Chapter 11

“Brother Cheng is mine. He’s only allowed to be with me.”

“No other zombies are allowed to come find him. If one shows up, I’ll chase it off.”

“Hmph!”

Lin Zao poked half his body out the second-floor window, sprawling across the sill as he gripped the high-pressure water gun nozzle and tugged hard on the long hose.

It was just like shaking his own little kitty tail.

While directing the spray to wash the outer wall, he muttered under his breath, talking to himself.

He had no idea Fu Cheng was already awake—or that Fu Cheng could hear every word.

He just…

Faced with three zombies on his own and huge swaths of fresh, red, stinking bloodstains, he was a little scared.

So he figured he’d say a few words, make some noise, to bolster his own courage!

“Brother Cheng isn’t a zombie. Brother Cheng is my husband.”

“Even if Brother Cheng turns into a zombie, he’s still my husband.”

“He’s the one I raised—a clean, polite house zombie, not some feral stray.”

“Hehe!”

Lin Zao sprawled by the window like a kitten, mewing and purring softly.

He repeated the same lines over and over, flipping them this way and that.

By the end, his mouth was dry and his mind blank. He had no idea what else to say.

He flicked the hose and started singing softly instead.

“Cold ice rain slapping wildly across the face.”

“Warm, warm tears, la la la—”

Lin Zao forgot the words.

Fu Cheng stood in the utility room downstairs, feeling fine misty droplets drifting in through the exhaust fan and pattering against his face.

More and more of them, coming faster and faster.

Fu Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, his expression a mix of indulgent affection and helpless amusement.

His wife sang beautifully! So catchy and spot-on for their situation!

He and his wife had a telepathic connection!

Lin Zao kept the water gun trained on the outer wall for a full ten minutes.

Only when he’d rinsed away every trace of blood and the air no longer carried the stench of gore did he finally shut off the faucet.

Lin Zao coiled up the long hose, tidied everything away, and carried it back downstairs.

As he passed the utility room door, he raised a hand and gave the iron door a light pat.

“Brother Cheng, sleep tight. I chased off all your ‘zombie buddies.’ Don’t even think about sneaking out to fool around.”

Fu Cheng’s lips quirked up. He tried to make a sound, but all that emerged from his stiff throat was a low, rumbling “grrr.”

—Yes, ma’am! Wife!

It came out like a wolfhound whining for attention.

But the sound was too faint, and Lin Zao didn’t hear it.

Yawning and stretching lazily, he headed upstairs for a quick nap.

It was still early. Little Bao Bao definitely hadn’t woken up yet.

Before Little Bao Bao stirred, he could give that round little belly a squeeze and nuzzle those chubby cheeks.

Stuffed full like a plush toy, soft to the touch, with built-in heating and a voice box.

A hundred times better than the stuffed dolls at the mall.

Lin Zao grinned to himself, already lifting one foot onto the stairs.

The next second, a familiar voice piped up from overhead.

“Daddy!”

“Huh?”

Lin Zao jumped, nearly losing his balance.

He grabbed the railing with one hand and clutched his chest with the other, looking up.

There stood Lin Xiaobao in his Small Dinosaur pajamas, the headphones Lin Zao had put on him still dangling around his neck, right at the stair landing.

Little Bao Bao’s face was stern, his little mouth pursed as he stomped his foot hard!

Little Bao Bao’s wrath shook heaven and earth!

“Daddy, did you sneakily open the door and go in to see Big Daddy?”

“No…”

“We agreed you wouldn’t open the door without permission! You’re not a man of your word!”

“I didn’t…”

“You and Big Daddy met up in secret, went on a secret… date, without inviting me! You don’t even think of me as your son!”

“No, that’s not it.”

“What?!”

Lin Xiaobao had started out mad, but the more he talked, the more aggrieved he felt—until he’d talked himself into tears.

He’d been woken up early by the noise.

Daddy wasn’t there when he looked for him.

Big Daddy wasn’t there either.

Little Cub’s life was so hard! More bitter than the chocolate Daddy loved!

“No!”

Seeing him cry, Lin Zao hurried over in three big strides and scooped him into his arms.

“I’m innocent! Daddy didn’t do it! Lord Little Bao… little rascal!”

Lin Xiaobao blinked in shock, staring wide-eyed at his daddy.

Daddy, how dare you call me names!

I’ve watched tons of cartoons and TV shows!

I’m not illiterate! I know “little rascal” is a bad word!

“No…” Lin Zao pressed his lips together, fighting back a laugh before correcting himself. “I’m innocent, kiddo—little cub, Little Bao.”

Lin Xiaobao pouted, cheeks puffed out, clearly unconvinced.

Lin Zao rocked him gently in his arms and explained earnestly, “Daddy didn’t open the door or go in. Daddy just said one thing to Big Daddy from outside.”

Lin Xiaobao eyed him skeptically. “Really?”

“Of course.” Lin Zao went on, “There were monsters prowling around our house just now, trying to break in and bite your little butt.”

“Eek!”

Lin Zao spread his hands wide for emphasis and sneaked a pinch at the chubby flesh.

“Hey!” Lin Xiaobao squirmed, trying to wriggle free. “You can talk without biting!”

“To protect you and Big Daddy, I grabbed a weapon and battled those monsters for three hundred rounds. The sky went dark, the earth shook, sun and moon lost their light.”

“And then?” Lin Xiaobao blinked up at him worriedly.

Innocent Little Bao Bao already believed every word.

“Did Daddy win?”

“Of course.”

Lin Zao rolled up his sleeve, flexing his slender white arm to show off his “perfect” muscles with total confidence.

“Otherwise, how could you and Big Daddy be safe at home right now?”

“Wow!” Lin Xiaobao’s eyes sparkled with adoration. “Daddy, you’re amazing.”

“But…” Lin Zao’s smile faded. He lowered his gaze and sighed. “Sigh—”

“Daddy…”

Lin Zao turned his head away so Little Bao Bao couldn’t see the tears welling in his eyes. “Little Bao actually doubted Daddy and spoke so harshly to me. Daddy’s heart is broken…”

“I’m sorry.” Lin Xiaobao lunged forward, burrowing into Daddy’s arms. He patted Lin Zao’s back with his little hands. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I didn’t mean it.”

“Wahhh!” Lin Zao opened his mouth wide and wailed even louder.

Lin Xiaobao fumbled to comfort him, wiping at his tears.

“I… I woke up this morning and Daddy wasn’t next to me, so I thought you and Big Daddy ditched me.”

“Big Daddy did that before. Me and Daddy were sleeping fine, but while I was asleep, he carried me to my little bed and hogged Daddy all to himself!”

“I thought it was the same this time, so… so…”

Lin Xiaobao hugged Daddy tight, rocking him just like Daddy did for him.

“I’m sorry, Daddy. I misunderstood you.”

“Fine.” Lin Zao nodded. “I forgive you this time.”

Lin Xiaobao peered at Daddy’s face, sensing something off.

Where were the tears? Where were Daddy’s tears?

Whatever. As long as Daddy forgave him!

Lin Xiaobao grinned dopily. “Thanks, Daddy!”

“Come on.” Lin Zao took his hand. “Let’s go upstairs, brush our teeth, wash our faces, and get dressed.”

“Okay.”

“What do you want for breakfast? Congee or noodles?”

“Um…” Lin Xiaobao tilted his head.

“Gonna use your ‘point and drip’ again?” Lin Zao nodded knowingly. “Take your time thinking it over in your head. We’ll—”

Lin Zao chattered on as he took Lin Xiaobao’s hand and stood, intending to head upstairs.

But before he could finish, darkness swam before his eyes. His legs buckled, and he swayed unsteadily.

“Daddy!” Lin Xiaobao whipped around and shouted.

At the same moment, a loud clang echoed from the utility room’s iron door.

As if Fu Cheng had shouted too.

“Little Zao!”

“I’m fine… I’m okay…”

Lin Zao shook his head, but his vision swam again.

Just like when he’d gotten up that morning.

“Daddy, are you okay?”

Lin Xiaobao grabbed his arm, trying to support him with his tiny body.

“I’ll help you upstairs to rest! I’m super strong!”

“It’s nothing, really. Daddy’s fine…”

Worried about knocking him over, Lin Zao stopped him and steadied himself against the wall, easing down to sit on the stairs.

“Just a bit dizzy. Probably low blood sugar. Little Bao, go upstairs and grab two pieces of candy for Daddy…”

“Okay!”

Without waiting, Lin Xiaobao bolted upstairs.

“Daddy, stay right there!”

“Got it.” Lin Zao held his head, eyes closed, and nodded. He didn’t forget to warn, “No rushing. Don’t trip.”

“Mm!”

Lin Xiaobao shouted back emphatically and charged up the stairs on his stubby legs, at full speed.

Big Daddy had loaded up on candy from the wholesale market over New Year’s—the car had been stuffed full.

He’d grab some now!

Lin Zao sat on the step, hand over his face.

In just a few seconds, his face and lips drained of color.

His vision blurred in waves, his head spun, and cold sweat beaded on his skin.

A buzzing filled his ears, silence pressing in all around. All he could hear was his own thundering heartbeat.

He slumped sideways, on the verge of passing out.

Right then, the utility room door banged twice—hard.

Fu Cheng slammed into it with all his might, desperate to break through and reach Lin Zao.

He wasn’t thinking at all.

The moment Lin Xiaobao yelled “Daddy,” he’d lost control.

Ramming the door was pure instinct, as was the urge to get out.

A voice roared in his mind.

What happened to Little Zao? What’s wrong?

Is anyone out there? Why’s it so quiet?

Where’s my wife? My son? What happened to my wife and son?

Let him out! Let him out! He has to find his wife and son!

The crashing jolted Lin Zao back to awareness.

He lifted his head, looking around blankly.

The next instant, Lin Xiaobao’s voice rang out.

“I’m coming! Daddy, I’m here!”

He barreled down the stairs clutching a huge handful of candy.

But his little hands couldn’t hold them all.

The candies rained down, leaving just one or two in his grip.

Lin Xiaobao shoved them into Lin Zao’s hands. Worried he was too weak to unwrap them, he snatched them back and tore at the wrappers.

“Daddy, hold on! I’ll open them right now!”

“Okay, no rush, Little Bao…”

Lin Zao took a lychee-flavored hard candy and popped it in his mouth.

“Daddy, eat up! Here’s more!”

Lin Xiaobao wasn’t satisfied. He unwrapped a green apple one and pressed it into Daddy’s hand.

Once the handful was done, he dashed back up the stairs to gather the dropped candies and kept unwrapping.

Watermelon, peach, strawberry.

One after another, stuffed into Lin Zao’s mouth.

“Daddy, quick! Eat!”

“Okay…”

Lin Zao’s mouth was full of candy, his words muffled.

He tried to refuse gently. “That’s enough, really. My mouth’s stuffed… Let Daddy rest a bit…”

“Then eat gummy candy!” Lin Xiaobao declared seriously. “You can chew gummies and swallow. I’ll get some now!”

“No need…”

Before Lin Zao could finish, Lin Xiaobao ran off again.

Lin Zao couldn’t stop him.

Soon Lin Xiaobao returned, cradling a big handful of gummies carefully in both hands.

“Daddy, gummies are here.”

“Good, thanks, Little Bao.”

“I’ll unwrap them for you.”

“No need. Let’s rest first.”

Lin Zao puffed out his cheeks to show him.

“See? Daddy’s eaten plenty already. Any more and it’ll be too much.”

“Fine.” Lin Xiaobao agreed reluctantly. “If you still feel bad, tell me right away.”

Lin Zao nodded and let out a long breath. “Okay.”

Lin Xiaobao asked again, “Are you feeling better now, Daddy?”

“Much better.”

Not wanting to risk another dizzy spell by standing too soon, Lin Zao stayed seated on the stairs. He’d wait until the candy dissolved, then head up.

Lin Xiaobao sat beside him, taking Daddy’s hands in his own and rubbing them vigorously.

“Daddy, your hands are freezing—and all clammy.”

“Yeah.”

Washing the wall with the hose meant wind and water splashes, of course.

Lin Xiaobao leaned down, huffing hot breath onto them with his mouth wide open.

“Hah—hahaha—”

“Enough, no need to fuss.” Lin Zao lifted his little head gently. “Daddy’ll tuck his hands in his pockets. They’ll warm up soon.”

“But that’s how Big Daddy does it for you.”

“Big Daddy’s hands are big. Yours are too small. You’ll catch the chill and turn into a little popsicle.”

“Oh.”

Lin Zao was still wearing Fu Cheng’s military coat. He slipped his hands into the pockets and pulled out the big keychain inside, handing it to Lin Xiaobao.

“Little Bao, here’s another job for you. Hold these for Daddy.”

“Okay!”

Lin Zao curled up, hands in pockets, stomping his feet for warmth.

Lin Xiaobao clutched the hefty keychain, counting each key one by one.

“This is the front door key, this is the back door key, this is the room key, this is… this is…”

“Hm?” Lin Zao turned. “Which one don’t you know?”

“This one—”

Lin Xiaobao pointed to the chocolate candy dangling from the keychain.

“Daddy, there’s candy here too. Want me to unwrap it for you?”

Lin Zao stopped him quick. “No.”

“Why not?”

“This one’s special—Big Daddy brought it from outside and hung it on the keys. Only eat it in the absolute most dangerous moment.”

“Isn’t it dangerous now?”

“Not anymore.”

“Okay.”

Lin Xiaobao nodded, half understanding.

Lin Zao wrapped an arm around his shoulders and said warmly, “Thank you, Little Bao. With your smarts and bravery, you saved Dad.”

“You’re welcome.” Lin Xiaobao scratched his head, looking a little shy. “Big Daddy said I’m the family’s Little Mainstay, you know.”

“Then thank you, Little Mainstay.”

“Heh heh!”

Lin Xiaobao had just been about to throw himself into Dad’s arms when he suddenly remembered that Dad was still sick. He slammed on the brakes and stood up straight instead.

Lin Zao smiled tenderly and ruffled his hair. “Big Daddy brought back food for us, Dad chased away the monster, and you saved Dad. Our little family of three—we’re all pretty amazing.”

“Of course we are.” Lin Xiaobao puffed out his chest proudly. “But I’m the most amazing.”

“Is that so?” Lin Zao said with a smile. “Even so, no matter how amazing you are, you can’t be separated from Dad and Big Daddy.”

“Mm.”

“Our family can never be separated.”

The words carried a deeper meaning, as if directed at Lin Xiaobao, or perhaps at Fu Cheng—but more than anything, they seemed like something Lin Zao was telling himself.

Lin Xiaobao blinked in confusion as they climbed the stairs.

In the utility room, Fu Cheng leaned against the door. When he heard those words, a flicker of clarity entered his gaze for just an instant.

It was all his fault. He had only himself to blame.

If only he could have broken through that iron door and gone out to protect his wife and son.

If only, when he’d been outside, he’d scrounged up some medicine to stockpile for his wife and son.

If only… if only he hadn’t been scratched by the zombie.

Fu Cheng slumped against the door as a crushing wave of powerlessness and self-recrimination washed over him.

He should have gathered more supplies. He should have been more careful.

Then things wouldn’t have come to this…

Separated by a single door and a thick wall, he couldn’t even see how his wife and son were faring.

Suddenly, Fu Cheng’s throat tightened. A gush of blood welled up, spilling uncontrollably from the corner of his mouth.

After waiting another ten or so minutes, Lin Zao decided it was time. He took Lin Xiaobao’s hand and led him upstairs.

“Did you sleep well last night, Little Bao?” Lin Zao asked gently.

“Mm…” Lin Xiaobao thought for a moment. “At first, I was so worried about Big Daddy that I couldn’t fall asleep at all.”

“So you came to chat with Dad, and Dad knows that. What happened next?”

“Then I fell asleep, and I slept really well.”

“Was it noisy outside? Did the noise wake you up?”

“Yeah!” Lin Xiaobao complained loudly. “Those lions and tigers out there kept roaring and howling—they woke me right up!”

“Didn’t Dad put the headphones on you later? Could you still hear them with those on?”

“No, but…”

Lin Xiaobao hesitated, trailing off.

“What’s wrong? Weren’t the nursery rhymes nice? They’re your favorites.”

“Well, later the nursery rhymes ended, and I got woken up again.”

“Hm?”

Lin Xiaobao lifted his hand and slipped off the headphones hanging around his neck, holding them out to Dad.

Lin Zao leaned down to listen.

The next moment, Fu Cheng’s own passionate rendition of a rhythmically catchy old tune drifted out from the headphones—

“Brother has a wife, and he loves me so.

Brother has a wife, with promises he made.

Brother’s whole life, he’ll love—his—wife—”

Lin Zao drew in a deep breath and couldn’t hold back a laugh.

He had no idea when Fu Cheng had recorded that—or why he’d saved it.

His taste was… so utterly cheesy!

Lin Xiaobao slipped the headphones back on and started singing along, just like Big Daddy.

Lin Zao snapped back to attention and stopped him at once. “No learning from Big Daddy.”

He plucked the headphones off Lin Xiaobao’s head and…

slipped them onto his own.