Chapter 252: The Phoenix Man Who Soared Before the Apocalypse (58)

Shen Xiuyan gently poked his slightly disappointed wife on the cheek, his eyes full of affection.

“Why the long face?”

Su Mingyue pouted. “Bunch of noobs. Not a single one worth fighting.”

“Hahaha.” Shen Xiuyan chuckled as he ruffled her hair. “What, you were hoping to get into a fight?”

Su Mingyue flashed a bright smile, showing eight perfect teeth. “I wouldn’t mind, actually.”

Shen Xiuyan shook his head helplessly. His wife really had an inexplicable confidence in herself.

But to be fair, she had every reason to be confident.

At this point in time, some bases were only just beginning to understand the value of Core Crystals. Their base had simply gotten a head start. Compared to that, the others did seem a bit weak. Still, was that really something to be disappointed about?

Their main goal this time was to scout for scientific personnel, not to pick fights with other ability users.

Of course, if any supernatural ability users were willing to join them, he’d welcome them with open arms. But so far, it didn’t seem likely they’d find anyone willing.

Wang Jidong listened to their conversation, feeling utterly drained.

He had no intention of staying with this group of lunatics any longer. It was starting to feel like a death sentence.

So he spoke up, “Boss, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head out now?”

Shen Xiuyan raised a hand to stop him. “Hold on. I still have a question. Are there many scientific researchers at this base? Where are they?”

Wang Jidong looked puzzled. “Why are you asking about that?”

Shen Xiuyan waved him off. “Not your place to ask. Just answer the question.”

Wang Jidong nodded. “We’ve got some researchers from before the Apocalypse, all at the professor level. But they’re not doing too well these days.”

Shen Xiuyan frowned. “Why? People with real skills shouldn’t be struggling like that…”

He was sure the three major bases had already resumed research. Why was this base so out of sync?

Wang Jidong gave a bitter smile. “A small base is lucky just to survive. Who has the luxury to support researchers? They’re all old folks anyway. If it were me, I wouldn’t want to feed them for nothing either.”

“How is that feeding them for nothing…” Shen Xiuyan couldn’t help but retort. “But the way you said that… sounds like you’re speaking from experience?”

Wang Jidong’s face didn’t change. “Unfortunately, my old man is one of them. He dedicated most of his life to the country. Now, he asks for nothing more than to stay alive.”

“Tsk…” Shen Xiuyan hadn’t expected such a stroke of luck. This was practically falling into his lap.

“What kind of research did your father do?”

“Human genetics.”

Shen Xiuyan grinned like a sly old fox and began to coax him. “From the looks of it, you’re not doing too well here either. Why not bring your father and come with us? We’re short on researchers. At least at our place, he can trade his knowledge for food and other resources.”

Suspicion flickered in Wang Jidong’s eyes. “Who exactly are you people?”

Shen Xiuyan smiled faintly. “We’re from another base. This trip is to find people with useful skills.”

Wang Jidong pressed his lips together. “And how am I supposed to trust you? If you don’t leave soon, you might not make it through the day.”

“Whether we make it or not, you’ll see for yourself tomorrow.” Shen Xiuyan was calm and unbothered, showing no concern for his safety. “No need to rush your decision. Think it over with your father tonight. If you know any other researchers, we’d welcome them too.”

Wang Jidong hesitated. “I…”

Shen Xiuyan waved it off. “No rush. For now, just take us to a place where we can stay the night. Once everything’s settled, I’ll give you another pack of biscuits.”

“Alright, turn right.” At the mention of biscuits, Wang Jidong instantly shelved his doubts and led them to a place to stay.

“Up ahead. This place offers short-term lodging. Ten days for one Core Crystal.”

“Perfect. Thanks. We’ll stay here. Looking forward to your answer tomorrow.”

Wang Jidong didn’t reply. He took the supplies Shen Xiuyan gave him and walked off without looking back.

Back at their temporary shelter, Wang Jidong mulled things over again and again, unsure whether to tell his father about what had happened.

But no one knew a son better than his father. The moment he walked in, Old Wang could tell something was weighing on his mind.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t find anything useful today?” Old Wang sighed softly. “It’s all my fault. I’m useless in this Apocalypse. I can’t help you at all, just dragging you down. Honestly, I should’ve just died back then…”

“Dad, how can you say that?” Wang Jidong jumped to his feet, alarmed. He quickly pulled out the supplies Shen Xiuyan had given him. “We actually had a good haul today. Look.”

Old Wang glanced over and was stunned to see bread, instant noodles, biscuits—real supplies—in his son’s hands. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “This much? What did you do today?”

Wang Jidong replied, “Ran into some newcomers. Gave them some information, and they gave me this.”

“Good, good.” Old Wang beamed as he picked up a piece of bread and called out toward the back room, “Lingling! Your dad brought back bread today! Come out and eat!”

As soon as he spoke, a chubby little girl came running out.

Behind her, a woman called out anxiously, “Lingling, slow down! Don’t fall!”

Lingling had already reached Old Wang and chirped, “Grandpa, eat, eat bread.”

Old Wang happily scooped her into his arms. “Grandpa will open it for you.”

Soon, Lingling was munching on the bread with delight.

The woman frowned. “Dad, don’t spoil her like that. This bread wasn’t easy to come by. You should eat first.”

Old Wang waved her off. “No need. I’m already half in the grave. I’ve eaten all the good things in my life. But poor Lingling… she’s five years old and barely tasted anything good before the Apocalypse hit…”

Lingling heard her grandpa mention her name. She tilted her head, saw he wasn’t talking to her, then thought for a moment and held the bread up to his mouth.

“Grandpa, eat, eat bread. It’s yummy.”

Old Wang laughed heartily. “Good girl. Our Lingling is such a sweet, filial child.”

Though he said that, he only took a tiny symbolic bite in the end.

Wang Jidong watched, heart aching.

His father had once been a proud, spirited man before the Apocalypse. Now, he couldn’t even bear to eat a piece of bread.

It was his own failure…

But Old Wang could tell exactly what his son was thinking. He encouraged him, “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re already doing great. Look around—how many families in this base have all their members still alive? The fact that we’re all here, safe and together, is already a blessing.”

Wang Jidong felt a lump in his throat at his father’s words.

After much thought, he finally decided to tell him everything that had happened today.

Deep down, he still held a sliver of hope. What if that man had been telling the truth?

Maybe if they went with them, they really could have a better life. Lingling was still so young—did she really have to grow up in this chaos?

After hearing the whole story, Old Wang was stunned.

“Could something that good really be true?”

— Translator’s Notes —

• filial: Refers to the Confucian virtue of respect and care for one’s parents and elders, highly valued in Chinese culture.