Chapter 45 Kowtow

**Chapter 45: Prostration**

It wasn’t the so-called natural paternal affection Yuan Mingan had believed in—it was all a scheme by the man and his family. On their daughter’s first birthday, the man renewed his demand for a son.

This time, he framed it as noble: one child would be too lonely; when they grew old, two children would have each other’s backs. He even claimed that if their daughter faced mistreatment in her husband’s family, a younger brother could stand up for her.

Yuan Mingan had a brother herself, but when she was beaten by her in-laws while still recovering from childbirth, what did her brother do? He mocked her, saying she had it coming. After all, she hadn’t listened to the family and married that old man to fetch him a bride price, leaving him unable to afford a bride now.

What was wrong with an old man? *Old men knew how to cherish a woman!*

Yuan Mingan knew all too well these were just excuses. She dug in her heels.

Then the man began abusing her. He knew exactly how far he could push her—he only beat Yuan Mingan, never their daughter. Each time, after beating her, he would sob and grovel in apology.

Yuan Mingan had considered divorce, but seeing that the man still seemed to care for their daughter, she bowed to her miserable lot. If her daughter could live well, she would endure it.

Life limped forward like this until their daughter turned three. Seeing that Yuan Mingan wouldn’t change her mind no matter how much she was beaten, the man’s family grew desperate and targeted the child instead.

That was the first time the man hit their daughter—and the first time Yuan Mingan fought back. She would never tolerate anyone harming her child. She was done—she wanted a divorce.

Her firm stance panicked the man. No amount of begging moved Yuan Mingan, so he changed tactics.

He wrenched their daughter away from Yuan Mingan’s arms. Since they were still in the mandatory waiting period before divorce and technically still married, neither the police nor the court could intervene.

During the marriage, the father had equal rights to care for the child.

The man then demanded Yuan Mingan bear him a son in exchange for their daughter’s return. Again, she refused.

This time, to crush his hopes for good, she got herself sterilized—permanently.

When Yuan Mingan, weak from surgery, shoved the proof in the faces of the man and his family, they went berserk, seething with rage, ready to rip her limb from limb.

Yuan Mingan didn’t care. She thought this would finally reunite her with her daughter—until the man’s family revealed the truth.

To force Yuan Mingan into bearing them a son, they had sold their daughter to a passing human trafficker. They had planned to tell her later, believing that once she realized her daughter was lost forever, she would submit and bear them a child.

But they never expected the usually pushover woman to retaliate so fiercely, going scorched-earth with sterilization.

The man’s family knew nothing about the trafficker. Her baby was lost to the shadows. Though Yuan Mingan sued them, it was futile—her precious daughter was gone.

After the divorce, Yuan Mingan began searching for her daughter. But this didn’t last long before the world collapsed into apocalypse.

Humanity became trapped in a living prison. Back then, her daughter was only three—an age where survival was uncertain even without the apocalypse.

Yet Yuan Mingan refused to give up. Even in the apocalypse, she kept searching, terrified that her daughter might still be alive, suffering and waiting for her mother to save her. So, she couldn’t afford to die.

Despite being an ordinary person, Yuan Mingan pushed through one ruined city after another, wandering street after street in the apocalyptic wasteland.

Fate twisted the knife—she ran into the man’s family, who should have been behind bars.

Though none of them had superpowers, they were all alive and thriving. Blind with rage, Yuan Mingan pretended to be terrified and begged them to take her in. Then, one night, she drugged them all.

She threw them into a horde of zombies. Unfortunately, the man woke mid-way and struggled with Yuan Mingan, biting her. By then, he had already been bitten by zombies.

Yuan Mingan began turning into a zombie. But she refused—she still had to find her daughter. If she became a zombie, how could she search for her? Would her daughter even recognize her?

Driven by sheer willpower, Yuan Mingan miraculously survived the transformation. At the brink of zombification, she awakened a water-based superpower.

During her transformation, all she could think about was her daughter. Water was the source of life—if she awakened a water-based power, they’d never thirst again. To her surprise, she did awaken it. Perhaps it was due to the sheer intensity of her determination.

Even the apocalypse couldn’t stop Yuan Mingan’s determination to continue searching for her daughter. Unfortunately, after traveling through city after city, she still hadn’t found her.

While everyone else was rejuvenated after awakening their superpowers, Yuan Mingan alone, despite having awakened hers, couldn’t stave off aging.

As Yuan Mingan spoke of this, there were no tears in her eyes. Perhaps over all these years, along this long journey, her tears had long since dried up. If any were left, they’d be nothing but her own flesh and blood.

The Yuan Mingan now no longer carried the aura of despair from when they first met. She had become gentle and kind. “Later, Chief Commander Gu introduced me to you and had me help care for these children. It renewed my hope.”

“It made me understand that even in the apocalypse, there are still good people and bad people. Good people are still willing to help everyone they can.” Yuan Mingan looked at Ji An, her eyes filled with gratitude and hope for finding her daughter in the future.

“I think, no matter the reason, if I’m willing to help others a little more, others will also be willing to help a little more. That way, it creates a virtuous cycle. Maybe one day, because of some small good deed I do today, it might save my daughter’s life.”

In the apocalypse, everyone struggles to survive. To live, they might throw away their morals, forsake their conscience, even end the lives of those closest to them. But there are still those whose kindness runs bone-deep, willing to sacrifice their lives for a better tomorrow that may never come—without a shred of regret.

Ji An said with heartfelt sincerity, “I believe your daughter is still alive somewhere right now. She may be struggling, or perhaps living happily, but she is alive. One day, you two will surely reunite.”

Yuan Mingan, who had shown little emotion until now, broke down in tears at Ji An’s words, her voice choked with sobs.

“Th-thank you for your blessing,” Yuan Mingan wept.

The children, who had been listening silently, now stirred. Little Rose stood up, tiptoeing to wipe Yuan Mingan’s tears. The small child’s eyes were full of sincerity. “Mommy Director, don’t cry. You will find your daughter.”

Little Stone also ran over, wrapping his thin, small arms around Yuan Mingan. “Mommy Director, you’re so kind to us. Your daughter must be treated just as gently by others.”

The other children followed suit, all coming to hug Yuan Mingan, wishing her a reunion with her daughter.

They were all just small children, their bodies frail and tender. Yet, these twenty or so little ones encircling Yuan Mingan made her—an adult far stronger than them—feel an unshakable strength in their fragile embrace. It was as if a ship lost at sea for years had finally found a harbor to dock in.

Tears poured down her cheeks as Yuan Mingan choked out, “Yes, it will happen. With all your sincere blessings, the heavens will surely grant me a reunion with my daughter.”

Yuan Mingan cried in the children’s arms for a long time. No one grew impatient; they all waited quietly for her emotions to settle.

When she finally calmed down, her face flushed with embarrassment, she wiped her eyes and looked at Ji An. “I must look so pathetic, crying in the children’s arms like this.”

“No,” Ji An shook his head, genuinely believing Yuan Mingan was strong. “You’re strong. A hero—your daughter’s hero.”

Yuan Mingan felt her eyes well up again. She pressed her fingers hard against her eyelids, fighting back tears. When the urge passed, she said, “Earlier, I was so caught up in my own story that I didn’t even update you on the children. Let me tell you now.”

She beckoned to the children. “Little Stone, Little Rose… come here. You remember this brother, don’t you? He and another brother saved you.”

Little Stone, Little Rose, and the eight other children Ji An had initially rescued ran over. They clearly recognized Ji An, showing both affection and gratitude, beaming up at him to express their thanks.

“Brother, thank you for saving us. Without you, we might have died,” Little Stone said, suddenly leading all the children to kneel, preparing to kowtow to Ji An.

Ji An naturally refused, but with only two hands, he couldn’t stop so many children. Instead, he used his power to summon eight psychic hands, gently holding the children’s heads to prevent them from bowing.

These children were ordinary people who hadn’t awakened any powers. They couldn’t see the psychic hands, but they could feel an invisible force holding them up. Curious, they glanced around, trying to see what held them.

Yet, none of them would rise.

Little Stone insisted stubbornly, “Brother Ji An, please let us kowtow to you. A bow costs us nothing. We don’t know how else to show our thanks. It’s the only way we can feel at peace.”

Ji An hadn’t left his name when he saved them that day. Little Stone had learned it by asking Yuan Mingan and had kept it firmly in his heart.

Little Rose added, “Yes, Brother Ji An. I don’t know if the others would have survived if you hadn’t shown up that day, but I certainly wouldn’t have.

“I knew I was about to die that day. I could feel it. As much as I didn’t want to leave this world, as hard as life was, I still wanted to stay. But I knew I was going to die.

“You saved me. Without you, I might have been eaten by those homeless adults, leaving nothing behind—not even a whole body. You saved me. Let me kowtow—please.”

Perhaps the act of kowtowing itself is seen by many as weak, undignified, and even humiliating. But for these children, it was the only way they could express their gratitude to their savior.

Ji An was deeply moved—not just by the children's desire to kowtow to him, but by their genuine, heartfelt sincerity.

However, he still didn’t let them actually kowtow. Instead, he said, "If you truly want to thank me, don’t kowtow to me. Just remember this feeling of gratitude today, and in the future, carry that same gratitude with you as you do your best to help those around you whenever you can.

That would be the greatest gratitude you could give me, and it’s what I hope for the most."

Little Rose and the others looked at Little Stone, at a loss. Little Stone immediately raised his hand and swore, "I, Little Stone, swear that from now on, I will do my best to help everyone around me who needs it. If I break this oath, may I—"

An invisible hand covered Little Stone’s mouth, cutting him off before he could finish.

Ji An wasn’t as pleased or touched by the oath as Little Stone had expected. Instead, he looked at him seriously and said, "Don’t swear like that. My intention was only for you to help more people—not for you to sacrifice your own life, your family, or even your children just to help others.

If you did that, you might be doing right by the people you helped, but would you be doing right by the family who stood by you through hardship? Would you be doing right by your own will to survive in this apocalyptic world, or the life you fought so hard to keep?"

Little Stone tilted his head, his eyes filled with confusion. Ji An explained, "I just want you to help others within your own capabilities. If helping someone would go beyond what you can handle, or bring suffering to you or those around you, then let it be."

This time, Little Stone understood. He nodded solemnly. "Ji An, I’ll remember that."

Only then did Ji An smile again. "Good. Now, stand up. Don’t kowtow to me—because promising to help others within your means is already the greatest repayment you could give me."

Little Stone glanced at the other children, who were also looking at him, and finally stopped insisting.

Once he stood up, Little Stone reaffirmed his resolve. "Ji An, I promise I’ll help others within my abilities from now on, without hurting myself or the people around me."

"Good. I believe in you," Ji An said gently, patting Little Stone’s head.

Little Stone’s head was completely shaved—likely because of lice from years spent living on the streets. All the children here, boys and girls alike, had their heads shaved.

When Ji An patted his head, Little Stone smiled shyly, not pulling away but even nuzzling into Ji An’s palm like a kitten, adorably affectionate.

The children who hadn’t been rescued by Ji An but were newer arrivals didn’t react much, but those he had saved were different—they were especially envious of Little Stone. To them, Ji An was a godlike figure who had given them life a second time. They, too, wanted him to pat their heads, so they followed Little Stone’s example, eagerly making their own vows and then looking at Ji An expectantly, hoping he would do the same for them.

Ji An patiently patted each of their heads in turn, softly calling their names and offering a blessing for their futures.

Though it was just a simple blessing, the children were thrilled, jumping up and down right where they stood and even secretly comparing whose blessing was better. In that moment, Ji An seemed like a divine presence—his words like prophecies for their futures.

Yuan Mingan waved to the remaining children. "Come here. Haven’t you always wanted to thank the person who first proposed establishing the orphanage? That’s him.

He’s also one of the scientists you admire most—the one who invented the spatial storage device you all love and dream of owning!"

The spatial storage device hadn’t been kept a secret. With Ji An opening a shop in West City, the device had become wildly popular—everyone knew about it, and Yuan Mingan, as an insider, naturally knew who the inventor was.

Now, the spatial storage device had become a status symbol—not just because it was expensive, but because it was in such high demand that even money alone wasn’t enough to secure one.

"Wow!" the children gasped in amazement.

Those Ji An had rescued were especially thrilled, jumping up and down right where they stood. Little Stone was so excited it was as though he had invented the spatial storage device himself, clapping until his palms turned red.

"I knew Ji An wasn’t just kind-hearted—he was incredible too!" Little Stone twirled around happily. "I want to be just like him when I grow up, so I can help more people."

Little Rose grinned as she watched Little Stone jump around excitedly. "I want to be as amazing as Ji An too—someone who can help others."

Suddenly, Ji An remembered back when he rescued these two, Little Rose had promised to marry Little Stone when they grew up. Watching them now, they really did seem like a pair—one making noise, the other laughing in response.

But considering they were only eleven or twelve, and however mature they acted, they were still just kids, so Ji An held back from teasing them.

Yuan Mingan continued, "In addition to the base’s funding, Ji An also personally donated a large sum to our orphanage. Much of why you can live comfortably now is thanks to him."

Now the remaining children also genuinely wanted Ji An’s head rubs and blessings. Ji An treated them all equally, satisfying each child’s wish with a blessing tailored to his quick observations during their brief interactions.

After the blessings, Ji An asked Yuan Mingan, “Is everything going well here? Are the kids getting enough to eat and wear?”

“No issues at all,” Yuan Mingan replied, his eyes lighting up as he spoke. “Mr. Ji, have you heard of nutrient supplements?”

“I have,” Ji An said.

Yuan Mingan grinned. “Our orphanage has started using nutrient supplements now. They come in small tubes with different flavors, and the kids love them. One tube fills them up for the whole day and gives them the basic nutrition they need to grow.

They’ve been eating them for almost a month now. We haven’t taken them back to the hospital for checkups, but many of the kids have healthier complexions, and they’ve all grown taller. The fastest one grew nearly a centimeter!

I think these supplements work better than regular food. The kids are full of energy every day—running, jumping, and in great shape physically.”

“Whoever the researcher was who made this, I’m really grateful.”

Yuan Mingan’s eyes sparkled with hope. “I really hope they can be distributed across the country soon. The regular version is so cheap—once that happens, everyone will have enough to eat, and more people might want to help others.

Maybe some will even buy a few tubes for the kids living on the streets. Maybe my daughter is among them and could get some too. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about being hungry anymore and could grow up healthy.”

“She will. She definitely will,” Ji An assured him. “The auction’s done, and there’s nothing else urgent at the base. The next step is to fully roll out the supplements. By the end of this month, most areas in our base should be able to get them.”

“That’s wonderful!” Yuan Mingan felt another surge of hope that he would find his daughter.

Ji An added, “By the way, I brought some beginner books for the kids. When you have time, you can teach them to read and write. They can practice writing in the sand, and those who do well can be rewarded with paper, pens, or toys.”

Children who’ve known hardship often mature early. Before the apocalypse, if a kid had heard that good students got paper and pens as rewards, they might have lost interest in studying right away.

But the children in this orphanage were different—they looked forward to it eagerly. To them, toys, pens, and paper were just as exciting, and they wanted all of it.

Little Stone raised his hand then. “Brother Ji An, I learn the fastest and best. I already know how to write!”

“Really?” Ji An smiled. “Show me what you can write. If it looks good, I’ll give you a reward right now.”

Little Stone immediately grabbed his sand tray and began writing carefully. His writing was wobbly, like a kid’s, but he worked hard, leaving nothing out. Each stroke clearly formed the two characters: Ji An.

When those two characters appeared under Little Stone’s hand, Ji An’s heart swelled. It felt as though the name someone had casually given him long ago had suddenly taken on new meaning—one that matched the value of a name carefully picked by parents after searching through countless books, filled with all the hopes they had for their child. No, it was even more than that. It carried the purest blessings from every child in the orphanage, brighter than the night sky.

Little Stone didn’t stop after writing Ji An’s name. Next to it, he carefully wrote three more characters: Gu Jinsheng.

Gu Jinsheng’s name had more strokes, making it harder for Little Stone, but he still wrote it correctly.

Ji An grinned, genuinely touched.

He knew Little Stone truly appreciated them. If he’d only wanted to impress Ji An, he wouldn’t have needed to write Gu Jinsheng’s name too. But he did anyway, which meant he saw Gu Jinsheng as someone who saved him. This child was grateful, with a pure, innocent heart.

Ji An crouched beside Little Stone and gently said, “You’re amazing, Little Stone. You’re one of the smartest kids I’ve ever met. Can you write your own name yet?”

Little Stone blushed, looking ashamed. “I’m sorry, Brother Ji An. I haven’t learned how yet.”