging from second to third-tier. Only three were third-tier, likely their leaders. The rest were second-tier, with Lai Xiaoyu, a first-tier water ability user, being the weakest. In a base, higher-tier ability users were indeed more valued, and lower-tier ones often sought to advance their abilities to improve their standing. Of course, besides this, smaller bases were also recruiting ability users, where even first and second-tier individuals could find recognition. And food was the ultimate lure.

“What’s your name?” Lou Ling asked.

“You Jun,” the young man replied with a smile.

“Why did you want to go to Liuchuan County? Isn’t C County good?” Lou Ling narrowed her eyes. She had a favorable impression of Lei Hongming and couldn't imagine him, as the base's Major General, allowing such widespread discontent.

You Jun sighed, glancing back at the three third-tier ability users. His lips twitched before he finally said, “C County is naturally good, but we also have to consider our own circumstances.”

Lou Ling’s gaze followed his, landing on the three third-tier ability users. All men, two of them bore scars on their faces. Their muscular builds, even before the apocalypse, would have given them the appearance of gangsters, exuding an air of brute strength. When Lou Ling looked at them, they grinned, their expressions suggestive, before shooting a warning glance at You Jun.

Lou Ling looked away, dismissing them.

They continued on foot, finding shelter in a dilapidated village as evening approached. Another half-day’s journey would bring them to C County.

The group chose a large house, tidying it up briefly before settling in. The weather was still cold, and sleeping outside was unwise. Even a broken-down house offered some protection from the chill.

The two-story house had four rooms and a living room on the upper floor. Lou Ling and Lou Dian took one room, while the three third-tier ability users occupied the others. The rest settled down in the living room. No one objected to this arrangement, not even the seemingly delicate Lai Xiaoyu.

As everyone ate some dry rations and prepared to rest, Lou Ling noticed Lai Xiaoyu slip into one of the rooms. Soon, the sounds of passionate moans emanated from within.

Quietly closing her own door, Lou Ling remained unfazed. Relationships in the apocalypse were even more chaotic than before. People embraced the philosophy of living for the moment, and such encounters served as a release of pent-up emotions and physical tension. Finding someone mutually attractive and spending the night together was commonplace. Lai Xiaoyu’s actions were simply the norm.

A musty odor permeated their room. Lou Dian sprayed air freshener, then retrieved sleeping mats and blankets from his spatial storage.

“Was it you who took care of that person at the factory today?” Lou Ling asked, organizing her backpack.

“Yes, it wasn't human. It was a zombie,” Lou Dian replied calmly.

Lou Ling’s hand trembled, dropping the mutant plant seeds she held. She stared at him in shock. “Are you sure? It clearly looked human. How could it be a zombie?” She was reluctant to believe it, yet she knew Lou Dian wouldn't lie to her.

Lou Dian remained serene, seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil. He smiled, “It was an intelligent zombie. It can mimic human behavior.”

“……”

This revelation was terrifying. Lou Ling felt she needed time to process it. Even zombies were evolving intelligence. Did humanity have a future? If this news spread, it would likely crush the spirits of many ordinary people, leading to widespread despair. Four years of hardship in the apocalypse had already taken a toll on those who had once enjoyed the comforts of civilization. Discovering that even zombies could evolve intelligence, posing an even greater threat to human survival, painted a bleak picture of the future.

Lou Ling sighed, her thoughts turning to the fate of humanity, until Lou Dian, unable to bear it any longer, pulled her onto the bed, his body covering hers. He undressed her and pressed down.

“Hey, not here…” She still had some modesty left, feeling embarrassed. Moreover, after learning about the intelligent zombies, she wasn't in the mood.

Lou Dian kissed her face, positioning himself between her legs, letting her feel his arousal. “What does it matter? Isn't the same thing happening next door? We’re much more discreet! Listen!”

Lou Ling, initially unconcerned, couldn't help but focus her attention at his words. She realized that a four-person orgy was underway next door, the sounds of passion reaching a fever pitch. She felt her understanding of boundaries had been redefined…

The next day, Lou Ling emerged with dark circles under her eyes.

As they set off, Lou Ling noticed the female protagonist from last night's activities. Her cheeks were flushed, her small, cherry lips resembled ripe peaches, and her eyes sparkled with a captivating blend of innocence and allure. Furthermore, she was full of energy, able to run and jump without a hint of fatigue, radiating a vibrant, post-coital glow.

Lou Ling mentally bowed in defeat.

Lai Xiaoyu, with her innocent face, sidled up to Lou Dian, calling him gege this and gege that in a sweet, flirtatious voice that could melt any man's heart. Perhaps even small animals possessed a certain instinct, for despite circling Lou Dian, she always maintained a safe distance, avoiding his wrath.

After exhausting all her charms to no avail, Lai Xiaoyu felt a surge of anger. She glared at Lou Ling, cursing her inwardly as a freak. She hadn't missed the sounds coming from their room last night. Why did this woman, inferior to her in every way, possess such an exceptional man?! Hmph, she didn't believe there was a man in the world who didn't love beauty or stray from fidelity!

Glaring at Lou Ling with a "just you wait" attitude, Lai Xiaoyu returned to the scarred man, nestling against him and whining, “Qiang-ge, my legs are weak. I can’t walk anymore.”

Everyone knew what “weak legs” implied. The man called Qiang-ge, relishing the attention, scooped her up into his arms. The other men’s faces lit up with lascivious expressions, each offering to carry her if she couldn’t walk.

Being the center of attention soothed Lai Xiaoyu’s ego. She shot another triumphant glance at Lou Ling.

Lai Xiaoyu’s actions were blatant. Among the twenty-odd people, there were five women. Lai Xiaoyu’s beauty was undeniable, followed by Lou Ling. The other three women were dirty and thin. While not unattractive compared to ordinary women, they paled in comparison to Lai Xiaoyu and Lou Ling. Everyone noticed Lai Xiaoyu’s deliberate attempts to rival Lou Ling, and the three other women felt a pang of resentment, even directing some of their frustration towards Lou Ling.

Lou Ling ignored them all, including Lou Dian’s silent offer to carry her. She called You Jun over and walked alongside him, engaging in conversation and inquiring about the situation in C County.

Author's Notes:

Today's Goals:

Lou Ling's Goal: Ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore, ignore!

Lou Dian's Goal: How to seduce while simultaneously boosting his little sister's pride!

Lai Xiaoyu's Goal: Handsome men, handsome men, they're all mine!

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