Chapter 40

“Burp—”

Having eaten too many rice cakes, Lin Xiaobao couldn’t hold it back and let out a hearty belch laced with the scent of rice.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, he quickly raised his little hand to cover his mouth, blinking innocently as he looked at Dad.

Dad, what just happened? What was that sound?

It sounded like someone in our house was burping!

But the very next second—

“Burp…”

“Huh?”

Lin Xiaobao pinched his lips shut and glanced around.

He had his mouth closed now, so why was there still a sound?

And it kept going!

“Burp… burp…”

Lin Zao took a deep breath, then tried his best to hold it in, desperately suppressing it.

But it was too late.

Lin Xiaobao’s eyes lit up, and he lunged forward, hugging Dad’s leg.

“Gotcha! Dad, it was you! You’re full too!”

“Dad didn’t… burp… eat that much…”

Lin Zao thumped his chest, but it didn’t help.

“Dad, I’ll get some water… burp…”

“Okay… burp…”

For a moment, the whole world seemed filled only with the father and son’s echoing burps.

Fu Cheng sat in the utility room with his arms crossed, meditating like a statue.

Hearing the intermittent noises from upstairs, he couldn’t help but open his eyes and look up.

What were Little Zao and Little Bao doing?

Had they turned into fish, blowing bubbles?

The father and son had stuffed themselves with rice cakes, so Lin Zao decided against making a separate dinner.

Washing and prepping vegetables, switching pots, stir-frying—it was all too much hassle.

Instead, he dumped the leftover rice back into the pot, added some extra veggies, stirred it all up, and made more rice cakes.

One big pot of rice turned into two big basins of cakes.

Enough to feed their little family of three for a whole day.

Lin Zao picked out three rice cakes and put them in a lunchbox. He also boiled half a basin of seaweed shrimp skin soup.

He and Little Bao each had a bowl, and the rest went downstairs to Fu Cheng for dinner.

As for the little dog, it didn’t even have teeth yet, so cakes were out of the question.

Lin Zao ladled out a bowl of unsalted soup, mixed in some rice, and simmered it into mush.

Lin Zao carried the lunchbox in one hand and the thermos in the other, while Lin Xiaobao held the milk bottle.

The father and son headed downstairs.

They split up: Lin Xiaobao went to feed the little dog, and Lin Zao went to find Fu Cheng.

Lin Zao set the lunchbox and thermos aside, climbed onto a stool, and peered through the window.

“Brother Cheng? I’m back!”

It was getting dark, and there were no lights on in the utility room, so Lin Zao couldn’t see clearly.

But no worries—as soon as he heard the footsteps, Fu Cheng appeared at the window, gripping the sill right in front of him.

Now Lin Zao could see just fine.

The mask and gloves were neatly in place on Fu Cheng’s face and hands.

Lin Zao’s eyes brightened with delight.

Perfect!

Brother Cheng had kept them on without messing them up or taking them off!

That meant he could safely take Brother Cheng out with him!

Lin Zao reached out with both hands, his fuzzy gloves pressing against Fu Cheng’s head as he leaned in and planted a solid kiss on his forehead.

“Mwah—”

“That’s the promised reward: one kiss.”

Fu Cheng held his breath, not daring to move, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward beneath the mask.

He stared at Lin Zao’s lips. As the kiss on his forehead ended and Lin Zao started to pull away, Fu Cheng leaned forward on his own.

—One more kiss.

Little Zao, one more kiss? Even through the mask?

The mask was so thin and soft—way better than a helmet.

Kissing Little Zao through the mask had to feel even better.

But Lin Zao covered his mouth and pushed him back.

“No.”

Fu Cheng let out a low growl, gazing at him with pleading eyes.

Even those dark-red eyes took on a pitiful look.

Lin Zao stood firm, refusing to budge. “We agreed on one, so that’s it. No more.”

He turned around, picked up the lunchbox from nearby, and set it in front of Fu Cheng. Then he reached out and gently removed the mask.

“Eat first. After you’re done, I’ll put the mask back on. If you can keep it on all evening without taking it off, I’ll call you my husband and kiss your—”

Lin Zao poked his cheek.

“—kiss your face. How’s that? Deal?”

Fu Cheng turned his head, rubbing his chin against Lin Zao’s fingertip.

—As you command, Little Zao.

Lin Zao beamed, pleased. He crooked a finger and scratched under Fu Cheng’s chin.

Fu Cheng narrowed his eyes, tilting his head up slightly, ready to savor it.

The next second, Fu Cheng seemed to remember something. His eyes snapped open, and his expression turned cold.

Wait! He wasn’t a dog!

He was a zombie—a rational, intelligent house zombie.

How could he… make such a posture?

Lin Zao read his mind and quickly pulled his hand back.

But not before giving a couple extra scratches.

“Little Cheng, Little Cheng, good Little Cheng, so smart and cute…”

“Roar!”

Lin Zao sang the little dog song, teased Fu Cheng, then spun around and bolted.

Leaving Fu Cheng, the lone zombie, fuming in the utility room.

Fu Cheng gripped the windowsill, itching to climb out, but he didn’t want to knock over the food Lin Zao had brought. So he grabbed the meal first, set it safely aside, then climbed to the window.

Lin Zao glanced back to see a tall, hulking zombie draped over the window frame, head poking out.

He wanted to come out, but his shoulders were stuck.

So Fu Cheng twisted around, trying to snap his own shoulder.

Just like a horror movie ghost crawling out of a hole.

Seeing trouble, Lin Zao hurried back.

Now he wasn’t scared at all. He grabbed Fu Cheng’s head and smacked his shoulder, trying to shove him back in.

“Fu Cheng, back inside! You’re not allowed out! You’re being naughty again!”

That stung.

Fu Cheng leaned forward more, pressing against Lin Zao’s hand.

Lin Zao quickly backpedaled. “Brother Cheng, I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have sung the dog song to you. Don’t be mad—go back inside!”

Better.

Fu Cheng chuckled softly, gave Lin Zao’s palm one last nuzzle, and retreated into the utility room.

Lin Zao puffed out his cheeks and shook a fist at him, pretending to swing.

It really was like raising a wolf dog—couldn’t keep him contained; he’d try to squeeze out at every chance.

The next moment, Fu Cheng poked his head out again, his sharp gaze landing on Lin Zao.

—Little Zao, what are you doing?

Lin Zao yanked his hands behind his back, hummed the dog song, and stared up at the ceiling.

—Nothing.

As soon as Fu Cheng withdrew, Lin Zao lunged forward, slammed the window shut, and locked it tight.

No forgetting this time.

Lin Zao and Fu Cheng goofed around for a bit.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiaobao had finished feeding the little dog.

“Dad, the little dog ate all the rice mush.”

“Good job. Little Bao’s such a champ.”

By now, it was dark outside.

The familiar rumble of a car engine sounded from beyond the walls.

The Tri-Colored Trio must be ready to head out.

This time, they didn’t wait until the dead of night—they left as soon as dusk fell.

Probably to avoid any prolonged risks; better to grab the supplies and get home quick.

Lin Zao didn’t call out or disturb them. He just stood at the window with Lin Xiaobao, watching silently as a farewell.

After they left, Lin Zao went back to the utility room entrance and collected Fu Cheng’s empty lunchbox.

That dead ghost Fu Cheng ate fast—no chewing needed, just slurped it down.

He’d heard little dogs used slow-feeder bowls.

In a few days, when they went out, he’d get one for Fu Cheng too.

The rest of the time, Lin Zao focused on prepping for the outing.

Picking clothes, making dry rations, selecting weapons.

Training Fu Cheng, training Little Bao, working out himself.

Most importantly, getting solid rest.

Eat well, sleep plenty, recharge fully—to step into the outside world in peak condition.

The next morning, bright and early, The Tri-Colored Trio returned.

They had a clear target: as soon as they left Happiness Street, straight to the auto factory.

They loaded up nonstop all night, back and forth.

By dawn, the car was packed full, and they rushed back just in time.

This time, passing Lin Zao’s back door, they deliberately stopped, knocked, and gave him an update.

“Brother Lin, we’re back. You and Brother Cheng can head out whenever.”

“Great. We’ll prep a bit more and go tonight too.”

To make the handoff smooth—and since Lin Zao might not know the factory layout—they’d drawn a simple map on tissue paper and handed it over.

“The writing’s ugly, but you can make it out. Don’t judge.”

“Of course not. Thanks a ton.”

“No sweat. We’re off.”

The Tri-Colored Trio waved from the car, then drove home.

Lin Zao looked down at the map on the tissue paper and couldn’t help chuckling.

He tucked the map away, turned, and dove back into preparations.

He steamed another pot of rice, mixed in veggies, wrapped them in plastic into rice balls.

Rice balls didn’t keep as long as rice cakes.

But they were handy, softer, less likely to scrape the roof of your mouth.

Rice balls first; when those ran out, rice cakes. Solid plan.

With rations ready, Lin Zao dug out two big thermoses, cleaned them, and filled them with boiling water.

Water was crucial—had to bring plenty.

Thinking that, he grabbed two more thermoses and filled those too.

He even added sugar to one thermos, making sugar water for quick energy boosts.

And… and…

Finally, Lin Zao ran upstairs, opened the closet, and pulled open the most hidden bottom drawer. He took out…

Lin Xiaobao poked his head around the closet door, curious. “Dad, what’s that?”

“This is…”

Lin Zao startled, quickly hiding it behind his back. It clinked and clanked with the sound of metal.

He looked up sharply. “Didn’t I tell you not to peek?”

“But I couldn’t help it.” Lin Xiaobao grinned sheepishly. “Dad, what is it?”

“This is…” Lin Zao thought for a second. “Something to catch bad guys with. Like what the police uncles use on TV.”

“Are we going out to catch bad guys?”

“Yeah, we’ll use this on Big Daddy.”

“What?” Lin Xiaobao’s eyes went wide. “We’re gonna catch Big Daddy? No way! We can’t do that!”

“He’s…” Lin Zao paused, explaining, “Big Daddy turned into a monster, right? Dad’s worried he’ll bite us in the car, so we’ll cuff him temporarily. Once we arrive and get out, we’ll uncuff him.”

“But…”

Lin Xiaobao still wasn’t sold.

“It’s fine. Dad knows what he’s doing. Have you changed into pajamas? Bedtime.”

“Okay.”

They were heading out at night, which meant staying up late.

So Lin Zao planned for them to nap from noon onward, sleep the whole afternoon, and be fresh for evening.

Lin Xiaobao climbed onto the bed, lay down obediently, and pulled up the covers.

Lin Zao stashed the item under their outing clothes, got into bed, and snuggled up beside Lin Xiaobao.

“Sleep time.”

Lin Zao patted his little chest gently.

“Remember the rules I taught you? Review them. How do we act on this trip?”

Lin Xiaobao thought. “Stay in the car the whole time. No running off.”

“And?”

“Obey Dad. No opening the car door.”

“Yep.”

“If I’m good, I get one hundred points.”

“Perfect!”

Lin Zao high-fived him.

“Now sleep.”

“Mm.”

Lin Xiaobao wriggled closer into Dad’s arms, closed his eyes, and started drifting off.

Lin Zao patted him a while longer, then dozed off himself.

Father and son slept straight through till dark, right on schedule.

Not hard for them at all.

They did it often.

But sleeping soundly? Trickier.

Lin Zao was probably too nervous and scared. The afternoon passed in a hazy fog.

Not quite nightmares—no real plots—just drifting hazily, sometimes flying through the air, sometimes bobbing in water.

Until the alarm rang. He jolted awake, drenched in sweat, and saw it was dark outside. He shook Lin Xiaobao.

“Little Bao, Little Bao, up! Time to go.”

Lin Zao sat him up, got out of bed, grabbed clean towels from the bathroom, and wiped the sweat from both of them.

He’d been hugging Little Bao while sleeping, and he was this sweaty—Little Bao must be too.

Better wipe it off instead of letting body heat dry it; otherwise, colds for sure.

Lin Xiaobao sat on the bed, hair a wild mess from sleep.

He dabbed at his face with the little towel, half-heartedly.

Lin Zao didn’t rush him. He geared up first.

Sweater, hoodie…

Nah, too hot, too bulky for moving. Skip the hoodie.

Over his base layer, Lin Zao added a sweater and a coat.

Then socks, shoes, hat, helmet, goggles.

Lin Zao finished suiting up. Lin Xiaobao was waking up, arms outstretched.

Lin Zao lifted him from the covers and dressed him.

Same routine. Seeing how hot he was, he skipped the vest too.

Twenty minutes later, father and son were fully geared, doors and security gates locked on their floor and the third-floor landing. Ready to head down.

In the kitchen, Lin Zao grabbed the three big rice balls and cabbage lean pork soup he’d prepped. Lin Xiaobao locked the second-floor security gate, and they continued down.

On the first floor, through the window, Lin Zao handed the rice balls and soup to Fu Cheng.

“Brother Cheng, eat up quick. Then we hit the road.”

Lin Zao had told him yesterday about the nighttime outing.

Fu Cheng got it—taking the rice balls with a serious look, eyes resolute.

Fu Cheng ate his rice balls inside the utility room.

Lin Zao and Lin Xiaobao sat on stools outside and ate theirs.

The two adults polished off dinner in ten minutes.

Lin Xiaobao had a small mouth and ate slowly.

Lin Zao simply opened the car door and scooped him right up into the vehicle, settling him into the child safety seat.

“Little Bao, take your time eating in the car. No rush—Dad will be back soon.”

“Okay.”

Lin Xiaobao’s child safety seat was installed right behind the driver’s seat.

Lin Zao bent down to fasten the seatbelt securely around him. Then he pulled out a large, thick piece of cardboard and placed it beside the boy, creating a barrier between his seat and the front passenger side.

It was an extra layer of protection. Even if Fu Cheng, sitting in the passenger seat, lunged forward to bite, the cardboard would hold him back.

Once Lin Xiaobao was all set, Lin Zao closed the car door and scanned their surroundings, double-checking everything one last time.

They had loaded up all sorts of dry rations and drinking water, stowed away on the seat next to Lin Xiaobao.

That morning, he had handed off the little dog—along with a pot of freshly cooked rice soup—to Grandpa Zhang and asked him to look after it.

The iron stick, long wrench, steering wheel lock, and other weapons were all packed in the car now, with more within easy reach on the center console. Even while driving, he could grab one in a flash.

With everything ready, Lin Zao pulled out his keys and headed to the door of the utility room.

He slid the key into the lock. Two soft clicks echoed.

The lock sprang open, and Lin Zao pushed the iron door inward from the outside.

Fu Cheng stood there with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall. He had been waiting for quite some time.

It was time to let their family zombie out!

Lin Zao stood in the doorway and extended his hand toward Fu Cheng.

Fu Cheng rose to his feet and strode over.

A small hand clad in pink fluffy gloves met a large one sheathed in black leather. They clasped together at last.

In the next moment, Lin Zao fished a pair of black handcuffs from his pocket.

One cuff snapped around Lin Zao’s right wrist.

The other clicked shut on Fu Cheng’s left hand.

This was the secret weapon he had dug out of the closet—a pair of handcuffs.

It would keep the two of them bound together.

If Fu Cheng made a move toward Little Bao, Lin Zao could yank back on the chain and reel him in instantly.

Fu Cheng lowered his gaze, a hint of amusement in his eyes. He lifted his hand, pulling Lin Zao’s along with it.

The metal cuffs dangled and clinked between them.

Why on earth did their family have something like this?

What exactly had he and Little Zao been up to before?

Why was his mind filled with nothing but images of Little Zao?

Lin Zao met those laughing eyes and knew exactly what was running through his head.

Lin Zao schooled his small face into a stern expression. He grabbed the short metal chain with his free hand and tugged Fu Cheng closer.

His other hand dipped into his pocket and came out with two masks—one disposable, one cloth.

Fu Cheng stumbled forward a step and came to a halt in front of Lin Zao. He obediently ducked his head, allowing Lin Zao to fit both masks over his face.

Even though it would make breathing difficult.

If this was the price to pay for a family outing with Little Zao and Little Bao—the three of them together—then so be it.

He was more than willing.