Chapter 45: Finally, It’s Raining

Chapter 45: Finally, It's Raining

"Chu Chuan! I'm a man!"

Unfazed, Chu Chuan harrumphed and said, "We're leaving. It's going to rain." With that, he pulled the stunned Muzhilin into the limousine.

Upon hearing Chu Chuan's words, everyone's attention was instantly diverted from the miserable state of the Shen family. They all stared in astonishment at Chu Chuan's retreating figure, even Muzhilin, whose fingers were entwined with Chu Chuan's, looked bewildered.

Rain?

In this scorching heat where the average temperature even at night reached 50°C, how could it rain?

It had been months since the capital city last saw rainfall, ever since the temperatures began to rise back in May and June.

Xie Shuyao sniffed the air, sensing a subtle dampness. "It seems like it's really going to rain. I feel a slightly cool breeze. Can you guys smell it? There's an earthy scent, like before every rain. I've never been wrong about it."

"Really? I don't sense anything," Yi Fei responded, sniffing like a puppy. He even stuck out his tongue to taste the air, but all he could taste was heat.

Yu Liuqing closed his eyes, trying to sense the air as well. However, all he felt was oppressive heat. He took a deep breath and nearly choked on the hot air.

"Cough!"

"Rumble ——!!" Suddenly, a bolt of lightning split the night sky without warning, filling the atmosphere with a blinding flash that sent shivers down everyone's spines.

A single raindrop descended, landing on the tip of Xie Shuyao's nose. She lifted her hand to catch it, but when the next drop touched her fingertips, it transformed into a white snowflake.

"Second Brother! Second Brother!"

Staring at the snowflake on her index finger, Xie Shuyao was so excited that her words stumbled out. She tossed aside her entrenching tool and began catching the raindrops with both hands. To her amazement, they all turned into snowflakes.

It seemed she had developed a special ability!

Inside the RV, Chu Chuan pulled Muzhilin towards the bedroom, eager for an intimate moment. However, Muzhilin managed to grab hold of the door just in time to prevent further advances.

"No, not the bed! We've both just dealt with zombies outside – let's not soil the sheets!"

With his lips nibbling on Muzhilin's, Chu Chuan's eyes still held a hint of red, giving him a menacing air. His actions towards Muzhilin became more assertive.

"I have plenty left."

Muzhilin turned his head to avoid it.

"Not too much, though. Don't waste it," Chu Chuan said as he watched Muzhilin dodge. After a moment, he picked the man up and carried him into the bathroom, placing him on the countertop before leaning in for a kiss.

Muzhilin had no reason to resist, allowing Chu Chuan to savor the moisture in his mouth until his tongue went numb. Then, he lightly pounded on Chu Chuan's back.

Seeing this, Chu Chuan released him. But before Muzhilin could catch his breath, Chu Chuan unexpectedly buried his head and dove into Muzhilin's shirt.

"Muzhilin!" Muzhilin gasped, his body trembling as his cheeks flushed even redder. "Bastard! There's nothing to bite here! Get out!! Ugh!"

...

Outside the car.

Xie Shuyao, having not received a response from Chu Chuan, turned to Mu Shiqi and Jiang Qiuyue, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Did you see that? Snowflakes! I have a superpower now – I can turn water into snow!!"

"Superpower! Holy cow! Damn it! It's real! Superpower!!! I...I want one too!!"

Yi Fei was even more thrilled than Xie Shuyao. He rushed to her, holding onto her arm and staring intently at the falling snowflakes, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Superpower! It's a superpower!"

Feeling a surge of exhibitionism, Xie Shuyao immediately showcased her ability before Yi Fei's astonished and envious gaze. She reached out to catch raindrops, transforming them into snowflakes. Then, clasping her fingers together, she poured all her spiritual energy into them. When she opened her hand again, the snowflakes had become a small, solid ice cube.

Yi Fei was dumbfounded, bouncing up and down in excitement. "It's an Ice-based superpower! Damn! So awesome! You can shoot ice arrows like in those novels! 'Swoosh! Swoosh!'"

Xie Shuyao, fueled by Yi Fei's enthusiasm, was about to demonstrate more when she felt her body weaken. Fortunately, Jiang Qiuyue caught her just in time and transferred some healing abilities to her.

"Miss Xie, be careful not to overexert your superpower. Mr. Chu said it could be dangerous. Also, awakening a superpower consumes physical energy. You should eat something to replenish yourself."

Hearing this, Xie Shuyao realized her empty stomach and the subsequent hunger pang that made her feel as if her stomach was cramping. She hastily consumed a few pieces of chocolate and bread.

Meanwhile, Yi Fei watched in astonishment as Jiang Qiuyue's hands had just emitted a green glow.

"You... You're also an Ability User?!"

Jiang Qiuyue nodded. "Thanks to Mr. Xie."

Yi Fei was stunned. He swiftly turned his head to look at Mu Shiqi, Yang Li, and the others, his face filled with horror. "You... Aren't you all Ability Users too?"

Yang Li shook her head. "Not yet."

Although Chu Chuan had said that she would have abilities, she still felt nothing up till now.

Yu Liuqing, on the other hand, wore a look of disdain mixed with envy.

"Who cares."

With her eyes lowered, Mu Shiqi muttered softly, "I don't have any abilities. I... wish I did."

Upon hearing this, Yi Fei heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he wasn't the only useless one. That had scared him to death.

Jiang Qiuyue looked at the rain that was gradually getting heavier. Glancing at the still howling Shen family members beside her, she began collecting the crystals on the ground. Seeing this, the others started to help as well. Although they were tempted to run in the rain, they remembered that they had no spare clothes to change into.

Xie Shuyao, noticing the intensifying rain, put away her display of abilities and instead distributed umbrellas to everyone before promptly joining the group in collecting the crystal cores. Before long, they had gathered all the crystals.

Xie Shuyao said, "Let's get in the car."

The group hurriedly boarded the vehicle.

In an instant, the Shen family was left alone on the lawn in front of "South Mountain Mansion." Their piercing cries echoed through the empty mansion. After the RV departed, a horde of zombies, drawn by the noise, frenziedly descended upon the helpless individuals lying on the ground.

"Yueyue! Yueyue!!" Shen Zhanghe stared in disbelief at the receding RV, unable to accept that his former girlfriend had abandoned him.

Didn't she come to save him?

Didn't she love him deeply?

He had even consumed Wen Yu, removing any obstacle between them.

Why would she leave him behind?

"Jiang Qiuyue!!!"

"No! Don't bite me!!! Where's Little Yue?! My daughter-in-law?! Save me! Quick, save me!"

"Aaaahh!! Mom! Monster! Monster! It hurts so much! Why are you biting me?! Bite someone else! Bite that ugly woman! Waaaahhh!!"

Inside the van, Jiang Qiuyue felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Peering through the window, she could no longer see any of the Shen family members. Instead, she saw hordes of zombies roaring as they fought over their prey. Two of them were even tearing apart what appeared to be someone's liver and intestines – a grotesque and gory scene that sent shivers down her spine.

...

The heavy rain descended, its deafening "pitter-patter" echoing throughout the capital city like firecrackers during the Spring Festival, startling all the survivors into hastily drawing their blackout curtains.

Is it raining?

Everyone was taken aback, staring at the dark sky and the needle-like raindrops, almost convinced they were dreaming. After all, the daytime temperature had soared to 50°C, causing reservoirs and rivers to evaporate. How could it possibly be raining?

It wasn't until they hesitantly pushed open the windows, and a dampness laced with earthy scent rushed in, that their eyes widened in sudden realization.

It was really raining!

Someone slumped on their balcony, covering their face and weeping uncontrollably. The hot wind that brushed past their ears seemed to whisper silently that the scorching heat that had taken countless lives had finally ended.

"It's raining! Waaah!"

Some reveled on their balconies, basking in the downpour without care. Others opened their mouths, savoring the nectar of nature, basking in the sensation of rebirth.

Everyone felt as if they had been transported back to the world of the living. Rain meant water, and water was the source of all life.

"Mom! Dad! It's raining! Quickly, grab the buckets and basins! Let's collect the rainwater!"

After the survivors in the capital city shed tears of relief, they promptly sprang into action, fetching every available container to catch the water. The city had been without water for a long time, and despite the recent restoration of electricity, water supply had yet to return. This rain was an answered prayer, a timely salvation for countless souls.

"Be careful! Don't make any noise that might attract the zombies!"

However, the rain did not alleviate the zombie crisis. People still had to rely on themselves for survival.

Amid the torrential rain, the zombies' senses of hearing and smell were somewhat impaired, slowing their movements, granting people a much-needed respite.

Taking advantage of the cacophony of the downpour, some ventured out, fully armed, in search of sustenance; others reunited with their loved ones and friends through immense struggle; while still others, guided by their armbands, plotted their journey to the nearest official base.

Humanity, fragile yet resilient.

Despite being deeply entrenched in adversity, they never lost hope. This unwavering spirit fueled the growing number of awakening abilities across the globe.

"Rumble!!!”

Thunderous peals shook the very foundations of the night, while white lightning tore through the dense veil of clouds, as if an abyss was opening, unleashing hordes of monstrous beasts from the darkness. They roared and clawed, seemingly ready to burst forth.

Rainwater breathed life into all things.

Once barren ponds and rivers swelled with the downpour, and countless fish, hidden in the muddy depths, leaped forth with startling fangs. Amidst the pitter-patter of raindrops, they began to feast upon one another.

The parched earth rapidly regained vitality. Unusual plants sprouted visibly before the eye, and certain vines spread swiftly, claiming their territory. Wherever they passed, the remains of animals on the ground were devoured entirely.

Rainwater stirred the slumbering flora and fauna.

...

In the Imperial Capital City district.

A deluge of rain poured down fiercely.

The originally tranquil night resonated with the relentless pounding of raindrops against buildings, creating a rhythmic "pitter-patter."

Amidst the torrential downpour, Chu Chuan's luxurious RV became a cozy and secure refuge.

In the bathroom, Muzhilin surrendered to Chu Chuan's dominant affection, bolting out of the shower, drawing the attention of everyone in the vehicle at once.

Seeing so many people, Muzhilin hastily adjusted his clothes, his ears flushed as he darted into the bedroom.

Chu Chuan emerged unhurriedly, meeting the gazes of all present. His icy stare sent shivers down their spines, prompting them to turn away uniformly.

Looking at the multitude in his vehicle, Chu Chuan's mood plummeted to its nadir. Crossing his arms, he glanced out the window and instructed Xie Shuyao to drive under a building for shelter from the rain.

"Sure thing!"

With a chocolate in her mouth, Xie Shuyao pulled over the camper van under an overpass. Just as she was about to ask Second Brother what their next move would be, he suddenly flung open the car door.

Moisture-laden warmth and a wall of heat greeted Chu Chuan as he stepped outside, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Step out of the vehicle."

Each person wore a different expression, all equally perplexed. However, no one dared to voice their thoughts, and they obediently followed suit.

Chu Chuan dismissed everyone from the vehicle, including Xie Shuyao. However, there was a difference—while the others left with nothing, Shuyao at least gained possession of an SUV.

Confronted with Chu Chuan's overpowering might, no one dared to voice their discontent, and they could only disembark with resentment, seeking places to settle down.

What had they done wrong?

Inside the motorhome.

Chu Chuan entered the bedroom to find Muzhilin lifting his shirt to examine his own chest. The corners of his eyes were reddened, matching the hue on his chest, which made Chu Chuan click his tongue in admiration.

He hadn't even gotten a taste yet.

Muzhilin noticed Chu Chuan's entrance and hastily set aside his clothing, a mix of anger and embarrassment tingling in his voice. "What did you do?! Why am I... am I... Chu Chuan! I'm a man!"

Chu Chuan looked at him steadily.

"I know you're a man. I just used my spiritual energy to open up your channels. Don't worry, there won't be any visible changes, and it won't lactate randomly. It will only happen when I stimulate it with my spiritual energy..."

Before Chu Chuan could finish his sentence, Muzhilin threw a pillow at him, hitting him square on the cheek, accompanied by an exasperated growl.

"Shut up!"

"Author's Note"