Chapter 224: The Phoenix Man Who Soared Before the Apocalypse (29)

Shen Xiuyan clutched her hand in shock. “W-wife, you really dare to do it?”

The sight of digging into a zombie’s head was far from pleasant. Hadn’t even Young Master Huo, a grown man, been sick to his stomach for a long time after doing it?

But Su Mingyue nodded firmly. It was already the apocalypse—what was there left to be afraid of?

She had to become stronger, to contribute something to the group. She couldn’t rely on her husband forever just to survive.

Shen Xiuyan understood what she was thinking. He gently patted her head in silent support.

At the same time, he patted his own chest, feeling a bit anxious. He hadn’t expected his wife to be this bold. Somehow, he had the nagging sense that his place in the relationship was in danger.

He cautiously held Su Mingyue’s hand. “You can come in, but you can’t be more than one meter away from me. Only after I confirm there are no zombies nearby can you start digging for Core Crystals.”

“Okay!” Su Mingyue’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She could finally take part in the action.

The more excited his wife looked, the more nervous Shen Xiuyan became.

Why was his wife so different from everyone else?

A little fierce. A little scary.

This service area had been built on the outskirts of a small town, so the commercial zone wasn’t very large.

In the sweltering summer heat, most people would have stayed home during this time of day. So when the apocalypse hit, there hadn’t been many people gathered here—and naturally, not many zombies either.

After Shen Xiuyan and the others cleared the parking lot, they entered the rest area and only found two zombies inside.

Young Master Huo and Su Mingyue both looked visibly disappointed.

These two zombies didn’t even give them a chance to show their skills. Shen Xiuyan casually tossed two Lightning Balls, and the zombies were instantly charred black on the spot.

Su Mingyue, holding the small dagger Shen Xiuyan had given her, rushed forward with enthusiasm.

With a swift motion, she sliced through both heads and held two sticky Core Crystals in her fair, delicate hands.

Shen Xiuyan, witnessing this scene: “…”

Young Master Huo: “…”

That decisive technique, that ruthless expression—she was even faster than Young Master Huo when digging for Core Crystals.

Su Mingyue’s move made Young Master Huo feel deeply ashamed.

Who could possibly handle a woman like this?

He turned his head stiffly. Oh, right. Shen Xiuyan.

Of course. A couple that walks a path no one else dares to tread.

After a moment’s thought, he still had the leisure to praise Shen Xiuyan. “Sister-in-law is truly a heroine among women. That skill, that stance—so clean and sharp, just like slaughtering a chicken…”

Shen Xiuyan shot him a speechless look. If you don’t know how to compliment someone, maybe just don’t. Please, kindly shut up. Thanks.

Receiving the look, Young Master Huo made a zipping motion across his lips.

Shen Xiuyan ignored him and quickly ran over, saying eagerly, “Come on, sweetheart, wash your hands.”

Before he even finished speaking, a stream of water appeared out of thin air in front of Su Mingyue.

After washing the Core Crystals in her hands, Su Mingyue said excitedly, “See? I can help you guys now! Don’t make me stay in the car anymore, okay?”

Shen Xiuyan slapped his thigh. Well, looks like his wife had been holding this in for a while before finally exploding.

After all, she was a normal person with self-respect. Her loved one was out there fighting for their lives, while she sat comfortably in the car reaping the benefits. That kind of guilt was bound to build up.

She’d been bottling it up since the day they left. Maybe she’d finally snapped.

With that frustration driving her, even digging into zombie brains seemed easier.

Understanding this, Shen Xiuyan took a deep breath and said, “If you’re not afraid, then fine. But you’re not allowed to leave my—”

“One meter, right? I know already~” Su Mingyue cut him off sweetly. “It’s settled then! I knew you were the best, hubby. I knew you’d say yes.”

As she spoke, she hugged his arm and gave it a playful shake, feeding him sweet words and leaving him no room to back out.

Looking at her radiant smile so close to his face, Shen Xiuyan suddenly understood how King Zhou of Shang must have felt.

Digging Core Crystals? Pfft, small matter. He’d give her his life if she wanted it.

His wife was truly a charming little enchantress!

Young Master Huo, standing off to the side, felt like he’d just been force-fed another mouthful of dog food. He covered his face. He’d had enough.

How could they manage to dish out PDA in every single situation?

Pink bubbles floated around the couple. Who knew how long they’d keep this up? Young Master Huo finally spoke up to break the romantic spell.

“Brother Shen, Sister-in-law, looks like there’s a lot of supplies here. Let’s restock the car while we can.”

Shen Xiuyan took a closer look. Sure enough, the shelves were packed. He wanted nothing more than to sweep everything into his spatial storage, but with Young Master Huo around, he couldn’t risk exposing himself.

He scratched his head in frustration but had no choice. In the end, he said, “Alright, you go load up. Mingyue and I will cook something outside. Once we eat, we’ll head out.”

“Got it.”

Everyone got to work. Shen Xiuyan didn’t use anything from his spatial storage. Relying solely on the fully stocked service area, they still managed to enjoy a satisfying lunch.

After the meal, the three of them got back in the car. Shen Xiuyan couldn’t stop thinking about all the supplies they’d left behind at the service area. The thought gnawed at him.

Suddenly, he said, “Wait a sec. I’m going back in to see if there’s any mint candy. My mouth feels really dry.”

Before he could even get out, Young Master Huo had already pulled out a mint candy from who-knows-where and handed it over.

Shen Xiuyan: “…”

This really wasn’t the time to be so considerate. And seriously, of all the things you could’ve packed, you brought mint candy?

Shen Xiuyan sighed. “No thanks. I also want to see if there’s any chewing gum.”

Young Master Huo quickly pulled out some chewing gum as well.

Shen Xiuyan was speechless. Was this guy trying to sabotage him?

He gritted his teeth. “I’m going back in to look for Jiaxin gummies. You definitely didn’t pack those, right?”

Young Master Huo looked confused. Why was he so mad?

But being the good-natured guy he was, he just scratched the back of his head and grinned. “You’re right, I didn’t pack those.”

Shen Xiuyan shot him a glare, turned around, and stormed off the car in one fluid motion.

“Bang!”

The loud slam of the door startled Young Master Huo. He turned to Su Mingyue with a bewildered, innocent look. “Sister-in-law, did I do something wrong? I had everything Brother Shen asked for—why is he still so mad?”

Su Mingyue couldn’t help but burst out laughing. Where did this goofball come from?

Say he’s bad at reading the room, yet he managed to latch onto Shen Xiuyan’s thigh. Say he’s good at reading the room, and yet here he is, acting like a clueless fool.

She wasn’t even sure if he was playing dumb or genuinely didn’t get it.

Su Mingyue covered her giggling mouth with her sleeve. “Silly boy, your only mistake is being too capable.”

Young Master Huo was completely lost, looking even more confused.

Why did he suddenly not understand a single word this couple was saying?

— Translator’s Notes —

• King Zhou of Shang: The last king of the Shang Dynasty in ancient China, known in legend for being manipulated by his beautiful concubine Daji and neglecting his royal duties, leading to the dynasty’s downfall. Used here to describe someone completely captivated by a woman’s charm.

• force-fed dog food: Chinese internet slang referring to the feeling of being an unwilling witness to a couple’s public displays of affection, similar to ‘third-wheeling’ or seeing others be lovey-dovey.