Chapter 20

Chapter 20

August 30th.

The authorities finally issued an official announcement: the mortality rate for those infected by the unknown rain-borne virus was 100%. They urged the public to stay at home as much as possible and to take full precautions if going out was unavoidable.

Once the announcement was made, the country descended into chaos. People began stockpiling supplies in panic, prompting local authorities to step in to maintain order. By that afternoon, mandatory lockdown orders were issued across the country.

Cheng Jing and his team also received a new notice from headquarters: they were to assist the Qingyun City authorities in maintaining the city’s order if necessary.

On the morning of the 31st, Jiang Nian, who had been unconscious with a high fever for three days, finally woke up. Just like in his past life, he had awakened his purification superpower.

Purification fell under the support and healing category but wasn’t as powerful as pure healing abilities, making it seem useless and rarely drawing attention.

However, Jiang Nian knew better. Among all superpowers, only purification was effective against the zombie virus, and it was highly sensitive to energy fluctuations.

Moreover, in his past life, when he was on the verge of having his Superpower Core forcibly extracted, he had suffered severe drug-induced trauma. Under extreme pressure, his ability mutated, gaining a new property.

But back then, he had wanted to die and had no intention of saving Chen Yue, so he never revealed it. He had no idea whether Chen Yue, who inherited his Superpower Core, ever discovered that hidden attribute.

"Purification is great. At least in the apocalypse, we’ll have safer food than others. Didn’t you say some people awaken psychic abilities? With you by my side, I won’t be afraid."

Cheng Jing pulled him into an embrace as he spoke. His own superpower was offensive in nature, meaning he’d inevitably be on the frontlines, facing all sorts of dangers. While purification might seem weak, in his eyes, it was the most surprisingly useful ability.

Jiang Nian smiled and nodded.

"Thanks, Bro Jing~"

See? His Brother Jing always knew how to comfort him. With just a few words, he made Jiang Nian feel like a badass.

In his past life, the only time he had used his ability was to counteract Chen Yue’s zombie virus. He never had the chance to explore its other uses. This time, things would be different.

Cheng Jing’s expression turned serious.

"I mean it. Let me handle the outside world. You just need to support me from behind."

"Okay."

Jiang Nian nodded earnestly before adding,

"Brother Jing, I don’t want to reveal my ability unless absolutely necessary. I’d rather use it discreetly to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Cheng Jing respected his decision.

"Got it. We'll keep it under wraps until the time comes when we really need to reveal it."

"Mm."

"..."

After making sure Jiang Nian had eaten, Cheng Jing said, "I should go."

He had a video call with Huang Qian and the others, instructing them to be ready for all hell to break loose. Their priority was to look after themselves first before helping others, even if officially requested—they had to act if they could handle it.

After the stay-at-home order was issued, everywhere outside hospitals became dead silent.

As evening approached, Cheng Jing received an official call requesting that he and his team report to a designated location for registration as a precaution.

He put on his protective suit and, before leaving, borrowed the ring from Jiang Nian. "The rain will stop on the 1st. The dead won’t take long to reanimate. After I finish the registration tonight, I’ll take the opportunity to charge up all the rings. I'll probably be out till after midnight. Don’t stay up for me—eat, rest, and get your strength back."

"Yeah, I know. Be safe."

Though worried, Jiang Nian didn’t say much more—Cheng Jing’s job was special; when the authorities called, you couldn’t say no.

After heading downstairs, Cheng Jing and Huang Qian went to check in together. To prepare for any unexpected situations, they each drove separate cars.

Jiang Nian stayed home, practicing to get used to his abilities.

Despite having been feverish and unconscious for three days, he woke up with no discomfort other than slight hunger-induced drowsiness. His purification ability had even improved his overall physical condition, clearing up some minor health issues.

Stepping up his training would definitely enhance his physique, which would also help his powers evolve.

After all, his power was tied to how strong his body and mind were—the stronger he got, the faster his abilities would develop.

Jiang Nian tested the maximum range of his current ability—only about 3 meters.

In his past life, he hadn’t had much chance to train. Under the influence of drugs, he’d reached a limit of 500 meters—and it was then that he discovered his ability had mutated.

Jiang Nian admitted he wasn’t as tough as Cheng Jing and knew he needed to stick close to him, but he was still a six-foot-tall guy—young, strong, and full of energy. It didn’t feel right letting Cheng Jing protect him all the time.

In his last life, he’d died like a chained dog in a basement, full of regrets. This time, he’d hold his own.

……

Cheng Jing returned just before dawn. The rain had stopped, and Jiang Nian, who had slept restlessly all night, finally fell into a deep sleep after Cheng Jing came back.

Cheng Jing put their phones on silent. When they woke up, the outside world had gone to hell.

No one contacted them except Huang Qian and a few others. Even the company headquarters and official communication groups had gone dark. The apocalypse had arrived, and everyone was just trying to stay alive.

The news was blowing up with reports of the dead coming back as zombies and attacking people, with victims quickly turning into zombies themselves.

Screams and mayhem broke out downstairs. Cheng Jing pulled open the window and saw an elderly man—who had previously used a cane—now turned into a zombie chasing his housekeeper and biting her. Nearby, several others were already fighting.

Breakfast was basic—eggs on toast and milk. After eating, Jiang Nian leaned back on the sofa, scrolling through his phone and muttering under his breath:

"It's only day one now. Things won't really hit the fan till month’s end. But in two weeks, water and electricity will be cut off. The military and government will prioritize rescuing schools, people with special jobs or status, and their families. Then they’ll start setting up survival bases..."

"Mid-October will bring hailstorms, followed by temps crashing and snow falling. That’s when extreme cold sets in—it’ll kill a lot of people... The freeze won’t let up until mid-March, when military rescue teams finally leave their bases to search for survivors. Which means from now until next April, regular folks without connections will have to rely on themselves and whatever scraps local governments can spare..."

Cheng Jing shot him a look and asked offhand:

"Will they build a base or shelter here?"

"Not in Qingyun City. There are some in the suburbs of neighboring cities..."

Jiang Nian answered without hesitation, then instinctively looked up, realizing he’d said too much. He gave an awkward smile:

"Uh…Brother Jing…"

Cheng Jing walked over, sat beside him, and drew him in close. With a sigh, he tapped the wedding band on his left ring finger and asked:

"Jiang Nian, can you tell me the truth? How do you know all this? I’d rather you tell me you’re psychic than say it was just a dream."

It felt like everything was playing out exactly as he’d described.

Jiang Nian lowered his eyes and stayed quiet. Lately, he’d been dropping hints left and right, hoping to find a chance to come clean. But now that Cheng Jing was asking straight up, he froze.