The spring in Rongcheng was prosperous, a scene of vigorous growth. Countless people toiled in the fields or factories. Nowadays, there were two ways to support a family: one was to work for the government, whether as a civil servant or in a public institution; one could never go wrong by following along. The other was to join a factory or work on the farms.
Compared to a year ago, Rongcheng’s population had halved. In fact, this was the result of people from the entire province flooding in. Otherwise, let alone nearly five million, even one million people would have been difficult to gather. Across the entire province, only the plains had recovered cities and towns. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the northwest was still beyond their reach.
Where there were hardworking people who got rich, there were naturally also lazy and idle people. In the unseen corners of Rongcheng, many women were engaged in the sex trade, and some men were stealing and cheating. Such things were not brought to the table, but they seemed to have been tacitly accepted by everyone.
The reason was simple: in times of chaos, survival was the most important thing. For a meal, dignity counted for nothing. If you didn’t want to exert your strength or your mind, then lie down and let others enjoy themselves. Perhaps, when the world was at peace again, life would return to how it was before.
Chu Chaoyan looked at the scenery of Rongcheng and felt that it was much the same as before. Everyone was busy, and the worry about life-threatening danger was basically non-existent. Although the work was hard, they didn’t have to worry about the threat of zombies and mutated beasts, which could be considered a form of good fortune.
At that time, Chu Chaoyan also knew that many cities had not yet been recovered, and countless zombies occupied the cities. For people in those cities, surviving was not an easy matter. Finding a bottle of mineral water or an expired bread would be like celebrating the New Year.
“I wonder how long it will take to return to the living standards of the past,” Chu Chaoyan muttered softly.
Chang Jianyi heard Chu Chaoyan’s muttering and did not reply. Instead, she led Wang Xiao and a group of bodyguards straight to Rongcheng’s command center. Finally, in a conference room, they met the benevolent Xie Bateng, who was smiling broadly. He said, “Miss Chang and Miss Chu! We have been expecting you for a long time. Thank you for capturing the swindler who plagued Rongcheng. We will hold a public trial in a few days and execute this fellow in front of everyone.”
General Xie wore a friendly smile, appearing very amiable. However, his every move carried an air of nobility. No one dared to underestimate this smiling man. After all, he was the highest-ranking official in Rongcheng, especially in the current era of military management. His word was the supreme principle in Rongcheng.
Chang Jianyi quickly returned the courtesy, “We are honored by the General’s regard. I represent Yuzhou in returning the prisoner. In addition, we also need to discuss the matter of Jiucheng. The survivor base in Jiucheng has come to Yuzhou for assistance, but Jiucheng does not fall under Yuzhou’s jurisdiction. How this should be handled depends on Rongcheng’s decision.”
Upon hearing this, General Xie immediately frowned. After sitting down, he said helplessly, “Actually, Rongcheng’s military strength is also insufficient. Mutated wild boars have descended from the Qinling Mountains in the north, eating crops and injuring people. The monkeys on Mount Emei have also mutated and are stealing from granaries everywhere. Mutated rats and rabbits are appearing throughout the basin, and rabbit holes can be seen everywhere in the mountains. Rongcheng really lacks the manpower to support Jiucheng. By the way, what are your thoughts on this?”
At this moment, General Xie subtly kicked the ball back. On the surface, he was asking for Chang Jianyi’s opinion, but it was tantamount to handing the trouble back to Chang Jianyi.
Hearing this, Chang Jianyi could only say helplessly, “Our Yuzhou also has no spare capacity to help Jiucheng. The eastern region has not yet been recovered, and the land reclamation is still ongoing. In the short term, we cannot offer any assistance. I think this matter still needs to be decided by you, General!”
At this moment, Chang Jianyi also learned to play the victim. As the saying goes, the crying baby gets the milk. No matter what, acting poor was the right way to go.
General Xie nodded and suddenly muttered to himself, “Speaking of which, Jiucheng is quite important. One of the transportation routes between Sichuan Province and Yunnan Province passes through Jiucheng. If we ignore it, it really wouldn’t be right. It’s truly troublesome. It would be good if the people of Jiucheng could receive some material support.”
Chang Jianyi, being intelligent and perceptive, understood General Xie’s words. Wasn’t this an hint that she could sell weapons and evolution potions?
Thus, Chang Jianyi tentatively asked, “Isn’t Rongcheng worried that these survivor bases will collude with each other, making it impossible for the provincial government to control them?”
General Xie laughed at this, shaking his head helplessly as he explained, “There is no need to worry about this at all. Instead of worrying about survivor bases colluding, we need to first clarify the main contradiction. The most important thing right now is to identify the main enemy, which is the zombies! If these bases can recover cities on their own, even if we temporarily grant them ruling rights, it would be a good thing.”
General Xie had a long-term vision. He didn’t care if survivor bases occupied cities. What he cared about most was when the zombies could be completely eradicated. Currently, the army was mainly fighting in the eastern region because the plains were the most important. As for the western region, many people were living in dire straits. If the people below could save themselves, that would be the best.
Chang Jianyi nodded, understanding General Xie’s meaning. Yuzhou could provide material support to the Jiucheng base, but that support would end there.
“Speaking of which, Miss Chang, when you return, please tell Shen Feng about when the train will be opened. It’s best to discuss this matter,” General Xie suddenly said.
Compared to Jiucheng, General Xie cared more about the issue of opening the train between Rongcheng and Yuzhou. As long as the train could be opened, communication between the two sides would be much simpler. It could be said that both supplies and personnel could be replenished through the train.
Chang Jianyi nodded and said seriously, “No problem, I will definitely tell Shen Feng about this when I get back.”
“There’s no rush. Since you’ve come to Rongcheng, you can look around. Speaking of which, Shen Feng’s family is also in Rongcheng, so you can have a family reunion,” General Xie said, seeing that most matters had been discussed, and invited the two to enjoy their time in Rongcheng.
The meeting concluded. The negotiations went smoothly, with cooperation as the main focus, and no disputes over interests.
Next, Chu Chaoyan led Chang Jianyi to Shen Feng’s home. The more than twenty bodyguards accompanying them dispersed, agreeing to gather when it was time to leave.
Around Rongcheng, no zombies or mutated animals could be seen. Rongcheng was no longer a dangerous place, so there was no need for too many bodyguards. Moreover, both Chang Jianyi and Chu Chaoyan were ability users and had self-preservation capabilities. The two were essentially visiting family, and these bodyguards were given some gold and silver jewelry to go out and have fun.
Rongcheng also issued ration coupons. Gold and silver jewelry could be exchanged for ration coupons, which would be enough for these people to have fun in Rongcheng.
Chu Chaoyan also exchanged for many gifts. She couldn’t visit her in-laws empty-handed. She had also learned about the preferences of Shen Feng’s family beforehand. She brought a bottle of wine for Shen Feng’s father, a set of clothes for Shen Feng’s mother, and a pile of exquisite cosmetics for Shen Yu.
Chang Jianyi watched Chu Chaoyan select gifts, not feeling rushed herself, just watching silently.
“Aren’t you picking out any gifts? Isn’t that inappropriate?” Chu Chaoyan found it strange. Was Chang Jianyi really going to Shen Feng’s house empty-handed?
Chang Jianyi looked at Chu Chaoyan with a relaxed demeanor, clasping her hands and smiling, “You don’t need to worry about this. No matter what gift you give, it won’t compare to what I’m giving. Understand?”
Chu Chaoyan was filled with suspicion. She glanced at Chang Jianyi with confusion and then headed towards Shen Feng’s house with her gifts. However, when they arrived at the previous residential area, they discovered that Shen Feng’s parents had moved!
Chu Chaoyan scratched her head. She hadn’t heard about them moving.
Chang Jianyi couldn’t help but frown and muttered to herself, “Could it be that they moved overnight because they were worried about us finding them? That’s unlikely. We’re not distant poor relatives, there’s no need to be so wary, is there?”
She had heard before that city dwellers disliked their country relatives to an exaggerated degree. Every time relatives visited, they had to hide their good things. But they wouldn’t hide from their own family, would they?
Chang Jianyi and Chu Chaoyan looked at each other, caught off guard by the situation. They had come for a visit, only to find that they couldn’t find anyone.
Just as Chang Jianyi and Chu Chaoyan were wondering where to look, a woman’s voice came from a distance: “Chaoyan, I’m here, hurry over.”
Chu Chaoyan heard someone calling her name, turned around, and saw Shen Yu calling her. She quickly waved in response, “Sister, I’m here.”
Chu Chaoyan and Chang Jianyi walked over, and Shen Yu explained the reason for moving: “Our family wouldn’t have moved specifically, but Shen Feng became a hero in Yanjing. Reporters in Rongcheng knock on our door every day, and sometimes they stop us on the road to interview us, so we had to move. It happened recently, and we hadn’t had time to notify you. But today, we heard you were coming, and I guessed you wouldn’t be able to find us, so I came to look for you.”
Chu Chaoyan stepped forward, smiling, and held Shen Yu’s arm. “Sister, you’re so smart and quick-witted to have found us so quickly. Hurry and take us home. I miss Aunt and Uncle too.”
Shen Yu wasn’t in a hurry. She looked closely at Chang Jianyi beside her and smiled, “You must be my sister-in-law. After a year, I finally get to see your true face. You’re so beautiful. My brother is so fortunate to marry you.”
Chang Jianyi stepped forward, appearing poised and generous, and smiled, “Hello, sister. I am Chang Jianyi. I apologize for the haste and not notifying you in advance.”
“We’re family, why be so polite? Let’s go, I’ll ask Mom to cook. Let’s have a reunion dinner,” Shen Yu said, smiling, and took Chang Jianyi’s hand, walking towards home.
Chang Jianyi felt a warmth in her heart. She hadn’t felt the warmth of family for a long time, and Shen Yu’s image now was truly like a sister.
The three beautiful women walked hand in hand down the street, immediately attracting many people’s attention. Beautiful women always drew gazes, especially at this time when women had no time to dress up, and beautiful women were rare. To see three at once was not easy.
Shen Yu’s skin was very fair. After all, she had lived in Rongcheng for many years. Rongcheng had more rainy days and was located in a basin with low terrain, so the ultraviolet rays were not strong. She also liked to take care of her skin, so her face was very fair and tender.
Chang Jianyi looked at her sister’s skin and felt envious, thinking, “It’s a pity that I’m always on the go, and my skin can’t be this good.”
As the three were walking towards home, Chu Chaoyan suddenly saw a figure on the street in the distance. She was startled and her eyes darted around. She broke free from Shen Yu’s arm and said, “You guys go ahead, I’ll catch up later. Just tell me the address. I have some personal matters to attend to.”
Saying that, Chu Chaoyan handed the gifts in her hands to Shen Yu and Chang Jianyi, and then quickly left the two.
Chang Jianyi and Shen Yu found it strange. What personal matters could there be at this time?
The reason Chu Chaoyan separated from the two was that she saw someone she hadn’t seen in a long time: Yu Renshu!
Chu Chaoyan had heard before that Yu Renshu had joined the Rongcheng Laboratory. It was not unusual to see Yu Renshu in Rongcheng now, but Chu Chaoyan noticed a change in Yu Renshu. Yu Renshu was now walking down the street with a bulging belly, and beside her was a radiant man. Upon closer inspection, it was Fang Qinghao, whom she had met in Yanjing.
Chu Chaoyan secretly followed the two, not daring to get too close for fear of being discovered. However, Chu Chaoyan began to speculate in her heart, thinking, “Could it be that Yu Renshu left Shen Feng before because of Fang Qinghao? Truly, you can know a person’s face but not their heart!”
Chu Chaoyan recalled how Yu Renshu had clung to Shen Feng back then, wanting to be by Shen Feng’s side at all times, appearing completely devoted. But after arriving in Rongcheng, she suddenly left. At that time, she thought there was some hidden reason, but now, Chu Chaoyan understood everything. It turned out that Yu Renshu, who appeared loyal and devoted, had already found a new love, and was even pregnant now.
Chu Chaoyan sighed and shook her head helplessly, saying, “What a pair of scoundrels, doing such a thing behind Shen Feng’s back!”
In Chu Chaoyan’s eyes, Yu Renshu left without saying goodbye, and now she was with Fang Qinghao. She clearly had a new love, and Fang Qinghao had called himself brothers with Shen Feng in Yanjing, but behind his back, he was poaching his woman. This was truly disloyal!
Chu Chaoyan turned and left. Since she had seen through the situation, there was no need to continue following. It was good that Yu Renshu had left; she had reduced a love rival, and it was her own doing.
Chu Chaoyan decided to keep this matter to herself. Under no circumstances would she tell Shen Feng, lest he be sad after hearing about it. As for Yu Renshu, she had her own life, and there was no need to constantly criticize her.
After Chu Chaoyan left, Yu Renshu returned home accompanied by Fang Qinghao. Fang Qinghao was about to leave, and Yu Renshu quickly thanked him, “Thank you for escorting me these days. I really don’t know how to repay you.”
Fang Qinghao quickly waved his hand and said seriously, “You’re welcome, you’re welcome. I’m doing this voluntarily. You’re pregnant now, and there’s no one to help you at home. If I escort you, no scoundrels will dare to target you.”
Yu Renshu smiled, and then her face showed a look of dejection. She said calmly, “Actually, you don’t need to help me. I’m an ability user, after all. No one can harm me. If you continue to do this, I’m worried your reputation will be affected.”
Fang Qinghao’s face turned slightly red, and he repeatedly waved his hands, “It’s okay, it’s okay! I’m doing this voluntarily. I don’t care what others say!”
Yu Renshu nodded and walked upstairs with her pregnant belly. After she returned home, Fang Qinghao reluctantly left. In fact, he wanted to hear Yu Renshu say, “Come up and sit for a while.” If she said that, it would mean he still had a chance.
Yu Renshu returned home and immediately saw her mother doing housework. She greeted her, “Mom, I’m back from work.”
Qian Mingya heard her daughter’s voice, quickly turned around, walked over, and helped her daughter sit down, saying with concern, “Sit down quickly. You’re about to become a mother, you must be careful. Honestly, why don’t you take a leave of absence and rest at home? You can go back to work after you give birth, can’t you?”
Yu Renshu smiled and replied, “It’s okay. The research on the virus has reached a critical stage, and I must keep a close eye on it. Besides, I’m an ability user, and my body isn’t as weak as you think.”
Qian Mingya looked at her daughter in her current state and couldn’t help but sigh, her eyes moistening. “I thought you would marry a successful person and be infinitely glorious from now on. Now it seems you have to support me and the child. You’ve worked so hard.”
Yu Renshu shook her head helplessly and said, “It’s not as pitiful as you say. I’m doing this voluntarily.”
Qian Mingya shook her head. She felt some regret. It was all because she was incompetent and knew nothing. So now, at her age, she still had to rely on her daughter to support her. It seemed that her daughter staying in Rongcheng was also because of her. She felt she had failed her child too much.
Suddenly, Qian Mingya thought of something and said in a low voice, “Actually, Fang Qinghao is quite good too. Didn’t he also receive a hero title in Yanjing before? I think he doesn’t mind that you have a child, and you should also…”
“Mom! Don’t talk nonsense. I’ll handle my own affairs!” Yu Renshu said unhappily. What she disliked most now was being urged to marry. It wasn’t the only path to get married; she could still support her family.