“Chapter 79”

"Chapter 79"

"The cold wind was piercing, turning breath into mist. Feng Chen sat with his back to the bow, shielding Yan Bubu from the wind."

"As the hovercraft passed Haiyun City, he noticed that the flood had receded significantly overnight, revealing the remnants of walls and buildings once submerged."

"Haiyun City no longer looked like a vast marsh; buildings sporadically emerged from the water, a testament to its once bustling past."

"'The sea level is dropping, the floodwater pouring into the sea is also receding quickly, and extreme cold weather is fast approaching,' Lin Fen said."

"A massive cargo ship, similar in size to the former hive ships but with fewer layers of rooms, was docked at the pier."

"Beside the cargo ship, several hovercrafts floated on the sea, with people boarding under the direction of soldiers."

"As Feng Chen's craft approached, the other hovercrafts made way, allowing them to proceed first."

"The usual clamor ceased, and people on both sides gazed at Feng Chen and Yan Bubu in his arms, their looks filled with complex emotions."

"A gust of wind lifted the blanket covering Yan Bubu's face. He hurriedly pressed it down and covered him again, but whispers started to echo around them."

"Feng Chen remained indifferent, his gaze fixed ahead, not looking at those around him."

"The hovercraft stopped at the cargo ship's gangway. Lin Fen and Yu Yuan boarded first, with Feng Chen carrying Yan Bubu following behind."

"As he set foot on the gangway, a strange man's voice suddenly echoed from not too far away."

"'Major General Lin, I'd like to have a word with you.'"

"Without pausing or glancing aside, Lin Fen replied, 'Whatever it is, we can talk after the ship sets sail.'"

"'Major General Lin, everyone knows the child you're carrying has been bitten by a zombie. What will happen once he's on the ship?' the man persisted."

"Feng Chen paused, turning to look at the man who spoke."

"The man met his gaze briefly before looking away, clearly aware of Feng Chen's intimidating demeanor from the previous day, yet he insisted, 'Major General Lin, we all know how terrifying zombies are. If you let that child on board, in case something happens, we're surrounded by the sea with no escape, and the ship is full of people...'"

"Lin Fen didn't stop, continuing his ascent, but several voices rose from the crowd."

"'Major General Lin, if the child was just a feverish patient, no one would mind. But he has indeed been bitten by a zombie. When he passed by me just now, the blanket blew open a bit, and I saw his face was blue. He's about to turn into a zombie.'"

"'Major General Lin, I'm not ungrateful, and we owe our lives to you and the Western Alliance Army. We could survive and reach the central city. If this was still a cruise ship, I wouldn't say a word if you brought a zombie child. But this is a cargo ship, without separate rooms, and everyone is cramped together. If someone gets bitten, even once, the consequences are unimaginable...'"

"An elderly man with gray hair also shouted, 'Major General Lin, I understand your pity for the child, and I feel for him too. He's like a young sprout that's just seen a few days of sunlight. At my age, life or death doesn't matter much, but there are children on this ship. I'm not heartless, but if we let this child aboard, what about the other children?'"

"Feng Chen kept his head down, seemingly oblivious to the words, but his fingers, supporting Yan Bubu, trembled slightly."

"Yu Yuan, walking ahead of him, fearing he would get angry, turned around and whispered reassuringly, 'It's okay, don't listen to them.'"

"Feng Chen looked up, his face not showing the anger Yu Yuan expected, but instead a painful smile, 'I'm not angry. If I were in their place, I wouldn't be at ease either.'"

"After a moment of silence, Yu Yuan patted his shoulder, saying nothing more."

"With someone leading, others followed suit, the voices of dissent growing louder and more offensive."

"'Why bring a dying child on board to endanger everyone else? If something happens, it's like a mass funeral.'"

"'The child's life matters, but what about ours?'"

"'I really don't understand why we're taking a zombie onto the ship.'"

……

"Feng Chen, holding Yan Bubu, continued to walk upwards, as if these words weren't directed at them."

"Amid the various angry, condemning, and pleading voices, a child's high-pitched shout seemed out of place."

"'I know, you bad people abandoned him, that's why he was bitten by a zombie. But he's strong, he can catch Kanz lizard. He's my classmate, he won't turn into a zombie...'"

"Feng Chen shifted his gaze slightly and saw a chubby boy, Chen Wen, his face red with exertion, being held by his father and shouting at the people nearby."

"When Chen's father rebuked him loudly, he burst into tears."

"'He's my classmate, please take him with us.'"

"'Wow... he's not a zombie.'"

"Several children's voices joined in the commotion."

"As the voices grew louder, Lin Fen stopped halfway to the ship's rail. Feng Chen glanced at him and also halted, still gazing indifferently at the spiral staircase ahead."

"Lin Fen turned towards the people on the hovercrafts, emanating a commanding presence that immediately subdued the clamor."

"'This child is not ordinary. Before being bitten by a zombie, he was in the final stages of evolving into a guide, effectively already one. This is likely why he hasn't turned into a zombie. So, there's no need for panic.'"

"Someone continued to question."

"'But Major General Lin, someone just saw his face and said it looked like a zombie's. Even special forces soldiers can turn into zombies after being bitten, right? Just slower than normal people? And if he, a special forces soldier, completely turns on board, who can control him?'"

"'Yeah, if ordinary people turning into zombies is scary enough, what about a special forces soldier?'"

"'I don't understand, Major General Lin, why do you insist on bringing him aboard?'"

"Lin Fen, with a stern face, remained silent. Yu Yuan approached the rail and shouted, 'Everyone shut up!'"

"His normally gentle and handsome demeanor was replaced by an uncharacteristic burst of anger, silencing everyone."

"Pointing at Feng Chen beside him, he said, 'This is his brother, who suffered many injuries yesterday. The wound on his chest could have been fatal if it were a little off. He's only thirteen! He's a child too! Without adult protection, he has to protect you!'"

"'He entrusted his only kin to your care, and this is the result. You have no right to deny them boarding. No one does, including us in the Western Alliance Army.'"

"After Yu Yuan's words, there was silence. Only a cold wind blew through the cargo ship's hold, howling incessantly."

"Lin Fen checked the time on his wristwatch and spoke in a firm tone, 'I've heard enough from you all, and I understand your concerns. Now, let me tell you my decision.'"

"'Time is running short, we must set sail immediately. The people, I am taking them on board. If you feel it's dangerous, you have the choice not to board. That's it.'"

"'One more thing.' He turned to look at Feng Chen, 'He's now my soldier, part of the Western Alliance Army. Yesterday, while executing military orders, he entrusted his unconscious brother to others. Whoever took over then also accepted the order to look after his brother.'"

"'If it was a desperate situation and an accident occurred, there would be nothing we could do. But now, it's because some of you abandoned his brother that this situation has arisen.'"

"'During military operations, abandoning and indirectly causing harm to a soldier's relative is tantamount to the crime of plotting against military family members,' Lin Fen instructed the soldiers nearby. 'Find those responsible, arrest them, and bring them to the military court once we reach the central city.'"

"The crowd erupted into a buzz of discussion upon hearing this."

"'A charge of plotting against military family members seems too severe.'"

"'That's a serious crime. They didn't directly harm the child, is this really appropriate?'"

"'In turbulent times, harsh measures are necessary. In extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary actions are justified. Otherwise, what would other soldiers think? Wouldn't it dishearten them? I think such a harsh punishment is quite fitting.'"

……

"Ignoring the discussions, Lin Fen strode towards the deck. Yu Yuan gave Feng Chen's shoulder a squeeze and whispered, 'Let's go up too.'"

"Feng Chen remained silent throughout, as if he was listening and yet not hearing. As he walked, he wrapped the blanket tighter around Yan Bubu, ensuring it was securely fastened."

"'Major General Lin, I'm truly innocent! It wasn't me who caused the child's condition, it was the zombies. Why am I accused of plotting against a military family... This charge is as good as sentencing me to death!' a sharp cry of protest arose from the crowd."

"'Right! I wish to see you dead, and I could make it happen right now. My soldiers are risking their lives, and you stab them in the back. But it's not just him you're betraying, it's our entire Western Alliance Army!'"

"Lin Fen suddenly turned, shouting fiercely, his expression icy. The intense aura of an A-level Sentinel and leader radiated from him."

"'But you should be thankful that I am a soldier. No matter how chaotic it gets outside, I adhere to military discipline, which is why you're still standing here.'"

"'Major General Lin, I was wrong, please show mercy, Major General Lin...'"

"The wailing abruptly stopped as the soldiers gagged the man and led him away. The rest of the people below remained silent, not even a cough breaking the stillness."

"As they stepped onto the deck, Feng Chen halted, calling out to Lin Fen's retreating figure, 'Major General Lin.'"

"Lin Fen turned back, 'What is it?'"

"Feng Chen licked his dry lips, finally voicing the question that had been on his mind the whole time: 'Major General Lin, I want to ask, if he really turns into a zombie on the ship, what will you do?'"

"After posing his question, Feng Chen's gaze remained unwaveringly fixed on Lin Fen."

"This time, Lin Fen didn't respond with his usual decisiveness. He furrowed his brow, seemingly perplexed by Feng Chen's query."

"Feng Chen didn't rush him, quietly waiting as if anticipating a verdict."

"A full minute passed before Lin Fen looked at him. Although he said nothing, the gravity in his eyes conveyed the answer to Feng Chen."

"He forced a smile, a gesture that only served to sadden those present."

"'I think it's best that Yan Bubu and I stay behind; we won't board the ship,' Feng Chen said, lifting the blanket from Yan Bubu's face, his gaze tenderly fixed on him. 'I know he might last until we reach the central city, but he could also turn into a zombie along the way. With so many people on the ship, if he does turn, the only option would be to kill him. I won't risk his life; we'll stay in Haiyun City. Even if he becomes a zombie, I'll be there to protect him, to prevent him from being killed.'"

"A few raindrops fell on Yan Bubu's pale face, and Feng Chen carefully wiped them away with his finger."

"'Not boarding the ship? That's not an option!' Yu Yuan exclaimed anxiously. 'Do you realize what you're saying? The cold snap is imminent. What will you two kids do if you stay behind?'"

"Feng Chen looked up at Yu Yuan and said earnestly, 'Don't worry, I'll find a way.'"

"'What way could you possibly have?' Yu Yuan reached to embrace Yan Bubu. 'Forget what Lin Fen says. Even if the little curly-haired one turns into a zombie, I won't let anyone kill him. I'll tie him up with ropes and carry him all the way to the central city.'"

"Feng Chen didn't let go, but his tone lightened, 'Thank you, Colonel Yu. But we both know there's no real cure for him in the central city, right? The cipher box is still with me. It will take days to reach there, and who knows how long to research it. If he's going to turn, he won't last that long. Besides, the central city wouldn't harbor a little zombie. It's better for us to stay.'"

"Yu Yuan's hand paused mid-air."

"Feng Chen was right; the central city would never allow a zombie to enter."

"If Yan Bubu went there, only one outcome awaited him."

"Everyone on the deck fell into silence. Lin Fen slowly approached, bent down to look closely at Yan Bubu's face, and asked softly, 'His name is Yan Bubu?'"

"'Yes,' Feng Chen replied."

"'I still think 'Troublemaker' suits him better,' Lin Fen shook his head in disagreement."

"Feng Chen smiled slightly, 'I think they're both quite fitting.'"

"'And what about you, Feng Chen?' Lin Fen asked, raising an eyebrow."

"Feng Chen nodded, 'Yes, my name is Feng Chen.'"

"Lin Fen extended his finger, gently tapped Yan Bubu's forehead, and whispered into his ear, 'Troublemaker, I only eat sick kids, so you better get well soon.'"

"Yu Yuan suddenly turned away, covering his face with his hand."

"Straightening up, Lin Fen looked earnestly at Feng Chen and said, 'Even when the extreme cold arrives, I believe in your strength and resilience to safely get through it. After delivering these people to the central city, I'll send someone to pick you both up.'"

"After a moment of thought, Feng Chen shook his head, 'If Yan Bubu gets better, I'll bring him to the central city myself. If we don't go... you don't need to come for us.'"

"Lin Fen pondered for two seconds, then ruffled Feng Chen's hair, 'Alright, then Yu Yuan and I will always be waiting for you both.'"

"Yu Yuan, with reddened eyes, approached and handed Feng Chen a small notebook."

"'Inside are the codes for unlocking the supply points, enough for you and the little curly-haired one to have sufficient food and drink. The flood is receding quickly, and in a couple of days, you won't need to dive to get in. There's also a small warehouse inside with military supplies like pressure-resistant diving suits; the codes are written in here too. And remember, Haiyun Tower has a Lishi temperature control device, which can maintain a constant temperature inside the tower. You can stay there. Most of the mutants on Haiyun Mountain have been eliminated, but be wary of the scattered ones...'"

"Feng Chen took the notebook and put it into his bag, but his hand lingered inside. He pulled out two cipher boxes, distinguished them under the light, and put one back."

"The real cipher box had a fine scratch, barely noticeable unless closely examined."

"Yan Bubu could tell the two boxes apart at a glance, but Feng Chen had to look closely to know."

"All three of them fixed their gaze on the small silver box. Its special metal casing had a slightly matte finish, with raindrops forming bright beads that rolled down its surface."

"'This is the cipher box my father left at home, and now I'm entrusting it to you,' Feng Chen handed over the box."

"Lin Fen didn't reach for the box, his gaze intense as he looked at Feng Chen, 'I had thought you would voluntarily give it to me, but that was on the journey to the central city.'"

"Feng Chen understood Lin Fen's implication."

"He would have handed over the cipher box if it ensured his and Yan Bubu's safety. Whether it was the Eastern Alliance Army or the Western Alliance Army, as long as they could develop a method to combat the virus, that's what mattered."

"Yet, he and Yan Bubu couldn't board the ship. After facing abandonment and harm, they were left alone in this flooded city, bracing for the imminent extreme cold."

"He had every reason not to hand over the cipher box."

"'My father always told me that I would be a soldier someday, and my mission would be to protect the Ehate Federation and its people,' Feng Chen's gaze swept over the people outside the ship, passing over each face, 'But I don't want to listen to him. I don't want to save these people, not at all...'"

"His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, 'But there must be many more like Uncle Wu and Yan Bubu in the world. I don't want them to die, to leap off cliffs or turn into zombies... I want them to live well, to survive no matter how hard it is.'"

"His hand holding the cipher box shook, his knuckles white from the strain, 'For them, that's why I'm giving you the box.'"

"Lin Fen was visibly moved. He took the box, struggling to find the words, 'The adult world is like this. They don't mean to hurt you, but sometimes they make choices that best serve their own interests or the greater good. That includes me.'"

"'Maybe, I somewhat understand, but I also don't want to understand,' Feng Chen said."

"The rain poured down, creating small splashes on the deck."

"Lin Fen watched him silently, then suddenly asked, 'Show me the Wuwu dagger I gave you.'"

"Feng Chen was taken aback, yet he complied and handed over the dagger."

"Lin Fen drew the blade, its cold light glinting menacingly."

"He pointed to a small scar on the handle, 'This was left by my grandfather during a fight with a wild boar when he was young.' Then he indicated a worn patch on the sheath, 'My father fell from a mountain as a child. This dagger caught on a branch, saving his life.' Finally, he angled the sheath towards the light for Feng Chen to see, 'See these characters inside? I carved them when I was about your age.'"

"Lin Fen sheathed the dagger and tucked it behind Feng Chen's waist, but didn’t straighten up immediately. Instead, he whispered in Feng Chen's ear, 'I wanted to get the cipher box, but some things are not about the box.'"

"A tear slid down Feng Chen's face, lost in the rainwater at his feet."

"He quickly lifted his head, taking a deep breath, 'Alright, let's go. It's still early, I need to find a place to settle down.'"

"Lin Fen embraced both Feng Chen and Yan Bubu, a ripple of emotion crossing his usually stern face, 'You must stay safe.'"

"Feng Chen nodded, 'We will.'"

"Yu Yuan came forward, hugging them both tightly, his voice choked with emotion, 'We will be waiting for the day we see you in the central city.'"

"Feng Chen responded hoarsely, 'Okay.'"

"Turning around, Feng Chen strode down the spiral staircase and jumped onto an unmanned hovercraft."

"The previously noisy crowd fell silent at this sight, watching him in mute observation."

"Feng Chen placed Yan Bubu in the boat and began paddling towards Haiyun City. Behind him, a few unfamiliar voices called out, 'It's us adults who owe you, sorry, kid!'"

"The slender figure of the young man stood erect against the wind, seemingly unbreakable by any storm. His black coat billowed like an unfurled sail."

"As the hovercraft gradually disappeared from view, becoming a small black dot, the young man never once looked back."

"Feng Chen kept rowing until the distant sound of a ship's horn reached him, unleashing a flood of tears."

"He cried unrestrainedly, screaming hoarsely, allowing the tears to mix with the rain and blur his vision, then trickle into his mouth."

"He shed his composed and stoic exterior, exposing the fear and vulnerability of a thirteen-year-old boy, all dissolved in the torrential rain and his tears."

--------------------

"Author's note:"

"Don't worry, the two of them won't have a hard life, and Bubu won't end up illiterate."