“Slurp—”
Lin Zao hugged Fu Cheng tightly, burying his face in the man’s chest and rubbing against it. He sniffed hard.
He was crying.
Lin Zao had always been a strong and brave person.
When enemies gathered and closed in, he racked his brains for countermeasures.
When enemies stormed the door, he fired bullets with all his might.
Even when enemies reached the floor below and knocked on their door, he kept up the resistance.
He never gave up until the very last moment.
But now, he was crying.
Fu Cheng had made him cry.
Fu Cheng spread his arms and wrapped them around Lin Zao’s shoulders, holding him tight.
He lowered his head, unable to see Lin Zao’s face, only the fluffy top of his hair.
He heard Lin Zao sniffling and felt the slight tremors in his body.
Lin Zao’s tears soaked through the thin tank top on his chest, flooding straight into his heart.
It wouldn’t be long before they drowned him completely.
Fu Cheng’s heart ached. He raised a hand to stroke Lin Zao’s head, then ran it up and down his back to soothe him.
His throat tightened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he spoke in a low, hoarse voice.
“Little Zao, I’m sorry.”
I’m sorry. He shouldn’t have gone out on his own.
He shouldn’t have left his wife and son at home, shouldn’t have made them worry about him.
He shouldn’t have…
“Slurp!”
Suddenly, an enormously loud sound came from at his feet!
What was that?
Lin Zao looked up and met Fu Cheng’s gaze.
The two of them snapped back to reality and looked down in unison.
There was Lin Xiaobao, sprawled at their feet, clinging to their legs and gazing up at them with teary eyes.
“Dad… Big Daddy…”
“I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel so sad.”
As he spoke, he started to lower his head, pressing his face against their pants.
Lin Zao reacted first, quickly pressing a hand to his forehead.
“Little Bao! Don’t wipe your snot on Dad’s pants!”
“Wahhh—” Lin Xiaobao looked even more aggrieved. “Dad can wipe his tears on Big Daddy’s shirt, but I can’t? Dad’s playing favorites! Dad doesn’t like me!”
With that, he ducked his head and rubbed his face on Fu Cheng’s pants.
If Dad wouldn’t let him, he’d rub on Big Daddy!
Hmph!
“No, it’s not that! I just…” Lin Zao grabbed Fu Cheng’s tank top and wiped his face roughly. Then he bent down to scoop up Lin Xiaobao.
Lin Xiaobao’s little body lifted right off the ground, but his small hands refused to let go, clutching tightly to Big Daddy’s leg.
No way! He wanted to wipe his tears on Big Daddy’s pants!
“No! Little Bao, let go right now!”
“I won’t!”
Lin Xiaobao pouted stubbornly, his little face full of determination.
Lin Zao pulled at him like he was yanking up a carrot.
“Dad didn’t mean he doesn’t like you! That’s not what I meant!”
“Then what did Dad mean?”
“Dad meant we’ve all been out fighting—our clothes are filthy! You can’t rub your face on them!”
“I don’t mind Dad or Big Daddy.”
Lin Xiaobao declared righteously, making a convincing case.
But he couldn’t hold out against Lin Zao and Fu Cheng working together to pry his hands free.
Lin Zao scooped him into his arms. “Come on, let’s go upstairs to brush our teeth and wash our faces.”
It was early morning, and that group had burst in so suddenly—they hadn’t even had time to freshen up.
Lin Xiaobao had eye gunk in the corners of his eyes and dried drool crusted at the corners of his mouth.
Luckily, Grandpa Zhang had said he’d make breakfast, so the little family of three had some extra time.
Lin Zao grabbed Fu Cheng’s hand and shoved him into the children’s room bathroom. “Go take a shower. Scrub everywhere!”
“Grr—”
Fu Cheng looked at him and grumbled in response, seeming a bit upset.
Little Zao thought he was dirty!
“No imitating Little Bao!” Lin Zao patted his shoulder. “Scrub top to bottom, inside and out. Change into clean clothes after, and make sure to put on your gloves and bite guard. Got it?”
“Roar!”
Lin Zao’s eyes were still brimming with tears as he smiled at him coquettishly. “Brother Cheng, go on. I’m still a little scared.”
—Fine, fine, fine. Off I go.
In the end, Fu Cheng surrendered and turned to enter the children’s room.
Lin Zao watched him go inside before carrying Lin Xiaobao back to the master bedroom.
Lin Xiaobao wasn’t happy. He muttered softly, “Big Daddy, that’s my room.”
Lin Zao coaxed him. “We’re just borrowing it for Big Daddy for now. Your toothbrush and cup are in Dad’s room—doesn’t it make more sense to brush with me?”
He mimicked Lin Xiaobao’s tone. “Wow, Little Bao, do you not like Dad…?”
“No way!” Lin Xiaobao threw his arms around Dad’s neck and denied it loudly.
The father and son hadn’t gone out much, so they weren’t dirty and didn’t need showers.
They just changed out of their pajamas and did a quick wash-up.
Still uneasy, Lin Zao brushed his teeth in a flash, rinsed his mouth, wiped his face, and then went to check on Fu Cheng.
“Little Bao, take your time brushing. Dad’s going to check on Big Daddy. Once you’re done, don’t run around—sit on the bed and wait for us.”
“Okay… Grr grr…”
Lin Xiaobao was engrossed in his battle with the toothpaste foam.
Lin Zao gave him one last glance before darting into the opposite room.
After more than ten days of human life, Fu Cheng had learned to open and close doors and use the water heater.
He was already washing up—the bathroom door was shut, and the sound of running water came from inside.
They’d rushed back earlier, so Lin Zao hadn’t gotten a good look at Fu Cheng’s body.
Humans infected by zombie bites or scratches turned into zombies from the zombie virus.
But what happened if a zombie got bitten or scratched by another zombie?
Would the virus stack?
Would Brother Cheng have to endure the agony of turning all over again?
Lin Zao pressed his lips together and stared fixedly at the glass door.
He couldn’t help stepping closer, his worried gaze piercing through the door as if he could see right through it.
How was Brother Cheng? Could he go in and check?
Brother Cheng was showering anyway—clothes off, easy to inspect.
Fu Cheng seemed to sense something; the water stopped for a moment.
The next second, the door handle in front of Lin Zao jiggled lightly.
Then the glass door cracked open from inside, just a sliver.
An invitation, right?
Brother Cheng was inviting him in, right?
No need to stand on ceremony, then!
Lin Zao leaned in, hands gripping the doorframe as he peered through the gap.
The next instant, he locked eyes with a pair of scarlet ones.
“Whoa!”
Lin Zao jumped back in fright.
Fu Cheng mimicked him, blocking the door from inside and peering out curiously.
“Roar.”
Little Zao, what are you doing? Spying on my shower?
Realizing it was him, Lin Zao yanked the door open and thumped Fu Cheng’s bare chest.
“What are you doing? You scared me on purpose!”
Fu Cheng had finished washing but hadn’t dressed yet. His upper body was bare, and he had only a short towel wrapped around his hips.
His buzzed head was still dripping wet, like a wolf dog that had fallen in the water.
Fu Cheng caught Lin Zao’s hand and protested solemnly. “Little Zao, no.”
Little Zao had told him before—humans weren’t allowed to peep on others showering.
But Little Zao was doing it anyway.
“You can’t, but I can.”
Lin Zao flicked the little cat tail behind him and gave Fu Cheng a head-to-toe once-over. He even reached out to feel the man’s abs.
His upper body was fully visible—no wounds. The lower half…
Lin Zao hooked a finger in Fu Cheng’s towel and tugged him closer.
Fu Cheng didn’t mind at all. He thrust his hips forward obligingly. Look all you want.
Totally open about it!
Fu Cheng wasn’t embarrassed, but Lin Zao was.
He glanced quickly, confirmed no injuries, and let go, letting the towel snap back.
“Cover up properly. Tuck it tight, pull it higher.”
Lin Zao grabbed the towel and hiked it up.
Realizing that wasn’t working, he yanked it back down.
“Don’t let anyone else see. Only me, got it?”
Fu Cheng’s lips quirked as he tilted his head, looking helpless.
Was he the one offering? Little Zao was the one insisting.
Lin Zao flushed and pulled his hand back, turning away. “Put some clothes on.”
Fu Cheng stepped through the puddle on the floor and grabbed the tank top and shorts hanging on the wall.
Lin Zao pressed his lips together, eyes darting. He sneaked another peek over his shoulder.
That quick glimpse earlier—he felt like…
Something was different down there.
Brother Cheng’s… compared to before, it seemed…
Spotting Lin Zao peeking again, all serious-faced, Fu Cheng took two steps closer to give him a better look.
As he approached, Lin Zao quickly looked up at the ceiling, arms crossed, and turned away again.
No more looking, no more.
How had Brother Cheng…
mutated all over?
Was that even fair?
Fu Cheng chuckled lightly and pulled on his tank top, then picked up his shorts. “Roar?”
—Little Zao, want another look? Or should I get dressed?
Lin Zao was equal parts shy and annoyed. He balled his fists and shook them at Fu Cheng.
—Get dressed! Hurry up! I don’t even want to look!
If he’d known, he would’ve let a zombie bite him, so Brother Cheng could stay human, take care of the house, and protect Little Bao.
Lin Zao couldn’t help fantasizing.
The thought made him burst out laughing.
Hee hee! He’d mutate too, flash his goods, and scare Brother Cheng half to death!
But now…
Fu Cheng was fully dressed and came over, interrupting his daydream.
Lin Zao pouted resentfully and adjusted the crooked bite guard on his face.
Now Brother Cheng had scared him.
The little family finished freshening up, grabbed their chopsticks and spoons from the kitchen, and headed downstairs.
Grandpa Zhang had boiled a huge pot of thin noodles and dished them into four iron basins for their breakfast.
Even the little dog got some—a tiny basin, mashed extra fine for easy eating.
Lin Xiaobao loved thin noodles and always polished off his share clean.
But this time…
Lin Xiaobao sat on a little stool in front of a slightly taller plastic chair.
Lin Zao set the basin in front of him for him to eat on his own.
Lin Xiaobao took one bite and sensed something off.
“Grandpa, why no shredded meat this time?”
Just oil-fried scallions, dried shrimp, and shredded dried fish.
The toppings were in tiny bits—not satisfying to chew.
Lin Xiaobao blinked at Grandpa Zhang in confusion.
Grandpa Zhang choked up a little, unsure how to tell the boy they were out of meat at home.
Lin Zao guessed the situation and patted Lin Xiaobao’s head. “Little Rascal, eat up quick, or Big Daddy’ll finish it all.”
Fu Cheng opened his mouth wide, inhaled deeply, and pretended he could slurp the noodles from afar.
Lin Xiaobao hurriedly twirled some noodles with his chopsticks, blew on them, and stuffed them in his mouth. “I’m eating now.”
Lin Zao turned back with a smile for Grandpa Zhang, taking the other two basins from him sheepishly. “Don’t worry about it.”
“It’s fine.” Grandpa Zhang nodded. “Hold them steady—don’t spill. Eat quick while it’s hot, then come back once more to clean up the mess outside. We’ll all discuss what to do next.”
“Okay…” Lin Zao felt a bit guilty.
He was a little scared, scared the neighbors would ask about Brother Cheng.
Then Grandpa Zhang added, “Just send one representative from your family. Leave someone home to watch Little Bao.”
“Hm?” Lin Zao looked up in delighted surprise, meeting Grandpa Zhang’s firm gaze. He nodded vigorously. “Yeah, yeah!”
“Alright, go eat.”
“Got it.”
Lin Zao closed the window, shot Fu Cheng a look, and said, “Come here, grab your share.”
The thin noodles were piping hot from the pot. Rather than carry them upstairs, the family of three gathered around the plastic chairs and ate quietly.
Fu Cheng and Lin Xiaobao could use chopsticks now, but they weren’t proficient yet.
Especially with the thin, slippery noodles—they couldn’t pick them up at all.
They had to twirl the noodles around their chopsticks and shovel them in.
“Ah—”
Lin Zao watched the father and son—looking like they were carved from the same block of wood in their goofy way—and couldn’t hold back his laughter.
The two protested in unison.
“Dad!”
“Little Zao!”
“So elegant.” Lin Zao praised them against his better judgment. “Just like eating Italian pasta.”
“Hee hee!”
That was more like it.
Lin Xiaobao perked up and kept “twirling and twirling” his noodles.
Fu Cheng still felt something was off and stared at Lin Zao.
Lin Zao smiled, pinched the sides of his basin, and lifted it up.
“Dad, what are you doing?”
“Checking if the chair got melted.”
Once he confirmed the plastic chair was fine, Lin Zao set the basin down and kept slurping.
The noodles were too hot, and he loved slurping the broth.
Lin Zao made it halfway through his basin and couldn’t eat more.
Just then, the other neighbors arrived.
Lin Zao set his noodles aside sheepishly for Fu Cheng to watch—he’d finish them at lunch.
He threw on a jacket, said goodbye to his boys, and headed out.
Fu Cheng and Lin Xiaobao stood inside the door, opening and closing it for him, waving in perfect sync.
Even their waving motions matched.
“I’m off. Wait downstairs for me—don’t wander.”
“Got it!”
“Roar.”
“Woof…”
Three totally different replies echoed back.
Their little family really was a diverse bunch.
Lin Zao turned to face the other neighbors at Grandpa Zhang’s place, pressing his lips together and psyching himself up inwardly.
Don’t be scared!
They might not have seen Brother Cheng. They might not ask.
If they did… he’d…
He’d deny it to the death!
Yeah, that’s the plan.
Red Hair pushed the door open from inside and waved him over.
“Brother Lin, what are you standing around for? Come on! Zombies might show up again soon.”
Lin Zao took a deep breath and stepped forward. “Coming.”
Lin Zao was the last to enter Grandpa Zhang’s house; everyone else was already there.
He crossed the threshold, shut and locked the door behind him.
He turned around, trying to avoid the neighbors’ eyes, but noticed…
The neighbors were avoiding his gaze too.
Several of them looked away—to the ceiling, the floor, out the window. Anywhere but at him.
What… was going on?
Lin Zao was puzzled.
The group just stood there facing each other in utter silence, the atmosphere growing awkwardly tense.
Lin Zao opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but he had no idea where to start.
They weren’t asking, so he couldn’t just confess out of the blue, could he?
That would be too foolish.
A few minutes passed—Lin Zao was counting the seconds in his head.
Finally, someone broke the silence.
The venerable Grandpa Zhang spoke up in a soft voice. “Little Lin.”
“Hm?” Lin Zao responded at once. “Yeah, yeah, I’m here!”
“How’s Little Fu doing?”
“He’s great, no injuries!” Lin Zao stressed. “Not a single scratch.”
Lin Zao glanced at Grandpa Zhang, then carefully averted his eyes to sneak peeks at the others.
At that moment, the neighbors spoke up too.
“Good, good. As long as he’s not hurt.”
“Little Fu was pretty heroic, huh? Zombies swarming outside, and he went out alone.”
“No doubt about it. Brother Fu’s super strong—zombies are no match for him, that little car was nothing, and he faced them down with just a mortal body!”
—That kind of non-mainstream talk had to be from The Tri-Colored Trio.
“We really owe him thanks. Little Lin, when you head back, tell him ‘thanks’ from us. We’ll grab some rice or veggies later—you take them back for Little Fu.”
Lin Zao’s eyes lit up, his heart leaping with joy. He waved his hands hurriedly. “No need, no need. It’s just what anyone would do.”
He had no idea if the neighbors had figured it out, but…
As long as they weren’t willing to call it out, he could pretend they hadn’t noticed!
That was their unspoken understanding!
“You have to take some. We’ll still send a little back with you later.”
“No, really. Let’s talk about the battlefield outside first—how to handle it.”
Lin Zao was lost in his joy, grinning foolishly with no brainpower left for thinking.
The older neighbors discussed matters while the younger ones stood by listening.
Grandpa Zhang said, “In my opinion, we should leave the battlefield outside as is. Don’t clean it up. If others come along and see the street in this state, it’ll deter them.”
“Yes.” Fat Aunt nodded, but she quickly raised an objection. “The blood and flesh out there still need sweeping up, though, or it’ll stink up the street. That wouldn’t smell good at all.”
“All right. And those cars—we’ll check them out later to see if any are usable. But they’re all flipped over, so they’re probably done for.”
At those words, Lin Zao blushed a little.
How embarrassing. It was his Dead Ghost husband who had flipped them over with the zombie.
He quickly raised his hand. “The cars are no good, but they’ve still got gasoline in them. Our minivan’s out of fuel, right? We can siphon it over.”
“That’s right—Little Lin’s got it!”
Lin Zao put his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest.
“All right, quit showing off.” Fat Uncle clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s go take a look now.”
The enemies and the zombie had only just left the street, so it was safe for the moment.
The group geared up, wrapping themselves tightly and grabbing their weapons before heading out.
They clustered around one of the cars.
Its windows were shattered, the doors and roof caved in—it was definitely unusable.
The two sisters took up watch at either end of the street.
Fat Uncle and Fat Aunt fetched stainless steel buckets and plastic tubes from home.
The Tri-Colored Trio popped open the gas tank and peered inside.
“Pretty full.”
“Yellow Hair, can’t see in there. Light it with your lighter.”
“Screw you! Why don’t you try? It’ll blow your ass up!”
They set the stainless steel bucket nearby and shoved one end of the tube into the tank.
Fat Uncle didn’t hesitate. He pinched the other end in his mouth and sucked hard. Gasoline flowed out.
He dropped the tube into the bucket, and the nearly clear gasoline streamed steadily inside.
They handled all three cars the same way.
While guarding the buckets and keeping an eye on their surroundings, they chatted idly.
“Wonder if those guys will come back.”
“They got beat that bad—probably not.”
“If they do, we’ll beat the drums again and call over some zombies.”
“What if the zombies don’t show?”
“Then…” Red Hair paused, then thumped his chest. “Then we’ve still got super strong Brother Fu, right?”
“Whatever else, Brother Fu will protect Brother Lin and Brother Bao. As their neighbor, I’ll get some spillover protection—pay a little protection fee and have Brother Fu watch out for me too.”
Grandpa Zhang gripped his cane. “In my view, we need to move fast and get prepared.”
“Best to scrounge up stuff for barricades and block off both ends of the street. It’ll buy us time even if someone shows up.”
“And the windows at your place—they all need anti-theft nets. If not, smear on some cement and embed broken bottles in it. We can’t let the thief climb in again.”
“Right.” The neighbors nodded. “We’ll get on it tonight.”
“Grab that big iron door from the auto factory and install it here.”
